Yes, Bulgaria is overall safe for female solo travellers. Watch out for pickpockets and bag thefts in tourist areas and major public transport hubs, including airports. Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission, View a printable version of the whole guide, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, Travel or do business in Europe: Brexit guidance. Tourism is, in fact, critical to the countrys economy. There are connecting flights from Russia via the Middle East, Serbia and Turkey to the UK and other destinations. Bulgaria says it decides on its defence with NATO allies - Yahoo News The train system is very poor by European standards. Stun guns, torch stun guns and other weapons like knives, pepper spray and CS gas can be bought in shops in and around Burgas and Sunny Beach. Last year, Bulgarian prosecutors said they were investigating Russias possible involvement in explosions at Bulgarian arms depots, and investigators worked on the understanding that Moscow was seeking to stop the weapons being shipped to Ukraine. If you are arrested or detained we are unlikely to get authorisation from the Russian authorities to provide consular support. Convenient connections are offered with domestic flights to/from Varna and Burgas. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. 21 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Bulgaria. He also said Bulgaria would not be able to sanction Russian oil due to its dependency. However, dont exchange your foreign currency anywhere but in banks. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements. Check the local media for the latest information, be vigilant, and avoid any political demonstrations or gatherings. For 2020, Bulgaria even has the largest negative trade balance with Russia - $1,700 billion. There is an issue with thieves targeting tourists. All this will have a negative impact on government domestic investment and infrastructure projects in recovery programs. Political rallies and demonstrations can occur in Moscow, St Petersburg and other places across Russia. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. This equates to 6.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2020. You should take extra care when using ATMs Since it is predominantly a cash economy, you will have to do this at several times during your trip. Death toll from floods after Kakhovka dam breach rises to 50. Remembers the user's selected language version of a website. You can view the cookies used on our site via the "Cookie Control Panel" and change your preferences. But the international body has maintained that conditions on the ground have made it "difficult to verify" the true number of civilian casualties. Ask the staff at your hostel, hotel or guesthouse for their recommendations. Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages. Bulgaria-Russia relations - Wikipedia My heart says we do not leave Ukraine alone, he said, but added that I dont think I can send Bulgarian planes flying over Ukraine, fighting with Russian jets thats the reality.. As previous reviewer said, it is not fair stamping the whole country "bad" just because you landed consciously in the worst place. This page reflects the UK governments understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full British Citizen passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. If you need to contact the emergency services in Bulgaria call 112. You have accepted additional cookies. Knowing how to travel safely anywhere is important, but here are some country-specific tips that should help you stay out of trouble! Latest news, analysis and comment on French politics and beyond. Overcharging can amount to hundreds of pounds and victims have been threatened with violence if they dont pay. To understand how this may impact cover under your policy, please go to our FAQs and select your country of residence. During summer (June to August) and early autumn (September), wildfires are a threat in Bulgaria. Youre going to find just about all the information you need to help you achieve top marks in savvy travel, and make sure your Bulgaria visit runs super smoothly. The park One of the landmarks of Varna is also an important factor which attracts many people to settle down in the city. Russia travel advice - GOV.UK There are loads of places to see, a ton of accommodation, and so many things to do. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel. According to the regulations of the local authorities, the entry from Russia into Bulgaria is allowed in the presence of completed full vaccination (with a vaccine approved by the EU or Sputnik V) at least 14 days before the flight, in case of Covid-19 (positive PCR / antigen test valid between 11th and 180th day) or against providing a negative PCR test done up to 72 hours or an antigen test up to 48 hours before the flight. The data reveals that it actually has less crime than other, more common European tourist destinations such as France, Italy, and Greece. From 28 September 2021 UK stickers have replaced GB stickers. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) and Sofia Morning News publish the latest economic, political and cultural news that take place in Bulgaria. Courses or boosters usually advised: Tetanus. The impact of Russia's decision to stop supplying gas has such an impact because Europe has been heavily dependent on energy from Moscow for many years, which it supplies through a vast network of pipes that criss-cross the continent. Break-ins have occurred in properties in the residential areas of cities and rural areas. Bulgarian PM: We're no longer 'soft' on Russia - POLITICO As long as you make sure you try to blend in, dont look obvious, and stay aware of your surroundings, youll be fine in Bulgaria. Use your common sense, and make smart decisions. The question of Is Bulgaria Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. Bulgaria is a fantastic cheap European destination. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. You have rejected additional cookies. Bulgarian Defense Minister Dismissed for Refusing to Call Russia's Concern is running high in the West as Russia has amassed tens of thousands of . Covering your face with garments (such as a burka or similar head covering) in . How Safe Is Bulgaria for Travel? - Travel Safe - Abroad Rabies is not considered a major risk to travelers in Bulgaria, Top 6 Scams to Look Out for When Traveling in Cambodia, Is The Philippines Safe? Foreign media analysis on Bulgaria and World News in Brief are also part of the web site and the online newspaper. To avoid spoiling your fantastic meal experience, always double-check the bill before paying to ensure everything is correct. The Email address or Password is incorrect, World Nomads Contributor - Thu, 30 Jan 2020. read about lockdowns and border restrictions. You can buy one at the border, or from post offices, large petrol stations and DZI bank offices and online from BG Toll. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Additional details on risks to dual. Locals know the score. Ive listed some places I think are top-notch for travelling, and you should find yourselves right at home! May 11, 2022 SHIPKA, Bulgaria A week after Russia invaded Ukraine, Moscow's ambassador to Bulgaria climbed a snowy mountain pass to honor czarist-era Russian soldiers who died there. There are severe restrictions on the publishing and distribution of information related to the Russian armed forces and any military operations. The UK government has imposed sanctions against a number of Russian companies and individuals as well as other finance, trade and transport sanctions. Bulgaria has also been a prime target for Russian disinformation tactics that have often managed to shape public discourse, analysts say. 5 Safety Tips. In countries like Austria even up to 21%. To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Bulgarian governments entry requirements. The beaches of Bulgaria are not just among the most attractive in Europe, but they are also very safe and family friendly. 03/07/2022 Bulgaria has deep traditional ties with Russia. There is an official taxi rank in the arrivals hall. For 2020, Bulgaria even has the largest negative trade balance with Russia - $1,700 billion. Ask your hotel to call a taxi or flag down a passing taxi with a green available light in the window. If you travel by train, check the availability of sleeping compartments and whether bicycles can be taken on board. From July 7, 2021. the issuance of entry visas to Russia for Bulgarian citizens is resumed. But following Mr. Putin's war on Ukraine, public opinion . Keep your distance to avoid diseases or getting bitten. Whilst safety is less of a major concern here than having fun, it will still pay to keep an eye out in certain sketchy areas. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Bulgaria. The situation remains unpredictable, and could escalate further without warning. This cookie is used to distinguish between humans and bots. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Consular support is severely limited in parts of Russia due to the security situation and the size of the country, particularly in the North Caucasus. Bulgarian PM: We're no longer 'soft' on Russia However, Kiril Petkov admits Sofia won't go as far as some of its allies in its response to the Kremlin's war on Ukraine. Bulgaria is not a dangerous place. See our Privacy Policy. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider. In-depth reporting, data and actionable intelligence for policy professionals all in one place. Well, welcome to a world where you will pay 2,000 euros for a thousand cubic meters of gas!". While traveling around Bulgaria, be extra careful with fake taxi companies that charge inflated rates. The war between Ukraine and Russia is not expected to spread to Bulgaria, but the biggest risk for the Bulgarian people is the one surrounding the safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants, Bulgarias prime minister said Monday. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. British nationals holding Russian passports could be in scope for mobilisation or conscription. All of the airline's flights are operated under strict safety measures - UV disinfection prior to flight and air purification with HEPA filters throughout the flight. People charged under these laws face heavy sentences. Waste no more time and find out about the BEST backpacks to take hiking! In 2022, Russia declared a partial mobilisation of Russian citizens to join the military forces. This is beneficial for the web site, in order to make valid reports on the use of their web site. FCDO continues to advise British nationals against all travel to Russia. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Latest news, analysis and comment from POLITICOs editors and guest writers on the continent. Protecting them from the sun (slather on that sunscreen!) You should only consider pursuing a complaint or claim if you have genuinely suffered from injury or illness. Conditions apply to round trip on international flight of Bulgaria Air in Economy YOUTH fare. Unfortunately, alongside a stunning variety of architectural influences and great food, Bulgaria has several common pitfalls that can make your trip far more stressful and complicated than it needs to be. Russia's war on Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow, and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia. Another form of transport are the matrushkas that shuttle people between city centres and suburbs. "Bulgaria Air" is introducing additional online services that enable every passenger to add a preferred service to their reservation. Be vigilant at all times, particularly late at night. Politico: EU Sanctions against Russia will Take Effect Today. A month ago, when asked how Austria will cope with the winter with such small reserves, Elena Skvortsova from the board of directors of the energy concern OMV said: Weather forecasts promise a mild winter, so we think these stocks will be enough.. Neighbouring countries may have health requirements for entry for those arriving from or transiting through Bulgaria, including declarations and COVID-19 tests. When buying property, consider hiring expert legal advice, since there have been cases of buyers being defrauded. The production of cars and electronics will slow down even more. History of Bulgaria (1878-1946) - Wikipedia Planning a safe trip to Bulgaria can get quite overwhelming. Bulgaria will be among those Severely Affected by Sanctions against Russia More like shared taxis, these run along set routes and can be squashy and sketchy but very cheap. Often, the only difference is a few letters in the brand name or a single digit in the phone number. You have rejected additional cookies. Passport validity. Despite the country having a few issues, the international community sees Bulgaria as a very safe place to visit. You should avoid all protests and follow the advice of the local authorities. Russia had already blocked deliveries of gas in April, after Bulgaria agreed with the EU not to pay for its supply in roubles. In a sign of this, he fired Defense Minister Stefan Yanev this week after he parroted Russian President Vladimir Putins spin on the war in Ukraine and recommended that Bulgaria should chart a neutral course. Again, thank you! Beware during the rainy months (May and June) of flash flooding. And thats rarely an honest mistake. You cannot fly from Russia directly to the UK, or via EU countries. It scores high marks on the Global Peace Index of 2020, has a generally low level of serious crime, no real political upsets, and a complete lack of terrorist threat. For example, in Sofia, theres the metro, trams and buses; other towns barely have a bus service. Take care when driving, particularly at night. Log in to access content and manage your profile. Russia's largest creditors are France's Societe Generale, Italy's Unicredit and Austria's Raiffeisenbank International. If you stay in Bulgaria with a Bulgarian residence permit or long-stay visa, this time does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for Bulgaria. Try to overcome your desire to pet or feed them. All passengers should inform themselves before their flight of the current travel requirements between the two countries. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Dont forget travel insurance though! A reflective jacket must be used by anyone who steps on to the road in a breakdown or emergency. An analysis by the Vienna Institute for Eastern Europe (WIIW) has identified which countries will be hardest hit by strained relations with Russia. Public transport in Bulgaria is generally pretty safe, but it obviously varies throughout the country. This means that MasterCard and Visa cards issued outside of Russia will not work at Russian merchants or ATMs. However, the damage to the whole world will be significant. I loved the country it has great food, Bulgarians are amongst the nicest most hospitable people in Europe. After another fire took place at the same plant last year, Gebrev said he was 100 percent sure Russian operatives were responsible. Bulgaria's Economy Minister Bogdan Bogdanov on Monday suggested Russia could have been responsible for an explosion in the early hours of Sunday at an arms factory in the town of Karnobat, just as Bulgaria is ramping up military exports to Ukraine. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Its important to tell your children that they shouldnt go anywhere near stray dogs wandering around, as rabies has not been eradicated. If you need consular assistance, call the British Embassy Moscow +7 495 956 7200 and then select the option for consular assistance. Use your common sense, make good decisions and be okay with noping out of a situation. Simplified requirements for travelers between Russia and Bulgaria See IT and social media on the Local laws and customs page. Sofia condemned the Russian attack, supporting the common line within the European Council and at the NATO Summit. Considerthe risks if you decideto leave Russia. There has been an increase in thefts on the bus from Nessebar to Sunny Beach. 1 July 2023 Updated: 30 June 2023 Latest update: Lifting of restrictions following reduced military tensions in the Rostov and Voronezh regions ('Summary' page). Dont change money on the streets in Sunny Beach, only at licensed exchange points, banks or hotels. There are regular reports of robberies and threatening behaviour by taxi drivers in Sunny Beach. The latest news, data and analysis on the worlds pandemic response. For decades, Bulgaria's energy policy has been shaped under pressure from Russian energy companies, like the state-owned natural gas producer Gazprom and the petroleum giant Lukoil. Sometimes, youll find an extra appetizer or a cocktail (if youve hit a bar) you didnt order. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Like other countries, Bulgaria has its bad spots! UK citizens are advised not to travel to Russia - BBC News However, you should take care of yourself and your belongings in the same way as you would do in the UK. Border officials will impound your vehicle if they are not satisfied that you own it or have permission to use it in Bulgaria. 12-26 years Latest news, analysis and comment on elections in Europe and beyond. If you do not have an account you can register here. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. The word raids in Bulgarian suggests foreign incursions, although Bogdanov did not mention Russia by name. The blast comes amid an investigation by the Bulgarian authorities into a series of similar incidents in recent years at arms depots housing ammunition meant to be exported to Ukraine. These cookies cannot be disabled via the "Cookie Control Panel". 3. Safety and security - Bulgaria travel advice - GOV.UK Visits to Bulgaria are vastly trouble free. If you are resident in Bulgaria, read our Living in Bulgaria guide for passport stamping information. The crime rate in Bulgaria is actually super low, which is good! Is Bulgaria SAFE to Visit? (2023 Insider Tips) - The Broke Backpacker Check the exchange rate before converting, and make sure that you arent being watched or followed. Be aware that it may not be possible for you to access your funds through Russian banks or to make payments to Russian businesses with non-Russian credit/debit cards. There have been numerous reports of drone attacks, explosions and fires in areas in Western and Southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, Moscow and St Petersburg. Similar to many other countries from Eastern Europe, Bulgaria tends to be socially conservative. In general, Bulgaria is a pretty safe country for solo female travellers. But the war in Ukraine is sowing significant divisions between pro-NATO and pro-Russian groups. We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Is Bulgaria Safe for Tourists? - Life From A Bag According to the analysis, there will be no large-scale military action, but there will be separate military strikes and limited regional military operations. Entry requirements - Russia travel advice - GOV.UK Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Double-check your receipts at the supermarket as well. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers. Youll need to buy a vignette (sticker) to drive on motorways and main roads outside towns. Travelling solo can be amazing anywhere in the world. If youre living in or moving to Bulgaria, visit our Living in Bulgaria guide in addition to this travel advice. There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The Foreign Office warned Britons in Russia might not be able to . Be vigilant if you have to stop in these circumstances and make sure your belongings are secure. Avoid taxis parked outside hotels or in tourist areas. Latest news, analysis and comment from POLITICOs editors and guest writers on the continent. Well send you a link to a feedback form. Try visiting Bulgaria before the busy summer months, or travel to Bulgaria for the snow from December to March. Its not necessary to get local money in advance before arriving, but it might be handy to have some for when you arrive. According to it, Bulgaria will be among the most severely affected by the sanctions and the deterioration of relations with Moscow. Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. For all types of emergency (fire, ambulance, police) you can dial 112. If you need to travel, plan ahead and before you travel check border information published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel. Mandatory cookies are used on our website www.aa.com.tr in order to provide you with a better service. Bulgaria news While you can pay with a card in the malls and supermarkets, thats rarely the case in other places such as markets, street stalls and most restaurants. "The use of military force against a sovereign state is unacceptable in . 2023, The Broke Backpacker. There are generally good transport links between places, but it can be hard if you dont speak Bulgarian. Thanks to foreigners these poor animals get some love and food. It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. You can change your cookie settings at any time. More information about Russia sanctions is available on GOV.UK including on the application of sanctions prohibitions and requirements to British nationals. Why Russians Love Varna, Bulgaria (The 10 Reasons) - Tourist Maker This will show border guards that you are complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for Bulgaria and the separate 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area. In any case, their dependence on Russia as an energy supplier is greater than their dependence on Russia as an export market. (Alexa Analytics is an Amazon company.). However, various evaluations published by news outlets suggest these aircraft are at the end of their technological lifespan and only eight to nine of them are useable. You can change your cookie settings at any time. By logging in, you confirm acceptance of ourPOLITICO Privacy Policy. Stay up to date with the weather and local news if you are traveling during this time. The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. If you enter Bulgaria in a private vehicle, you must have your driving licence, all original registration and ownership documents as well as evidence of insurance valid in Bulgaria. The editorial staff also publishes a daily online newspaper "Sofia Morning News." Make sure you have good apps downloaded on your phone to help you in a sticky situation.