Bulgaria

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for police or ambulance.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools 
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Most crime in Bulgaria takes place in Sofia or in busy areas along the Black Sea coast. 

• ATM skimming, credit card fraud, and traffic incidents are the most common threats to U.S. citizens in Bulgaria. Most crimes involving U.S. citizens are financial. However, incidents of racism, ethnic slurs, and harassment have occurred.
• Pickpocketing and purse snatching may occur. This is common in crowded markets, on shopping streets, near airport ATMs, and aboard busy tram and bus lines. Con artists may work on public transportation, like buses and trains, as well as bus and train stations.
• Use caution at ATMs. Be wary of people who approach you at an ATM and offer help. Do not give your PIN to anyone under any circumstances.
• Police stations should provide translators for anyone who needs to report a crime. However, they often need the victim to return later or bring their own translator. Dial 112  and ask for an English-speaking operator.
• Automobile theft and break-ins sometimes happen in residential areas and in parks.
• If you plan to reside in Bulgaria on a long-term basis, take measures to protect your home and consider installing window grilles, steel doors with well-functioning locks, and an alarm system.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.   

Financial scams are common in Bulgaria. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent and relative targeting 
• Free trip or luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Bulgaria: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments, or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112. Ask for an English-speaking operator. They are available 24/7.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. 
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities. 
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally. 
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bulgaria are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.
• Bulgarian law enforcement authorities may take you in for questioning if you take pictures of certain government buildings, embassies, or military facilities.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Bulgaria seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to inform the U.S. embassy immediately. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Special circumstances

• Corruption remains an important concern of the Bulgarian government. You may refer complaints of public corruption by email to the Ministry of Justice at anticorruption@justice.government.bg or by phone to +359-2-987-0697. Complaints must be submitted in the Bulgarian language.
• If you plan to import a car to Bulgaria, customs duties can be high. All documents must be originals or certified copies and contain an apostille. Review more information on the Bulgarian Customs Agencywebsite.

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Bulgaria. 
• However, lesbian and gay individuals may face cultural stigma and discrimination. Same-sex marriage is not legal in Bulgaria.
• Lesbian and gay individuals engaging in public displays of affection may attract unwelcome attention or harassment. 
• Lesbian and gay groups claim that courts have denied same-sex partners protection from domestic violence. This is because the law defines “spousal” as only applying to married people, who cannot be of the same sex. 
• The Commission for Protection against Discrimination reported receiving very few cases regarding sexual orientation.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with disabilities and or accessibility needs

• The law in Bulgaria prohibits discrimination against people with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, and access to health care. The law is enforced. 
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation. Buses, trams, and trolleys generally lack accommodation for disabled travelers. The Sofia metro is the most accessible system, but it only serves Sofia. 
• Accessibility is more common in newer buildings and newer public projects such as shopping malls. Older buildings have limited accessibility. 
• Cultural norms around disability are mostly respectful. People are generally helpful when asked for help.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling

Health resources

• CDC Bulgaria Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism Information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 112 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available. However, training and response time of emergency responders varies. If you need interpretation services with emergency responders, dial 112 and ask for an English-speaking operator. 

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Credit card payment is not always available. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are available in major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Not every healthcare facility has pediatric care. If you need emergency services for a child, please call to make sure these services are available.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery. 
• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Bulgaria.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Bulgaria.
• Although Bulgaria has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Bulgaria, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with Bulgaria’s Customs Agency to ensure the medication is legal in Bulgaria.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

• If you are considering traveling to Bulgaria to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is illegal in Bulgaria. 

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve bottled water unless tap water is specifically requested.
• Public drinking fountains, including “chesma” fountains with flowing water, are safe to use for drinking water. 

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. The air quality in Bulgaria varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically worst in the winter. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Bulgaria.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page. 

Road conditions and safety

The Bulgarian secondary road system is poorly maintained.

• Roads can be in poor repair and full of potholes.
• Rockslides and landslides may occur on mountainous roads.
• Livestock and animal-drawn carts are common on rural roads, especially during agricultural seasons.
• Roads can be icy in the winter. 
• Some roads lack pavement markings and lights.

Traffic laws

Driving in Bulgaria is dangerous. Aggressive driving, unsafe roads, and a mix of new and old cars lead to a high death rate in road accidents.

• A U.S. state driver’s license is only valid in Bulgaria when used with an International Driving Permit (IDP). You must get an IDP in the United States before travel. Most rental car companies now require IDPs to rent cars to drivers with a U.S. state driver’s license.
• Avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers. Drivers are known to speed or swerve into oncoming traffic.
• Traffic lights blink yellow at night. This confuses drivers about who has the right-of-way. As a result, accidents can happen.
• Heavy truck traffic poses many dangers on 2-lane roads. This includes routes from the Greek border at Kulata to Sofia and from the Turkish border at Kapitan Andreevo to Plovdiv. 
• If a police officer pulls you over in Bulgaria, they may not collect fines right away. However, they may take your driver's license, depending on what you did.
• Right turns on red lights are not allowed.
• Always keep your headlights on no matter the time of day or weather.
• At unregulated crossings, the driver on the right has the legal right-of-way, but this rule is often ignored.
• All passengers must use seatbelts.
• Drivers may be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood level as low as 0.05 percent. The penalties for drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death range from a US $25 fine to life in prison. 
• Visit the European Commission site for latest information on speed limits, traffic fines, and regulations.
• For specific information about Bulgarian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please visit the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Taxis and ride shares

• Use taxis that have meters. Rates should be clearly shown on a sticker on the passenger side of the windshield.  
• Taxi drivers often overcharge travelers, particularly in busy tourist areas. 
• Sofia airport has a marked exit in the arrival terminal. This leads travelers to metered taxis at a fair rate. There is also a booth to help with taxi services. Only 1 taxi company is authorized to operate from Sofia airport (Yellow).
• Ask about the fare before getting into a taxi. Also, check all your luggage, packages, and hand-carried items before you pay and get out. 
• Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft are not available in Bulgaria. But local services such as Yellow Taxi, Taxime, or Volt offer similar mobile options.

Public and commercial transportation

• Sofia’s metro system and the bus network are reliable modes of transportation. Tickets are not needed. You can pay with a credit or debit card.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Bulgaria’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's websiteincludes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners planning travel to Bulgaria should check the following: 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Weather conditions

Bulgaria has a temperate climate with 4 distinct seasons: cold winters, warm summers, and mild springs and autumns. Mountainous regions experience harsher winters. The plains are hotter in summer. 

The top 5 weather events in Bulgaria are:

• Wildfires – Caused by hot, dry conditions, especially in mountainous and rural areas.
• Earthquakes – Bulgaria has moderate seismic activity. This is mainly due to fault lines in the southern and western areas.
• Flooding – Caused by intense rainfall, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers.
• Snowstorms – Common in northern and mountainous regions during winter.
• Drought – Long summer heat waves hurt agriculture and water supplies, mainly in southern and central Bulgaria.

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.