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Bulgaria Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 15, 2024, bulgaria - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Bulgaria.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bulgaria.  

If you decide to travel to Bulgaria:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and X/Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Bulgaria.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Entry requirements for Bulgaria

As of September 1, 2021, passengers from the U.S. are prohibited from entering Bulgaria, unless they meet any of the following exceptions:

– Bulgarian nationals and permanent and long-term residents, as well as their family members; Please be advised HERE.

– Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation and their family members arriving from a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation;

– Medical professionals, medical researchers, social workers, and their supervisors when travelling is related to their duties;

– Workers involved in the supply of medical products, medical devices and personal protective equipment;

– Foreign officials (heads of state, government members, etc.) and their delegations, diplomats, members of the administrative and technical staff of foreign missions, employees of international organizations, military personnel, security officials, public order officials and humanitarian workers in the performance of their duties, as well as their family members;

– Persons travelling for humanitarian reasons as described in § 1, item 16 of the Law for the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria;

– Seasonal agricultural and tourism workers;

– Persons, who are to obtain a decree under the Bulgarian Citizenship Law for acquiring a Bulgarian citizenship, certified by a letter from the Ministry of Justice;

– Students with type “D” visas.

Persons who fall under an exception can enter Bulgaria by presenting a valid EU digital COVID certificate for vaccination or certificate of recovery, or a similar document, together with a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test conducted up to 72 hours before entering the country, certified by a valid EU digital COVID test certificate or similar document containing the same data.

A vaccination certificate isn’t required for children 12 -18 years of age.

Neither vaccination certificate, nor PCR test result is required for children up to 12 years.

The travel requirements are subject to review every two weeks.

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$213 Find Cheap Flights to Bulgaria

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to bulgaria departing on 11/13. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to bulgaria.

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Best Bulgaria Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking bulgaria flights, what is the best bulgaria airport to use if i plan to visit the bulgarian black sea coast.

The best airport to use will depend on the part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast you wish to visit. For the southern part of the coast, Burgas Airport (BOJ) is the closest airport. It is approximately 6.2 miles north of Burgas city center, a major city in the southern part of the coast. Varna Airport (VAR) is the closest airport to the northern part of the coast. It is approximately 5 miles west of the city center of Varna,  a major city in the northern part of the coast.

What are the passport and visa requirements for United States citizens traveling to Bulgaria?

Citizens of the United States must make sure they have a valid passport with them and ensure that this passport remains valid for at least 90 days beyond their departure date from Bulgaria. If you're traveling to the country as a tourist, there is no need to get a visa so long as you don't plan on staying for more than 90 days.

If I plan on renting a car when I arrive in Bulgaria, what child car seat laws must I know about before I start driving?

When driving with children in this country, children 24 months of age and younger need to travel in a rear-facing child seat, and then after four years old, they must travel in a forward-facing car seat. After four years old, children up to 12 years old need to travel in a booster seat or on a booster cushion.

What are my best options for flights to Bulgaria from the Western U.S.?

If you’re traveling to Bulgaria from the Western states, you'll find one-stop flights departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to SOF. Major airline providers on this route include Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.

What are some of the best ways I can fly from New York to Sofia?

Most travelers on this route will depart John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for their trip to Sofia Airport (SOF). On this particular route of flight, one of the quickest options is the one-stop flight offered by Austrian Airways, which has a layover at Vienna International Airport (VIE).

What public transportation options are available from Sofia Airport to Sofia city center?

The Line 1 Sofia Airport Metro Station train offers a quick and affordable connection to the city center. You’ll find a free shuttle from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 and the Airport Metro Station between 7 am and 7 pm. Lines 84 and 184 buses also offer an affordable option to Sofia city center from SOF. OK Supertrans taxis and car rentals are available at the airport.

What lounges are available at Sofia Airport?

If you’re looking for a place to relax after a long flight to Sofia, you can check into one of the lounges at SOF. Regardless of your travel class, you can check into Sofia Lounge, Preslav Lounge, or Pliska Lounge, where you’ll access comfortable spaces, free Wi-Fi, and a broad menu.

If I would like to travel to Bourgas, what is the quickest way I can get there from Boston?

When traveling from the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), passengers will find one-stop flights aboard a combination of United Airlines and Wizz Air that arrive at the Burgas Airport (BOJ) with a layover in London, where passengers will need to make their way from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to London Luton Airport (LTN).

If I am planning to travel to Bulgaria for the International Festival of the Masquerade Games, what will be my best route from Los Angeles?

If you are traveling to Bulgaria and the city of Pernik for this event that occurs at the beginning of the year, your best choice for travel will be to fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sofia Airport aboard one-stop flights offered by Lufthansa and then take buses provided by Kyustendil Municipality Transport to Pernik in around 36 minutes.

Which airport is closest to Kulinoto Ski Resort?

Travelers who wish to engage in some winter activities at Kulinoto Ski Resort in the Rhodope Mountains can fly into Plovdiv International Airport (PDV), approximately 50 miles from the resort. The drive from PDV to Kulinoto Ski Resort is approximately 1h 30min through the scenic Rhodope Mountains.  Different airlines offer seasonal flights and yearly connections to this destination from London Stansted Airport (STN).

What documents do I need to rent a car at Sofia Airport?

To rent a car at Sofia Airport, you must provide a valid driver’s license, a passport or ID, an international driving permit, and a major credit card in your name or that of your driver.

If I would like to visit the town of Koprivshtitsa in Bulgaria, what is the best way for me to travel there from San Francisco?

Most travelers that would like to make this trip will fly from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sofia Airport aboard one-stop flights offered by Turkish Airlines that have a layover at Istanbul Airport (IST). Once at the airport in Sofia, there is a bus service provided by Chelopech Municipal Buses that can make the trip to Koprivshtitsa in about 3 h.

How long is the flight to Bulgaria?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Bulgaria takes 17h 15m, covering a distance of 5530 miles. The most popular route is Chicago - Sofia with an average flight time of 12h 45m.

What is the cheapest flight to Bulgaria?

The cheapest ticket to Bulgaria from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $466. The most popular route is Chicago O'Hare Intl to Sofia and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $466.

What are the most popular destinations in Bulgaria?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Sofia (92% of total searches to Bulgaria). The next most popular destinations are Varna (6%) and Burgas (2%).Searches for flights to Plovdiv (0.1%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Bulgaria

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Bulgaria flight deals.
• If you wish to fly to Bulgaria from the Southeast, you’ll find different flights departing from Miami International Airport (MIA) in Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Georgia to Sofia Airport (SOF). Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz Air, Norse Atlantic, and Ryanair offer one-stop connections from MIA and MCO to SOF.
• If you are planning to travel to the Carnival of Humour and Satire in Gabrovo in May, you will want to fly to Sofia Airport (SOF) and then take buses from Union Ivkoni to Gabrovo in about 3 hours. If you will be leaving the United States from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), you can find one-stop flights aboard Lufthansa that have a layover at Frankfurt Am Main International Airport (FRA).
• A beautiful coastal city that is a popular destination for travelers from the United States heading to Bulgaria is the city of Varna. When departing from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), you can find two-stop flights to Varna Airport (VAR) aboard a combination of JetBlue and Turkish Airlines.
• SOF is the busiest airport in Bulgaria, served by other major airlines, and a major hub for the Bulgaria Air. The airport is the primary gateway to Bulgaria and is ideal for travelers visiting different places in the western half of Bulgaria.
• An airport in Bulgaria that offers easy access for passengers from the United States is the Plovdiv Airport (PDV). Passengers traveling from an airport in the western United States, such as Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), can find two-stop flights to this airport aboard a combination of JetBlue and Ryanair.
• Since there are no direct flights to Bulgaria from the U.S., several major airlines offer Business Class travel through connecting flights. United Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and Turkish Airlines are major airlines with Business Flights to Bulgaria from the U.S. through their connections. Enjoy amenities and services like comfortable seats, priority check-in and boarding, extra legroom, meals and drinks, and access to specific airport lounges.
• If you are traveling to the northern part of Bulgaria, another airport option can be the Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Romania. From Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), passengers can travel on two-stop flights operated by Delta Airlines to this airport.
• If you are making your way to western Bulgaria, a good airport option might be Skopje International Airport (SKP) in the Republic of Macedonia. When flying from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), you can find one-stop flights to this airport aboard Turkish Airlines.
• We're looking for the best way to get to the beautiful seaside city of Sozopol in Bulgaria, one of the best ways when traveling from the United States is to fly to the Varna Airport and then take a readily available shuttle service they can have you in Sozopol in around 2 hours. Passengers departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) can find two-stop flights aboard Austrian Airlines to this airport.
• For those travelers looking to visit the beautiful town of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria, a great way to travel from the United States is to fly to the Sofia Airport and then take a shuttle service that can have you in this town in about 3 h 30 min. When departing from Denver International Airport (DEN), you will find one-stop flights aboard Lufthansa.

Top 5 airlines flying to Bulgaria

Pleasant up to Vienna. Afterward (Vienna- Zagreb) was an horrific experience

Leg room and seat back not a good recline (middle seat)

It was very good, ,especially the working people in the plane, they are so polite.,thank you

They never gave any meal during the flight. We’ve flown for years and then doing this now is ridiculous.

Austrian airlines lost my bag in Vienna and it took 2 days to find it and deliver it to me

Again, delays. That route from VIE to RMO gets regular delay all the time.

They lost our luggage and there has been no news for 5 days. I called their office and they said they can’t help us, we don’t do anything about it.

My flight was changed, you over charged me for a change fee and seats that I did not get, I was out on standby with Austrian airlines. You stile $600 from me.

The problem is with Kayak and Underpricer. You overcharged me for a change fee and for seats that I did not get. You owe me $600

There was not enough sparkling water and beer during the flight. Coffee was not hot

LOT told me on my first flight that I had missed boarding my second flight and told us to go to a service desk to reschedule. We then were told our flight was still boarding and that we had to run through the Warsaw airport to catch it which is just a long long runway airport. The workers at the airport were not helpful at all and you have to go through two passport checkpoints. I have asthma and was almost dead when I got on the plane and no one helped or gave us water or even acknowledged us. The flight was fine - the crew members are not friendly so it’s a very functional flight at best. Also my bag didn’t make it to my final destination.

LOT was very disorganized at Istanbul airport with no communication with travelers. Our flight was delayed over and hour and a half and there were no announcements, displays or anything about it. It almost left me missing my second flight!

Boeng Dreamliner has so tiny seats, so even medium and smaller size people have not enough room to fill comfortable..

bus ride to the plane was very crowded and had to wait a long time to get to the plane. The flight itself was great.

They broke my luggage. I’m pissed off about that. Service was slow and inconsistent.

The flight was delayed by an hour which caused me to lose my car rental in Vilnius

All good! But sandwiches for breakfast need to be warm!!!!! Not cold!!! You do not want anything cold in your stomach in the morning!… think about it!

The flight was very bad, the food and the staff was very rude. My last time with them

All good. Didn’t get the seats I booked online. Luckily, copassanger cooperated! Mistake- I failed to verify connecting flight seats details at Mumbai. Staff at Mumbai airport to be blamed equally!

LOT airlines wasn't the best. They had trouble with boarding and they didn't have my information on file the right way. They change last minute details without us knowing and everything was a HOT MESS. Lot airlines also lost my baggae which was the carseat and haven't responded to any of my emails.

Temperature in plane in both segments was warm. Otherwise, great experience

Stale, bad and limited food, drink options. Entertainment system was broken, old and had barely any latest contents.

Love that they had a bassinet for our child during the flight. Thank you for that big time.

We are thankful for the useful gifts provided by the airline.The entertainment and crew were also very good

The flight encountered weather turbulences and it was scary at times but the pilot was outstanding! The food is outstanding! The crew was great. Only thing is the flight path map could be better (Reference: Emirates) Also would be nice to have more choice of soft drinks during the flight since it is a long flight. If the crews coming around with water instead of us going to the crew area asking.

Amazing, great airlines to go in business class. Hospitality is amazing. Food is great and lounge in Istanbul is at another level.

Overall it was a pretty good experience until I arrived in Accra and my suitcase was left in turkey.

My experience with Turkish airlines has been pretty good. I connected from Istanbul to Tirana Albania. One of my luggage’s didn’t come. Very disappointed with that, we had our year old grandson with us! Babiest things were in that bag . Hopefully I get the bag tomorrow or next day !

Awful. They cancelled my seats and demanded $1360 to rebook me

United failed me in cancelling flight to Chicago. Then put me on American Airlines standby to Miami for onward connection to RMO via IST. Standby failed. They looked me for Sunday morning 24 hours late at this point). Made it to Miami but Turkish airlines cancelled my seats and demanded $1360 to rebook the flights for the following day ! I went to United, spent two hours negotiating with Mr Ruis ? Who said he could do anything for me as he could fix problems that United caused in Miami. He suggested I call the 800 number. When I managed to.get through on my 6th call, I was on hold 2 hours and 30 minutes waiting for an agent when the call was cut off by United phone system. I went back to American. At last a lady , who had zero responsibility in this fiasco, helped me to find a replacement flight that night with Polish airlines to RMO through Warsaw at a cost of $968 including bag charge. I booked it with only a few hours to spare. The lady at American helped to recover and redirect my checked suitcase that had arrived in Miami a day earlier United customer service were awful. United partner Turkish airlines were horrendous and took zero responsibility. I ended up being late to my appointment overseas by 45 hours with zero compensation, no food vouchers, no replacement flights until I found one and paid for it myself. I reporting the entire fiasco to the secretary of state for Tennessee for law violations and refusal to remedy and compensate. I now need help to extend the trip by two days but United are not responding to communications

Air conditioning in the plane wasn’t working at boarding, this resulted in a delayed departure whilst they addressed the situation. The cabin was uncomfortably hot.

Delayed over an hour due to paperwork not being filed correctly. Forced to change planes.

I still prefer Delta, but Delta doesn’t fly to State College PA.

The seats on the aircraft are like sitting in a rock. During the boarding process they recognize Active Duty Military, why don’t they recognize Retired Military. I’ve always preferred Delta, this flight confirmed why I still prefer Delta.

The flight attendant was very kind and offered my son a snack for free.

Flight was quite late as there was no pilot Crew is usually excellent, this flight not as good as usual there were more mistakes, slower and less friendly service But honestly the aircraft was too cramped and uncomfortable for a 4 hour flying get so, do to the aircraft liability the very best you could ever do is mediocre.

It was so uncomfortable for 14 straight hours it was torture

To san Francisco it was ok. From sf to Manila it was horrible

They opened my checked bag and even though my lock was tsa approved, they loose my lock and left my bag just like that. Incompetent people, very upset about it. I’ll try to avoid traveling with united

The passenger in the row in front of me was listening to a political speech on his phone at full volume with no headphones and it was disturbing all of the passengers around him for several rows. I asked 2 of the flight attendants to speak to this passenger but they only shrugged. It was obvious that they were afraid there might be conflict and would not say anything. I had to take it upon myself to tell the passenger that he needed to turn it off or wear headphones as it was disturbing everyone around him not wearing their own headphones. I was very disappointed in the United flight attendants.

Boarding was easy and well organized, Breakfast was not very good.

The flight was cold, no enough blanket and the crew said that they can’t change it. I got very sick in the flight . Most of the kids were coughing.

Sitting in a hotel in Chicago because I was rebooked due to a missed connection. Very frustrating.

Good flight. Entertainment equipment was sub-par - old-style 2-prong jack headphones that don't fir ears well. Entertainment software interface was slow and glitchy to navigate.

Flight delayed at Newark by more than 1 hour. Weather was perfect. No explanation provided. This delay made me almost miss my connecting flight at Munich. Bags from all passengers from Newark were NOT loaded onto the connecting flight to Munich. Two days without fresh clothes.

I missed my flight because previous flights came in late. Customer service hard to find and could not reschedule for the same day. Many people appeared to be behind the customer service counter, but only one or two willing to speak to the public. No offer to find alternatives My experience frustrating Very bad

Lufthansa give one a safe and seamless experience from check-in to baggage pickup

Flight from Washington to Munich it was disappointing. I do not get the seat for what i pay. And the crew were rude with people which speaks other languages than german!

Seats are too close together, there is not enough legroom. Food was pretty bad. TV didn’t work for more than half the flight which was annoying. Crew was annoyed that I complained about the TV they shut down the system and it restarted but then froze again. Asked them again but they were annoyed only to shut it down again it worked for two hours then froze again.

Plane was delayed about an hour but nice crew and service

Book Cheap Bulgaria Plane Tickets

Recent round-trip flight deals, search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights to bulgaria, last minute flight, train and bus deals, everything you need to know for your flight to bulgaria, complete your trip to bulgaria with a hotel stay or car rental, flights to popular cities in bulgaria, find deals for your return flight.

ETIAS for Bulgaria

Eu visa waiver for us citizens visiting bulgaria.

Bulgaria is now a member of the Schengen Area. U.S. citizens will require an ETIAS to go to Bulgaria . The ETIAS visa waiver program is being launched in 2025.

ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorization for the European Schengen Area. American tourists will be able to enter Bulgaria without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with ETIAS.

ETIAS Bulgaria for U.S. Citizens

Americans will soon need ETIAS to travel to Bulgaria without a visa . U.S. passport holders will have to register for ETIAS online before departure.

The ETIAS visa waiver will be valid to visit all the countries in the Schengen Area as well as candidate countries. There are currently 29 nations in the borderless travel area, while Cyprus is in the process of joining.

ETIAS is valid to travel from the United States to the Schengen Area multiple times during its 3-year validity , or until the holder’s passport expires.

It will be valid for short tourism and business trips to Bulgaria , for up to 90 days per 180-day period.

ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens to visit Bulgaria

To apply for ETIAS for Bulgaria , Americans will be required to:

• Complete the online ETIAS application form
• Provide passport details and security information
• Pay the ETIAS for Bulgaria processing fees

U.S. citizens must be visiting for transit, tourism, or business to be eligible for visa-free travel to Bulgaria with ETIAS. They cannot stay for longer than 90 days per 180-day period without applying for a visa.

Documents required to visit Bulgaria

U.S. citizens can travel to Bulgaria without a visa for up to 90 days per 180-day period.

To travel to Bulgaria, U.S. citizens are required to have the following :

• A valid U.S. machine-readable passport
• Hold an ETIAS visa waiver

The ETIAS application process is 100% online. Americans will need to complete the electronic form with the following information :

• Full name as it appears on passport
• Date and place of birth
• Home address
• Intended country of entry
• Security information

They will also be required to provide :

• A valid email address as all correspondence will be via email
• A debit or credit card to pay the online application fee

Applicants are notified by email once their visa waiver has been approved. The visa waiver is electronically linked to the U.S. passport and will be verified at the external Schengen border.

Tourist Travel Information about Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a Balkan state in southeastern Europe . Its combination of history and nature makes it an attractive destination for American tourists.

Plovdiv is the cultural capital of Bulgaria. Europe’s oldest living city and one of the 6 oldest cities in the world, Plovdiv boasts historical architecture and charming cobblestone streets.

The Bulgarian capital, Sofia , is another top choice for travelers. The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, many museums, and churches are among the most visited places.

Known for its varied natural landscapes , Bulgaria is also a popular destination for travelers who love the outdoors. The country features beaches, rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, and even a desert.

About Bulgaria

Capital : Sofia

Language : Bulgarian

Area : 110.993 km²

Population : 7.000.039

Timezone : UTC/GTM 2

Currency : Lev

Code : +359

Electric sockets : Plug C and Plug F, 230 V, 50 Hz.

U.S. Embassy in Sofía, Bulgaria

There is one US embassy in Bulgaria , it is located in the capital city of Sofia.

Address : 16, Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408, Bulgaria

Phone : +359 2 937 5100

Interesting facts and tourist info about Bulgaria

• Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia is over 7,000 years old, making it the second oldest city in Europe.
• Bulgaria boasts over 15,000 Thracian tombs, many yet to be explored. It is the third most valuable archaeological site in Europe, after Italy and Greece.
• Thanks to its many mountainous regions, Bulgaria has a forest coverage of roughly one-third of its entire landmass.
• Bulgaria borders the Black Sea, which boasts sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.
• As much as 85% of the world’s rose oil is produced by Bulgaria, it is an essential ingredient in the production of perfumes.
• Bulgaria is the European country with the second-highest number of natural springs, it offers many spas that tourists can visit.

Medical Information for U.S. citizens

Recommended vaccines :

• Routine Vaccines
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

Emergencies :

In the event that US citizens require emergency services, they should call the European emergency number of 112. In Bulgaria, the average answer time is 7 seconds and callers can expect to speak with an English speaker. Bulgaria also has the following national emergency service numbers:

• Police: 166
• Ambulance: 150

• Travel info
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United flights from United States to Bulgaria from $ 566 *

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Cheap flights to Bulgaria

Popular destinations in bulgaria.

Frequently asked questions

• Sofia International Airport (SOF) in Sofia
• Varna Airport (VAR) in Varna
• Burgas Airport (BOJ) in Burgas
• Plovdiv International Airport (PDV) in Plovdiv

Write to us

[email protected]

Ministry of tourism 1, Saborna St., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria UIC: 176789478 VAT: BG176789478

phone : +359 2 904 6809

UPDATED INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS ON ENTRY TO BULGARIA

Fr om July 19 th , 2021 to July 31 st , 2021 on the basis of Order No. RD-01-597/16.07.2021 of the Minister of Health for tourism purposes in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria tourists are allowed through the following border checkpoints:

• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Burgas Airport“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Varna Airport“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Plovdiv Airport“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Sofia Airport“ (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2);
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Port of Burgas“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Port of Varna“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Vidin“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Vrashka chuka“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Durankulak“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Gyueshevo“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Ilinden“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Kalotina“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Kapitan Andreevo“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Kapitan Petko voyvoda“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Kulata“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Lesovo“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Makaza“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Malko Tarnovo“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Oryahovo“;
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Russe“ 
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Stanke Lisichkovo“
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Somovit-Nikopol“
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Oltomantsi“
• BORDER CHECKPOINT „Zlatarevo“

Entry is based on an assessment of the prevalence of COVID-19 in the respective countries by criteria and placement of the countries in color zones. 

Criteria for assessing the prevalence of COVID - 19 are:

• 14-day morbidity;
• weekly positivity of the performed laboratory tests;
• level of examination in the country;
• identification of a variant of SARS-CoV-2 identified as a “worrying” variant;
• lack of sufficient information.

The color zones are as follows:

• Green zone;
• Orange zone;

Option No. 1:   Measures for persons arriving from EU and EEA Member States and the Swiss Confederation, according to color zones:

• Countries in the Green Zone

Persons are admitted to the territory of the country upon presentation of a valid EU digital COVID certificate for vaccination, disease or testing, or a similar document containing the same data as the EU digital COVID certificate. In case of failure to provide such, the person shall be quarantined for 10 days in the home or other accommodation where he / she has indicated that he / she will reside, with a prescription issued by the director of the respective regional health inspectorate or his / her authorized Deputy Director. The quarantine may be revoked by providing by e-mail a document showing a negative result of a polymerase chain reaction test for the detection of COVID-19 carried out within 24 hours of entry into the territory of the country or by a rapid antigen test specified in Annex No. 2 of the Order. The prescription shall be revoked within 24 hours from the presentation of the document showing a negative result from the conducted examination.

Countries in the Orange Zone:

• Persons are admitted to the territory of the country only upon presentation of a valid EU digital COVID certificate for vaccination, disease or testing, or a similar document containing the same data as the EU digital COVID certificate. A study of COVID-19 with a rapid antigen test is performed in at least 5 percent of the total entrants from orange zone countries.

Countries in the Red Zone:

• Persons are not allowed on the territory of the country.

Option No. 2 Measures for persons arriving from non - EU and EEA countries and the Swiss Confederation:

• All persons arriving from non-EU and EEA countries and the Swiss Confederation and not falling into the Red Zone are considered to arrive from orange zones and are admitted to the territory of the country only upon presentation of a valid EU digital COVID vaccination certificate. or for a study carried out, or of a similar document containing the same data as the EU digital COVID certificate.

INPORTANT INFORMATION:

Children up to the age of 12 do not need to submit COVID-19 documents.

Persons arriving from countries with which the Republic of Bulgaria has reached an agreement for free passage on a reciprocal basis do not need to submit documents for COVID-19. At the moment, these are Romania and the Czech Republic.

List of countries according to Annex No. 1 , to items I, 3 and 7 of Order No. RD-01-5 53 / 05.0 7.2021 of the Minister of Health

Green Zone:

• The Republic of Austria;
• The Federal Republic of Germany;
• The Republic of Estonia;
• The Republic of Lithuania;
• The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg;
• The Republic of Malta;
• The Republic of Poland;
• The Slovak Republic;
• The Republic of Finland;
• The Republic of Croatia;
• The Kingdom of Denmark;
• The Italian Republic;
• The Republic of Slovenia;
• The French Republic;
• The Kingdom of Norway;
• The Republic of San Marino;
• The Principality of Andorra;
• The Principality of Monaco;
• The Vatican City State; 
• Czech Republic;
• Confederation of Switzerland;

Orange Zone: 

All countries outside the green and red zone.

• The Republic of India;
• The People's Republic of Bangladesh;
• The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal;
• The Republic of the Union of Myanmar;
• The Kingdom of Bhutan;
• The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka;
• The Republic of Maldives;
• The Federative Republic of Brazil;
• The Republic of South Africa;
• The Republic of Botswana;
• The United Republic of Tanzania;
• The Republic of Seychelles;
• The Republic of Namibia;
• The Republic of Zambia;
• The Republic of Tunisia;
• The Sultanate of Oman;
• The Republic of Turkmenistan;
• The Republic of Tajikistan;
• The Kyrgyz Republic;
• The Republic of Colombia;
• The Republic of Chile;
• The Eastern Republic of Uruguay;
• The Argentine Republic;
• The Republic of Paraguay;
• The Plurinational State of Bolivia;
• The Republic of Peru;
• The Republic of Suriname;
• The Republic of Panama;
• The Republic of Costa Rica;
• The Republic of Guatemala;
• The Republic of El Salvador;
• The Republic of Cuba;
• The Dominican Republic;
• The Kingdom of Spain;
• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
• The Republic of Fiji;
• The Emirate of Kuwait;
• The Republic of Cyprus;

Countries with which the Republic of Bulgaria has reached an agreement on free passage on a reciprocal basis:

Countries for which there is information about a significant negative change in the epidemic situation in the respective country or in its separate territories and specific control measures applied for the persons arriving from them:

• The Russian Federation*
• The Republic of Portugal*

*Arrivals are admitted to the territory of the country upon presentation of a valid EU digital COVID test certificate or similar document showing a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 conducted up to 72 hours before entry into the country, as from the date of the testing entered in the document.

The list is subject to update and supplementation depending on the development of the epidemic situation.

Information by country from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in connection with the travel conditions at COVID-19 - https://www.mfa.bg/en/customnews/main/24737

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Contacts:    Sofia 1000, 1 Saborna St.   phone.: +359 2 904 6809,    [email protected]

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2016 © Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria

$227+ Cheap flights from the United States to Bulgaria

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$466 - $546

Chicago O'Hare Intl Sofia

Chicago O'Hare Intl

1 stop 16h 30m

1 stop 16h 25m

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New York John F Kennedy Intl Sofia

New York John F Kennedy Intl

2 stops 24h 45m

1 stop 16h 20m

Newark Sofia

1 stop 12h 30m

1 stop 26h 55m

1 stop 32h 30m

New York LaGuardia Sofia

New York LaGuardia

2 stops 15h 10m

2 stops 15h 57m

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2 stops 20h 58m

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1 stop 13h 15m

1 stop 17h 05m

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 9/13

Best time to book a flight from USA to Bulgaria

Have a flexible travel schedule discover the best time to fly to bulgaria from usa with our price prediction graph., travel insights for flights from usa to bulgaria, get recent, data-driven insights about flights from usa to bulgaria including ideal travel times, pricing trends, and more., what is the cheapest month to book a flight from usa to bulgaria.

Currently, September is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from USA to Bulgaria (average of $441). Flying from USA to Bulgaria in June is currently the most expensive (average of $799). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from US to BG?

Find hourly flight availability from usa to bulgaria. discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. data last updated september 14, 2024..

Unlike in the evening, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 11% on flights from USA to Bulgaria by exploring options for tickets at noon.

What is the cheapest day to fly from USA to Bulgaria?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly round-trip from usa to bulgaria. price data was last updated on september 8, 2024..

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their USA to Bulgaria flight should consider departing on Tuesday afternoons when fares are most often at their lowest. Wednesday afternoons flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Rainfall in Bulgaria by month

Plan your trip to bulgaria by taking into account the average rainfall totals by month..

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Bulgaria ranges from 1.2 - 2.8 inches per month. June is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 2.8 in. January is typically the driest time to visit Bulgaria when rainfall is around 1.2 in.

Temperature in Bulgaria by month

Plan your trip to bulgaria by taking into account the average temperature totals by month..

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Bulgaria, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 68.0 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 30.2 F).

Reviews of airlines servicing Bulgaria

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to bulgaria. read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to bulgaria. reviews last updated september 14, 2024., see what other customers who have flown with british airways, american airlines and austrian airlines from usa to bulgaria have to say. users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process..

Entertainment

No Fasttrack! Lounge close 20:30, late boarding, delayed arrival, luggage, food poor

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from usa to bulgaria. access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more., can i find flights from usa to bulgaria for under $500 on cheapflights.

Yes, there are multiple flights from USA to Bulgaria for under $500. The cheapest flight booked recently is on Turkish Airlines for just $466, but on average you can expect to pay $524.

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There are currently 20+ open flights from USA to Bulgaria within the next 7 days for less than $600.

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To fly one-way, consider booking your trip with Turkish Airlines, which is currently one of the cheapest options available, starting at $420. SWISS flights start at $427 while deals on British Airways start at $432 one-way.

What does LAX to SOF mean?

LAX and SOF are unique codes to identify airports used in the aviation industry. They are defined by IATA (International Air Transport Association) and are commonly called IATA codes. LAX to SOF refers to a flight route from Los Angeles Airport to Sofia Airport. Varna Airport (VAR), Bourgas Airport (BOJ), Plovdiv Airport (PDV) are other airports near this flight route and their unique identifiers/IATA codes.

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Yes. In addition to deals on USA to Bulgaria flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

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After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from USA to Bulgaria.

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Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from USA to Bulgaria by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

Can I find deals for flights from USA to Bulgaria that allow pets onboard?

Many airlines flying from USA to Bulgaria offer the option to travel with pets. After selecting a flight deal, you can find more information about the airline's pet policy on their official website or by contacting the airline directly. Please note that additional fees and restrictions may apply.

Can I find deals on last-minute flights from USA to Bulgaria?

Yes, you can often find last-minute deals on USA to Bulgaria flights on Cheapflights. However, these deals can vary and may not always be available. We recommend checking back frequently or signing up for price alerts for the most up-to-date deals.

How recently were the USA to Bulgaria flight deals updated?

The USA to Bulgaria flight deals you see on this page were last updated on 9/14.

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

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Eastern Europe Express

9 days | find your new favourite spot on an express adventure through eastern europe’s ancient sites.

Embark on a spectacular journey from Romania to Bulgaria, ending it all in Istanbul. Absorb Bucharest’s atmosphere on a guided walking tour, compare age-old places of worship in Sofia, breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains and meander back in time in the Old Town of Plovdiv. End it all in transcontinental Istanbul, where you can choose to extend your adventure through Turkey. This nine-day trip is a fascinating insight into just how much regions can change as you cross national borders!

Trip overview

• Learn about the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest – the capital of Romania that’s often underrated by travellers!
• Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery.
• Indulge in local Bulgarian cheese and wines with a local chef in Veliko Tarnovo, at their family-owned spot in the Old Town.
• Take a trip on the last operational narrow-gauge line in Bulgaria, from Bansko to Plovdiv. Grab a window seat if you can, the scenery is worth it!
• Breathe the crisp mountain air on a short hike in the Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria, stopping at a small blue lake surrounded by towering peaks.
• Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. 
• Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. 
• As you will have the opportunity to visit several orthodox churches on this trip, please ensure you cover your legs, shoulders and chest and show the appropriate respect. It's a good idea to bring a light scarf to cover your skin as needed. 
• If you have more time to explore the region, check out trips 'Eastern Europe Explorer' (trip code WMSEC) and 'Journey through Central Europe & Romania' (trip code AMSCC). Most departure dates are designed to create these perfect combination trips. 
• On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg (33 lb). Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. We recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps. 

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Salut! Welcome to Romania. Your adventure begins in Bucharest – home to one of Europe's biggest squares and the Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world. If you arrive early, maybe take a tour of the palace (former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu ordered the construction of this 12-storied building and it includes 1100 rooms and 4500 chandeliers), or visit his former residence where he lived with his family. Consider an Urban Adventures day tour, like the Bohemian Bucharest tour, for the perfect city introduction. Later, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 6 pm. Then, why not seek out some traditional Romanian fare with the group.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
• Bucharest - Village Museum - RON30
• Bucharest - Bike Tour - EUR25
• Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence - RON65
• Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON10
• Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest - EUR75

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Travel across the friendship bridge into Bulgaria and on to the town of Veliko Tarnovo – founded in 4500 BC by the Neolithic people, the Romans later built the first fortress walls. In the 6th century, a Byzantine capital was established on Tsarevets Hill by Emperor Justinian. After the foundation of the second Bulgarian empire, it became the second most important city in the region (after Constantinople) and trade and culture flourished for the next 200 years. In 1393, the town fell to the Turks who held the city until the Russians liberated it in 1877. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk, finishing in the Old Town at a family-owned establishment. Here, a local chef will invite you to an authentic and interactive experience that will showcase the rich history of Bulgarian cheese and wine making. The menu includes tasty items such as truffle cheese, cold cuts and locally produced premium wine – what could be a better introduction to the country?

• Veliko Tarnovo- Orientation Walk
• Veliko Tarnovo- Local Cheese and Wine Workshop

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

This morning, visit Veliko Tarnovo's imposing Tsarevets Fortress, which overlooks the city. This once-magnificent fortress was built in the 7th century and the ruined citadel is the perfect spot to wander. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the City of Tsars. Wander through the Old Quarter, with its preserved Renaissance houses and handicraft workshops, or relax in one of the town's cafes or vinarnas (wine bars)

• Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
• Veliko Tarnovo - Archeological Museum - BGN6

In the morning, take a public bus to Sofia – Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and parks. You've got the rest of the day to wander, so maybe begin with a browse around the cured meats and cheese of the Central Market Hall, then take a walk through the city and see the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Church. You might want to sate your cultural curiosity at the National History Museum, discover artefacts at the National Archaeological Museum, or spend a couple of hours staring at the local artworks in the National Art Gallery.

• Sofia - National Art Gallery - BGN10
• Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
• Sofia - National History Museum - BGN12
• Sofia - The Red Flat - BGN18
• Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide - BGN17

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today, journey into the Rila Mountains, where you'll visit the impressive Rila Monastery. Tucked away in a valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest and holiest of Bulgaria's orthodox monasteries. Founded in 927, the entire complex is a work of art in itself. Check out murals, the 14th-century Hrelyo Tower, the five-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church and the original 19th-century monastery kitchen. Then, carry on to Bansko. Set at the base of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko is home to more than 150 cultural monuments and many of its stone houses have been transformed into mehanes (taverns). Wander through Vazrazhdane and check out the frescoes of the Church of Sveta Troitsa or the paintings in the Rilski Convent. Tonight, indulge in some local cuisine and try filet elena (spicy cured meat) or kapama (simmered meat, rice and sauerkraut), washing it down with some delicious melnik (dark red wine).

• Rila - Monastery Visit
• Bansko - Spa Visit - BGN40

Drive to Vihren Chalet – the starting point of today’s hike in the Pirin Mountains. You’ll head to a small but picturesque Okoto Lake (2000 m above the sea level) for clear views over the valley with Mt Vihren, the range's highest peak, to the west. If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue to Banderitsko Lake, or opt to stay in Bansko and visit the thermal baths. In the afternoon, board the only operational gauge line in Bulgaria – Rhodope Railway – to Septemvri. After the scenic ride, you’ll continue to Plovdiv – on the Maritsa River, this city was once the meeting point of two ancient transportation routes. In the evening, maybe try some of the local grilled meats and vegetables on skewers.

• Pirin Mountains - Hike
• Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
• Plovdiv-Private Transfer from Plovdiv Train Station to Plovdiv Hotel

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 2 km or 1 hour, with 102 m of elevation gain.

For today's hike, it’s recommended you bring comfortable walking shoes with ankle support due to the rocky terrain. Please note that in case of adverse weather conditions, the hike in the Pirin Mountains may have to be cancelled and you’ll visit the local spa instead.

This morning, join a local guide for a tour of the main sights of Plovdiv. The most remarkable being the ancient Roman theatre, accidentally ‘discovered’ after a landslide exposed the site in the early 1970s. Built in the 2nd century BC during the reign of Trajanus, the theatre seats about 6000 people and is now back in use! From here, wander up to the site of the former hilltop fortress of Nebet Tepe, where you can enjoy excellent views of the city. Head back down to visit the 15th-century Dzhumaya Mosque, which is still in use today. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.

• Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
• Plovdiv - Bachkovo Monastery - BGN16
• Plovdiv - Hisarya Hot Springs - BGN50

Get ready for a long day of travel today that takes you from Europe to Asia. Grab a window seat if you can and watch the scenery pass you by or get stuck into a good book. You'll be travelling how the locals do – on a bus along the Tsarigrad Road, also named the Road to Istanbul. When you arrive in the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have called home, you'll have some free time to settle in. Tonight, maybe join your new friends for an optional dinner and bask in the beauty of a real Turkish kebab (yum!).

• Istanbul- Private Transfer from Istanbul Bus Station to Istanbul Hotel
• Plovdiv- Private Transfer from Plovdiv Hotel to Plovdiv Bus Station

Your travel time today will be approximately 7-8 hours.

The border crossing from Bulgaria to Turkey is very popular in summer and long queues are unavoidable. We don't advise planning any activities in Istanbul today, as your arrival time may vary.

With no further activities planned, your adventure officially comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul, and it’s recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent to book additional accommodation.

• Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
• Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY340
• Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY390
• Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY650
• Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200

6 breakfasts

Private Mini-bus, Public Bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi

Hotel (8 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. You don't have a lot of time in Bucharest and Istanbul at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these underrated cities in depth, we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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