Bulgaria

Singaporeans can visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days – within 180 days from their initial date of entry into Bulgaria – without a visa, provided that no employment is sought. Travellers should note that Bulgaria is not part of the Schengen Area, but holders of valid Schengen visas have the right to enter in reside in Bulgaria for a period of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period from the date of the first entry, without needing to have a Bulgarian short-stay visa.

As immigration requirements can change at short notice, travellers are advised to contact their travel agent or the Embassy of Bulgaria in Jakarta (embassy.jakarta@mfa.bg, +62 21 390 4048, +62 21 391 3130, or in case of emergency, +62 81296000691), which also covers Singapore, for the latest information.

Please note that due to COVID-19, all consular services offered by the Bulgarian Embassy in Jakarta are by prior appointment (by phone or email) only. For more information, please visit https://www.mfa.bg/en/embassyinfo/indonesia.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, does occur. Be aware of your surroundings and take care of your belongings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing jewellery. If you are driving, lock your vehicle and keep your belongings out of sight. Thieves have been known to puncture tires and steal items when they ‘offer assistance’ to foreigners. Break-ins at hotel rooms have occurred; ensure all windows and doors are locked before leaving each day.

Credit card fraud is common. Keep your credit card in sight when performing transactions. Check ATMs for card skimming devices. Travellers have been charged exorbitant prices, especially in night clubs and bars. Ensure that credit card charges are accurate before signing, keep all receipts, and verify against your credit card statements.

Use metered taxis with clearly marked rates as taxi drivers are known to overcharge unwary travellers.

Drug offences carry heavy penalties. Pack your own luggage and do not accept ‘gifts’ from strangers or new acquaintances.

Drunken behaviour is also dealt with severely. Avoid disorderly behavior in public.

It is illegal to wear clothing that partially or fully covers one’s face in public. Offenders can be fined.

It is illegal to photograph some buildings. If in doubt, check with the local authorities.

Driving: Headlights must be switched on at all times, even during the day. Exercise caution while driving, especially at night as many roads are in poor condition and are often dimly-lit. There is a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. To drive on toll roads, travellers need to purchase a special sticker from a post office, petrol station, large banks or at the border. Failure to display a valid sticker may result in a fine. In the winter months, cars must be properly equipped (e.g. snow chains, winter tyres). Purchase travel insurance that covers vehicle incidents before departure.

Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.