Bulgaria

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common. Be careful:

• in crowded markets
• on shopping streets
• on trams and buses

Car theft is common. Very few owners get their vehicle back.

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

To protect yourself from crime:

• keep your belongings close, particularly in crowded areas
• carry a photocopy of your passport
• hold bags and backpacks in front of you
• when driving or parking your car, make sure any valuables are out of sight

Violent crime can happen, including:

• bombings
• shootouts
• turf wars between rival gangs

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

Watch out for drink spiking, especially at popular night spots. Never leave your food or drinks unattended. Don't accept food or drinks from strangers.

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, especially at night
• check ATMs for skimming devices before using them
• don't use ATMs that look like they've been tampered with
• always keep your credit card in sight
• be aware of internet scams

More information:

• Avoiding sexual assault overseas
• Scams

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Bulgaria, they can still happen.

In recent years, terrorists have attacked several European cities. Targets have included:

• public transport
• transport hubs
• public places that travellers visit.

European security forces have also disrupted several recent planned attacks.

Bulgarian cities and winter ski resorts all have heightened security measures.

To protect yourself against terrorism:

• look out for possible danger, especially in public places
• take care around possible terrorist targets
• report anything suspicious to police
• monitor the media for emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Bulgarians hold protests, rallies and other demonstrations at short notice. 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Minor injuries sometimes occur.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Bulgaria experience natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• earthquakes
• avalanches
• landslides
• flooding
• bushfires

Large earthquakes are rare, but earth tremors are common.

Avalanches may happen in mountain regions, especially when warm temperatures follow a harsh winter.

Extreme weather can cause landslides and flooding.

From June to October, regular alerts for wildfires are issued. Large-scale and fast-spreading fires in forests and fields are a danger.

Get updates from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology.

Take official warnings seriously. Follow 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
• monitor the media, other local sources and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

If despite our advice you choose to travel, get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

In Bulgaria, you may need to show proof of travel insurance at the port of entry.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Bulgaria. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

COVID-19 is present in Bulgaria. If you are displaying symptoms of the virus, you may be placed under quarantine. Follow the advice of local authorities and take care to minimise your risk of exposure.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Rabies

Rabies is common. Feral dogs roam city streets, often in packs. Dogs can be vicious and attacks are common.

To protect yourself from rabies:

• ask your travel doctor about getting the rabies vaccine before you travel
• if a dog or other animal scratches or bites you, seek immediate medical help.

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.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. 

They include:

• trichinellosis
• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• measles
• hepatitis

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

Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Insect-borne diseases

Several West Nile virus (WNV) cases have occurred throughout Bulgaria. There's no vaccine to prevent it.

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is mosquito-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Medical facilities

Health care standards are well below those in Australia. Medical supplies are limited, particularly outside major cities.

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

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

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

More information:

• Carrying and using drugs

Other laws

Always carry original photo identification.

It's illegal to cover your face in public. This includes wearing a balaclava, full veil or anything else that hides your face.

It's also illegal to:

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

It's also illegal to:

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

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Bulgaria recognises dual nationality.

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

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships aren't illegal, but aren't widely accepted.

Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

The below information will apply only once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

You don't need a visa to enter as a tourist for up to 90 days within a 6-month period.

You need a visa for other kinds of travel.

While Bulgaria is part of the European Union (EU), it's not yet in the Schengen area.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions may change if Bulgaria becomes part of the Schengen area. Contact the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate for up-to-date information.

More information:

• Official Tourism Portal of Bulgaria

The Bulgarian Government has proclaimed a state of emergency and temporarily closed the borders to all non-EU citizens until 17 April. This period may be extended.  Airlines have reduced the number of flights in and out of Bulgaria. 

Authorities have ordered the closure of all schools, kindergartens, restaurants, shopping centres, shops, bars, cinemas and other places where crowds gather. Public events including sporting and cultural events, concerts and theatre performances have been cancelled. If you are displaying symptoms of the virus, you may be placed under quarantine. 

Airlines have reduced the number of flights in and out of Bulgaria. Bulgarian Air and Wizz Air have cancelled all flights from Sofia and Varna Airports to Northern Italy including Milan, Trevizo and Bergamo.

If you can't or don't want to lave, you should follow the advice of local authorities; take care to minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19; stay in touch with family and friends so they know you are safe; and ensure you have suitable accommodation arrangements in place.

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, make sure your child meets entry and exit rules.

More information:

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

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Currency

The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN).

Declare amounts over 10,000 euros, or equivalent, if you're travelling between Bulgaria and any non-EU country. You need to do this on both arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

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

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

Access to money

Bulgaria is mostly a cash economy, although credit and debit card use is increasing.

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

Since 2015, pressures on border controls in Europe have increased due to movement of asylum seekers.

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

Check with local authorities and transport providers for up-to-date information on entry and exit changes and delays.

Driving permit

You'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your current Australian driver's licence to drive in Bulgaria.

If you don't have an IDP, your travel and vehicle insurance might be void.

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Road travel

Major city streets and intercity highways are in good condition.

Driving on rural and secondary roads is hazardous due to:

• poor maintenance and lighting
• narrow roads
• poor driving standards
• wandering livestock and horse-drawn carts

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

They may collect on-the-spot fines or confiscate your licence, depending on the offence.

If you drive in Bulgaria:

• keep your headlights on, even during the day
• use winter tyres from November to March
• buy and display a valid 'vignette' (sticker) to drive on motorways and main roads outside towns

As of 1 January 2019, Bulgaria introduced electronic ‘vignettes’ (e-vignettes). Driving without a vignette incurs fines. You do not need to print the e-vignette, authorities will accept electronic evidence.

If you're hiring a car or other vehicle, check whether your insurance policy covers this.

More information:

• BG Toll
• Driving or riding
• Travel insurance

Motorcycles

Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you 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.

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

Taxi drivers may overcharge, particularly at Sofia Airport and the Central Train Station.

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

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.

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

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

The Australian Consulate in Sofia provides limited services and doesn't issue passports.

Australian Consulate, Sofia

37 Trakia Street 
Sofia, 1504 
Bulgaria
Phone: (+359) 2946 1334 
Fax: (+359) 2946 1704 
Email: austcon@mail.orbitel.bg

You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Greece.

Australian Embassy, Athens

Level 2
5 Hatziyianni Mexi Street
Athens 11528 
Greece
Phone: +30 210 870 4000 
Fax: +30 210 870 4111 
Email: consular.athens@dfat.gov.au 
Website: greece.embassy.gov.au 
Facebook: Australia in Greece

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