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
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.
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
See WHO recommendations
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
Major Languages
Bulgarian, Turkish, Romani
Major Religions
Eastern Orthodox 59.4%, Muslim 7.8%
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, July 26, 2023
