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 B

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

Hepatitis A

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

For Some Travellers

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.

Measles

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

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

Petty crime occurs in Bulgaria and travellers should be vigilant and ensure their personal belongings, valuables, and travel documents are kept secure at all times. Do not accept food or drink from strangers or casual acquaintances. Many foreigners have reported being assaulted and robbed after taking drugged food or drinks.

Do not leave belongings or valuables in vehicles overnight since car theft is common in Bulgaria. If your rental car is stolen, you may be required to pay customs duties based on the vehicle’s make and model before leaving the country.

Violent crime is rare in Bulgaria but does occur in connection with organized crime groups and turf wars between rival gangs.

Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions outside major cities and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution in rural areas where roads may be unpaved, unlit at night, and animals may roam onto roadways. Roads may be more dangerous during the winter months when they may not be salted or plowed.

Wearing face coverings in public is illegal.

Do not take photos of military buildings.

Although same-sex sexual activity is legal in Bulgaria, it is not socially accepted and same-sex marriage is not permitted. Avoid public displays of affection.

Extreme Violence

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Political Unrest

Sitata reminds travellers to minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations in any city since even peaceful protests can escalate quickly and unexpectedly. In some countries, it is illegal for foreigners to participate in protests and demonstrations.