ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  A United States passport is required for U.S. citizens who are not also Bulgarian nationals.  September 1, 2006, U.S. citizens who enter the country without a Bulgarian visa are authorized to stay for a total of 90 days within a six-month period.  This law is strictly enforced.  Previously, Bulgarian law only allowed U.S. citizens to remain in the country for a total of 30 days within a similar six-month timeframe. An application to extend one’s stay beyond the original 90 days can be filed for urgent or humanitarian reasons, but must be submitted to regional police authorities no later than five days prior to the end of the original 90-day period. Travelers who have been in the country for 90 days, and then leave, will not be able to reenter Bulgaria before the six-month period expires. Travelers using official or diplomatic passports must secure visas prior to arrival.  Upon entering the country, Bulgarian immigration authorities request that all foreigners declare the purpose of their visit and provide their intended address.

U.S. citizens intending to live or work in Bulgaria for more than 90 days within six months (or more than six months within a year) must obtain a “D” visa prior to arrival.  The practice of switching from tourist status to long-term status when already in Bulgaria is no longer allowed.  Those wanting to do so must leave Bulgaria and apply for a “D” visa at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate.  This procedure takes anywhere between two and four weeks.

American citizens who marry Bulgarian nationals technically have a legal right to switch to long-term status without leaving the country.  In practice, however, applicants for residency are asked to leave the country also, present their marriage license at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in a neighboring country, and apply for a “D” visa. 

The Bulgarian authorities do not consider presentation of a copy of the passport sufficient for identification purposes.  Visitors should carry their original passports with them at all times.

For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria at 1621 22nd St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; http://www.bulgaria-embassy.org; tel. (202) 387-7969 (main switchboard (202) 387-0174), or the Bulgarian Consulate in New York City at 121 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10021; http://www.consulbulgaria-ny.org/; tel. (212) 935-4646.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: While Bulgarian physicians are trained to a very high standard, most hospitals and clinics, especially in village areas, are generally not equipped and maintained to meet U.S. or Western European standards.  Basic medical supplies and over-the-counter and prescription medications are widely available, but highly specialized treatment may not be obtainable.  Pediatric facilities are in need of funding and lack equipment.  Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States may cost thousands of dollars.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747)

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:  Americans living or traveling in Bulgaria are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bulgaria.   Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at 16, Kozyak St., Sofia1407; tel.: (+359 2) 937-5100; fax (+359 2) 937-5209; website - http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/; Questions regarding consular services may be directed via email to: niv_sofia@state.gov (for non-immigrant visa matters); iv_sofia@state.gov (for immigrant visa matters); and acs_sofia@state.gov (for American Citizen Services matters).