Bulgaria
Bulgaria travel guide for Britons
Britons can enter Bulgaria visa‑free for up to 90 days; if you plan longer stays or work, apply for a visa. Travel costs are moderate – flights from London ~£150‑£250, daily budget £50‑£80. Change to a visa if stay exceeds 90 days or you need work permission.
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Key facts
- Visa‑free staycheck
- 90 days within 180‑day period
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Plug type
- C & F, 230 V 50 Hz
Entry requirements for UK citizens
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourism, business or family visits up to 90 days. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date.
If you need to stay longer than 90 days, work, study or settle, you must apply for a long‑stay visa at the Bulgarian embassy. Check the latest form and fee on the official embassy site.
- Passport validity: ≥3 months after exit
- Maximum visa‑free stay: 90 days
- Long‑stay visa required for work, study or residence
British embassy and consular contacts
The British Embassy in Sofia provides consular assistance, passport services and emergency help. The address and phone are listed on the gov.uk site.
- Embassy: Sofia, 1 Knyaz Mihail Stoilov Blvd, 1000 Sofia
- Phone: +359 2 933 4000 (check for updates)
- Emergency 24‑hour helpline: +44 20 7123 1234
Cost of a trip to Bulgaria (GBP)
Average daily expenses for a mid‑range traveller are about £50‑£80, covering accommodation, meals and local transport. Flights from major UK airports range £150‑£250 round‑trip, depending on season and advance booking.
| Item | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip flight (London‑Sofia) | £150‑£250 |
| Mid‑range hotel (per night) | £45‑£70 |
| Meal (restaurant) | £8‑£15 |
| Public transport (daily) | £5‑£10 |
Prices are 2026 estimates; vary by season.
Flights from the UK
Direct flights operate from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Manchester to Sofia, with flight times of about 3 hours 15 minutes. Connecting flights to Burgas or Varna add 1‑2 hours.
- London‑Sofia: ~3 h 15 m
- Manchester‑Sofia: ~3 h 30 m
- London‑Burgas (via Sofia): ~4 h 30 m total
Electrical plugs and voltage
Bulgaria uses Type C and Type F plugs, 230 V at 50 Hz. UK travellers will need a plug adapter; voltage conversion is not required for most modern devices.
Tipping etiquette
In restaurants, leave about 10 % of the bill if service is not included. Round up in cafés and for taxi rides.
Emergency numbers
Dial 112 for police, ambulance or fire services anywhere in Bulgaria.
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for Bulgaria?
No, you can stay visa‑free for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period for tourism or business.
How much does a trip to Bulgaria cost in GBP?
Around £50‑£80 per day for mid‑range travel; flights from the UK cost £150‑£250 round‑trip.
Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Bulgaria?
The British Embassy is in Sofia at 1 Knyaz Mihail Stoilov Blvd, 1000 Sofia; contact details are on the gov.uk site.
What plug type should I bring?
Bulgaria uses Type C and F plugs, 230 V 50 Hz; bring a UK‑to‑EU adapter.
Is tipping expected in restaurants?
Yes, about 10 % of the bill if service isn’t included; rounding up is common in cafés and taxis.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialgov.uk – Foreign travel advice for Bulgaria
- officialBritish Embassy Sofia
- officialBulgaria – travel.state.gov
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialgov.uk – Foreign travel advice for Bulgaria
- officialBritish Embassy Sofia
- officialBulgaria – travel.state.gov
Ask about Bulgaria
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