Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
One organisation worth contacting is the
Center for Independent Living
(
www.cil.bg
)
in Sofia.
Visas
Citizens of other EU member states and Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand,
the USA and several other countries can stay in Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days. Other
nationals should check the current requirements with their nearest Bulgarian embassy or
consulate before their departure. Visas cannot be obtained at border crossings. At the time
of writing, Bulgaria was not a member of the Schengen zone, but its application to join
was pending.
Visa Extensions
Visitors wishing to extend their visit to Bulgaria beyond the 90-day limit have to apply for
a residence permit at the
Immigration Office
( 02-982 3316; bul Maria Luisa 48;
9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
. This is likely to be a time-consuming, bureaucratic nightmare, and
nobody here will speak anything but Bulgarian. It's probably far better to contact the Bul-
garian Embassy in your own country for advice before you travel if you envisage being in
the country for more than three months. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(
www.mfa.bg
)
has useful information, in English, on visas and other immigration matters.
Volunteering
If you're looking for a more satisfying holiday and you don't mind a bit of hard work,
then there are a number of opportunities for volunteering in Bulgaria. Various internation-
al organisations have ongoing projects in the country, and there are also many local
groups that welcome foreign volunteers.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
(
www.wwoofbulgaria.org
) Can direct
you to current projects and openings for volunteers on farms around the country.
Habitat for Humanity
(
www.habitatbulgaria.org
) Organises house-building and
community-based projects in poorer neighbourhoods.
Cadip
(
www.cadip.org
)
Canadian organisation running volunteer programs working in
Bulgarian orphanages.
