No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Bulgaria set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bulgarian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nBulgaria follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must have:
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nCarry your passport if you travel from Bulgaria to other Schengen area countries. Border guards may check it if you cross land or river borders into Greece or Romania, both in the Schengen area.
\n\nThere are no routine checks when travelling by air or sea within the Schengen area, but carry your passport in case you’re asked for it. Most carriers require official photo ID.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
\n\nYou can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Bulgaria, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
\n\nThe requirements for working in Bulgaria are different.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
\n\nAt Bulgarian border control, you may also need to:
\n\nTo stay longer, check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Bulgarian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nIf you’re in Bulgaria with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
\n\nRead about entry processes if you live in Bulgaria.
\n\nThe European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
\n\nThis means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.
\n\nOn your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.
\n\nYou do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
\n\nEES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
\n\nIf you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.
\n\nYour digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
\n\nRead more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
\n\nIf you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
\n\nIf you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.
\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bulgaria guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bulgaria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
\n\nAs of 1 January 2026, the currency of Bulgaria will be the euro. Bulgarian lev will still be accepted until 31 January, but can be exchanged for euros free of charge at Bulgarian banks until 30 June 2026.
\n\nThere may be some temporary disruption to card payments and to cash withdrawals from ATMs around 31 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 due to the changeover in currency. Cash payments will be unaffected.
\n\nMajor credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks and hotels. Most ATMs accept standard international credit and debit cards.
\n\nPounds sterling and US dollars are easily exchanged for euros. Only exchange money at reliable places such as banks and currency exchange bureaux.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bulgaria, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nThere are occasional political protests in towns and cities across Bulgaria. They can cause disruption to transport as protestors or police may set up roadblocks. Most protests are peaceful but there have been occasional incidents of violence, including by the police. Avoid all protests and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nTake sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities and late at night. Beware of any attempts to distract you. Watch out for pickpockets and bag thefts in tourist areas, on buses and trains and major public transport hubs, including airports.
\n\nThefts from unattended cars at petrol stations have increased. Lock your car when going inside the petrol station to pay for your fuel.
\n\nTourists are targeted by thieves and pickpockets in Sunny Beach and other larger cities and resorts. Thefts on the bus from Nessebar to Sunny Beach have also increased. Do not take valuables to the beach and be wary of poorly lit roads around the resort at night.
\n\nSome tourists have been the victims of overcharging in so-called ‘gentlemen’s clubs’ in Sofia and in some resorts including Bansko, Borovets and Sunny Beach. Overcharging can amount to hundreds of pounds. Victims can be threatened with violence if they refuse to pay.
\n\nGet recommendations for bars and clubs from your hotel or other holidaymakers. When paying by card make sure the transaction is completed in your presence and be wary if asked to re-enter your PIN.
\n\nThere have been burglaries from hotel rooms in Sunny Beach. Make sure you lock your room (including windows and balcony doors) and keep valuables locked in a safe.
\n\nThere have been break-ins at properties in the residential areas of cities, and rural areas.
\n\nCriminals may puncture your tyres or flag down your car. When you get out, the thieves can distract you and steal from your vehicle. Make sure the boot is locked and your luggage is secure.
\n\nBuyers have been defrauded while buying property. Be cautious and get legal advice before you buy. Only deal with established and reputable real estate agents or with other contacts who you know to be reliable and genuine.
\n\nSee more details about buying property.
\n\nAlways carry ID. A printed copy of the photo page of your passport is acceptable.
\n\nThe Bulgarian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously. Any foreign nationals convicted of such offences can expect a prison sentence. Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Bulgaria have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nOffences relating to drunken, disorderly behaviour and hooliganism may be treated more seriously than in the UK. Police can arrest or fine anyone for loud and boisterous behaviour or urination in public places.
\n\nCrowd control measures and stewarding can be different from the UK and there have been a small number of incidents where ‘throwdown fireworks’ such as firecrackers or bangers have been set off in stadiums, risking injuries. Stay aware of your surroundings and be alert in crowded venues.
\n\nAvoid taking photographs near potentially sensitive areas like military establishments. If in doubt, ask permission.
\n\nAssisting people who have entered Bulgaria illegally, or who are passing through Bulgaria to claim asylum in another country, risks breaking Bulgarian laws. It makes no difference whether you are helping them for profit or not – you are still at risk of breaking Bulgarian law. You can be arrested, detained and charged if you are suspected of facilitating illegal entry or stay in Bulgaria, including by helping with accommodation or transport. If you travel to Bulgaria to support civil society organisations working with migrants, seek advice from local expert organisations such as the IOM, UNHCR or Bulgarian Helsinki Committee to make sure that your proposed actions do not break Bulgarian laws.
\n\nThe majority of visitors experience no difficulties related to their race, ethnicity or religious beliefs. However there have been a small number of verbal and physical attacks against ethnic minority UK nationals, including residents, in Bulgaria, and others have experienced unwanted attention or harassment in public places.
\n\nInstances have increased at times of demonstrations organised by groups connected to populist or right-wing movements. Avoid all protests and stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when travelling alone or at night.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal, but public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and the LGBT+ community generally keeps a low profile.
\n\nThere are a few gay bars and clubs in Sofia. The city also holds the annual Sofia Pride. Sofia Pride is growing in popularity and was attended in recent years by over 10,000 people. However, it attracts some negative attention locally and is held with a heightened police presence and security measures. If you want to join the parade, read the organisers’ Sofia Pride safety rules.
\n\nIn recent years, some verbal abuse and threatening behaviour was directed at people attending events related to Sofia Pride, including foreign visitors. You can report any hate crime to the organisers and the local police.
\n\nAttitudes outside Sofia tend to be more conservative. There have been isolated cases of hostility towards people perceived to be from LGBT+ communities reported in Burgas and Plovdiv. You can find local information on LGBT+ issues in Bulgaria on the website of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nCovering your face with a niqab, burka or similar head covering in public places is illegal in Bulgaria and police could give you a fine. This applies in public buildings, streets, parks, restaurants, shops and on public transport.
\n\nSports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and sports classed as particularly dangerous – mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping – all carry risks. Your insurance should include:
\n\nThere’s more information about mountain insurance on the Bulgarian Red Cross website.
\n\nQuad biking is an extreme sport and carries the risk of serious injury or death. You need specific travel insurance to cover quad biking. Always read the details of your insurance cover, especially the small print and exclusions on your policy.
\n\nMake sure you are given full instructions and training before your activity.
\n\nInsurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third-party insurance. It’s likely you will be charged for any damage to the rental vehicle and you may face arrest if you do not pay.
\n\nIf you hire a motorbike, you need a full motorbike licence. Make sure the vehicle is in good condition. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance.
\n\nObey any warning signs at coastal areas and beaches. Follow instructions from lifeguards and observe the flag indicators if they are present. Follow local advice if jellyfish or sea urchins are present.
\n\nFor more advice, see Water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nBook activities at a licensed water sports centre and before you start:
\n\nSee watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
\n\nRead advice about preparing for winter sports abroad. The Bulgarian Mountain Rescue service publishes safety rules on the ski slopes (in Bulgarian).
\n\nAvalanches are a risk in some areas. Always check the local snow and weather conditions if you plan to ski off-piste, and ski with a guide. There’s more information about avalanche risk from the Bulgarian Mountain Rescue Service (in Bulgarian).
\n\nIf you plan to drive in Bulgaria, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Bulgaria guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nIf you bring your own car to Bulgaria, you must have:
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nIf it’s a hired car, you must keep the contract document. Border officials will impound your vehicle if they are not satisfied that you own it or have permission to use it in Bulgaria.
\n\nVehicles that are registered outside the EU are considered to be ‘temporarily imported’ when driven inside Bulgaria. If your car is stolen in Bulgaria, you will be liable for import duty and related taxes.
\n\nSee driving requirements if you live in Bulgaria.
\n\nRoad conditions can be dangerous. Take care when driving, particularly at night and outside major cities. Many roads (and pavements) are in poor repair and roadworks are often unmarked and unlit at night. Driving standards are generally poor, and drivers can be aggressive, particularly on motorways. Avoid confrontations.
\n\nThere may be slow-moving cars and animal-drawn vehicles on the roads, particularly in rural areas.
\n\nYou must drive with side lights or dipped headlights, even during the daytime. Keep to the speed limit and make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. Traffic police issue on-the-spot fines for minor violations.
\n\nBulgaria has strict penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and doing so could lead to vehicle confiscation, a prison sentence and fines. If you receive a penalty and do not own the vehicle, you could be required to pay a fine equivalent to the vehicle’s value.
\n\nIf you want to use motorways and main roads outside towns, you’ll need to buy a digital vignette in advance of your journey. The vignette is a form of toll. If you use the roads without a vignette, traffic police will issue a fine. You can buy a vignette online.
\n\nTaxis may not be in very good condition. Avoid taxis parked outside hotels or in tourist areas. Ask your hotel to call a taxi or flag down a passing taxi with a green ‘available’ light in the window. Check the licence sticker and the tariffs on the window before getting in as costs can vary considerably. Licensed taxis run by ‘Yellow’ operators are the most reliable.
\n\nThere are regular reports of robberies and threatening behaviour by taxi drivers in Sunny Beach. Use a taxi recommended by your tour operator or accommodation provider.
\n\nThere has been an increase in unlicensed taxis from Sofia airport overcharging passengers. If you’re travelling from the airport, make sure you take an official, licensed taxi. There is an official taxi booking office in the arrivals hall. Check that the taxi meter is working before starting your journey.
\n\nThieves operate on trains. Make sure that documents and valuables are safe. The train system is very poor by European standards. There have been several fires on Bulgarian trains. Bulgaria has a comprehensive rail network, but trains can be cancelled at short notice. For travel updates see the Bulgaria Railways website.
\n\nThe roadworthiness of vehicles and driving standards are not always good, and there have been a number of serious accidents in recent years.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nIn summer and early autumn, Bulgaria is on a regular alert for wildfires. There is danger of large-scale and quick-spreading fires in forests and fields. Follow media reports and the advice of local authorities if wildfires occur in your area.
\n\nMany parts of Bulgaria flood following heavy rains. Flooding is usually localised but can occasionally be widespread and has caused deaths. Watch for weather warnings on the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology website.
\n\nThere are earthquakes and small tremors throughout the year, usually without serious consequences. The last significant earthquakes were in 1928.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Bulgaria, including biting insects and ticks.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Bulgaria. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nStray dogs are common and can be dangerous. Avoid getting too close to dogs, especially if they are in a pack. Take any animal bites seriously and seek immediate medical advice as rabies and other animal-borne diseases are present in Bulgaria.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Bulgaria where some staff will speak English.
\n\nMost Bulgarian hospitals are basic and old-fashioned compared to those in the UK. Standards of medical care are generally good, but specialised equipment and treatment may not be available. Hospital staff rarely speak English.
\n\nPrivate clinics and hospitals are generally well-equipped and not expensive in comparison with the UK.
\n\nForeign tourists have sometimes been overcharged in private clinics in tourist resorts. Hotels or resorts may call private ambulances. If you use private medical services, agree a price in advance. Ask whether there is a suitable public health facility nearby if you want to use a health insurance card, as these are not accepted by many private hospitals.
\n\nTo get medically necessary state healthcare in Bulgaria, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
\n\nThe NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
\n\nA GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
\n\nRead about healthcare if you live in Bulgaria.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Bulgaria on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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