Bulgaria: main airports
Bulgaria has four airports with regular international connections. The main one is Sofia Airport, the capital; followed by the two coastal airports on the Black Sea, Varna Airport and Burgas Airport, both gateways to Bulgaria's beaches, and Plovdiv Airport, for one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Bulgaria: recommended activities
Bulgaria: visa and entry requirements
Bulgaria has been a full member of the Schengen area since January 2025 (air, sea and land borders): EU citizens enter freely with an ID card or passport, while non-EU citizens (United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia) do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, valid for the entire Schengen area.
Bulgaria: safety
Bulgaria is generally safe for tourists, with common crime comparable to the Eastern European average: the usual precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas (stations, beaches, markets) are sufficient. Coastal areas in the peak summer season require the same attention as any very busy seaside destination.
Bulgaria: health situation
No vaccination is required to enter the country. For EU citizens, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers urgent care in public hospitals, although standards vary compared to the Western EU average; supplementary travel insurance remains good standard practice, especially for those travelling far from large cities.
Bulgaria: currency, payments and connectivity
Since 1 January 2026, Bulgaria has adopted the euro as its official currency, replacing the Bulgarian lev (BGN) at the fixed rate of 1.95583 lev per euro; since 1 February 2026, the euro has been the sole legal tender. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, less so in small inland towns where cash remains useful. Bolt operates in the main cities. For connectivity, the operators A1, Yettel and Vivacom sell prepaid SIM cards. For driving, EU citizens use their national licence; others generally also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
