Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

• Web:

  home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en

• More info:

  Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Zone, having fully joined on January 1, 2025.

Sofia International Airport

Sofia International Airport is located 10 kilometres away from Sofia city. There are shuttles running between the two terminals every 30 minutes. There are two bus lines, 84 and 384, that run between Sofia Airport and they city centre. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and tickets can be bought in newspaper kiosks (or the ticket machine in Terminal 1). Metro line 1 runs directly to the airport. Change to line 2 to reach all major central districts of Sofia, as well as the central railway station. Journey time is about 30 minutes. Taxis and car rental companies are available for hire at the airport.

• Web:

  www.sofia-airport.bg

• Address:

  Sofia International Airport, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 2 937 2211

Public Transport

Sofia has a network of public transport options that will enable the visitor to easily get around the city and its surrounding suburbs. The fastest and most convenient way to travel from one point to another is by metro. The two lines cross at the Serdika station. Tickets are sold in machines at the entrance to each metro station. There is also a network of buses and trams that run around the city. Tickets for those can be bought in advance or directly inside, in which case the ticket ws valid for that particular vehicle. Urban Mobility Centre +35 9700 13233 www.sofiatraffic.bg Bulgarian State Railways +35 9700 10200 www.bdz.bg

• Web:

  www.metropolitan.bg

Taxi

There are a dozen of big taxi companies operating in Sofia. You can call and order a taxi or hail one down the street. Green Taxi +359 878332810 Yellow 333 Taxi +359 29311952 OK Supertrans +359 2 973 21 21

• Web:

  www.oktaxi.net

Electricity

In Bulgaria, the standard power outlets are Type F and Type C which are compatible with most European plugs. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.

Pharmacy

You can easily find a pharmacy in Sofia. Ask you hotel for assistance if you need help finding one. You can normally find everything from medicine and cosmetics to food and other products. Remedium 1 15 Dobruzhda Street +359 2 981 3129 Mon-Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 9am-8pm Pharmacies Adonis 10A Han Presiyan +359 2 958 6354 Open 24 hours