Useful Info for the Visitor

Airport Information

Full country name: Republic of Bulgaria
Area: 110,910 sq km
Population: 7.35 million
Capital City: Sofia
People: 88% Bulgarian, 8% Turkish, 3% Roma, 1% Armenians & Russians
Language: Bulgarian, Russian, French
Religion: 85% Bulgarian Orthodox, 13% Muslim
Government: parliamentary democracy
Head of Government: President Georgi Purvanov

GDP: US$49.23 billion
GDP per capita: US$6,500
Annual Growth: 2.5%
Inflation: 4.0%
Major Industries: Food processing, machine and metal building, electronics, chemicals, textiles, ferrous and nonferrous metals
Major Trading Partners: Italy, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Russia, USA
Member of EU: No

Visas and Arrival Formalities: Foreign nationals can enter the country with a valid international passport and a visa where required.
Schengen Country citizens are entitled to a visa free entry and up to a 90-day stay. This also applies to other foreign nationals from countries, which have visa waiver agreements with Bulgaria, although their stay may be limited to 30 days. At the transit sections, airport transfers and short term visas (up to 10 days) can be issued.
Currency that exceeds 5000 BGN (about 2500 EUR) must be declared when entering (or leaving) the country.
Visitors not staying in a hotel must register at the local police station within 48 hours, together with the passport of their host. Be advised not to stay more than what the permit allows you, otherwise you might face some unpleasant charges. Extensions and further info can be obtained at the passport directorate on 48 Maria Luisa Blvd. (phone number: +359 2 9823316).
If you are staying or working longterm in Bulgaria, you may be entitled to a “blue passport”. Foreign nationals who have made an investment of over 250.000 USD in accordance with the Bulgarian law are also entitled to a “permanent stay”.
Credentials should be carried with you at all times.
In case of stolen or lost documents, you must go immediately to the nearest police station where a protocol of the accident will be made. Be sure to take a copy of it with you otherwise you cannot leave the country.

Time Zone: GMT/UTC +2h
Dialling Code: 359
Electricity: 230V ,50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

When to Come Over
Bulgaria has a temperate climate, with cold damp winters and hot dry summers. Spring (April to mid-June) is a good time to visit, with mild and pleasant weather and a host of cultural events taking place. Summer (mid-June to September) has reliable weather, perfect for hiking and outdoor festivals and tanning on the beaches on the Black Sea coast. The coast is virtually deserted from mid-October to mid-May. The ski season begins in mid-December and can last until April.

Getting Here And Away
All major European Airlines provide direct flights from all European capitals to Sofia. Bulgaria Air took over as national carrier from the thankfully defunct Balkan Airlines in November 2002. It has flights to most major European capitals but as yet there are no direct flights linking Sofia with the major Asian hubs or North America. Travellers from Australasia will usually have to connect through more popular European destinations. Buses and trains are the easiest way to get to Bulgaria from Europe and Turkey, with frequent services from Greece, Yugoslavia, Macedonia, Albania, Istanbul, Prague and Western Europe.
When you enter Bulgaria by car you must state which border crossing you'll be using when you leave and pay a road tax accordingly. Route restrictions apply if you're only in transit through Bulgaria. A regular car ferry crosses the Danube from Vidin to Calafat in Romania. Crossing the 'Friendship Bridge' from Romania to Ruse in Bulgaria is painfully slow, though outbound travellers are not usually delayed.

Getting Around
Bulgaria's bus and train networks are extensive and pretty cheap. You can also use a private bus or a van. Car rentals are available in most major cities.