Entry & Visa

EU Citizens

Bulgaria has been an EU member since 2007 and part of the Schengen Area (air and sea borders) since 2024. As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa — a valid ID card or passport is sufficient. Children need their own identification document.

Stay: Unlimited for EU citizens. For stays over 3 months: registration with the local police is recommended.

Swiss Citizens

Same regulations as EU citizens — passport or ID is sufficient, no visa required.

Currency & Payment

The currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), pegged to the Euro: 1€ = 1.9558 BGN. Euro adoption is planned for the coming years.

• Card Payment: Widespread in Sofia, Plovdiv, and along the coast. In rural areas, small restaurants, and markets, cash is often needed.
• ATMs (Банкомат): Available everywhere. Watch out for your bank's fees. Never accept the "conversion to Euro" at the ATM (Dynamic Currency Conversion) — always withdraw in BGN!
• Exchange Offices: Be cautious with exchange offices in tourist areas — some charge hidden fees. Best option: withdraw cash at an ATM.