Bulgaria Holidays
Black Sea resorts, golden sand beaches, and affordable Mediterranean-style summers. Plan your Bulgaria beach holiday with flights, hotels, and tips.
Today
Weather in Bulgaria
Thu
Fri
Sat
SPF level in Bulgaria
Autumn
SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for Bulgaria
You can visit Bulgaria without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism.
Your passport's date of issue must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive in Bulgaria.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You may need to show proof of accommodation, travel insurance, a return ticket, and sufficient funds for your stay at border control.
Be prepared to register your biometric fingerprints and photo via the new Entry/Exit System when you enter the Schengen area, which may take extra time.
Good to know:
When returning to the UK, British citizens must travel on a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement.
You must declare cash or travellers cheques worth 10,000 euros or more when entering Bulgaria.
Safety in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Beware of pickpockets and bag thefts in tourist areas, on public transport, and on the bus from Nessebar to Sunny Beach.
Be cautious of overcharging and scams in 'gentlemen's clubs' and some bars in resorts like Sunny Beach, Bansko, and Borovets.
Always carry ID, such as a printed copy of your passport photo page.
Drunken, disorderly behaviour or urination in public can lead to arrest or fines from the police.
Make sure to buy a digital vignette (toll) online before using motorways and main roads outside towns to avoid a fine.
Bonus tips:
Do not take valuables to the beach, especially in Sunny Beach.
Always lock your car doors and boot securely, particularly at petrol stations.
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Driving in Bulgaria
A UK driving license is accepted in Bulgaria.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
140 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Bulgaria drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Bulgaria
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Bulgaria. However, it's advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen events.
No vaccinations required
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major Bulgarian cities, but bottled water is widely available and preferred by many. Ensure food is properly cooked and avoid ice from unknown sources. Be aware of tick-borne encephalitis if hiking in forested areas and consider precautions against mosquito bites.
Cards & payments
Cards are accepted in larger establishments, hotels, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. It's advisable to carry cash, particularly when visiting smaller towns or rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Bulgaria
Tipping is appreciated in Bulgaria, but not always expected. It's a way to show appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving small change
Taxi
Rounding up the fare
Hotel Porter
1-2 BGN per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 BGN per day
Tour Guide
5-10 BGN per person
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU's 'Roam Like At Home' policy no longer automatically applies to UK mobile users in Bulgaria. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges before you travel. Some providers may still offer similar packages, but this is not guaranteed. You may want to consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM
10 GB for 30 BGN (~£13.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Bulgaria
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is readily available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in cities and tourist areas. Coverage may be limited in rural locations.
Average speed
40 Mbps
Bulgaria offers reasonable internet access, particularly in urban centres popular with tourists. Free WiFi is easy to find.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
166
Ambulance
150
Fire
160
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Bulgaria
Country code
359
To call Bulgaria from abroad, dial 359 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
9 Moskovska Street, Sofia 1000
Phone
+359 (2) 933 9222
Website
Sofia International Airport
Bourgas Airport
Varna Airport
Plovdiv Airport
Jambol Airport
Gorna Orechovitsa Airport
Recent updates
Entry Requirements
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.
If you believe your EES record is incorrect, approach border officials at your next Schengen border crossing and request a correction.
If you are exempt from EES, you must carry documentation confirming your status.
Beaches in Bulgaria
Bolata
Bulgarian Coastline of the Black Sea
Karadere beach
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.