£1 BGN 2.26
Today
9:37 pm
+3h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Bulgaria
Bulgaria
20°
Overcast
Thu
9°
20°
Fri
10°
21°
Sat
10°
19°
Sun
9°
19°
Mon
8°
22°
Tue
9°
14°
Wed
6°
21°
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 be issued less than 10 years before you arrive and have at least 3 months validity after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
You can stay in the Schengen area, including Bulgaria, without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism.
You may need to register your biometric details like fingerprints and a photo at the border under the new Entry/Exit System (EES).
At border control, be ready to show proof of accommodation, travel insurance, a return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
Ensure your passport is stamped on entry and exit, and if it is not, show evidence like boarding passes to border guards.
Bulgarian lev can still be used until 31 January 2026 but can be exchanged for euros for free at banks until 30 June 2026.
Good to know:
Declare cash or travellers cheques if they are worth 10,000 euros or more when entering or leaving Bulgaria.
You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into Bulgaria unless they are exceptions like powdered baby milk.
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.
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.
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
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.
UK Embassy
Recent updates
Entry requirements
6 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'.
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.