According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication, Bulgaria has been assessed as Level 1. Exercise normal precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

U.S. Embassy Bulgaria does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Sofia as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Please review OSAC’s Bulgaria-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Bulgaria is a relatively stable country with few specific threats targeting American citizens, businesses, or organizations. Located strategically as a gateway between the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, Bulgaria is one of the key external borders of the EU.

Crime Threats

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) reported a 3.8% decrease in all registered crimes in 2017 compared to 2016. In 2017, 44.4% of cases were resolved, compared to 41.2% in 2016. According to the MOI, since 2000 the majority of incidents involving U.S. citizens were economic, including ATM skimming, credit card fraud, theft, robbery, and motor vehicle theft. The volume and the type of reported incidents suggest that Americans are not being targeted as a nationality. The MOI has launched an outreach campaign targeting crimes against tourists, allocating additional resources and training for officers on the Black Sea coast and in winter resorts during tourist seasons.

The registered number of murders increased by 21.6% during 2017, but it is less than half of that of the U.S.

There was a reduction in pickpocketing by 9.9%. When using public transportation or transiting crowded markets, shopping streets, malls, etc., be particularly wary of pickpockets. Pickpocketing is often preceded by a diversion in the form of an argument or fight. Safeguard belongings when visiting cafes or restaurants and while using public transportation. Visitors should be wary of beggars and people selling trinkets and other items.

Thefts from homes and non-violent burglaries remain the most frequently registered property crimes. End-of-year statistics indicate that registered burglaries in 2017 decreased by 20.6% compared to 2016. Burglaries predominantly occur during the night; however, a quarter takes place during the daytime, according to statistics from security companies. Multiple break-ins have been reported while the tenants are inside their homes. Burglaries of homes are more often perpetrated by professional criminals. Thefts from adjacent buildings (attached garages, storerooms, etc.) and thefts with no element of burglary are more often conducted by opportunistic criminals. While professional criminals almost exclusively look for valuables with a quick turnover, the less professional steal anything they can use, trade, or resell. Residents should take measures to protect their dwellings, including installing window grilles/shutters, solid doors with secure locks, and an alarm system that is monitored by a security company with an armed response capability.

Registered robberies decreased by 10.3% in 2017 compared to 2016 and were concentrated mainly in Sofia, where 42% of all robberies occurred. Armed robbery constitutes only 5.4% of all registered robberies. Other cities with a high rate of robberies are: Burgas, Plovdiv, and Varna. The targets of armed robberies were financial institutions, gas stations, retail stores, and restaurants.

Organized crime groups exert a strong influence in some bars/nightclubs and control many prostitution rings. Special attention should be paid to drink prices at high-end bars and nightclubs, as there have been instances of visitors being charged exorbitant prices (several hundred dollars), and in some establishments, the management may use force to secure payment. Do not purchase anything from a menu without prices.

Europe’s open borders and uneven patchwork of vehicle databases make car theft relatively easy. The MOI registered 27.3% decrease in car thefts in 2017, with more than 60% of them being stolen in Sofia. Less than 12% of stolen vehicles are recovered. Car thieves target new luxury cars, various models of SUVs, and older cars that are usually dismantled and sold for parts. In the last few years, the main markets for the stolen vehicles have been the Middle East, Albania, Kosovo, Russia, and Georgia.

A trend of vehicle lock jamming emerged in 2013, with thieves using radio frequencies to block victims’ key fobs. Jamming leaves a car unlocked despite the owner pressing the lock button. In some cases, criminals have stolen vehicles using devices that mimic an electronic key. These incidents have been prevalent at shopping centers, gas station convenience stores, and school drop-off areas. Another scam involves a suspect(s) puncturing a victim’s tire. While the driver changes the tire, the suspect(s) burglarizes the vehicle.

Companies that plan to open offices should take measures to protect their offices. Some bank vaults and private company offices reportedly have been broken into using jamming equipment in an attempt to circumvent alarm systems.

The use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by criminal elements against each other and by hate groups remains a challenge for law enforcement, although the total number has decreased since its height in the 1990s and early 2000s. The MOI registered 15 IED attacks in 2017, compared to 27 in 2016.

A continuing trend over the past three years of anonymous telephonic bomb threats has impacted OSAC constituents. In 2017, 183 telephonic bomb threats were registered. Bomb threat calls were directed at schools, shopping malls, court houses, airports, railway stations, and large office compounds – some including private American businesses. The police have handled these disruptive threats, both in terms of the initial public safety response and the follow-up investigation. No actual devices have been located during these incidents.

Contract killings by organized crime groups largely dropped off following the arrest of five “Killers” gang members beginning in 2010. In December 2017, a final instance court confirmed the life sentences handed down to three of the group’s members. A trial is ongoing against another “Killers” group, disrupted in 2014, that is suspected of being responsible for the contract killing of customs officers in 1998. At least three assassinations were reported in 2017 and in early 2018, including the broad daylight shootings of a senior tax official and of an influential businessman in Sofia.

Document fraud is a challenge and impacts OSAC constituents when hiring and conducting due diligence. The majority of fraudulent documents are university diplomas, electronic payment documents, and identification documents. According to U.S. law enforcement, genuine blank Bulgarian passports, including biometric data customized to specification, can be found on the black market for 250 Euros. These are primarily used to gain access to the EU. Two police operations in 2017 discovered factories for producing counterfeit documents from Bulgaria, France, Ukraine, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Spain. The police seized a massive cache of ready or unfurnished documents, computers, printers, laminators, printing plates, inks, and other materials. Open sources reported multiple cases throughout the years involving ISIS fighters and a wanted Russian mobster who travelled in the EU on fake Bulgarian passports.

There has been a decline in seized counterfeit currency. The BGN 20 bill is most frequently counterfeited, followed by BGN 10 and BGN 50 bills.

In 2017, there were 23 financial crimes registered against banking systems. As a result of wide media coverage and of numerous police operations against criminals dealing with Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud, those cases dropped significantly in 2017. The majority of fraud is intra-EU making the threat to U.S. business minimal.

Official corruption remains a serious challenge, according to the European Cooperation and Verification Mechanism report. A 2016 report from RAND Europe Institute estimated that every year the country loses between 14-22% of its GDP or US$7-$12 billion due to corruption. A 2013 study of the government’s analytical anti-corruption center found that 98% of public procurement deals are won by 2% of the companies in Bulgaria. Cases of corruption schemes aimed at draining public money are common. Kickbacks and bribes plague the public procurement sector, eradicating fair market competition and resulting in fewer opportunities for foreign investors. Facilitation payments and gifts are formally prohibited, but do occur frequently. Inefficiency and corruption within the judiciary are considered a major stumbling block against investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption and organized crime. Americans are most likely to encounter corruption at state-run medical facilities and from traffic police.

Illegal migration and smuggling challenged Bulgaria’s law enforcement authorities in 2015 and 2016. The illegal migrant pressure decreased by 81.2% in 2017. Numerous international police operations were carried-out for neutralizing illegal trafficking channels of moving migrants from Bulgaria to EU countries in 2017.

According to U.S. law enforcement, Bulgarian criminals have a significant role in ATM and credit card skimming-related fraud throughout the world. Until recently, Bulgarian transnational organized criminal groups manufactured the skimming devices and sent their teams to other countries to skim credit cards. These groups would then send the proceeds back to their Bulgarian bosses. There was only a moderate amount of the actual skimming of credit cards in Bulgaria, and these were usually to test the devices prior to deploying them abroad. This trend has changed over the past three years, as Bulgarian criminal groups have increased their operations dramatically both domestically and abroad. More criminal groups are installing skimming devices in Bulgaria not only to test the devices but to profit from the skimmed cards. ATM skimming in Sofia, Varna, and Burgas has increased several-fold. Criminal groups target high volume ATMs usually around tourist areas or shopping centers. There were 1,116 registered ATM skimming cases in Bulgaria for 2017 and 114 of them were solved. Be wary of skimming devices placed in ATMs. Take actions to protect your PIN, although that does not eliminate the risk. U.S. citizens should use ATMs inside trusted banks and similar institutions only, and limit use of credit cards to trusted retailers and institutions. Closely monitor your bank statements for anomalies. Privacy information should be destroyed by shredder or similar destruction method. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.

Cybersecurity Issues

ATM skimming, computer hacking, and other electronic intrusions are a risk in Bulgaria. Europe’s southeastern region poses significant cyber threats to the U.S., Canada, and the rest of Europe. According to official statistics, cybercrime in Bulgaria decreased by 5% in 2017. Most common victims of computer-related fraud are companies that trade entirely on the internet. In 2017, a Bulgarian company lost 600,000 Euro, a record high cybercrime for the country. Numerous companies have reported ransomware-related incidents within their organizations in 2017. Bulgarian CERT reported that 77,000 computers in Bulgaria have been the target of hacker attacks during first nine months of 2017.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Over-charging by taxi drivers, poor road conditions, and aggressive driving are the most frequent road risks faced by Americans.

For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.”

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road conditions are generally underdeveloped, aside from some of the main roads and highways that have been renovated or newly constructed over the past few years. Most of these major highways and roads are still under construction. Secondary roads are often poorly maintained. The government plans to continue and complete the construction of new highways and renovate roadways, including main boulevards and some secondary roads in the larger cities. This process causes heavier traffic and could lead to more road accidents.

In some cities, late at night, traffic lights blink yellow in all directions, leaving right-of-way unclear and contributing to accidents.

Heavy truck traffic along the two-lane routes from the Greek border at Kulata to Sofia and from the Turkish border at Kapitan Andreevo to Plovdiv creates numerous hazards. Motorists should expect delays at border crossings.

Travel conditions deteriorate during the winter, as roads become icy and potholes become larger. Traffic difficulties are experienced even more on small streets in Sofia, where the snow is not cleared, and the tenants must have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to be able to drive in winter. Rockslides and landslides may be encountered in the mountains and Black Sea area.

Aggressive driving habits, the lack of safe infrastructure, and a mixture of late model and older vehicles, livestock, and animal-drawn carts on the roads contribute to road accidents and fatalities. In 2017, 6,884 road accidents claimed 677 lives and injured 8,680 individuals, representing a small decrease of those numbers compared to 2016. In 2015 and in 2016, Bulgaria’s roads were the deadliest in the EU with almost 100 victims per one million residents.

Motorists should avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers. In particular, many drivers of late-model sedans speed and drive erratically. Violent altercations are not unheard of, some including the use of firearms.

All drivers are obliged to observe local traffic laws, which in some cases are different from those in the U.S. Bulgarian law allows Americans to use their U.S. driver’s license for up to 3 months accompanied with an international driving permit/or official translation with apostil. Thereafter, the individual must have an international driver’s license or apply for a Bulgarian Driver’s license. Drivers operating motor vehicles must obey the signals given by traffic police officers. All fines for traffic violations are paid either electronically or via bank transfers.  

Avoid leaving valuables in plain view, especially in cars with foreign license plates, and exercise caution while stopping at gas stations, motels, or roadside restaurants. Visitors should insure their cars against theft with one of the major insurance companies. Cars have been reported stolen when drivers leave their vehicle with the engine running during cold weather. When leaving a vehicle unattended in a public location, take extra care to ensure that the door is locked and valuables are out of plain view.

Call for help when a flat tire is discovered, and be wary of passersby offering to lend a hand. The passerby may have caused the flat tire and be more interested in stealing from a distracted driver than in helping. For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report “Driving Overseas: Best Practices.”

Public Transportation Conditions

Inter-city buses are newer, frequent, relatively fast, and comfortable.

Train accidents and fires on trains have occurred over the past few years. Criminals do operate on trains.

Sofia has a modern, clean, and relatively safe Metro.

It is recommended that travelers use official taxi companies. The biggest problem at airports is related to “rip-off” taxis. They usually have an accomplice inside trying to lure travelers to the vehicle. Some of their logos are designed to look like other companies (“CK” v. “OK”). Most recently the “rip-off” taxis have been changing one digit of the phone number from the original. Official taxi companies have desks inside the arrival terminals, and it is recommended that taxis be ordered at these desks.

Check the prices on the back windows of any taxi cab before getting in. Do not accept a flat rate offered by a driver in lieu of using the meter as this rate is often much higher than the meter would show.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Airline transportation is reliable, and there have been no registered airplane accidents in the past 30 years. The national carrier, Bulgaria Air, is in compliance with the safety standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. There are few reports of thefts, scams, ATM skimming, or pickpocketing at the four major airports (Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, and Varna).

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Sofia as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorist activity directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

Continued migration of asylum seekers from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries through Bulgaria to points north and west, continuing deportations of people considered to be national security risks, and extraditions of suspected foreign terrorist fighters from Bulgaria, albeit significantly less than in the previous two years, continued to raise the country’s counterterrorism profile. In response to perceived increased threats, the government has worked to enhance its prevention and enforcement tools, including by criminalizing foreign fighters, adopting new and comprehensive counterterrorism legislation, releasing a counter-radicalization strategy and national counterterrorism plan. Three Syrians who have refugee status in Germany were sentenced for six years in prison for terrorism in 2017, the first case of its kind in Bulgaria. Bulgaria does not provide safe haven to terrorists or terrorist groups.

Anti-American/Anti-Western Sentiment

There are several small political parties and organizations with anti-American rhetoric. Most active are the ultra-nationalists from the political party “ATAKA,” the nationalists from the youth organization “BNS,” and followers of the “Skinheads.” Occasionally, anti-U.S. protests are organized in front of the U.S. Embassy and other parts of the country.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Sofia as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Bulgaria’s population is generally peaceful in its political orientation. Since the democratic changes in 1989, there have been several democratic, non-violent transfers of government power. Five parties were elected to sit in the Parliament in the March 2017 parliamentary elections. Past election cycles have seen protest activity, localized violence, blocking of main roads and government buildings, and minor security incidents (arsons, vandalism, provocations, explosions.) in/around political party offices, election events, politicians, etc.

Civil Unrest

Bulgarians often hold demonstrations to protest or advocate specific causes. Some political parties and organizations, particularly ultranationalist groups, have hired protestors from local soccer fan clubs who have been violent on occasion. Most neo-Nazi and extreme-right groups are associated with soccer fan clubs and publicly demonstrate their associations during soccer games. These groups do not differentiate between police, opposition groups, and innocent bystanders.

An increase in non-violent protests is expected in the first six months of 2018, the period of the Bulgarian EU presidency.

While demonstrations are generally peaceful, it is strongly recommended to avoid areas where they are being held.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Religious violence tends to be focused on Muslims and Christian missionary groups. U.S. missionaries have been targets of harassment and assaults. They have been physically assaulted and threatened directly and indirectly. There have been cases of local assailants beating missionaries, assaulting them with objects, and one account of robbery. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report “Putting Your Faith in Travel: Security Implications.”

Ethnic violence tends to be focused on Roma or, to a lesser extent, the Turkish minority. A Nigerian tourist and two African Americans were assaulted in 2017 because of their skin color. 

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Bulgaria is in a seismically active area. There were no strong earthquakes registered in 2017.

• The last significant earthquake, a 5.8, in Bulgaria occurred on May 22, 2012. Its epicenter was 15 miles from Sofia, close to Pernik.

• On January 2, 2018, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake in northern Greece was felt as far as Sofia.

OSAC constituents are urged to take steps to prepare themselves and review safety measures.

Flooding primarily occurs during the winter/spring months. Floods are more likely in smaller villages and towns due to insufficient infrastructure to handle heavy spring rainstorms and winter runoff.

• In January 2013, melting snow and heavy rain in Smolyan and Kardzhali increased the levels of some reservoirs and rivers. The situation became critical, as a river overflowed and submerged a road section between Nedelino and Krayna.

• In June 2014, 11 people were killed in Varna in flash floods and mud slides.

In July 2014, a severe hailstorm hit part of Sofia. Substantial damage was reported to vehicles, building roofs, windows and façades. Another severe hailstorm with similar consequences was reported in Lovech.

Cold weather and sizable snow fall can cause serious transportation problems, floods, and electrical outages. In case of heavy snowfall, roads may not be plowed or salted and can be extremely dangerous or closed to traffic. Tourists in mountains should exercise caution and follow the advice of the mountain rescue services as avalanche incidents do occur. OSAC members are encouraged to maintain medical evacuation and mountain rescue insurance.

Forest/wildfires are more likely in mountain areas during the summer. In 2017, wildfires were concentrated in Blagoevgrad, Gabrovo, Sliven, Yambol, and Razgrad.

Hot weather can cause serious transportation and health problems. In early August 2017, a Code Orange for extremely hot weather was declared for seven districts with temperatures reaching 100-102F.

Air pollution remains a problem, especially in urban areas, and can be monitored in real time at www.airsofia.info.

Economic Concerns

Counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Websites that allow free illegal downloading of software are accessible from Bulgarian IP addresses, despite almost a decade of efforts to disrupt these operations. Bulgaria ranked 85th out of 129 countries on an International Property Rights Index in 2017.

Alcohol and tobacco products are frequently counterfeited. According to a survey by the Center for the Study of Democracy, every fifth cigarette in Bulgaria is illegal, and cigarette smuggling is more profitable than smuggling narcotics. Several companies, including OSAC constituents, have reported difficulty when seeking recourse for patent and trademark infringement at the Bulgarian Patent Office.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) crimes are a challenge for officials and the private sector. OSAC constituents using security offices, investigations, and disruption programs have met limited success in detecting, deterring, and disrupting criminal efforts. They have used the information gathered during these efforts to develop stronger countermeasures. Those constituents relying on courts or a legal department-centric strategy to protect their brand express frustration with the lack of speed, effectiveness, and outcomes of their efforts. There have been a number of significant IPR investigations, including some in concert with other EU countries. The MOI and the Customs Service continue to combat contraband garments, shoes, cosmetics, and other products bearing counterfeit trademarks. Statistical data shows almost doubling of the seized fake goods in 2017 as compared with 2016.

Privacy Concerns

American businesses involved in certain high profile sectors (energy, finance, construction) should contact their corporate security headquarters or consult with the Regional Security Office about specific issues and countermeasures.

Personal Identity Concerns

Be aware that body language norms differ from those in the U.S. Shaking one’s head side to side means “no” in the U.S. but means “yes” in Bulgaria, and conversely an up-and-down nodding in the U.S. means “yes” while it means “no” in Bulgaria. Even people living in Bulgaria for years may not pick up on subtle changes in body language that could provide warning of hostile intent. Understanding and acknowledging this limitation and a heightened awareness is important for all travelers and expatriates.

Concerns about the rise of xenophobia, racism, and extreme nationalism in the society have been expressed by Amnesty International, Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, and the Jewish organization “Shalom,” as well as other organizations. The Department of State’s comprehensive Human Rights report for 2016 can be found here.

Drug-related Crimes

The MOI reports that drug-related crimes decreased by 3.4% in 2017, compared with 2016. Drug abuse and addiction continue to climb, and the age of first-time drug users is dropping. Bulgaria is a “gateway” country for the transit of illicit drugs and contraband. Bulgaria serves as a major transshipment point for heroin from Southwest Asia to Europe. Organized crime groups are heavily involved in drug trafficking. Heroin and synthetic drugs are the primary drugs transported through Bulgaria, principally via overland methods, including Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) trucks, passenger vehicles, buses, vans, and small trucks. Small amounts are smuggled by air. Varna and Burgas are used as entry points for controlled substances, including cocaine, that are smuggled into the Balkans, Greece, and Western Europe.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnapping as a tactic used by organized crime dropped off following the arrest of the “Impudent” gang in December 2009. Kidnapping was primarily used between rival criminal groups for ransom or because of unresolved financial dealings. The “Impudent” gang was accused of at least 13 high-profile abductions in 2008-2009. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Kidnapping: The Basics.”

• On August 30, 2017, the 25-year old son of a businessman was kidnapped by masked, armed men as he left his house for work. The man was released after 11 days in captivity, and a ransom paid by his family to the kidnappers.

Police Response

Police officers are not allowed to issue spot fines or accept cash for any reason. Traffic police officers are not allowed to issue on-the-spot fines for minor traffic violations due to modifications in the Traffic Act. Per the law, requests for spot fines are a form of extortion.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

In cases of lawful police detention or police harassment, U.S. citizens are encouraged to contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit in the Consular section at the U.S. Embassy for assistance immediately. The ACS emergency number is: (+359) 2 937 5101, or e-mail at: ACS_Sofia@state.gov (use e-mail only for non-emergency situations as it is monitored solely during business hours).

Crime Victim Assistance

If a U.S. citizen is a victim of a crime, s/he should call the National System for Single European Emergency Call Number (NSSEECN): 112. It is accessible throughout Europe on all phones and can connect callers with emergency services. It is also highly recommended that all U.S. citizens report security incidents to the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit in the Consular section of the U.S. Embassy. The ACS emergency number is: (+359) 2 937 5101, or e-mail at: ACS_Sofia@state.gov (use e-mail only for non-emergency situations as it is monitored solely during business hours).

For local first responders, please refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

Police/Security Agencies

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) is the primary law enforcement body in Bulgaria, encompassing the National Police Service, Border Police, Fire and Civil Protection, Migration, Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, and overseeing the 28 regional police directorates and over 180 police stations. With more than 55,000 employees, the MOI oversees a vast mission of law enforcement, national security, public order, fire safety, border security, immigration, and traffic enforcement. Most interactions American citizens would have with law enforcement would be with MOI employees.

The Bulgarian customs administration is a centralized administrative structure, organized within the National Customs Agency (NCS) under the Minister of Finance. NCS counteracts the contraband channels of different goods and drugs. It is also responsible for collecting all duties and excises paid to the state budget.

The National Investigative Service (NIS) is the investigative arm of the Prosecution Service, which is part of the Judiciary. They work with the Ministries of Interior and Justice to carry out investigations.

The National Protection Service (NSO) provides protective security to Bulgaria’s national leadership including the president, prime minister, and visiting government dignitaries but does not conduct criminal investigations.

The State Agency for National Security (DANS) is a domestic security agency with investigative responsibility but, since February 2015, has no law enforcement authority. They coordinate closely with intelligence services and law enforcement agencies depending on the nature of their investigation.

Medical Emergencies

Medical providers are trained to a very high standard, but most hospitals and clinics, especially in rural areas, are not equipped or maintained to U.S. or Western European standards. Basic medical supplies, over-the-counter, and prescription medications are widely available, but highly specialized medication and/or treatment regimens may not be. If you are in need of emergency services for an infant/child, please call ahead to ensure those services will be available.

In the event of a medical emergency, call the emergency number 112 to request an ambulance. Dispatchers are unlikely to speak English, and this service will not transport a person to a private hospital. Ambulance service can be slow; in large cities, it may take 30+ minutes. If there is a medical emergency in Sofia, it may be quicker to call a taxi or ask a friend or colleague to drive you to a hospital.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, please refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

Air ambulance services are available from Heli Air Services Company (http://www.heliair.bg/en).

Insurance Guidance

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost tens of thousands of dollars. It is imperative that U.S. citizens have enough cash (or access to cash) to cover a medical emergency and medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended. Most doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for services rendered.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

A European study found that Bulgaria has the most polluted air among EU countries. Five of Europe’s cities with the highest levels of particulate matter – Sofia, Pernik, Plovdiv, Pleven, and Dobrich – are in Bulgaria. High concentrations of particulates were found in the air in Pernik for about 180 days of the year (compared to about 15 days a year for Paris and Stuttgart). Bulgaria also has the highest concentration of carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a serious health concern.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Bulgaria.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Sofia Country Council met twice in 2017. The Country Council has consistently met at least twice a year since 2012. The program is one of the strongest and longest-standing OSAC programs in EUR.

Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Europe Team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

U.S. Embassy Sofia 16 Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408, Bulgaria

The Consular Section is open 8:30 to 16:30, Monday-Friday, except on American and Bulgarian official holidays.

Embassy Contact Numbers

Telephone: +359 (2) 937 5100

Emergencies involving U.S. citizens 24 hours a day: +359 2 937-5101 (via the U.S. Embassy Duty Officer)

Website: https://bg.usembassy.gov/

Embassy Guidance

Before doing business in Bulgaria, American companies should check with the U.S. Embassy’s Foreign Commercial Service office and American Chamber of Commerce regarding the business environment and opportunities in Bulgaria.

U.S. citizens traveling to Bulgaria should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Bulgaria Country Information Sheet