TRAVELLING TO BULGARIA

You must hold a passport with at least six months validity. All Irish and other EU nationals are permited to stay in Bulgaria for 90 days without a visa. UK, US, Candian, Israeli visitors are permitted to stay without a visa for a maximum of 30 days, within a six month period, counting from the first date of entry. If you wish to extend your stay, or would like a business visa please check prior to departure with the Bulgarian Embassy.

Within 48 hours of your arrival,by law,you must register with the local police station. This is not a complicated procedure, and only applies if you are staying with friends or in your own accommodation. If you book into a hotel, you need not worry as they automatically do this for you.

Visa info:

www.british-embassy.bg , e-mail: britembinfo@mail.orbitel.bg

9 Moskovska Str., Sofia Tf:00-359-2- 933 92 22 Fax: 00-359-2-933-9250

Irish honorary consul

55, AL.Stambuliski Blvd. 1301 Sofia Tel: 00-359-2-980-0642 Fax: 00-359-2-981-5389

www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk

186-188 Queen's Gate London SW7 5HL Tf:0870-060-2350/0870-060-2351


Bulgarian Airports:

www.sofia-airport.bg/

www.varna-airport.bg/

www.bourgas-airport.com/main.htm

There are frequent flights to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, from Heathrow and Gatwick. You can fly direct to Sofia with British Airways or Bulgarian Airlines and many other European airlines fly an indirect service.

Direct scheduled flights:

British airways www.ba.com

Bulgaria air www.air.bg/en/


Indirect scheduled flights:

Austrian airlines www.aua.com/uk/eng

Lufthansa www.cms.lufthansa.com/fly/de/en/index

Czech airlines Bulgaria air www.czeckairlines.co.uk

Turkish airlines Bulgaria air www.turkishairlines.com/en/index.php

Malev Bulgaria air www.malev.hu/bp/eng/index.asp

Air france Bulgaria air www.airfrance.com/uk


Charter flights:

During the summer season you are able to fly into Burgas or Varna airports with charter companies. Both airports are located on the Black Sea Coast. In the winter months charter companies also fly into Plovdiv, which serves the Pamporovo ski resort. With the ongoing development of tourism in Bulgaria it is expected that chater flights to Burgas and Varna will be extended to run throughout the year.

Internal Flights:

Flights within Bulgaria are operated by Hemus Air - www.hemusair.bg
(An option worth considering if facing a 6 hour drive from Sofia to the coast).

TRANSPORT WITHIN BULGARIA

Expat Bulgaria are able to arrange for you to be collected from your chosen arrival airport and drive you to the accommodation of your choice. Price of the Expat Bulgaria collection service is

€ 0.30 per km

Alternatively, you may choose:

Car rentals:

Mayor international car rental companies have offices at all the airports.

Taxi:

If arriving at Sofia airport, we recommend you use a company known as "O.K. Supertrans". They have a booth in arrivals hall, straight infrot of you as you exit customs. If you use any other company, it is more than probable that you will be overcharged.

www.oktaxi.net ( for english version look at bottom left of page)

Coach:

Coach services operate daily from Sofia to all regions of Bulgaria. Prices are very competitive. For example, the price from Sofia to the Jambol region, approximately 300km, will cost in the region of £5.00 one way and the journey time is 4 hours.It is also a very good way to meet the locals.

( Expat Bulgaria can arrange for you to be booked on a coach )

EXPAT BULGARIA
GUIDE TO APPLYING FOR A VISA D

Bulgarian Embassy London

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, 186-188 Queen's Gate London, SW7 5HL
phone: 0870 060 2350,0870 0602351, fax: 020 7584 4948
e-mail: info@bulgarianembassy.org.uk. Where possible, please contact the relevant department.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 09.00 - 18.00
Consular Section Admission Hours: 9.30 - 13.00 hrs, Monday to Friday
24 Hour Automated Booking System: tel. 090 6554 0750
24 Hour Visa Information Service: tel. 090 6550 8950
24 Hour Fax on Demand Visa Application Form Service: tel. 090 6554 0819
Individual Inquiries on Submitted Applications: tel. 020 7589 3763 (13.00-15.00)
Consular Section Fax: 020 7581 9073

Step One

Download a Visa D Application form. This can be located from the Bulgarian Embassy site as stated above. Complete one form per application. Accompany the necessary documentation with the application:

• Application Form
• Passport
• Two passport size photographs
• Birth Certificate *
• Marriage Certificate *
• Company Registration – Court Decision – Blue Stamped
• Deeds for your property – Blue Stamped
• Bulgarian Social Security Details – BulStat Certificate
• Bulgarian National Insurance Number
• Tax Registration Certificate
• Business Bank Account Statement
• If pensioner (documentation regarding British pension)

Step Two

You will note that items 2 & 3 are identified with an *. These documents require verification of their authenticity by a Solicitor and the British Foreign Office. The British Foreign Office charge £19.00 per copy for verification and this will be done whilst you wait. You can select your own solicitor or one is located close to the Foreign Office. The average charge is £ 6.00 per copy.

Step Three

Once you have compiled all the above information you contact the Bulgarian Embassy on the number above. This contact number is automated and does not always guarantee you an appointment. However, you must persist. Make the appointment. You will be asked to leave your name, address and passport number for each application required. Confirmation of this appointment will be sent to you. This letter must be taken with you on your appointment day.

Step Four

Your appointment. Ensure that you have all the relevant documentation (items 1 -13), your invitation letter from the Embassy and the Visa D Application fee.

Your application should take approximately four weeks. You may leave your passport or return when the Visa D has been granted for the passport to be stamped.