Bulgaria

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Bulgaria. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

[359] (2) 937-5100; US Embassy in Sofia, 16, Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408, Bulgaria; https://bg.usembassy.gov/; acs_sofia@state.gov

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

359

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 150; Fire: 160; Police: 166

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bulgaria: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers

Currency (Code)

Leva (BGN)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Plug Type CPlug Type F

Major Languages

Bulgarian, Turkish, Romani

Major Religions

Christian, Muslim, other. none, unspecified

Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Rila Monastery; Pirin National Park; Plovdiv Roman Theater; Sunny Beach; Tsarevets Fortress; Baba Vida Fortress; Belogradchik Fortress; Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, ancient city of Nessebar

Major Sports

Soccer, skiing, basketball

Cultural Practices

Unlike in most other countries, a vertical shaking of the head indicates "no" in Bulgaria while a sideways shaking indicates "yes."

Tipping Guidelines

At restaurants, typically leave 10% of the total bill for a tip. Tip porters 50 levas per bag and hotel housekeepers 1.50 levas per day. It is common to tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare. Tour guides should also be tipped 5-10% of the total bill.

Souvenirs

Rose oil and other rose products, pottery, traditional dolls, handicraft items including hand-tatted lace and wood-carved items

Traditional Cuisine

Shopska salad — tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, raw or roasted peppers, sirene (white brine cheese), and parsley; the vegetables are usually diced and salted and served with a light dressing of sunflower or olive oil and occasionally complemented by vinegar


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, March 27, 2024