Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/bulgaria.tvl

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 5KB | 86 lines

Bulgaria - Consular Information Sheet
September 2, 1994

Country Description:  Bulgaria is a moderately developed European nation
undergoing profound political and economic changes.  Tourist facilities are
widely available, but conditions vary considerably and some facilities are
not up to Western standards.  Goods and services taken for granted in other
European countries are still not available in many areas of Bulgaria.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required.  A visa is not required for
tourist or business visits of less than 30 days.  An AIDS test may be
required for those staying more than one month; U.S. tests are not accepted.
 All visitors to Bulgaria must register with the police, a hotel or a guest
house within 48 hours of arrival.  For further information concerning entry
requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of  Bulgaria
at 1621 22nd Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. [phone];
Consular Section is [phone].

Medical Facilities:  Although Bulgarian physicians are trained to a very
high standard, hospitals and clinics are generally not equipped and
maintained at U.S. or West European levels.  Basic medical supplies are
widely available, but specialized treatments may not be.  Visitors must pay
cash for medical and health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States.  Travelers have found that in some cases,
supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to
be useful.  Further information on health matters can be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-
4559.

Crime Information:  There has been a recent rise in street crime, much of
which is directed against foreigners.  Pickpocketing and purse snatching are
frequent occurrences as is theft from automobiles, where thieves smash
windows to remove valuables left in sight.  There have been a number of
incidents in which tourists have accepted offers of "help from friendly
people" met by chance at the airport, bus stations or train stations and
have been drugged or assaulted and robbed.  Taxi drivers at Sofia Airport
are notoriously dishonest and refuse to run their meters.  Travelers who
insist upon a pre-agreed fare can avoid the more outrageous overcharging.
Automobile theft is also a frequent problem, with four-wheel drive vehicles
and late model European sedans the most popular targets.  Very few vehicles
are recovered.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The
Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. 20402.  It provides information on protecting personal security while
traveling abroad.

Currency Regulations:  Bulgaria is largely a cash economy.  Most shops,
hotels and restaurants still do not accept travelers checks or credit cards.
 Visitors can exchange money at change bureaus.  People on the street who
offer high rates of exchange are confidence tricksters intent on swindling
the unwary travelers.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Persons convicted of possession, use, or
trafficking in illegal drugs are subject to imprisonment and fines.

Civil Aviation Oversight:  In November 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration assessed Bulgaria's civil aviation authority as in compliance
with international aviation safety oversight standards for Bulgaria's
carriers operating to and from the U.S.  The same level of safety oversight
would typically be applied to operations to other destinations.  For further
information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-
322-7873.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section of the
U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within
Bulgaria.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, is located at 1
Suborna (formerly 1 A. Stamboliski Boulevard); telephone [phone] to
-05.  This is also the after hours number for emergencies.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at 1 Kapitan Andreev
Street in Sofia; telephone [phone].

No. 94-182

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 19, 1994, to add
the paragraph on aviation oversight.