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. Travellers also enjoy the rich cuisines that come from Turkish and Greek inspiration.
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?
Canadian Embassy in Bulgaria
Do I Need Vaccines for Bulgaria?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bulgaria. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bulgaria: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - 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 | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
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 passport which is valid for 3 months from the expected date of departure is required to enter the country. Proof of medical insurance which is valid in the European Union for at least 30,000 euros and covers emergency medical care is also required to enter the country.
A tourist and business visa is not required for 90 days per 6-month period.
Bulgaria Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bulgaria? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Bulgaria and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
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 0’s for January to 20’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 20’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
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 travellers’ 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.
Canadian Embassy in Bulgaria
Travellers to Bulgaria are currently served by a consulate in Sofia.
Consulate of Canada in Sofia
7 Pozitano Street, Block #3,
1st Floor, Office #4, 1000
Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: 359-2-969-9710
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Bulgaria
“We met the nurse in charge who is truly a wonderful person) … She proved to be a true professional in her discipline, she greeted us in a very friendly and warm manner. She made us felt at home, and her knowledge about Bulgaria as a nurse was superb; by the time my visit was completed, I felt so comfortable that I did not care to leave…This was truly a wonderful and rewarding experience for me to have encountered such a knowledgeable and informative individual. Therefore, I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone.”
“Very knowledgeable nurse who was able to answer all our questions and identify the pros and cons of opting for or against various vaccines for Bulgaria. Services were more expensive than at some other clinics, but the nurse spent a great deal of time with us and we felt confident in her expertise.”
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