Bulgaria is a country in the heart of the Balkans, known for its ancient fortresses, medieval towns, modern resorts, and rich traditions. Here you can visit Old Plovdiv with its ancient theaters and colorful houses, stroll through the narrow streets of Sofia with its churches and palaces, or enjoy the beauty of the Rila Monastery and the Rila and Pirin Mountains. Bulgaria is the birthplace of famous writers and musicians, delicious banitsa, traditional cheeses and wines, as well as vibrant festivals and fairs. The country combines a rich history, Orthodox and cultural traditions, hospitality, and stunning nature, making it the perfect choice for your first trip to the Balkans.

Key Facts About Bulgaria

Capital:

Sofia

Phone code:

+359

Language:

Bulgarian

Visa regime:

Visa-free 90 days

Time zone:

(CEST), UTC+3

Currency:

Bulgarian lev

Population:

7,36 million

Popular destinations

Odesa

Varna Select

Varna

Odesa Select

Odesa

Sofia Select

Sofia

Odesa Select

Odesa

Slanchev Bryag Select

Slanchev Bryag

Odesa Select

Crossing the border with Bulgaria

When traveling to Bulgaria, it is important to know the entry rules, customs control requirements, and prepare all necessary documents.

Visa-free regime with Bulgaria

Duration of stay: up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa.
Entry document: biometric passport of a citizen of Ukraine. The passport must be valid for the entire period of stay.

Documents that may be checked at the border with Bulgaria

Biometric international passport (required).
Confirmation of the purpose of the trip: hotel reservation, voucher from a travel agency, invitation from relatives/friends, return tickets.
Proof of financial capacity - cash, bank statement, payment card or traveler's checks. Recommended amount - from 50 euros per day of stay.
Medical insurance policy with coverage of €30,000 or more (mandatory for entry into Bulgaria).

Customs control and import of goods into Bulgaria

When crossing the Bulgarian border, documents and luggage may be inspected. Allowed duty-free norms (for entry from non-EU countries):

Alcohol: up to 1 liter of spirits (>22%) or 2 liters of drinks up to 22%, as well as up to 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer.
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco.
Other goods - up to €300 in total value (for land entry).

Import is prohibited or restricted:

Weapons, pyrotechnics, some types of knives.
Animal products (meat, dairy products) without special permission.
Medicines containing narcotic substances without a prescription.

Traveling with children to Bulgaria

Each child must have their own international passport. If the child is traveling with one of the parents or with other persons, a notarized permission from the other parent or both parents is required (indicating the country of travel and the period of travel).

Importing animals into Bulgaria

An EU veterinary passport is required, indicating the microchip, rabies vaccination and general health. The vaccination must be done at least 21 days before entry.

Tips for bus passengers

Keep your documents and valuables with you, not in the luggage compartment. Be prepared for possible checks not only at the Bulgarian border, but also during transit through Romania, Serbia or other countries. Make sure your luggage does not contain prohibited items.

Official information resources

We advise you to be responsible when traveling abroad and to familiarize yourself with the current legislation and regulations in advance, as well as with answers to questions about legal stay in Bulgaria.

State Border Service of Ukraine (SBSU)
Official website: dpsu.gov.ua
Here you can find current border crossing rules, information about travel bans for certain categories of citizens.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA)
Official website: mfa.gov.ua
The MFA provides information about diplomatic missions, consular services, and current news.
Embassy of Ukraine in Bulgaria
Official website: bulgaria.mfa.gov.ua
You can contact the embassy for help in case of loss of documents or other urgent problems.
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria
Official website: mvr.bg
Official border crossing rules, entry conditions and current news are published here.

Useful Articles About Bulgaria

Travel tips • Reading time: 6 min

TOP 5 cities in Bulgaria that can be reached by bus

Traveling by bus from Ukraine to Bulgaria is easy and convenient today, as transport companies provide comfort, safety and convenient schedules. In this article, we will talk about the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria that are worth visiting, and we will pay attention to resort cities in Bulgaria and cities in Bulgaria by the sea, so that your trip is as rich and enjoyable as possible. Bus routes allow you to plan your trips without any worries and stop in the cities that best suit your tourist preferences, be it historical monuments, beaches or cultural events. That is why we have prepared a rating of the top 5 cities in Bulgaria that can be easily visited by bus, combining the comfort of travel with exciting experiences.

Andrii Vovk • November 13, 2025

Travel tips • Reading time: 9 min

Rules for entering Bulgaria for Ukrainians: list of documents and requirements

When planning a trip to Bulgaria - a country of warm seas, historic cities and mountain resorts - it is important to familiarize yourself with the current entry rules in advance. Document requirements, border crossing conditions and duration of stay may change depending on the international situation and bilateral agreements. Knowing these nuances will help you avoid unpleasant surprises during your trip: from refusal of entry to delays at the border. In this article, we will take a detailed look at what documents Ukrainians need to enter Bulgaria, what the rules of stay are, and what to consider to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

Andrii Vovk • November 13, 2025

Travel tips • Reading time: 16 min

All about temporary protection in Bulgaria for Ukrainians

For many people who left Ukraine because of the war, Bulgaria has become one of the countries where you can legally stay, work, register your child for school, and receive basic state support. That is why queries like Bulgaria for Ukrainians, temporary protection in Bulgaria, and does Bulgaria accept refugees from Ukraine remain relevant in 2026. At the same time, the topic requires a cautious approach. The rules of temporary protection in the EU and in Bulgaria have been updated repeatedly, and some of the advice on the Internet is already outdated. This article contains basic information on how to obtain temporary protection in Bulgaria, who is entitled to this status, what rights it gives, how the re-registration of documents works and what official sources should be relied on. The material is prepared in an informational format and does not replace individual legal advice. Updated: as of 04/22/2026. To check the current rules, use the official resources: Bulgaria for Ukraine – temporary protection , Bulgaria for Ukraine – your legal status , Bulgaria for Ukraine – social support , Bulgaria for Ukraine – access to the labour market , Bulgaria for Ukraine – education , Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Bulgaria and Council of the EU .

Andrii Vovk • September 23, 2026

Top Interesting Places in Bulgaria

St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

4.5 (6709)

4.5 (9668)

4.7 (2025)

4.3 (10846)

Top Restaurants in Bulgaria

SKAPTO-ISKAR 11A

4.7 (2694)

Sofia, Bulgaria

“The Old Sailor” Restaurant

4.6 (2077)

Nessebar, Bulgaria

“Hajidraganovite Kashti”

4.3 (1939)

Sofia, Bulgaria

“The Lucky One Vitosha”

3.9 (2686)

Sofia, Bulgaria

Ticket booking	+38 (098) 343-82-82
Support	+38 (050) 082-82-82

Hand luggage (HL)	1 units. The linear dimensions of the HL should not exceed 100 cm (height + width + length). Maximum weight - 5 kg. HL is located under the passenger seat or on the luggage rack. It is forbidden to place the HL in the aisle of the bus.
Standard luggage (СБМ)	1 units. The linear dimensions of the SBM should not exceed 160 cm (height + width + length), including wheels, pockets and handles. Maximum weight – 23 кг.
Baby carriage	1 units. For transportation of a child under 3 years old who is a passenger of this bus on the selected flight. Counts as 1 piece of baggage and is transported in the baggage compartment folded and with wheels securely packed (as packaging, you can use a case, plastic film or other dense material)
Wheelchair	1 units. For a passenger who is a person with a disability. Counts as 1 piece of baggage and is transported in the baggage compartment, folded and with wheels securely packed/ (case, plastic film and other dense material can be used as packaging).

Extra baggage (international flight):	Standard luggage (400.00 грн) Linear dimensions should not exceed 160 cm (height + width + length), including wheels, pockets and handles. Maximum weight - 23 kg. It is possible to purchase 1 additional piece of baggage per passenger
Animals (with provision of a separate seat) (100% of the cost of an adult ticket)	If you want to take an animal with you, it must be placed in a cage with a solid bottom, the linear dimensions of which will not exceed 110 cm. Familiarize yourself with the rules for crossing the state border for animals, the necessary certificates and documents are indicated there. You must have them when you board and on the way. Your animal should be placed by the window, your place is closer to the aisle. A full ticket is purchased per animal.
Bike (400.00 грн)	Bicycles are accepted folded and with securely packed wheels (you can use a cover, plastic wrap and other dense material as packaging).
Oversized (%)	Transportation of oversized baggage is carried out only in agreement with the carrier. The price is negotiated upon coordination of transportation (if there is free space in the luggage compartment).

Hand luggage (HL)	The linear dimensions of the HL should not exceed 100 cm (height + width + length). Maximum weight - 5 kg. HL is located under the passenger seat or on the luggage rack. It is forbidden to place the HL in the aisle of the bus.
Standard Baggage(SB)	The linear dimensions of the SB should not exceed 160 cm (height + width + length), including wheels, pockets and handles. Maximum weight - 23 kg
Baby carriage	For transportation of a child under 3 years old who is a passenger of this bus on the selected flight. Counts as 1 piece of baggage and is transported in the baggage compartment folded and with wheels securely packed (you can use a cover, plastic wrap and other dense material as packaging)
Wheelchair	For a passenger who is a person with a disability. Counts as 1 piece of baggage and is transported in the baggage compartment folded and with wheels securely packed (you can use a cover, plastic wrap and other dense material as packaging).

Standard Baggage(SB) (150.00 грн)	The linear dimensions of the SB should not exceed 160 cm (height + width + length) including wheels, pockets. Maximum weight - 23 kg. It is possible to purchase 1 additional piece of baggage per passenger.
Animals (with provision of a separate seat) (100% of the cost of an adult ticket)	If you want to take an animal with you, it must be placed in a cage with a solid bottom, the linear dimensions of which will not exceed 110 cm. Familiarize yourself with the rules for crossing the state border for animals, the necessary certificates and documents are indicated there. You must have them when you board and on the way. Your animal should be placed by the window, your place is closer to the aisle. A full ticket is purchased per animal.
Bicycle (300.00 UAH)	Bicycles are accepted folded and with securely packed wheels (you can use a cover, plastic wrap and other dense material as packaging).
Oversized(%)	Transportation of oversized baggage is carried out only in agreement with the carrier. The price is negotiated upon coordination of transportation (if there is free space in the luggage compartment).