Bulgaria

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common. Be careful:

• at tourist sites
• in crowded markets
• on shopping streets
• on trams and buses and at major transport hubs

Car theft is common, even at petrol stations. Make sure to lock your car when going inside to pay for petrol. Only some owners get their vehicles back.

Car break-ins are also common, especially when valuables are easily visible. Park in a secure car park wherever possible.

To protect yourself from crime:

• keep your belongings close, particularly in crowded areas
• securely carry an original form of valid photo ID (such as in a protected travel pouch)
• don't take valuables to the beach
• hold bags and backpacks in front of you
• when driving or parking your car, make sure any valuables are out of sight
• There have also been burglaries from hotel rooms and short term rental accommodation. Make sure you lock your room (including windows and balcony doors) and keep valuables locked in a safe.

Violent crime can happen, including:

• bombings
• shootouts
• turf wars between rival gangs

Organised crime groups are active in casinos, nightclubs and the sex industry.

More information:

• Avoiding sexual assault overseas

Scams and fraud

ATM skimming and credit card fraud are common. Internet fraud also happens.

To protect your credit and ATM cards:

• use ATMs within banks, shops and shopping centres
• check ATMs for skimming devices before using them
• be aware of any people who approach you at an ATM
• always keep your credit card in sight
• be wary if asked to re-enter your PIN
• be aware of internet scams
• be aware of scams when booking accommodation

More information:

• Scams

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber Security 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Protests, rallies and other demonstrations can occur without warning. 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Bulgaria experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• earthquakes
• avalanches
• landslides
• flooding
• wildfires
• heavy snowfall

Large earthquakes are rare, but earth tremors are common.

Extreme weather can cause landslides and flooding. During the winter months, storms and heavy snowfall are common. Avalanches may happen in mountain regions, including at popular ski resorts, especially when warm temperatures follow a harsh winter.

From June to October, there are regular alerts for wildfires. Large-scale and fast-spreading fires in forests and fields are becoming more frequent. Heat waves and dry conditions contribute to the danger of fire. The air quality during these periods may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

Get updates from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology.

Take official warnings seriously. Follow the advice from local authorities.

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe place
• keep in touch with family and friends

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Heatwaves

Heatwaves can occur over the summer months. They can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death. Minimise physical exertion, drink plenty of water, wear a hat and light clothing, and stay in air-conditioned buildings or shaded areas.

Stray dogs

Stray dogs roam city streets, often in packs. Dogs can be vicious, and attacks are common. Don't approach stray dogs and seek medical advice immediately if bitten.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in wild animals.

If an animal scratches or bites you, seek immediate medical help. If you're going to work with wildlife in Bulgaria, your doctor may recommend getting the rabies vaccine before you travel.

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk, especially if you travel through forested areas.

Ticks are common in country areas from April to October.

Insect bite prevention

 To reduce the risk of getting infected from an insect bite:

• Use insect repellent
• Cover up with light-coloured, long sleeved and loose clothes
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed
• Avoid peak activity times, dawn and dusk

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are present. 

They include:

• trichinellosis
• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• measles
• hepatitis
• west nile virus

To protect yourself from illness:

• in rural areas, drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid wild game food
• practice good hygiene (washing hands, cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces)
• Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Bulgaria for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Healthcare standards are well below those in Australia. Medical supplies are limited, particularly outside major cities. Staff rarely speak English.

Several private medical clinics and hospitals in Sofia and other major cities are well-equipped and well-staffed. However, treatment can be expensive. You may also need to pay doctors up-front.

Tourists have reported instances of being overcharged in private clinics in tourist resorts. If you plan to use private medical services (including ambulances), agree on a price with the provider before using the service. 

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may be evacuated to a place with better facilities. 

It's a legal requirement to have a form of valid photo ID with you at all times. 

Drunk and disorderly behaviour can result in police issuing an arrest or fine. This includes loud and disruptive behaviour or urination in public places. 

Covering your face in public is illegal, including wearing a balaclava, full veil or anything else that hides your face. Failure to comply can result in arrest and heavy fines. This doesn't apply to wearing a face mask to protect from airborne disease. 

It's also illegal to:

• drive with a blood alcohol reading of 0.05% or higher
• refuse to take a breathalyser test
• smoke in any enclosed public place
• take photos of military sites or other secure places

It's also illegal to:

• have sex with a child (under 18 years of age)
• view or distribute child pornography

Drugs

Penalties for possessing or trafficking drugs can be severe. They can include heavy fines and prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying and using drugs

Bulgaria recognises dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can provide if you're arrested or detained.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't widely accepted. Outside the capital Sofia, attitudes are generally more conservative.

There have been incidents of discrimination, verbal abuse and vandalism targeting LGBTIQA+ people.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Bulgaria is part of the Schengen area. This allows you to enter without a visa in some cases. Get an entry stamp in your passport from border control when you first enter the Schengen area.

If you're travelling without a visa, ensure your entire visit to the Schengen area, including your stay in Bulgaria, is within the 90-day limit.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate for details about visas, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Official Tourism Portal of Bulgaria
• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

The European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation expected by 10 April 2026.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports. ​

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues when the new system starts.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to 

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements .

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Children under 18 years of age, including dual nationals, may only leave Bulgaria:

• if both parents accompany them or
• if they have consent from both parents

A Bulgarian notary must certify any parental consent.

If you're a single parent, ensure your child meets entry and exit rules.

More information:

• Embassy of Bulgaria in Australia
• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

As of 1 January 2026, Bulgaria’s official currency is the Euro. The Bulgarian Leva (BGN) will no longer be accepted.

If you're travelling between Bulgaria and any non-EU country, you must declare amounts over 10,000 Euros or equivalent on both arrival and departure. This applies to all forms of currency, not only cash.

You'll need to pay a fine if you don't declare or give incorrect information.

You don't need to declare cash if travelling to or from another EU country.

Access to money

Bulgaria is mostly a cash economy, particularly outside of Sofia, although credit and debit card use is increasing.

Exchange money in banks, large hotels or exchange bureaus. Avoid unofficial or street sellers.

Carry your passport when you cross borders, even within the Schengen area.

Check with local authorities and transport providers for the latest information on entry and exit changes and delays.

Driving permit

To drive in Bulgaria, you'll need:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP) and,
• your current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)

Your travel and vehicle insurance might be void if you don't have an IDP.

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

When hiring a car, keep a copy of the original contract from the car hire company with you. If you're travelling across a land border into Bulgaria with a hire car, the contract should make clear that the vehicle can travel into Bulgaria.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Road travel

Major city streets and intercity highways are generally in good condition.

Driving on rural and secondary roads is hazardous due to the following:

• poor maintenance and lighting
• narrow roads
• poor driving standards
• wandering livestock and horse-drawn carts
• rockslides and landslides on roads in the mountains

Police strictly enforce traffic laws and conduct frequent checks. These include radar speed checks.

Depending on the offence, they may collect on-the-spot fines or confiscate your licence.

If you drive in Bulgaria:

• keep your headlights on, even during the day
• use winter tyres from November to March
• carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and warning triangle in your vehicle

When travelling on motorways and outer city main roads, you'll get a fine if you don't have a valid digital vignette (a permit form of toll for using the road network in Bulgaria). A vignette can be purchased online. You don't need to print it. Authorities accept electronic evidence.

Border crossing delays and additional document checks can occur at the Turkish and Serbian borders, especially during peak season.

Major works are taking place on the Danube Bridge (the Friendship Bridge), which connects Bulgaria with Romania. During the works, road traffic will be limited to a single lane with a traffic light system. If you plan to travel across this bridge into Romania, plan extra time as delays are expected.

More information:

• BG Toll
• Driving or riding
• Travel insurance

Motorcycles

Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers using a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only authorised taxi and limousine services. Try to arrange these through your hotel. Uber is not available in Bulgaria.

Don't hail taxis on the street. Use taxis with meters that display clear rates.

Taxi drivers may overcharge, particularly at airports and train stations.

You can find companies offering metered taxi services inside Sofia Airport.

Quad biking

Quad biking is considered an extreme sport and carries the risk of serious injury or death. Not all travel insurance covers quad biking. Ensure you pay attention to the small print and exclusions on your travel insurance policy.

Public transport

Keep your belongings close on public transport, as petty crime happens.

The train system is poor by European standards. There have been several fires on trains. Delays are also common.

Accessible public transport is available in Sofia and other large cities. However, it's limited in some parts of Bulgaria.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

Check Bulgaria's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 112 or go to the local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

English-speaking operators are available.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Sofia, headed by an Honorary Consul.

The consulate provides limited consular services but can’t issue emergency passports or perform notarial acts.

Get in contact before you visit.

Australian Consulate, Sofia

Corpus B, Floor 8, Office 808
Interpred WTC Sofia Building
Blvd Dragan Tsankov 36, Sofia 1113 Bulgaria

Email: auconsulate.sofia@gmail.com 

You can access full consular and passport services from the Australian Embassy in Athens.

Australian Embassy, Athens

Level 2
5 Hatziyianni Mexi Street
Athens 11528 
Greece

Phone: +30 210 870 4000 
Email: consular.athens@dfat.gov.au 
Website: greece.embassy.gov.au 
Facebook: Australia in Greece
X: AusAmbAthens

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia