Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

• Pay particular attention at train and bus stations, tourist sites and crowded areas
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash

Overcharging

Some tourists have been victims of overcharging in bars and clubs. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence by security guards, who may force you to pay.

• Be particularly vigilant at tourist resorts along the Black Sea, where this practice is most common

Vehicle theft

Vehicle thefts and break-ins occur frequently.

• Park in a guarded location whenever possible
• Store your valuables safely out of sight

Always be suspicious if someone offers to help you with a flat tire. These individuals may have punctured the tire themselves. They may seize the opportunity to steal your purse or other valuable objects while you’re distracted.

Organized crime

Organized criminal groups are active in casinos and nightclubs. Violent crime may occur, and includes bombings and shootouts between rival gangs.

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. ATMs fitted with fraudulent card readers are common, particularly in Sofia, Burgas and Varna. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

More about overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Keep in mind, however, that even the most secure locations aren’t completely free of risk.

In response to terrorist attacks in other European cities, Bulgarian authorities have strengthened their security measures in all cities, particularly where large crowds gather.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Driving conditions may be hazardous due to aggressive drivers, excessive speeds, poor lighting and a lack of traffic signs and lane markings. Potholes and wandering animals are common on rural roads.

• Avoid confronting aggressive drivers, as they may be armed
• Avoid driving after dark outside of major cities
• Be especially cautious when driving during winter, as roads may not be plowed or salted

Pedestrians

Be cautious when crossing streets. Drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way.

Bribery

Police occasionally solicit bribes. They may delay you if you refuse to pay the bribe, but you’re unlikely to experience additional problems beyond inconvenience.

Public transportation

Taxis

• Use only licensed taxis with meters
• Verify the tariffs on the taxi’s window before entering, as taxi drivers sometime overcharge
• At Sofia Airport, visit the taxi booth in the arrivals terminal to obtain a fair rate

Rail services

Rail services are generally poor. It’s preferable to travel via inter-city buses.

Public transportation systems

Most cities and larger towns have public transportation systems. Inter-city buses are frequent, comfortable and relatively fast. Regular bus service exists between most of Bulgaria’s major cities and towns.

Disruptions and delays to public transportation services, including at ferry ports, railway stations and border crossings, may occur.  

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Stray dogs

Beware of stray dogs, especially those travelling in packs. They can be dangerous and could expose you to disease if they bite you.

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Bulgarian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave Bulgaria.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Health Insurance

You must present proof of medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage) that’s valid in the European Union (EU) and covers the costs of emergency medical care and evacuation.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays of fewer than 90 days in any 180-day period
Business visa: Not required for stays of fewer than 90 days in any 180-day period
Student visa: Not required for stays of fewer than 90 days in any 180-day period

You must obtain a visa before travelling if you plan to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. Bulgaria doesn’t grant extensions once you’re in the country, except in cases of emergency or marriage to a Bulgarian citizen.

Other entry requirements

Upon entry, you may have to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, as well as documents verifying your return or onward travel plans.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Bulgarian authorities may consider a child born to a Bulgarian parent to be a Bulgarian citizen, even if the child was born in Canada and has a Canadian passport.

Accordingly, children under 18 may only leave Bulgaria when accompanied by both parents or with the consent of both parents. The absentee parent(s) must provide a statement of parental consent to travel, notarized by Bulgarian authorities. You or your child must present this consent form to the authorities upon exiting Bulgaria.

Furthermore, if you’re a single parent or the parent of a child travelling alone, you should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Canada before travelling, to ensure that your child meets current entry and exit requirements. These may change without notice.

Useful links

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Eastern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Eastern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Eastern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in Eastern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate. Private hospitals and clinics located in cities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Cash payment is required at time of service.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons

Canada and Bulgaria are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Bulgaria to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Bulgarian authorities. This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

• Always carry photo identification, such as a passport
• Keep a photocopy in a safe location in case of loss or seizure.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Bulgaria.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Bulgaria, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Bulgaria.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Bulgaria, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Bulgarian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Bulgaria to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Illegal activities

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Useful links

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Face covering

It’s illegal to wear clothing or masks that partially or completely cover the face in public places. Failure to comply can result in arrest and heavy fines.

Photography

It’s illegal to photograph military installations.

Driving

Drinking and driving

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver’s licence on the spot and detain you. If you’re convicted, you can expect heavy fines and a possible jail sentence.

Driver’s licence

You can drive with a Canadian driver’s licence for up to 90 days after your arrival. You must carry an international driving permit for longer stays.

More about the International Driving Permit

Driving laws in Bulgaria

• You must possess a vignette or highway permit to travel on Bulgarian roads. You can purchase this electronic vignette at ports, border points, post offices and large gas stations
• Always drive with your headlights on
• Winter tires are mandatory during winter months
• All vehicle occupants must wear a seatbelt
• Children under 10 may ride in the front passenger seat if they’re secured in a child car seat and the airbag has been disabled
• It’s illegal to use a cellular telephone while driving, unless the phone includes a hands-free device
• You must carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and warning triangle in your car, as well as a reflective vest. You must always wear this vest when leaving a vehicle that is stranded or involved in an accident
• Carry all related documents, such as ownership, registration and proof of Bulgarian car insurance, in your vehicle

Follow speed limits on all roads. Police conduct frequent checks and may collect fines on the spot. Depending on the offence, they may also confiscate your driver’s licence at the scene. 

LGBTQ2 travellers

Although the laws of Bulgaria don’t prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality isn’t socially tolerated.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Money

The currency in Bulgaria is the lev (BGN).

Bulgaria’s economy is primarily cash-based. Most businesses also accept euros and major credit cards. ATMs are widely available. The United Bulgarian Bank in Sofia can process international money transfers.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Natural disasters and climate

Earthquakes

Bulgaria is located in an active seismic zone.

Flooding

Bulgaria is prone to flooding after heavy rains. Flooding is often localized, but widespread flooding has occurred in the past. Consult Bulgaria’s National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology for information and flooding alerts.

Avalanches

In winter, there’s a risk of avalanches in mountainous regions. This risk increases when temperatures rise rapidly after a particularly harsh winter. Extreme weather can also cause landslides.

Wildfires

In the summer and early fall, there’s a risk of wildfires.

National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology - Bulgaria