Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bulgaria
Bulgaria is in the southeastern sector of Europe. This region has been inhabited since ancient times by many groups including Greeks, Romans and Goths.
Tourists travel to Bulgaria for a variety of reasons. Bulgaria is home to nine historical and natural objects that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Travelers also enjoy the rich cuisines that come from Turkish and Greek inspiration.
Do I Need Vaccines for Bulgaria?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bulgaria. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bulgaria: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Tickborne Encephalitis –
Ticks & Unpasteurized Animal Products –
Limited number of cases, many are likely undiagnosed. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bulgaria |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Tickborne Encephalitis | Ticks & Unpasteurized Animal Products | Limited number of cases, many are likely undiagnosed. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bulgaria |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa for Bulgaria?
A visa is not required for Bulgaria if staying for less than 90 days. Passports must have at least six months validity remaining at entry.
Bulgaria Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bulgaria? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Bulgaria and U.S. State Department
What is the Climate in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria’s climate is continental with long, cold winters and warm summers. The country is made up of two plains with the Balkan Mountains extending from east to west between them. The northern plain sees temperatures in the 30’s in January and 70’s in July. The southern plain has temperatures in the 30’s for January to 70’s for July.
Bulgaria borders the Black Sea. Its coastal area is milder and influenced by sea breezes. Summers on the coast can be hot with temperatures reaching the 80’s in July and August.
The Balkan Mountains offer quite a contrast to that of the Black Sea coast. Temperatures remain low in the mountains year-round. Skiing is possible through late-March in the mountainous towns of Borovets and Pamporovo.
How Safe is Bulgaria?
The majority of the crimes committed against tourists in Bulgaria involve money. Usually these involve overcharging in taxis and on alcohol. Travelers should only use taxis with meters and clearly marked rates.
Travelers must be very vigilant when purchasing alcohol in bars and nightclubs. It is not uncommon for bills to come back significantly higher than they should be.
Other common crimes in Bulgaria include pick-pocketing, purse snatching, automobile theft and burglary.
Boyana Church
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, is home to many exciting and vibrant cultural experiences. One experience Sofia has to offer that simply cannot be missed is the Boyana Church. This Bulgarian Orthodox church has been functioning since the late 10th century.
The church is known for its preserved structure and contributions to the European painting movements in the Middle Ages.
What Should I Take to Bulgaria?
Here are some essential items to consider bringing on your trip to Bulgaria:
- Cash is key. Most shops, hotels, and restaurants do not accept travelers’ checkers or credit cards. Be sure to have at least some cash with you on arrival.
- Feminine products can be hard to find in some areas and are not very high-quality.
- Toilet paper as it is not very common to come across a public bathroom that provides toilet paper.
U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria
All Americans visiting Bulgaria should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Bulgaria, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Sofia
16, Kozyak Street
Sofia 1408, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 937 5100
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Bulgaria
Overall rating: 5 stars – 3 reviews
★★★★★
“Very Informative“
“Smooth process. Very helpful in prepping for my business trip to Bulgaria. I thought it was just going to be shots – but it was a full educational experience. I actually learned a lot and it likely kept me in good health for the duration.”
Submitted by: Glen
★★★★★
“Great Clinic“
“The Passport Health Health quick and easy to understand process was a great help it obtaining the information and proper protection for my visit to Bulgaria. I have since returned happy and healthy”
Submitted by: Doug
★★★★★
“Extremely Knowledgeable“
“Very glad that I visited Passport Health, the nurse was able to answer all of my questions and was very knowledgeable about my vaccines and health concerns regarding my planned trip to Bulgaria. I could have saved myself a lot of worrying if I had gone to the clinic sooner! The experience was much better than I had anticipated.”
Submitted by: Colleen
On This Page:
Do I Need a Visa for Bulgaria?
What is the Climate in Bulgaria?
How Safe is Bulgaria?
Boyana Church
What Should I Take to Bulgaria?
U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria
“Smooth process. Very helpful in prepping for my business trip to Bulgaria. I thought it was just going to be shots – but it was a full educational experience. I actually learned a lot and it likely kept me in good health for the duration.”
“The Passport Health Health quick and easy to understand process was a great help it obtaining the information and proper protection for my visit to Bulgaria. I have since returned happy and healthy”
“Very glad that I visited Passport Health, the nurse was able to answer all of my questions and was very knowledgeable about my vaccines and health concerns regarding my planned trip to Bulgaria. I could have saved myself a lot of worrying if I had gone to the clinic sooner! The experience was much better than I had anticipated.”
On This Page:
Do I Need a Visa for Bulgaria?
What is the Climate in Bulgaria?
How Safe is Bulgaria?
Boyana Church
What Should I Take to Bulgaria?
U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria
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