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1,252 mi away
£1 BGN 2.27
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Weather & climate
Weather in Bulgaria
Bulgaria
17°
Slight rain
Sat
12°
17°
Sun
11°
22°
Mon
13°
26°
Tue
14°
22°
Wed
8°
16°
Thu
5°
17°
Fri
8°
16°
SPF level in Bulgaria
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Bulgaria
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you arrive in Bulgaria and have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You can travel without a visa to Bulgaria for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, visits, or short-term studies.
At border control, you may need to show proof of accommodation, travel insurance, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
Be prepared to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, under the new Entry/Exit System (EES) when entering the Schengen area.
If you are travelling from Bulgaria to other Schengen area countries, carry your passport as border guards may check it at land or river borders.
Good to know:
Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned under the EES but can be required to have their photo taken.
You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into Bulgaria, with exceptions for powdered baby milk, baby food, and special medical or pet foods.
Safety in Bulgaria
Tips when travelling
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.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Bulgaria
A UK driving license is accepted in Bulgaria.
Side of 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 a Sofia number 9876 5432, you would dial 00 359 2 9876 5432.
Bulgaria's country code is 359. When calling from abroad, dial your country's exit code, then 359, then the phone number. Numbers in Bulgaria may vary in length, so always check you have the right number of digits.
Languages in Bulgaria
UK Embassy
Recent updates
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Instructions for Entry/Exit System (EES) registration have been rephrased. The note 'You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border' is now specifically linked to entry.
- Advice to 'allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area' due to EES is now included alongside warnings about longer waits on entry.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The section about getting your passport stamped until EES is fully rolled out has been removed. Your passport may no longer be stamped on entry/exit.
- The note clarifying that EES replaces manual passport stamping for short stays has been added to the 'New Schengen entry requirements' section.
Entry requirements
28 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area, replacing the previous passport stamping system.
- EES may take extra time at the border, though the phrase 'a few minutes extra' has been removed.
Passport validity
- Passports issued more than 10 years ago due to a pre-1 October 2018 renewal are now explicitly described as 'invalid for entry to the Schengen area', not just that they 'may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago'.
Airports in Bulgaria
Beaches in Bulgaria
Frequently asked questions
Bulgaria is generally a safe country for tourists. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in tourist areas. Be vigilant with your belongings, especially in crowded places. Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics and use ATMs in well-lit and secure locations.
British citizens do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as requirements can change.
The best time to visit Bulgaria depends on your interests. Summer (June-August) is ideal for beach holidays on the Black Sea coast. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather for sightseeing. Winter (December-February) is perfect for skiing in the Bulgarian mountains.
Bulgarians are generally welcoming and hospitable. When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers or chocolates. Be aware that Bulgarians shake their head for 'yes' and nod for 'no', which is opposite of UK's gestures. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Bulgaria has a varied climate, so pack accordingly. In summer, light and breathable clothing is suitable. For spring and autumn, layers are recommended with warmer clothing for evenings. If visiting churches and monasteries, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring cities and historical sites.
Bulgaria has a reasonably well-developed transport network. Major cities have bus and tram networks. Taxis are readily available but ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand. Trains connect major cities but can be slower than buses. Car rental is also an option.
Bulgarian cuisine offers a variety of delicious dishes. Try 'shopska salad' (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and cheese), 'banitsa' (cheese-filled pastry), and 'kebapche' (grilled minced meat). Local drinks include 'rakia' (fruit brandy) and Bulgarian wine. Many restaurants offer traditional Bulgarian fare at reasonable prices.
Be aware of common tourist scams, such as inflated taxi fares and overly friendly individuals offering unsolicited assistance. Always use official taxis or pre-booked transfers. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of street vendors or unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true. Always agree on a price upfront.
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.