Bulgaria

Recommended Vaccinations For Bulgaria

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

**There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.**

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Bulgaria

There are no recommendations for Bulgaria at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Bulgaria

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Bulgaria.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Bulgaria.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Bulgaria. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Bulgaria. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Bulgaria

Personal Safety

Bulgaria has relatively low crime rates compared to other European countries. Petty crime including pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in tourist areas, on public transport, and at major hubs like airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Thieves often use distraction techniques, so travellers should remain alert when approached by strangers or when handling money in public. Thefts from unattended cars at petrol stations have increased, particularly when drivers go inside to pay for fuel. Car theft and opportunistic break-ins can also occur in urban areas. Economic crimes such as ATM skimming, credit card fraud, and overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers are among the most common offences affecting foreign visitors. Serious violent crime is rare, and organized crime seldom impacts tourists. Drink spiking can occur in nightlife areas, so never leave food or drinks unattended. Keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit streets late at night, and use official taxis or reputable ride services. Covering your face with a niqab, burka or similar head covering in public places is illegal in Bulgaria and police could give you a fine. This applies in public buildings, streets, parks, restaurants, shops and on public transport.

Extreme Violence

The threat of terrorism in Bulgaria remains low. There has been no recent history of terrorist attacks, though attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate. In 2020, two individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment for providing logistical support to the 2012 Burgas bus bombing, which killed five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian bus driver; Bulgarian authorities linked the attack to Hezbollah. In response to terrorist attacks in other European cities, Bulgarian authorities have strengthened their security measures in all cities, particularly where large crowds gather. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political Unrest

Occasional political protests occur in towns and cities across Bulgaria. Most protests are peaceful but there have been occasional incidents of violence, including by police. Protests can cause disruption to transport as protesters or police set up roadblocks. Political rallies and events that draw large groups can turn violent without warning, and injuries sometimes occur. Avoid all protests and follow advice from local authorities.

Areas To Avoid

Visitors to Bulgaria should take extra care in tourist-heavy and large-city areas at night. In Sofia and other major cities, poorly-lit side streets, back alleys and transport hubs such as train and bus stations are more vulnerable to pickpocketing, bag-snatching and other street thefts, especially after dark. At coastal resorts such as Sunny Beach, there have been repeated reports of tourists being targeted by taxis, overcharging and threatening behaviour, and thefts from buses and at the beach. Always use licensed taxi services, avoid flashing valuables, keep bags in front of you, be cautious when withdrawing cash at ATMs, and avoid walking alone in isolated streets after late night hours. As a general rule, avoid all protests and demonstrations and follow local authorities’ instructions.