Briefing d'orientation en Bulgarie

Les Bulgares, une tribu turcique d'Asie centrale, se sont fondus dans la population slave locale à la fin du VIIe siècle pour former le premier État bulgare. Au cours des siècles suivants, la Bulgarie s'est efforcée, face à l'Empire byzantin, d'affirmer sa place dans les Balkans, mais à la fin du XIVe siècle, les Turcs ottomans ont envahi le pays. La Bulgarie du Nord a acquis son autonomie en 1878, et l'ensemble de la Bulgarie est devenu indépendant de l'Empire ottoman en 1908. Ayant combattu du côté des vaincus lors des deux guerres mondiales, la Bulgarie est tombée dans la sphère d'influence soviétique et est devenue une République populaire en 1946. La domination communiste a pris fin en 1990, lorsque la Bulgarie a organisé sa première élection multipartite depuis la Seconde Guerre mondiale et a entamé le processus controversé de transition vers la démocratie politique et une économie de marché, tout en luttant contre l'inflation, le chômage, la corruption et la criminalité. Le pays a adhéré à l'OTAN en 2004, à l'UE en 2007 et à l'espace Schengen pour les voyages aériens et maritimes en 2024.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice  

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Bulgaria

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bulgaria, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Protests and demonstrations

There are occasional political protests in towns and cities across Bulgaria. They can cause disruption to transport as protestors or police may set up roadblocks. Most protests are peaceful but there have been occasional incidents of violence, including by the police. Avoid all protests and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities and late at night. Beware of any attempts to distract you. Watch out for pickpockets and bag thefts in tourist areas, on buses and trains and major public transport hubs, including airports.

Thefts from unattended cars at petrol stations have increased. Lock your car when going inside the petrol station to pay for your fuel.

Tourists are targeted by thieves and pickpockets in Sunny Beach and other larger cities and resorts. Thefts on the bus from Nessebar to Sunny Beach have also increased. Do not take valuables to the beach and be wary of poorly lit roads around the resort at night.

Scams

Some tourists have been the victims of overcharging in so-called ‘gentlemen’s clubs’ in Sofia and in some resorts including Bansko, Borovets and Sunny Beach. Overcharging can amount to hundreds of pounds. Victims can be threatened with violence if they refuse to pay.

Get recommendations for bars and clubs from your hotel or other holidaymakers. When paying by card make sure the transaction is completed in your presence and be wary if asked to re-enter your PIN.   

Thefts from accommodation

There have been burglaries from hotel rooms in Sunny Beach. Make sure you lock your room (including windows and balcony doors) and keep valuables locked in a safe.

There have been break-ins at properties in the residential areas of cities, and rural areas.

Thefts from cars

Criminals may puncture your tyres or flag down your car. When you get out, the thieves can distract you and steal from your vehicle. Make sure the boot is locked and your luggage is secure.

Property fraud

Buyers have been defrauded while buying property. Be cautious and get legal advice before you buy. Only deal with established and reputable real estate agents or with other contacts who you know to be reliable and genuine.

See more details about buying property.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry ID. A printed copy of the photo page of your passport is acceptable.

Illegal drugs and sex offences

The Bulgarian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously. Any foreign nationals convicted of such offences can expect a prison sentence. Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Bulgaria have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Drunken and disorderly behaviour

Offences relating to drunken, disorderly behaviour and hooliganism may be treated more seriously than in the UK. Police can arrest or fine anyone for loud and boisterous behaviour or urination in public places.       

Football matches

Crowd control measures and stewarding can be different from the UK and there have been a small number of incidents where ‘throwdown fireworks’ such as firecrackers or bangers have been set off in stadiums, risking injuries. Stay aware of your surroundings and be alert in crowded venues. 

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas

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

Working with migrants in border regions

Assisting people who have entered Bulgaria illegally, or who are passing through Bulgaria to claim asylum in another country, risks breaking Bulgarian laws. It makes no difference whether you are helping them for profit or not – you are still at risk of breaking Bulgarian law. You can be arrested, detained and charged if you are suspected of facilitating illegal entry or stay in Bulgaria, including by helping with accommodation or transport. If you travel to Bulgaria to support civil society organisations working with migrants, seek advice from local expert organisations such as the IOM, UNHCR or Bulgarian Helsinki Committee to make sure that your proposed actions do not break Bulgarian laws.

Race-related incidents

The majority of visitors experience no difficulties related to their race, ethnicity or religious beliefs. However there have been a small number of verbal and physical attacks against ethnic minority UK nationals, including residents, in Bulgaria, and others have experienced unwanted attention or harassment in public places.

Instances have increased at times of demonstrations organised by groups connected to populist or right-wing movements. Avoid all protests and stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when travelling alone or at night.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal, but public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and the LGBT+ community generally keeps a low profile.

There are a few gay bars and clubs in Sofia. The city also holds the annual Sofia Pride. Sofia Pride is growing in popularity and was attended in recent years by over 10,000 people. However, it attracts some negative attention locally and is held with a heightened police presence and security measures. If you want to join the parade, read the organisers’ Sofia Pride safety rules.

In recent years, some verbal abuse and threatening behaviour was directed at people attending events related to Sofia Pride, including foreign visitors. You can report any hate crime to the organisers and the local police.

Attitudes outside Sofia tend to be more conservative. There have been isolated cases of hostility towards people perceived to be from LGBT+ communities reported in Burgas and Plovdiv. You can find local information on LGBT+ issues in Bulgaria on the website of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Face-covering ban

Covering your face with a niqab, burka or similar head covering in public places is illegal in Bulgaria and police could give you a fine. This applies in public buildings, streets, parks, restaurants, shops and on public transport.      

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and sports classed as particularly dangerous – mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping – all carry risks. Your insurance should include:

• mountain rescue services
• helicopter costs
• repatriation to your home country or possible transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment

There’s more information about mountain insurance on the Bulgarian Red Cross website.

Quad biking and motorbikes

Quad biking is an extreme sport and carries the risk of serious injury or death. You need specific travel insurance to cover quad biking. Always read the details of your insurance cover, especially the small print and exclusions on your policy.

Make sure you are given full instructions and training before your activity.

Insurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third-party insurance. It’s likely you will be charged for any damage to the rental vehicle and you may face arrest if you do not pay.

If you hire a motorbike, you need a full motorbike licence. Make sure the vehicle is in good condition. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance.

Swimming and water sports

Obey any warning signs at coastal areas and beaches. Follow instructions from lifeguards and observe the flag indicators if they are present. Follow local advice if jellyfish or sea urchins are present.

For more advice, see Water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Book activities at a licensed water sports centre and before you start:

• make sure the paperwork is completed
• ask for a safety demonstration
• make sure you know how to call for help

See ⁠watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

Winter sports

Read advice about preparing for winter sports abroad. The Bulgarian Mountain Rescue service publishes safety rules on the ski slopes (in Bulgarian).

Avalanches are a risk in some areas. Always check the local snow and weather conditions if you plan to ski off-piste, and ski with a guide. There’s more information about avalanche risk from the Bulgarian Mountain Rescue Service (in Bulgarian).

Transport risks

Road travel

If you plan to drive in Bulgaria, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Bulgaria guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

If you bring your own car to Bulgaria, you must have:

• your driving licence
• all original registration and ownership documents
• proof of insurance that is valid in Bulgaria – although you are not required to have a green card to drive in Bulgaria, you may need it in some neighbouring countries

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

If it’s a hired car, you must keep the contract document. Border officials will impound your vehicle if they are not satisfied that you own it or have permission to use it in Bulgaria.

Vehicles that are registered outside the EU are considered to be ‘temporarily imported’ when driven inside Bulgaria. If your car is stolen in Bulgaria, you will be liable for import duty and related taxes.

See driving requirements if you live in Bulgaria.

Driving conditions

Road conditions can be dangerous. Take care when driving, particularly at night and outside major cities. Many roads (and pavements) are in poor repair and roadworks are often unmarked and unlit at night. Driving standards are generally poor, and drivers can be aggressive, particularly on motorways. Avoid confrontations.

There may be slow-moving cars and animal-drawn vehicles on the roads, particularly in rural areas.

You must drive with side lights or dipped headlights, even during the daytime. Keep to the speed limit and make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. Traffic police issue on-the-spot fines for minor violations.

Bulgaria has strict penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and doing so could lead to vehicle confiscation, a prison sentence and fines. If you receive a penalty and do not own the vehicle, you could be required to pay a fine equivalent to the vehicle’s value. 

Tolls

If you want to use motorways and main roads outside towns, you’ll need to buy a digital vignette in advance of your journey. The vignette is a form of toll. If you use the roads without a vignette, traffic police will issue a fine. You can buy a vignette online.  

Taxis

Taxis may not be in very good condition. 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 licence sticker and the tariffs on the window before getting in as costs can vary considerably. Licensed taxis run by ‘Yellow’ operators are the most reliable.

There are regular reports of robberies and threatening behaviour by taxi drivers in Sunny Beach. Use a taxi recommended by your tour operator or accommodation provider.

There has been an increase in unlicensed taxis from Sofia airport overcharging passengers. If you’re travelling from the airport, make sure you take an official, licensed taxi. There is an official taxi booking office in the arrivals hall. Check that the taxi meter is working before starting your journey.

Rail and bus travel

Thieves operate on trains. Make sure that documents and valuables are safe. The train system is very poor by European standards. There have been several fires on Bulgarian trains. Bulgaria has a comprehensive rail network, but trains can be cancelled at short notice. For travel updates see the Bulgaria Railways website.

 The roadworthiness of vehicles and driving standards are not always good, and there have been a number of serious accidents in recent years.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Wildfires

In summer and early autumn, Bulgaria is on a regular alert for wildfires. There is danger of large-scale and quick-spreading fires in forests and fields. Follow media reports and the advice of local authorities if wildfires occur in your area.

Flooding

Many parts of Bulgaria flood following heavy rains. Flooding is usually localised but can occasionally be widespread and has caused deaths. Watch for weather warnings on the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology website.

Earthquakes

There are earthquakes and small tremors throughout the year, usually without serious consequences. The last significant earthquakes were in 1928.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. 

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Bulgaria
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

 See what health risks you’ll face in Bulgaria, including biting insects and ticks.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Bulgaria. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Stray dogs

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

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Bulgaria

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Bulgaria where some staff will speak English.

Most Bulgarian hospitals are basic and old-fashioned compared to those in the UK. Standards of medical care are generally good, but 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 UK.

Foreign tourists have sometimes been overcharged in private clinics in tourist resorts. Hotels or resorts may call private ambulances. If you use private medical services, agree a price in advance. Ask whether there is a suitable public health facility nearby if you want to use a health insurance card, as these are not accepted by many private hospitals.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Bulgaria, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

Read about healthcare if you live in Bulgaria.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.