Bulgarien

Översikt

Bulgaria enjoys good relations with all its neighbours and with global powers, and has been extended membership to NATO and the EU, although relations with the EU remain strained due to Bulgaria’s lack of progress in tackling organised crime and corruption. International and domestic criminal organisations are involved in extortion, prostitution, drug and people trafficking, and continue to operate despite government efforts. Legitimate and illegitimate business can interlink making the legality and transparency of business operations difficult to determine. This interaction also blurs the line between acceptable and unacceptable business practices. Travellers are however unlikely to be directly affected by organised crime, but may be more susceptible to petty street crime.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-6 weeks prior to departing to Bulgaria. Travellers should have the following vaccines up to date: influenza, chickenpox, polio, MMR, and DPT. Hepatitis A and B and typhoid vaccines are also recommended.

Tick borne infections/diseases are a risk in Bulgaria. It is advisable to use insect repellent and long trousers if you are planning to be outside in rural areas.

Tap water is potable in major cities, but not advisable to drink in rural areas. If in doubt, purchase bottled water. It is also advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication. Avoid under or uncooked meats and produce, unpasteurized milk and milk products, and foods from street vendors.

Medical facilities in Bulgaria vary from modern and clean to old and outdated. Medical practitioners are generally well trained. EU citizens are covered for medical care so long as they provide a Eurocard or European Health Insurance Card from their national healthcare service. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services if you are not covered by an EU national healthcare service.

Basic medical supplies and over-the-counter and prescription medications are widely available, but highly specialised treatment may not be obtainable. Quality control of pharmaceuticals is generally in accord with EU standards. Most pharmacies are well supplied, though not all North American and Western European medications are obtainable in Bulgaria.

Pass

Visitors to Bulgaria must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.

Visum

Citizens of the following countries may enter Bulgaria for up to 90 days without a visa: All EU countries, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Macau, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA, and Venezuela. Those from other countries should consult with the Bulgarian Embassy in their country to establish visa requirements.

For additional information visit TLCS at http://www.tlcsvisas.com/tlcs/