Since 1 January 2007, Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union and applies the EU’s common visa policy in accordance with the terms of its Accession Treaty.
As of 1 January 2025, Bulgaria became a full member of the Schengen area.
Visas are issued by Bulgarian diplomatic and consular missions, as well as by representatives of other European Union member states that have agreements with Bulgaria regarding the submission and processing of visa applications and the issuance of visas.
For detailed information regarding entry requirements and visa applications for Bulgaria, please visit the link.
Visas information
Transport
Air, rail, road, and water systems are all well-developed across Bulgaria.
Airports
Bulgarian international airports are located near the four biggest cities, such as Sofia,
Varna, Plovdiv, and Burgas. The airports also offer charter flights and helicopters.
Useful links:
Rail Transport
The rail network covers most populated places in Bulgaria, including international routes. One of this is The European Orient Express which passes through the country. The rail system provides accessible service and comfortable travelling. Tickets can be purchased at the rail stations, transport offices in towns and cities, tourist agencies and online.
Train schedule and tickets online.
Bulgarian Ports
The north border of Bulgaria runs along the Danube River, and the east border lies along the Black Sea coast. The primary seaports providing marine transport in Bulgaria are the Burgas and Varna ports. Along the Danube River, cities such as Vidin, Lom, Oryahovo, Ruse, Tutrakan, and Silistra connect Bulgaria with Romania via bridges. Along Dunabe river and Black Sea coast is available passenger transport, as well as freight water transport. Prices and schedules may vary depend on the season, and the type and category of vessel.
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Road Network
The road network in the country contains highways, first-class roads, second-class roads, and third-class roads. Bus transport is well developed offering bus lines all over Europe to the major capitals and cities. On south Bulgaria shares a border with Turkey, providing bus connection the Middle East and Egypt. Tickets are available for purchase from bus stations, and tourist agencies and directly carriers themselves.
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Weather
Bulgaria features a temperate continental climate characterised by four distinct seasons. In general, summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25◦ to 45◦ C, while winters are cold and snowy, and the temperature typically varies between −4◦ to 4◦ C.
Check the current weather conditions.
Time Zone
The standard time in Bulgaria is Eastern European Time Zone (EET), UTC +02:00.
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