Essential information for Bulgaria

When to go

Bulgaria is located in Central Europe, and is a country landlocked on all but its eastern side, which meets the Black Sea. Its location on the map makes Bulgaria a country with noticeable differences in seasons, where summers are hot and winters are cold. Because temperatures can easily reach 30°C in summer, June and July are popular months to visit, as well as early autumn. Don’t disregard a winter break though, city trips here are always a treat, when you can explore historical cities such as Nessebar – and the colder months are prime time for finding cheap holidays to Bulgaria.

Health and safety

As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip.

It’s also a good idea to apply for a free European Health Insurance Card – EHIC before leaving the UK as this entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Bulgarian nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment.

If you’re visiting Bulgaria specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bulgaria/health.

Passports and visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Bulgaria but must have a valid passport. By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bulgaria/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Bulgaria is a modern country with good links by road and rail, so you’re going to have no difficulties in getting from place to place. You can rest assured public transport is pretty affordable.

Most flights entering Bulgaria for the Black Sea resorts you’re after will land at Bourgas Airport – BOJ. Whether you’re using the shuttlebus, a hired car or a taxi, your journey from the airport to a resort such as Sunny Beach will take around 35 minutes. Other resorts can be reached closer to the 45-minute mark.

If your flight is entering Bulgaria’s Varna Airport – VAR, the transfer time from the airport to your chosen resort is around 90 minutes, so factor the journey time into your plans.

Advice for travellers with children

Bulgaria is a popular destination for families, and the locals take pride in promoting family values. Locations like Sunny Beach and nearby Action Aquapark provide plenty for the youngsters to do in terms of burning off energy, and Bulgaria’s All Inclusive holiday options take the stress out of travelling. Nature trails, cycling routes and trips around cities like Nessebar and Varna will also keep the kids nicely entertained.

Electricity

Connector type: European two-pin plug

Voltage Info: 220-240 volts

Emergency information

You can call the European emergency line on 112. Or you can use the Bulgarian lines. The police can be reached by dialling 166, the fire brigade will answer to 160, and an ambulance can be called on 150.

British Consulate

If you’re a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in Sofia.

Address: 9 Moskovska St, 1000 Sofia

Email: consularsection.sofia@fco.gov.uk

Phone (from within Bulgaria): 02 933 9222

Phone (from the UK): +359 2 933 9222

Hospital

In eastern Bulgaria, visitors to resorts close to the Black Sea will find hospital services available to them via The University Hospital St Marina in Varna.

Phone: 052 302 851.