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Bulgaria Practical Travel Info

Visa rules, the switch to the euro, safety, and getting connected.

Bulgaria became a full Schengen member — air, sea, and land borders — on January 1, 2025, so most Western passport holders (US, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand) enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, the same rule as the rest of the Schengen area. On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria adopted the euro, retiring the Bulgarian lev — prices are now in EUR. It remains one of the cheapest countries in the EU, and is rated a safe, low-risk destination overall.

Two genuinely big things changed for travelers to Bulgaria right around now: it finished joining Schengen (land borders included, as of January 2025) and it swapped its currency for the euro (as of January 2026). Both make this an easier trip than it would have been a couple of years ago. Here's what you actually need to know before you land.

Bulgaria Visa & Entry Requirements (2026)
Practical Info

Bulgaria Visa & Entry Requirements (2026)

Bulgaria is now full Schengen — here's exactly what that means for your passport.

Money, Safety & eSIM in Bulgaria
Practical Info

Money, Safety & eSIM in Bulgaria

Euros now, genuinely low prices, and how to avoid the one common scam.

Questions people actually ask

Do I need a visa for Bulgaria?
As of 2026, Bulgaria is a full Schengen member, so the standard Schengen rule applies: most Western passport holders (US, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and many others) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Check the current rule for your specific passport, and note that time spent in Bulgaria now counts toward your total Schengen days.
Is Bulgaria safe to visit?
Yes — Bulgaria is rated a safe, low-risk destination for travelers, with violent crime against tourists rare. The real nuisances are petty theft and taxi overcharging in busy areas of Sofia and the Black Sea coast, not serious crime.
What currency does Bulgaria use?
The euro, as of January 1, 2026 — Bulgaria retired the Bulgarian lev (BGN) after adopting the euro at a fixed rate of 1.95583 lev per euro. Leftover lev cash can still be exchanged for euros free of charge at Bulgarian banks for a transition period.