Blagoevgrad

Passport validity requirements   

Bulgaria follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must have: 

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
• an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Carry your passport if you travel from Bulgaria to other Schengen area countries. Border guards may check it if you cross land or river borders into Greece or Romania, both in the Schengen area.

There are no routine checks when travelling by air or sea within the Schengen area, but carry your passport in case you’re asked for it. Most carriers require official photo ID.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Bulgaria, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Bulgaria are different.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

At Bulgarian border control, you may also need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Bulgarian Embassy in the UK.

If you’re in Bulgaria with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about entry processes if you live in Bulgaria.

New Schengen entry requirements 

The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. 

This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration. 

On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken. 

You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.

EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.

If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK. 

Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.

If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.

If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bulgaria guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bulgaria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Bulgaria

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.   

Taking money into Bulgaria

As of 1 January 2026, the currency of Bulgaria will be the euro. Bulgarian lev will still be accepted until 31 January, but can be exchanged for euros free of charge at Bulgarian banks until 30 June 2026.  

There may be some temporary disruption to card payments and to cash withdrawals from ATMs around 31 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 due to the changeover in currency. Cash payments will be unaffected. 

Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks and hotels. Most ATMs accept standard international credit and debit cards. 

Pounds sterling and US dollars are easily exchanged for euros. Only exchange money at reliable places such as banks and currency exchange bureaux.

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bulgaria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Bulgaria

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.   

Taking money into Bulgaria

As of 1 January 2026, the currency of Bulgaria will be the euro. Bulgarian lev will still be accepted until 31 January, but can be exchanged for euros free of charge at Bulgarian banks until 30 June 2026.  

There may be some temporary disruption to card payments and to cash withdrawals from ATMs around 31 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 due to the changeover in currency. Cash payments will be unaffected. 

Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks and hotels. Most ATMs accept standard international credit and debit cards. 

Pounds sterling and US dollars are easily exchanged for euros. Only exchange money at reliable places such as banks and currency exchange bureaux.

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Emergency services in Bulgaria

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Bulgaria
• dealing with a death in Bulgaria
• being arrested in Bulgaria
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Bulgaria on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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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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.