When to go
You can visit Bulgaria all year round as it is a country with a Mediterranean climate. The high season begins between April and May and ends in November, when the cold begins to settle.
Entry formalities
Nationals of the European Union only need a valid identity card or passport for any stay in Bulgaria. If you are going to Bulgaria by car, you will need to take out border insurance, going through customs. This sticker must be affixed to your windshield.
Canadians will need to present a valid passport at least three months after the departure date. At customs, you may be required to present the return ticket as well as proof of medical insurance valid in the EU. No visa is required for stays of less than 3 months.
For more information, visit the Canadian government website.
Health
For Europeans, your medical expenses can be covered upon presentation of the European vital card. For all trips to Bulgaria it is necessary to update the DTP and pertussis vaccine. Avoid drinking tap water and prefer to use bottled water instead.
Plane ticket
Depending on the season, a flight between Paris and Sofia can cost between 160 € and 500 €. The prices can vary according to the reservation deadline but also according to the company you select.
Jet lag
There is an hour difference between France and Bulgaria. When it’s 12 p.m. in Paris, it’s 1 p.m. in Sofia.
Language
The official language is Bulgarian, but other languages are also widely used such as Turkish, Russian, English and German.
Address and useful numbers
French Embassy in Bulgaria
27-29, rue Oborichté1504 Sofia
(00) 359 2 965 11 00
Embassy of Bulgaria in France
Consular functions provided by the Embassy
1, avenue Rapp 75007 Paris
01.45.51.85.90
Traffic police: 165
Police: 166
Bulgarian Samu: 150
Telephone and internet
The country code for Bulgaria is 359. To make calls to France, you can use the payphones in the Post Office. This will save you from buying a phone card.
Wifi is now present in more and more hotels, bars and restaurants across the country. So you shouldn’t have too much trouble logging in.
Electricity
The electrical outlets used in Bulgaria are the same as in France. You will therefore not need an adapter.