General Travel Advice
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
A passport is required. UK citizen visitors who enter the country
on regular passports without a Bulgarian visa are authorized to
stay for a total of 30 days within a six-month period. Travellers
who intend to stay more than 30 days, or travellers using official
or diplomatic passports, must secure a Bulgarian visa from a Bulgarian
embassy/consulate prior to arrival. Foreign citizens who intend
to stay and live or work in Bulgaria must obtain a special Type
‘D’ visa prior to arrival. Once in Bulgaria, this visa
facilitates application for a residence permit. Travellers who have
a one-year multiple-entry visa for Bulgaria may stay for a total
of 90 days within a six- month period. If a traveller comes to Bulgaria
on a one-year multiple-entry visa, stays in the country 90 days
and then leaves, he/she will not be able to enter the country within
the next 90 days.
All travellers are required to register with the regional passport
office for foreigners or the police within 48 hours after their
arrival in the country and to inform the office about any change
in their address. For those staying at a hotel, a private boarding
house or an apartment rented through an accommodation company, registration
is taken care of by the proprietor. Presentation of a copy of the
passport is not considered sufficient for identification purposes
in Bulgaria - visitors are advised to carry their passport with
them at all times. For further information concerning entry requirements,
please see the Web site of the Embassy of Bulgaria in London, www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk.
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
As of December 1, 2001, all foreign citizens travelling to Bulgaria
must present valid evidence of health insurance to the Bulgarian
border authorities in order to be admitted into the country. The
insurance should be valid for the duration of the traveller’s
stay in Bulgaria. Foreign nationals should consult with their medical
insurance company prior to travelling to confirm whether their policy
applies to Bulgaria and if it will cover emergency expenses such
as a medical evacuation. Many travel agents and private companies
offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred
overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
The Bulgarian road system is generally well-developed, with several
trunk motorways along the main transport corridors. Local roads
are continually being upgraded, but potholes remain a problem, particularly
after the winter season.
Driving in Bulgaria is on the right side of the road. Visitors may
drive using their national license, as long as it complies with
international standards.
The use of seat belts is mandatory in Bulgaria. Child car seats
are required by law, but only on the back seats. Speed limits are
50 km/h in the cities/towns, 90 km/h out of town and 120 km/h on
the highways. The same speed limits apply for motorcycles; motorcyclists
must drive with helmets and with lights on at all times. At crossings
that are not regulated, the driver who is on the right has the right-of-way,
but this rule is frequently ignored. Drivers may be charged with
driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood level over 0.05%.
Right turns on red lights are not permitted unless specifically
authorized.
Road signs follow international standards, with major routes and
destinations signposted in both Cyrillic and Latin letters.
Petrol service stations are present along all main routes and offer
toilet and refreshment facilities. Fuel in Bulgaria is lead-free
and available in the following Octane levels: 92, 95 and 98. Diesel
fuel is also widely available, as is LPG. The major fuel retail
chains include Petrol, Shell, OMV, Lukoil.
In case of emergency, drivers should contact the traffic police
(KAT) at telephone number 166 and/or the Roadside Assistance at
telephone number 146. An ambulance can be called on 150.
Information provided by the Embassy of the Republic
of Bulgaria in the United Kingdom
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