Group trips to Bulgaria

Find out the entry requirements for Bulgaria, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Bulgaria – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Bulgaria is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). If it's 12 pm in the UK, it will be 2 pm in Bulgaria. For travelers from the USA, if it's 12 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST), it will be 7 pm in Bulgaria. Bulgaria observes daylight saving time, so from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, the time difference changes to UTC+3.

Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN) as its currency. The daily exchange rates are approximately:

• 1 GBP = 2.25 BGN
• 1 USD = 1.85 BGN
• 1 EUR = 1.95 BGN

You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or withdraw BGN from ATMs.

Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are widely accepted in Bulgaria. Most places accept Visa and Mastercard, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops or rural areas where card payment might not be available. ATMs are common in cities and towns, and you can withdraw Bulgarian Lev directly. While some places might accept Euros, it's best to pay in the local currency to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.

In Bulgaria, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If you receive good service at a restaurant, it's common to leave a tip of around 10 percent of the bill. For taxi rides, rounding up to the nearest whole number is a nice gesture. In hotels, you might consider tipping hotel staff like porters or housekeeping a small amount for their services. Remember, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service, but it's entirely up to you.

In Bulgaria, Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, so you should have no trouble getting online. If you need reliable internet on the go, you might want to consider buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan. Providers like A1, Vivacom, and Telenor offer good options with various data packages. If you're traveling from a country in the European Union, you can also use roaming at no extra cost, thanks to the EU's roaming regulations. This makes staying connected pretty straightforward while you're exploring Bulgaria.

In Bulgaria, the official language is Bulgarian. It's a Slavic language that uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Here are some useful phrases you might hear or use:

• Hello: Zdravei (Здравей)
• Thank you: Blagodarya (Благодаря)
• Please: Molya (Моля)
• Yes: Da (Да)
• No: Ne (Не)

These expressions can be handy while exploring Bulgaria!

In Bulgaria, the standard plugs are Type C and Type F. The voltage is 230 volts and the frequency is 50 hertz. If you're coming from the UK, USA, or any other country that doesn't use these plugs, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to keep your devices charged. This way, you'll be well-prepared to plug in your gadgets without any hassle.

The main religion in Bulgaria is Eastern Orthodox Christianity, with the majority of the population belonging to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Important religious holidays in Bulgaria include:

• Christmas on December 25
• Easter, celebrated on a different date than in Western Christianity, usually in April or May

Remember that during these holidays, many shops and services might have different opening hours.

When packing for Bulgaria, it’s good to be prepared for diverse activities and weather. Here's what we suggest you put in your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight t-shirts
  • Warm sweaters or jackets for cooler evenings
  • Comfortable pants or jeans
  • Swimwear for the Black Sea coast
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals for the beach
  • Hiking boots if you plan to explore the mountains
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses and a hat for sunny days
  • Power bank for your gadgets
  • Camera for capturing memories
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
  • Sunscreen
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
  • Motion sickness tablets if you plan on traveling by bus or car

Bulgaria offers a mix of experiences, so be ready for both urban and natural adventures!

The weather in Bulgaria varies significantly depending on the region. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Coastal Areas (Black Sea Coast): Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures around 25-30°C. Winters are mild, averaging 0-5°C.
• Plains (Central and Northern Bulgaria): Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 30-35°C. Winters can be cold, often dipping below 0°C, with occasional snowfall.
• Mountain Regions: Summers are cooler, ranging from 15-25°C. Winters are cold and snowy, perfect for skiing, with temperatures often below 0°C.

The best time to visit Bulgaria is in late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are beautiful.