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Bulgaria Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, bulgaria - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Bulgaria.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bulgaria.  

If you decide to travel to Bulgaria:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Bulgaria.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Write to us

[email protected]

Ministry of tourism 1, Saborna St., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria UIC: 176789478 VAT: BG176789478

phone : +359 2 904 6809

UPDATED INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS ON ENTRY TO BULGARIA

From August 4 th , 2021 to August 31 st , 2021 on the basis of Order No. Rd-01-645/28.07.2021 , amendmented  of Order No. Rd-01-673/02.08.2021  of the Minister of Health for tourism purposes in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria tourists are allowed through the following border checkpoints:

• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Burgas Airport“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Varna Airport“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Plovdiv Airport“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Sofia Airport“ (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2);
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Port of Burgas“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Port of Varna“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Vidin“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Vrashka chuka“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Durankulak“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Gyueshevo“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Ilinden“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Kalotina“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Kapitan Andreevo“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Kapitan Petko voyvoda“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Kulata“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Lesovo“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Makaza“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Malko Tarnovo“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Oryahovo“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Russe“ 
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Stanke Lisichkovo“
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Somovit-Nikopol“
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Oltomantsi“
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Zlatarevo“
• BORDER CHECKPOINT “Stezimirovtsi”

Entry is based on an assessment of the prevalence of COVID-19 in the respective countries by criteria and placement of the countries in color zones. 

Criteria for assessing the prevalence of COVID - 19 are:

• 14-day morbidity;
• weekly positivity of the performed laboratory tests;
• level of examination in the country;
• identification of a variant of SARS-CoV-2 identified as a “worrying” variant;
• lack of sufficient information.

The color zones are as follows:

• Green zone;
• Orange zone;

Persons arriving by colour zones from the countries in the Republic of Bulgaria

Countries in the Green Zone

Persons are admitted to the territory of the country upon presentation of a valid EU digital COVID certificate for vaccination, disease or testing, or a similar document containing the same data as the EU digital COVID certificate. In case of failure to provide such, the person shall be quarantined for 10 days in the home or other accommodation where he / she has indicated that he / she will reside, with a prescription issued by the director of the respective regional health inspectorate or his / her authorized Deputy Director. The quarantine may be revoked by providing by e-mail a document showing a negative result of a polymerase chain reaction test for the detection of COVID-19 carried out within 24 hours of entry into the territory of the country or by a rapid antigen test specified in Annex No. 2 of the Order. The prescription shall be revoked within 24 hours from the presentation of the document showing a negative result from the conducted examination.

Countries in the Orange Zone:

• Persons are admitted to the territory of the country only upon presentation of a valid EU digital COVID certificate for vaccination, disease or testing, or a similar document containing the same data as the EU digital COVID certificate. A study of COVID-19 with a rapid antigen test is performed in at least 5 percent of the total entrants from orange zone countries.

Countries in the Red Zone:

• Only persons who are citizens of the EU, the EEA and the  Confederation of Switzerland and members of their families who come from an EU Member State, the EEA and the Confederation of Switzerland are allowed on the territory of the country . The persons are allowed on the territory of the country upon presentation of a valid digital EU COVID certificate for vaccination, or certificate of recovery or a similar document together with a  negative result from a test conducted up to 72 hours before entering the country by the method of polymerase chain reaction for COVID 19, certified by a valid EU digital COVID certificate for testing or a similar document containing the same data as the EU digital COVID certificate for testing.   If they do not present the certificate, they are allowed to enter in Bulgaria after presenting a negative result from a test conducted up to 72 hours before entering the country by the method of polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19, certified by a valid EU digital COVID certificate for testing or a  similar document containing the same data as the EU digital COVID certificate for testing and they shall be quarantined for a period of 10 days at home or in another place of accommodation, in which the person has indicated that he or she will reside

All countries, outside the European Union and the European Economic Area and the Confederation of Switzerland, which do not fall into the red zone, are considered to be orange zone countries.

INPORTANT INFORMATION:

Children from the age of 12 to 18 who arrive on the territory of the country from a country falling into the red zone are allowed upon presentation of a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19 conducted up to 72 hours before entering the country, certified by a valid EU digital COVID test certificate or a similar document containing the same data as the EU digital COVID test certificate. I f  they do not present such a document, they shall be placed under quarantine for a period of 10 days .

Children up to the age of 12 do not need to submit COVID-19 documents, regardless of the zone in which the country from which they arrive falls in.

Persons arriving from countries with which the Republic of Bulgaria has reached an agreement on reciprocal basis for the free movement of their citizens and persons with the status of permanent, long-term or continuous residence and their family members, upon arrival from the other country do not need to submit documents for COVID-19. At the moment, these are Romania

List of countries according to Annex No. 1, to items I, 3 of Order № RD-01-645/28.07.2021 of the Minister of Health

Green Zone:

• The Republic of Austria;
• The Federal Republic of Germany;
• The Republic of Estonia;
• The Republic of Lithuania;
• The Republic of Poland;
• The Slovak Republic;
• The Republic of Finland;
• The Republic of Croatia;
• The Kingdom of Denmark;
• The Italian Republic;
• The Republic of Slovenia;
• The Kingdom of Norway;
• The Republic of San Marino;
• The Vatican City State;
• The Confederation of Switzerland;
• The Czech Republic;
• Тhe Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Orange Zone: 

All countries outside the green and red zone

• The Republic of India;
• The People's Republic of Bangladesh;
• The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal;
• The Republic of the Union of Myanmar;
• The Kingdom of Bhutan;
• The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka;
• The Republic of Maldives;
• The Republic of South Africa;
• The Republic of Botswana;
• The United Republic of Tanzania;
• The Republic of Seychelles;
• The Republic of Namibia;
• The Republic of Zambia;
• The Sultanate of Oman;
• The Republic of Turkmenistan;
• The Republic of Tajikistan;
• The Kyrgyz Republic;
• The Republic of Colombia;
• The Republic of Chile;
• The Eastern Republic of Uruguay;
• The Argentine Republic;
• The Federative Republic of Brazil;
• The Republic of Paraguay;
• The Plurinational State of Bolivia;
• The Republic of Peru;
• The Republic of Suriname;
• The Republic of Panama;
• The Republic of Costa Rica;
• The Republic of Guatemala;
• The Republic of El Salvador;
• The Republic of Cuba;
• The Dominican Republic;
• The Kingdom of Spain;
• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
• The Republic of Fiji;
• The Republic of Cyprus;
• The Republic of Malta;
• The Principality of Andorra;
• The Principality of Monaco.

Countries with which the Republic of Bulgaria has reached an agreement on free passage on a reciprocal basis of their citizens and persons with the status of permanent,

long-term or continuous residence and members of their families, on arrival from the  other country:

The list is subject to update and supplementation depending on the development of the epidemic situation.

Information by country from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in connection with the travel conditions at COVID-19 - https://www.mfa.bg/en/customnews/main/24737

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Contacts:    Sofia 1000, 1 Saborna St.   phone.: +359 2 904 6809,    [email protected]

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2016 © Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria

Entry requirements for Bulgaria

As of September 1, 2021, passengers from the U.S. are prohibited from entering Bulgaria, unless they meet any of the following exceptions:

– Bulgarian nationals and permanent and long-term residents, as well as their family members; Please be advised HERE.

– Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation and their family members arriving from a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation;

– Medical professionals, medical researchers, social workers, and their supervisors when travelling is related to their duties;

– Workers involved in the supply of medical products, medical devices and personal protective equipment;

– Foreign officials (heads of state, government members, etc.) and their delegations, diplomats, members of the administrative and technical staff of foreign missions, employees of international organizations, military personnel, security officials, public order officials and humanitarian workers in the performance of their duties, as well as their family members;

– Persons travelling for humanitarian reasons as described in § 1, item 16 of the Law for the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria;

– Seasonal agricultural and tourism workers;

– Persons, who are to obtain a decree under the Bulgarian Citizenship Law for acquiring a Bulgarian citizenship, certified by a letter from the Ministry of Justice;

– Students with type “D” visas.

Persons who fall under an exception can enter Bulgaria by presenting a valid EU digital COVID certificate for vaccination or certificate of recovery, or a similar document, together with a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test conducted up to 72 hours before entering the country, certified by a valid EU digital COVID test certificate or similar document containing the same data.

A vaccination certificate isn’t required for children 12 -18 years of age.

Neither vaccination certificate, nor PCR test result is required for children up to 12 years.

The travel requirements are subject to review every two weeks.

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• The Embassy

Bulgarian visa for US citizens

Due to the bureaucracy surrounding Bulgarian immigration regulations, US citizens are often confused whether they should apply for a visa before their trip, what procedures they need to follow, and what paperwork is required.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Bulgaria?

United States citizens with a valid US passport can travel to Bulgaria as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. They do not have to apply or pay for a visa for short-term visits.

How Long Can US citizens Stay in Bulgaria Without a Visa?

The laws and regulations regarding entry to Bulgaria for American citizens (or any other foreign nationals) are governed by national legislations, many of which are derived from European Directives.

Under these legislations, every US citizen who intends to move to Bulgaria (and who doesn’t have right to live in Bulgaria) for a period of more than 3 months requires a visa type D. If you wish to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days, I strongly recommend that you check the visa type D requirements . If you do not meet the visa minimum requirements and apply for it, your application will be disqualified and the application fee will not be refunded.

Entering Bulgaria

To ensure that you stay within the 90-day visa-free limit in any 180-day period, border officers will stamp your passport upon entry and exit. If your travel documents lack the respective entry or exit stamps, it will be assumed that you have exceeded your visa-free duration. US citizens who leave Bulgaria and return within 90 days of the 180-day period before their return can stay in the country for the remainder of the 90-day period. However, those who have already spent the visa-free 90 days in Bulgaria before their return will be denied entry.

Consequences Of Overstaying

The Bulgarian Migration Directorate may consider you to be an "overstayer" if your Bulgarian immigration status has expired and you have remained in the country without justifiable reason. In such cases, you may need to pay a fine ranging from BGN 500 to BGN 5000 and you will be required to leave Bulgaria at your own expense.

Staying beyond the 90-day limit in Bulgaria may cause you to be barred from entering the country in the future due to being viewed as an overstayer. We recommend you to leave Bulgaria soon, either by flying back to the US or travelling to a non-EU country such as Turkey, Serbia or North Macedonia. In some cases you may be eligible to file for an extension of stay in Bulgaria.

How does a US citizen get Bulgarian residency?

Once you have obtained the visa, you must get an Extended Residence Permit to continue your legal stay in Bulgaria. You'll need to renew it before it runs out. Extended residency cannot be applied for directly. You must have applied for a visa before switching to Extended residency.

The stay of US citizens in Bulgaria on a visa or residence permit basis does not count towards the 90-day limit.

The most popular ways to settle in Bulgaria

The procedure and specifications for the visa and the residence permit will depend on your specific situation and the reason for your visit. The list below gives useful information on the potential immigration opportunities. Although this is just a basic summary and not a comprehensive list of possibilities, it may help you contemplate lawful immigration paths that may be available:

Are you married to a Bulgarian?

If your partner is a Bulgarian national, you can apply for a visa type D to join them in Bulgaria. The application process for this kind of visa depends on two primary elements: if the marriage happened in Bulgaria or if it was registered outside the nation. We offer a complete service to assist those applying for partner visas.

Do you have Bulgarian Ancestory?

If you have ancestral links to Bulgaria and you may be qualified for Bulgarian citizenship. Bulgarian nationality law is intricate and if you do indeed have any ties to Bulgaria via the birth of your parents or grandparents in Bulgaria then we can advise you on your qualification.

Do you want to study?

If you are pursuing a full-time graduate or postgraduate degree, you can stay in Bulgaria under the student visa and bring your family with you. You must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself and pay for tuition fees.

Do you want to retire?

Bulgaria offers a retirement visa that allows self-sufficient foreign nationals to retire in the country. There is no minimum retirement age for Americans looking to retire in Bulgaria. However, you will only be eligible to retire in Bulgaria if you receive your US public pension.

Do you want to work?

If you want to work in Bulgaria as a US national, you will need to secure a work permit, which is not something you can arrange on your own. To obtain a Bulgarian work permit, you will need a suitable job offer from a Bulgarian-based employer. The employer has to request this permit from the Bulgarian immigration authorities.

Do US Citizens Require Health Insurance in Bulgaria?

Health insurance for Bulgaria is not required for short-term stays of up to 3 months. It is, however, highly recommended to consider purchasing adequate coverage to cover any medical expenses or costs associated with emergencies such as illnesses or accidents that may occur throughout the visit.

Health insurance is required for US citizens who are given permission to remain in the country on the basis of long-term stay (type D visa).

Bulgarian citizens can travel to United States, but not through Schengen zone countries

Bulgarian citizens can travel to the United States, but not through countries of the Schengen zone, Great Britain or Ireland, the US Embassy in Sofia reported. Travelers with a US visa en route to the United States cannot pass transit through airports in the Schengen area, the United Kingdom or Ireland. Crossing the Schengen area restricts travelers, regardless of the fact where their journey started from, the embassy warns.

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ETIAS for Bulgaria

Eu visa waiver for us citizens visiting bulgaria.

Bulgaria is now a member of the Schengen Area. U.S. citizens will require an ETIAS to go to Bulgaria . The ETIAS visa waiver program is being launched in 2025.

ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorization for the European Schengen Area. American tourists will be able to enter Bulgaria without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with ETIAS.

ETIAS Bulgaria for U.S. Citizens

Americans will soon need ETIAS to travel to Bulgaria without a visa . U.S. passport holders will have to register for ETIAS online before departure.

The ETIAS visa waiver will be valid to visit all the countries in the Schengen Area as well as candidate countries. There are currently 29 nations in the borderless travel area, while Cyprus is in the process of joining.

ETIAS is valid to travel from the United States to the Schengen Area multiple times during its 3-year validity , or until the holder’s passport expires.

It will be valid for short tourism and business trips to Bulgaria , for up to 90 days per 180-day period.

ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens to visit Bulgaria

To apply for ETIAS for Bulgaria , Americans will be required to:

• Complete the online ETIAS application form
• Provide passport details and security information
• Pay the ETIAS for Bulgaria processing fees

U.S. citizens must be visiting for transit, tourism, or business to be eligible for visa-free travel to Bulgaria with ETIAS. They cannot stay for longer than 90 days per 180-day period without applying for a visa.

Documents required to visit Bulgaria

U.S. citizens can travel to Bulgaria without a visa for up to 90 days per 180-day period.

To travel to Bulgaria, U.S. citizens are required to have the following :

• A valid U.S. machine-readable passport
• Hold an ETIAS visa waiver

The ETIAS application process is 100% online. Americans will need to complete the electronic form with the following information :

• Full name as it appears on passport
• Date and place of birth
• Home address
• Intended country of entry
• Security information

They will also be required to provide :

• A valid email address as all correspondence will be via email
• A debit or credit card to pay the online application fee

Applicants are notified by email once their visa waiver has been approved. The visa waiver is electronically linked to the U.S. passport and will be verified at the external Schengen border.

Tourist Travel Information about Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a Balkan state in southeastern Europe . Its combination of history and nature makes it an attractive destination for American tourists.

Plovdiv is the cultural capital of Bulgaria. Europe’s oldest living city and one of the 6 oldest cities in the world, Plovdiv boasts historical architecture and charming cobblestone streets.

The Bulgarian capital, Sofia , is another top choice for travelers. The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, many museums, and churches are among the most visited places.

Known for its varied natural landscapes , Bulgaria is also a popular destination for travelers who love the outdoors. The country features beaches, rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, and even a desert.

About Bulgaria

Capital : Sofia

Language : Bulgarian

Area : 110.993 km²

Population : 7.000.039

Timezone : UTC/GTM 2

Currency : Lev

Code : +359

Electric sockets : Plug C and Plug F, 230 V, 50 Hz.

U.S. Embassy in Sofía, Bulgaria

There is one US embassy in Bulgaria , it is located in the capital city of Sofia.

Address : 16, Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408, Bulgaria

Phone : +359 2 937 5100

Interesting facts and tourist info about Bulgaria

• Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia is over 7,000 years old, making it the second oldest city in Europe.
• Bulgaria boasts over 15,000 Thracian tombs, many yet to be explored. It is the third most valuable archaeological site in Europe, after Italy and Greece.
• Thanks to its many mountainous regions, Bulgaria has a forest coverage of roughly one-third of its entire landmass.
• Bulgaria borders the Black Sea, which boasts sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.
• As much as 85% of the world’s rose oil is produced by Bulgaria, it is an essential ingredient in the production of perfumes.
• Bulgaria is the European country with the second-highest number of natural springs, it offers many spas that tourists can visit.

Medical Information for U.S. citizens

Recommended vaccines :

• Routine Vaccines
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

Emergencies :

In the event that US citizens require emergency services, they should call the European emergency number of 112. In Bulgaria, the average answer time is 7 seconds and callers can expect to speak with an English speaker. Bulgaria also has the following national emergency service numbers:

• Police: 166
• Ambulance: 150

$188 Find Cheap Flights to Bulgaria

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to bulgaria departing on 9/2. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to bulgaria.

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Best Bulgaria Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking bulgaria flights, what are the passport and visa requirements for united states citizens traveling to bulgaria.

Citizens of the United States must make sure they have a valid passport with them and ensure that this passport remains valid for at least 90 days beyond their departure date from Bulgaria. If you're traveling to the country as a tourist, there is no need to get a visa so long as you don't plan on staying for more than 90 days.

What is the best Bulgaria airport to use if I plan to visit the Bulgarian Black Sea coast?

The best airport to use will depend on the part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast you wish to visit. For the southern part of the coast, Burgas Airport (BOJ) is the closest airport. It is approximately 6.2 miles north of Burgas city center, a major city in the southern part of the coast. Varna Airport (VAR) is the closest airport to the northern part of the coast. It is approximately 5 miles west of the city center of Varna,  a major city in the northern part of the coast.

If I plan on renting a car when I arrive in Bulgaria, what child car seat laws must I know about before I start driving?

When driving with children in this country, children 24 months of age and younger need to travel in a rear-facing child seat, and then after four years old, they must travel in a forward-facing car seat. After four years old, children up to 12 years old need to travel in a booster seat or on a booster cushion.

What are my best options for flights to Bulgaria from the Western U.S.?

If you’re traveling to Bulgaria from the Western states, you'll find one-stop flights departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to SOF. Major airline providers on this route include Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.

What are some of the best ways I can fly from New York to Sofia?

Most travelers on this route will depart John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for their trip to Sofia Airport (SOF). On this particular route of flight, one of the quickest options is the one-stop flight offered by Austrian Airways, which has a layover at Vienna International Airport (VIE).

What public transportation options are available from Sofia Airport to Sofia city center?

The Line 1 Sofia Airport Metro Station train offers a quick and affordable connection to the city center. You’ll find a free shuttle from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 and the Airport Metro Station between 7 am and 7 pm. Lines 84 and 184 buses also offer an affordable option to Sofia city center from SOF. OK Supertrans taxis and car rentals are available at the airport.

If I would like to travel to Bourgas, what is the quickest way I can get there from Boston?

When traveling from the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), passengers will find one-stop flights aboard a combination of United Airlines and Wizz Air that arrive at the Burgas Airport (BOJ) with a layover in London, where passengers will need to make their way from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to London Luton Airport (LTN).

What lounges are available at Sofia Airport?

If you’re looking for a place to relax after a long flight to Sofia, you can check into one of the lounges at SOF. Regardless of your travel class, you can check into Sofia Lounge, Preslav Lounge, or Pliska Lounge, where you’ll access comfortable spaces, free Wi-Fi, and a broad menu.

If I am planning to travel to Bulgaria for the International Festival of the Masquerade Games, what will be my best route from Los Angeles?

If you are traveling to Bulgaria and the city of Pernik for this event that occurs at the beginning of the year, your best choice for travel will be to fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sofia Airport aboard one-stop flights offered by Lufthansa and then take buses provided by Kyustendil Municipality Transport to Pernik in around 36 minutes.

Which airport is closest to Kulinoto Ski Resort?

Travelers who wish to engage in some winter activities at Kulinoto Ski Resort in the Rhodope Mountains can fly into Plovdiv International Airport (PDV), approximately 50 miles from the resort. The drive from PDV to Kulinoto Ski Resort is approximately 1h 30min through the scenic Rhodope Mountains.  Different airlines offer seasonal flights and yearly connections to this destination from London Stansted Airport (STN).

If I would like to visit the town of Koprivshtitsa in Bulgaria, what is the best way for me to travel there from San Francisco?

Most travelers that would like to make this trip will fly from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sofia Airport aboard one-stop flights offered by Turkish Airlines that have a layover at Istanbul Airport (IST). Once at the airport in Sofia, there is a bus service provided by Chelopech Municipal Buses that can make the trip to Koprivshtitsa in about 3 h.

What documents do I need to rent a car at Sofia Airport?

To rent a car at Sofia Airport, you must provide a valid driver’s license, a passport or ID, an international driving permit, and a major credit card in your name or that of your driver.

How long is the flight to Bulgaria?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Bulgaria takes 16h 12m, covering a distance of 5443 miles. The most popular route is Chicago - Sofia with an average flight time of 11h 30m.

What is the cheapest flight to Bulgaria?

The cheapest ticket to Bulgaria from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $447. The most popular route is Chicago O'Hare Intl to Sofia and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $545.

What are the most popular destinations in Bulgaria?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Sofia (90% of total searches to Bulgaria). The next most popular destinations are Varna (7%) and Burgas (3%).Searches for flights to Plovdiv (0.1%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Bulgaria

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Bulgaria flight deals.
• If you are planning to travel to the Carnival of Humour and Satire in Gabrovo in May, you will want to fly to Sofia Airport (SOF) and then take buses from Union Ivkoni to Gabrovo in about 3 hours. If you will be leaving the United States from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), you can find one-stop flights aboard Lufthansa that have a layover at Frankfurt Am Main International Airport (FRA).
• If you wish to fly to Bulgaria from the Southeast, you’ll find different flights departing from Miami International Airport (MIA) in Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Georgia to Sofia Airport (SOF). Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz Air, Norse Atlantic, and Ryanair offer one-stop connections from MIA and MCO to SOF.
• A beautiful coastal city that is a popular destination for travelers from the United States heading to Bulgaria is the city of Varna. When departing from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), you can find two-stop flights to Varna Airport (VAR) aboard a combination of JetBlue and Turkish Airlines.
• SOF is the busiest airport in Bulgaria, served by other major airlines, and a major hub for the Bulgaria Air. The airport is the primary gateway to Bulgaria and is ideal for travelers visiting different places in the western half of Bulgaria.
• An airport in Bulgaria that offers easy access for passengers from the United States is the Plovdiv Airport (PDV). Passengers traveling from an airport in the western United States, such as Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), can find two-stop flights to this airport aboard a combination of JetBlue and Ryanair.
• Since there are no direct flights to Bulgaria from the U.S., several major airlines offer Business Class travel through connecting flights. United Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and Turkish Airlines are major airlines with Business Flights to Bulgaria from the U.S. through their connections. Enjoy amenities and services like comfortable seats, priority check-in and boarding, extra legroom, meals and drinks, and access to specific airport lounges.
• If you are traveling to the northern part of Bulgaria, another airport option can be the Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Romania. From Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), passengers can travel on two-stop flights operated by Delta Airlines to this airport.
• If you are making your way to western Bulgaria, a good airport option might be Skopje International Airport (SKP) in the Republic of Macedonia. When flying from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), you can find one-stop flights to this airport aboard Turkish Airlines.
• We're looking for the best way to get to the beautiful seaside city of Sozopol in Bulgaria, one of the best ways when traveling from the United States is to fly to the Varna Airport and then take a readily available shuttle service they can have you in Sozopol in around 2 hours. Passengers departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) can find two-stop flights aboard Austrian Airlines to this airport.
• For those travelers looking to visit the beautiful town of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria, a great way to travel from the United States is to fly to the Sofia Airport and then take a shuttle service that can have you in this town in about 3 h 30 min. When departing from Denver International Airport (DEN), you will find one-stop flights aboard Lufthansa.

Top 5 airlines flying to Bulgaria

They never gave any meal during the flight. We’ve flown for years and then doing this now is ridiculous.

Austrian airlines lost my bag in Vienna and it took 2 days to find it and deliver it to me

Again, delays. That route from VIE to RMO gets regular delay all the time.

They lost our luggage and there has been no news for 5 days. I called their office and they said they can’t help us, we don’t do anything about it.

My flight was changed, you over charged me for a change fee and seats that I did not get, I was out on standby with Austrian airlines. You stile $600 from me.

The problem is with Kayak and Underpricer. You overcharged me for a change fee and for seats that I did not get. You owe me $600

There was not enough sparkling water and beer during the flight. Coffee was not hot

There was not enough sparkling water available during the flight from LAX to Vienna.

Very nice and comfy flight , and sharp on the time

One hour delay to board. The plane is tiny and 100 years old. Many passengers have been asked to check in their carry-on bags. This is although the bags were within weight and volume limits. The plane is just too small so they are essentially overbooking carry-ons. No entertainment whatsoever. No overhead TV and of course no personal screens. Food, if you can call a lukewarm toast "food", was edible at best. Craw was very nice, polite, and welcoming. They are not at fault that the airline is XXXing on their clients.

Overall it was a pretty good experience until I arrived in Accra and my suitcase was left in turkey.

My experience with Turkish airlines has been pretty good. I connected from Istanbul to Tirana Albania. One of my luggage’s didn’t come. Very disappointed with that, we had our year old grandson with us! Babiest things were in that bag . Hopefully I get the bag tomorrow or next day !

Awful. They cancelled my seats and demanded $1360 to rebook me

United failed me in cancelling flight to Chicago. Then put me on American Airlines standby to Miami for onward connection to RMO via IST. Standby failed. They looked me for Sunday morning 24 hours late at this point). Made it to Miami but Turkish airlines cancelled my seats and demanded $1360 to rebook the flights for the following day ! I went to United, spent two hours negotiating with Mr Ruis ? Who said he could do anything for me as he could fix problems that United caused in Miami. He suggested I call the 800 number. When I managed to.get through on my 6th call, I was on hold 2 hours and 30 minutes waiting for an agent when the call was cut off by United phone system. I went back to American. At last a lady , who had zero responsibility in this fiasco, helped me to find a replacement flight that night with Polish airlines to RMO through Warsaw at a cost of $968 including bag charge. I booked it with only a few hours to spare. The lady at American helped to recover and redirect my checked suitcase that had arrived in Miami a day earlier United customer service were awful. United partner Turkish airlines were horrendous and took zero responsibility. I ended up being late to my appointment overseas by 45 hours with zero compensation, no food vouchers, no replacement flights until I found one and paid for it myself. I reporting the entire fiasco to the secretary of state for Tennessee for law violations and refusal to remedy and compensate. I now need help to extend the trip by two days but United are not responding to communications

I was flying with Turkish Airlines from Tashkent to Dallas and from Dallas to Tashkent. In both directions the flights were late. I missed my connecting flight from Istanbul to Dallas in Istanbul airport because of that. That led to a no show case with a rental company in Dallas and I lost 460 US dollars. On the way from Dallas to Tashkent with a layover in Istanbul the plane was also late and I almost missed my connecting flight to Tashkent. Then my bag did not arrive with the same plane and only on the next morning flight from Istanbul. I was about to leave Tashkent the same day to Astana in Kazakhstan and then from there for work in Saudi Arabia. Luckily I had an excess in time before the next flight and I manage to get my bag back. Otherwise I would have missed 3 flights automatically because I couldn't travel for work without my bag and all valuables in it. So, overall, very bad experience with Turkish Airlines. Will never use these airlines again.

On my flight the menus showed different food and different was available. I think that was a miscommunication maybe. Other than that flight was wonderful.

Request for “strict vegan” as in the airlines meal selection was not strictly adhered to. My two travelling partners with their Asian vegetarian meals said that their meals were not Asian.

We waited 4 hours in the flight to take off but then the flight was cancelled.

It was ok. This flight was for my 80 year old grandparents and when they arrived to Beirut no wheelchair (as requested) was waiting for them. My grandpa had to pick up his own luggage, he got soooo tired. No one to help him as we submitted the request ahead of time

Terrible seats are very uncomfortable and narrow. Really hard time eating and painful buttons.. crew was very rud not allow anyone to stand not even to go to the toilets

The flight was mostly on time, smooth and deplaning was quick. Baggage was really quick at the claim. Comfort was so-so and I paid for economy plus. It was still too crowded and why was a family of 5 scattered all around the plane?

Great checkin experience and flight crew were very friendly and helpful

Pot and crew did a tremendous job landing in Savannah in the middle of the tropical storm. !!

Exceptional, I’d like to specifically recognize Robert for his outstanding customer service. He is professional, pleasant, and personable.

Our flight was delayed several times. It left 9 hours after scheduling. We had to sleep in the airport.

We boarded and buckled and then deplaned due to no pilot. Had to wait over 3 hours for a new pilot. Not weather related, just poor management.

Flying to anchorage would have been cool but the weather got in the way

It’s a service to take you from one point to another. No frills. You want it, you take it. It’s upon you to bring food, reading material, games to play, movies to watch, etc. The wifi onboard never works - so you cannot even listen to any podcasts, music, or get updated news feeds. The toilet is a mess, and a four flight does not need any hygienic interventions when people either splatter their pee all over the seats or on the floor. It’s a monopolized service and so smile and bear it.

Didn't make it dir to delays - no support from United staff

A/C still wasn't working. Luckily it was only a 14 minute flight

I missed it , and waiting for next flight when writing.

Boing 747-8’s are showing their age. The seat back screens are somewhat unresponsive. Even putting the seat “in its original and upright position” required assistance from the guy behind me-after I helped the lady in front of me! I left a ball cap on board. I’ll be flying back in four weeks. I wonder if Lufthansa has a list a found for that kind of stuff in Frankfurt?

Horrible. My gate did not get updated with our boarding pass. We didn’t receive any communication regarding gate change. Also not enough time was given in between flights. Zero consideration for people who are coming from abroad and have to get through customs and US border patrol

LH is not customer service oriented. Stewardess and ground staff are opinated snd condescending, airplanes are old with small screens with bad non responsive and annoying touch screens; overall they can't compete with Asian and Middle East airlines such as Brunei, Thai, Emirates, Qatar, etc.

I liked that the chairs don't go back too far. I did not like the entertainment system, which was really terrible by industry standards. The crew were unpleasant. The main meal was terrible, the morning meal was quite good.

I will not fly them again. Late flight ( no communication as to why)… no one even remotely working to help those with connections that are very narrow off the plane in a hurry … NO ONE understood how to move … and 1/2 the plane was running to connections. I missed mine. Total pain in the arse. A 12 hour trip in total took like 20 hours…. Horrible. 1st Lufthansa flight - and will try not to book them again

It wasn't clear that there will be additional charge for checked in baggage. Very, very disappointed making me pay extra $75. Food was not tasty and not healthy. Lufthansa used to be good, not any more. Unfortunately has gone down big time and continues to go down.

Numerous delays, missed connections flight. Then connection flights were late as well

Boarding was haphazard after people with small children or walking difficulties

The airplane was as hot as a sauna upon boarding. I was dripping with sweat. Something needs to be done about that.

First leg delay, rescheduled second leg without our approval, cancelled rescheduled second leg, rescheduled cancelled leg to three days later...

Flight was 2.5 hours late. Could not have made the connection in London, but later found out it had been cancelled. Getting reticketed in London for the flight to Geneva went well after I figured out what to do.

It was better than usual. I try to avoid American if possible.

So very uncomfortable! The seats were dreadful and the space in a middle seat was too small. I don’t know what I would have done if I were 6 ft. Tall. I feel like the airline deliberately made the seats so close together for the purpose of selling the more expensive seats. Economy is on thing, but there should be a minimum standard of care. The meals were taste free and soggy. I can choose not to eat the meal, but I was trapped in the seat- so overall the lack of seat comfort is the biggest issue on such a long flight. I have flown overseas British airways, although about 10 years ago, and it was a fine experience quite unlike this flight.

American canceled the flight rescheduled so that the connection to niece was missed said they would give a hotel voucher and food voucher; however, upon arrival my mother in law (in her late 70s and an inexperienced and nervous traveler) was informed there were no hotels available and she was to stay 24 hours in the terminal. She asked for additional food vouchers which was denied. She lost 20% of her time in Nice. Further, given her travel anxieties and lack of experience we had arranged a meet and greet pick up in France, which was €280 and canceled without refund as of the result of the missed flight connection. Additionally, we had to pay for our hotel that was not stayed in. In all, we lost ~$600 or more. Further the airline staff related to the rebooking and accommodation process did not give helpful information and was unacceptably rude. I promise we will never fly American or British Airways again. It was atrocious - honestly I was shocked at the unprofessionalism.

Our flight from ORD was cancelled and BA rebooked is on a flight that originated before the time that they booked us on it. They did not realize we were already arrived in Chicago. Then American Airlines helped us get checked in to the new flight (the one BA assigned to us) which flight we did take although it was delayed about 2 hours, and our assigned seats that we paid for - on the original flight- were lost we did at least get to sit together. It was not too painful for all the changes and we made it to the UK alright though all in all with all the delays and cancellations the flight took about 20 hours to get us here.

Nothing. BA flight was late. Missed connection and lost luggage. A disaster.

though there was space in the cabin they asked us to check in our trolleys. As a result lots of things arrived damaged in Larnaca. They were fragile. When we asked the attendants why that.....they said talk to the captain!!! Unbelievable!

My long haul flight had all the room and comfort of a budget short haul Is this BA’s standard now? Like every non descript budget airline

I mentioned in advance that I am gluten free, however, they did not have any options on the plane for me. That was disappointing. Otherwise, the flight was totally fine.

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Ancient Prehistoric Town Discovered in Bulgaria: Europe's Oldest Settlement

Remarkable archaeological findings near varna, bulgaria.

I n October 2012, archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery near Varna, Bulgaria unearthing what is now considered Europe’s oldest prehistoric town. Dating back to 4,700 – 4,200 BC, this ancient settlement provides a unique glimpse into early human civilization, showcasing advanced architectural and societal structures.

Unearthing Ancient Structures

The excavation, led by Vasil Nikolov from the National Institute of Archaeology , has revealed a range of remarkable structures including two-story houses, ritual pits, gate components, bastions, and fortified walls. These findings in Bulgaria have been meticulously carbon-dated, confirming their antiquity and significance.

The more than 6,000-year-old mouthless prehistoric “alien” mask from the first prehistoric salt production center in Europe, located in Provadia, Northeast Bulgaria might have been a status symbol. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Unique Characteristics of the Settlement

Unlike ancient cities found in Greece or Rome, this prehistoric town exhibits unique characteristics. Krum Bachvarov, a fellow archaeologist, describes the site as “extremely interesting,” particularly because of the unique burial positions and grave artifacts which differ from other Neolithic sites in Bulgaria. The large stone walls surrounding the settlement are unprecedented in prehistoric excavations in Southeast Europe, indicating a highly organized and advanced community.

The Economic Power of Salt

One of the most fascinating aspects of this ancient town is its connection to salt production. Provadia-Solnitsata, the settlement’s name, was strategically located near some of the largest rock-salt deposits in Southeast Europe. This valuable resource made the town a major center for salt production and trade. Starting around 5,500 BC, inhabitants began boiling salty water from springs using dome kilns, remnants of which have been discovered within the settlement.

Provadia Solnitsata salt production. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Carbon dating conducted in a Glasgow laboratory has confirmed these early salt production activities. Nikolov noted that salt production saw a significant increase between 4,700 – 4,500 BC, with output rising from 25 kilograms to between 4,000 to 5,000 kilos. This economic strength likely contributed to the wealth found in the Varna Necropolis graves, dating back to 4,300 BC.

Wealth and Legacy

The town’s economic prosperity is further evidenced by the discovery of over 3,000 pieces of ancient jewelry, making it one of the richest prehistoric sites in terms of artifacts. Despite its historical wealth, the excavation has faced significant funding challenges. Nikolov has managed to continue the work through private donations and international collaboration, including volunteer experts and radiocarbon specialists from Germany.

Significance of the Discovery in Bulgaria

This ancient settlement, with its advanced architecture and early salt production techniques, provides a compelling reason to explore southeastern Bulgaria. The findings not only offer a window into early European civilization but also highlight the region’s historical importance. The discovery of Europe’s oldest prehistoric town near Varna is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors, shedding light on their complex societal structures and economic practices.

The post Ancient Prehistoric Town Discovered in Bulgaria: Europe’s Oldest Settlement appeared first on World Footprints .

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Bulgaria faces another snap vote as latest bid to form new government fails

President of the Balkan nation expected to call for new vote after three parties fail to garner enough support to govern.

Bulgaria is heading for its seventh parliamentary elections in three years after the last of three political parties tapped by President Rumen Radev to form a coalition government failed due to lack of support.

The Balkan country has been plagued by revolving-door governments since anticorruption protests in 2020 helped topple a coalition led by the centre-right populist GERB party.

Keep reading

Bulgaria’s gerb tasked with forming minority government, bulgarians vote for new parliament amid distrust and fatigue, eu states announce formal recognition of palestinian state.

The small populist ITN party, which was tasked with forming a new government by Radev a week ago, returned its mandate on Monday. In talks with other parties, it was unable to persuade 121 of the 240 lawmakers required to support the formation of a government.

After a meeting with Radev, Toshko Yordanov, chairman of the ITN parliamentary group, told reporters on Monday that the parties were unable to find common ground on forming a new government.

“The political wisdom of one party was not enough to make a decision, … so we return the mandate unfulfilled,” said Yordanov, whose party came sixth in the last elections held in June, winning just 16 seats in the 240-member parliament.

Radev must now appoint a caretaker prime minister and has days to call another snap parliamentary election.

“The spiral of inconclusive elections continues, … and [it] not only causes irritation but also unlocks a number of destructive processes,” Radev said.

“I appeal for a meaningful political debate and fair play in the weeks ahead. Otherwise, we are doomed to repeat procedures that more and more people see as pointless,” he added.

GERB, currently the largest party in parliament, and the reformist We Continue the Change (PP) had each failed to form a stable coalition after the inconclusive June 8 elections .

They were triggered by the collapse in March of a coalition comprising GERB, which had held power for much of the previous 15 years, and the PP.

GERB came first in the June vote, winning 68 seats, while the PP secured 39.

Bulgaria, the European Union’s poorest member state and one of its most corrupt, needs a period of stable government to improve the flow of EU funds into its creaking infrastructure.

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