CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Bulgaria

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 6 has been updated (measles).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Bulgaria

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution. They should ensure that valuables, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Petty crime in Sofia is less widespread than in most Western European cities. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, mugging and purse snatching occur, particularly at the railway and bus stations, the underpass near the Sheraton Hotel, around tourist sites, and in unlit areas. Other high-risk locations are the tourist resorts along the Black Sea coast. To reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim, avoid showing signs of affluence.

Vehicle theft, particularly of prestige, four-wheel-drive vehicles and late-model European sedans, is common. Travellers should be aware that, if their vehicle is stolen, they will have to pay customs duties based on the vehicle's make and model before they will be allowed to leave the country. Canadians are advised not to leave personal belongings in vehicles overnight and to hire a vehicle guard, even when parking at major hotels.

Organized Crime

Organized criminal groups are active in casinos, nightclubs, and prostitution. Violent crime, although rare, occurs, and includes bombings and shootouts generally attributed to turf wars between rival gangs.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur throughout Bulgaria, mainly to protest socio-economic conditions. Transportation may be disrupted. Canadians are advised to monitor local news reports for the latest up-to-date information and to follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are also advised to stay away from areas where the demonstrations are expected to be held, as they might turn violent without warning.

General Safety Information

Visitors should not accept food or drink from strangers or casual acquaintances, as it may contain drugs. Many tourists have been assaulted and robbed after consuming drugged food or drink.

You should carry a copy of your passport’s identification page at all times.

In case of emergency, you may dial 112 for the general emergency line, or 166 for police, 146 for roadside assistance, and 150 for an ambulance.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Bulgarian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Bulgaria. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from Bulgaria.

Visitors not staying in hotels must register with local police within 48 hours of arrival.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days within a 6-month period)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days within a 6-month period)
Student Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days within a 6-month period)

Canadian diplomatic and official passport holders require a visa.

For stays exceeding 90 days, Canadians must obtain a visa prior to travel. Extensions cannot be obtained inside the country except in emergency situations or in cases where the Canadian is married to a Bulgarian citizen.

All foreign citizens entering or transiting Bulgaria must provide evidence of adequate funds for their stay (minimum 50 euros per day) and must possess a return or onward ticket or have adequate funds to obtain one. Foreigners transiting Bulgaria must have the necessary visa for their destination country.
All foreign citizens must present evidence of medical insurance upon entry into the country. This insurance (minimum 30,000 euros coverage) must be valid in the European Union and must cover the costs of emergency medical care as well as repatriation if necessary.

Upon arrival, all visitors must complete a customs declaration for currency and valuables. The declaration form must be stamped by Bulgarian customs and retained by the traveller for presentation upon departure. Failure to produce the form upon departure may result in delays and/or confiscation of any undeclared monies as well as possible prosecution.

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Schengen Area

The member states of the European Union (EU) (not including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom), along with Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland (which are not in the EU), make up the Schengen Area, which has common rules regarding visas and controls at external borders. The following 25 countries comprise the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

In the Schengen Area, Canadian travellers do not need visas for short-term visits (up to 90 days within a six-month period). The 90 days are cumulative and apply to travel within all countries of the Schengen Area. Some countries require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen Area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen Area.

If Canadians overstay the permitted 90 days in the Schengen Area, they may be fined or deported. To visit for longer than 90 days, Canadians must obtain a long-stay national visa.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

EU legislation on the amount of cash that can be carried was implemented on June 15, 2007. Canadians crossing one of the external border control points of the EU will have to make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if they have at least 10,000 euros, or the equivalent in other currencies, in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques, or any other convertible assets in their possession. Failure to report such a sum will be considered an offence. This does not apply to Canadians travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering. For more information on the new EU legislation and links to EU countries' sites, consult the European Commission's website page on Cash controls.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Bulgaria - SOFIA, Consulate of Canada
Address: 7 Pozitano Street, Block #3, 1st Floor, Office #4, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel.: 359-2-969-9710
Fax: 359-2-981-6081
E-Mail: consular@canada-bg.org

The Embassy of Canada in Bucharest, Romania, has consular responsibility for Bulgaria.

Romania - BUCHAREST, Embassy of Canada
Address: 1-3 Tuberozelor Street, 011411 Bucharest, Sector 1, Romania
Postal Address: P.O. Box 270, Post Office No. 2, Bucharest, Romania,
Tel.: (4) 021-307-5000
Fax: (4) 021-307-5010
E-Mail: bucst@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Romania.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Bucharest, Romania, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

Recent cases of measles have been reported in Bulgaria.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care is not up to Western standards. Shortages of prescription medicine are common outside major cities. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 flu virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Bulgaria have a treaty that permits a Canadian imprisoned in Bulgaria to request a transfer to Canada to serve the remainder of his sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Bulgarian authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Poor road conditions and the lack of traffic signs and lane markings pose risks, especially in winter. Animals are common road hazards in rural areas. Carjackings occur, and criminals have been known to impersonate traffic officers in order to stop vehicles, especially on the Black Sea coast or on the road to Greece and Macedonia near Dupnitsa and Kyustendil. Driving after dark is not advisable. Travellers should follow speed limits and carry all car documents, such as ownership, registration, and a proof of Bulgarian car insurance. Confronting aggressive drivers is not recommended, as they may be armed. Police conduct frequent checks.

All drivers must purchase a highway permit (“vignette”) in order to be allowed to drive in Bulgaria. These vignettes can be purchased at ports, border points, post offices, large gas stations and DZI bank offices.

The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless fitted with a hands-free device.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. The maximum blood alcohol level is 0.05%.

Travellers should only use licensed taxis with meters.

Canadian driving licences are valid in Bulgaria for stays up to 90 days. For longer stays, an international Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The economy is primarily cash-based. The currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN). U.S. dollars and euros are accepted. Major hotels will accept foreign-currency traveller's cheques. ABMs are widely available and credit cards are widely accepted. The United Bulgarian Bank in Sofia can process money transfers from abroad. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Bulgaria is located in a active seismic zone.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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