Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue, for some areas and personnel additional security measures will be needed. All personnel should be briefed prior to departure.

 

Crime 

 

Some tourists have been victims of overcharging in strip clubs in Sofia and in some ski resorts, particularly Bansko. Overcharging can amount to hundreds of pounds and victims have been threatened with violence if they don’t pay.

 

Tourists are targeted by thieves and pickpockets in Sunny Beach and other resorts. Don’t take valuables to the beach and be wary of poorly lit roads around the resort at night. Obtaining a police report of anything lost and stolen can be a slow and frustrating process. Organised criminal groups are active in casinos, nightclubs, prostitution and throughout the night-time economy. Serious crime is rare and people unconnected with these groups are rarely affected. Tourists have sometimes been subject to overcharging in some late night bars and clubs.

 

Prostitution is not illegal in Bulgaria however we have received numerous reports of pickpocketing, muggings and assaults of European nationals by prostitutes and their minders. Avoid areas where prostitutes operate especially late at night, including car parks, badly lit areas and areas with bushes and trees. Stick to main routes and avoid alleys and short cuts in Sunny Beach

 

There have been reports of car tyres being deliberately punctured across Bulgaria. While investigating the puncture, someone distracts the driver and personal belongings and documents are stolen from the vehicle. Be vigilant if you have to stop in these circumstances and make sure your belongings are secure.

 

Break-ins have occurred in properties in the residential areas of cities and rural areas. Seek local advice on security for your home.

 

For all types of emergency (fire, ambulance, police) you can dial 112.

 

Local travel

 

Taxis are plentiful and cheap by European standards, although vehicles may not be in very good condition. Most taxis are metered and yellow taxis are generally considered reliable. 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 tariffs on the window before getting in as they can vary considerably.

 

At Sofia airport you should use a taxi from OK Supertrans at the official rank by booking at their desk in the arrivals hall.

 

Road travel

 

If you enter Bulgaria in a private vehicle, you must have your driving licence, all original registration and ownership documents (including logbook) as well as evidence of insurance valid in Bulgaria. If you have hired a car you must have the original contract document, which should state that the vehicle can be brought into Bulgaria. Border officials will impound your vehicle if they are not satisfied that you own it or have permission to use it in Bulgaria.

 

You’ll need to buy a vignette (sticker) to drive on motorways and main roads outside towns.. You can buy one at the border, or from post offices, large petrol stations and DZI bank offices. Rates are much higher for freight vehicles and coaches carrying 8 or more passengers. You’ll be fined if you don’t have a vignette.

 

Under Bulgarian law, vehicles that are registered outside the EU are considered to be ‘temporarily imported’ when driven inside Bulgaria. If they are stolen on Bulgarian soil, the owners will be liable for import duty and related taxes. Cars registered in the Channel Islands and the Isles of Man are subject to this legislation.

 

You must drive with running lights or dipped beam headlights throughout the year, even during the daytime. It’s compulsory to carry the following equipment in your vehicle: fire extinguisher (not required for 2-wheeled vehicles), a first-aid kit and a warning triangle (not required for 2-wheeled vehicles). A reflective jacket must be used by anyone who steps on to the road in a breakdown or emergency. Snow chains must be carried from 1 November until 1 March and used when the relevant sign is displayed. Winter tyres are compulsory for vehicles registered in Bulgaria during wintry road conditions.

 

Take care when driving, particularly at night. Many roads are in poor condition and road works are often unlit or unmarked. Driving standards are generally poor. Avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers. Stick to the speed limit and make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. On the spot fines are charged for minor violations.

 

In 2012 there were 605 road deaths in Bulgaria [(source: DfT)] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/245387/rrcgb-2012-complete.pdf). This equates to 8.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population compared to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2012.

 

See the AA and RAC guides on driving in Bulgaria.

 

Rail and bus travel

 

If you travel by train, check the availability of sleeping compartments and whether bicycles can be taken on board. This may vary between regions, and there may be additional charges. Thieves operate on trains, so take particular care that documents and other valuables are safe. The train system is very poor by European standards. There have been several fires on Bulgarian trains.

 

Inter-city buses are frequent, relatively fast and comfortable, but crashes do occur.

 

Stray Dogs

 

Stray dogs are common and dangerous. Avoid getting too close to stray 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.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

If you’re visiting Bulgaria you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your home country. The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Bulgarian nationals. If you don’t have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, you can call the Department of Health Overseas Healthcare Team (+44 191 218 1999) to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate. The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

In January 2014 there have been two outbreaks of trichinosis in the Plovdiv area. Trichinosis is a parasitic disease caused by eating undercooked or raw infected pork or wild game.

 

Facilities in most Bulgarian hospitals are basic and old-fashioned compared to those in Western Europe. Standards of medical care are acceptable, although specialised equipment and treatment may not be available. Hospital staff rarely speak English.

 

Private clinics and hospitals are generally well equipped and not expensive in comparison with the Western Europe. Some private hospitals will not accept the EHIC. Check with hospital administrators.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

 

Political Situation

 

Protests, often at short notice, continue across major cities in Bulgaria, with the largest crowds in Sofia. The protests remain largely peaceful, but are attracting attention from extreme groups so there is a small risk of violence. Avoid large gatherings in public spaces, keep up to date with media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

 

Money

 

You can buy Leva from banks and foreign exchange offices in your home country. There are many exchange bureaux in Bulgaria that normally accept sterling and other major currencies. Check the rates of exchange before making a transaction. Where possible, change money in banks, large hotels, or exchange bureaux. Don’t use sellers on the street. 

 

There is a large network of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards. Check with your home country card provider whether you will be able to use these machines to with draw Leva.

 

Local laws and customs

 

The Bulgarian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously. Custodial sentences can be expected for any foreigners convicted of such offences. Offences relating to drunken, disorderly behaviour and hooliganism may also be treated more seriously than in other parts of Europe.

 

Homosexuality is not illegal, but Bulgarians tend not to be very open about the subject and the gay community generally keeps a low profile. There are a few gay bars and clubs.

 

Avoid taking photographs near potentially sensitive areas like military establishments. If in doubt, ask permission.

 

While the majority of property brokers are honest, there have been numerous reports of buyers being defrauded. Be cautious and seek comprehensive legal advice before making any purchase. Only deal with established and reputable real estate agents or with other contacts that you know to be reliable and genuine.

 

Passport validity

 

For stays of up to 3 months your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

Visas

 

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Bulgaria. If you have a different type of British nationality, check entry requirements with the Bulgarian Embassy in London before you travel.

 

If you want to stay in Bulgaria for longer than 3 months, you will need to register with the police and get a permit.

 

If you are a dual British-Bulgarian national you should enter and exit Bulgaria on your Bulgarian passport and carry your Bulgarian travel document and British passport with you.

 

UK Emergency Travel Documents

 

UK Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Bulgaria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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