Bulgaria
Summary
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Bulgaria
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Bulgaria’s current entry restrictions and requirements. DueThese to COVID-19, these may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country onto yourreturn journey,to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItIf you’re planning travel to Bulgaria, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriatesufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information.
Sporadic protests occur across Bulgaria which can cause occasional disruption. You should avoid all protests and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Be aware of pickpockets, bag thefts and street attacks on visitors in city centres and coastal resorts. There are also regular reports of robberies and threatening behaviour by taxi drivers in Sunny Beach. See Crime
If you’re travelling from the airport, make sure you take an official, licensed taxi. There is an official taxi rank in the arrivals hall. See Local travel
Terrorist attacks in Bulgaria can’t be ruled out. On 30 December 2016, the Bulgarian authorities announced heightened security measures in all cities, winter ski resorts, and places where large gatherings are expected. See Terrorism
There have been reports of holidaymakers being encouraged to submit a claim for personal injury if they have experienced gastric illness during their stay. You can find more information about the action you can take if you have suffered a personal injury on the Citizens Advice website. You should only consider pursuing a complaint or claim if you have genuinely suffered from injury or illness. If you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Bulgaria.
If you’re living in or moving to Bulgaria, visit our Living in Bulgaria guide in addition to this travel advice.
If you need to contact the emergency services in Bulgaria call 112. English speaking operators are available. See Health
Carry a copy of the information pages of your passport at all times as proof of identity.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Update history
2024-09-05 13:12
Information on the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), planned to be introduced from November 2024 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-07-11 15:03
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy. Advice about race-related incidents added (see ‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-03-31 00:21
Information on Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area from 31 March
2024-02-08 11:57
Information on the penalties for drink driving in Bulgaria (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-02-02 15:28
Bulgaria will partially join the Schengen zone on 31 March 2024. This includes arrivals by air and sea but not land where border checks will remain in place (‘Entry Requirements’ page).
2023-09-06 16:27
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-06-22 10:31
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2022-11-30 11:09
Updated information on the COVID-19 regulations in Bulgaria (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-09-08 14:39
Updated information on the continuation of COVID-19 regulations in Bulgaria (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-08-26 17:09
Updated information on extension of COVID regulations until 31 August and that the requirement to wear masks on public transport has now ended (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-08-18 16:32
Updated information on reduced COVID-19 isolation period from 10 days to 7 days if you have tested positive and from 7 days to 5 days if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-08-11 15:55
Updated information on face mask requirements (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-08-03 16:26
Updated information on face mask requirements in Sofia (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-05-12 15:17
Clarification about current passport validity (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-29 22:46
End of COVID entry rules from 1 May 2022 (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-04-04 16:06
Restrictions updated on 1 April due to the end of the ‘Epidemic Emergency’ (‘Coronavirus’, ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-03-24 14:44
Changes to domestic requirements for access to public areas (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-03-02 13:14
Updated information on entry requirements to Bulgaria (‘Entry requirements’ page)