Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Most international visitors enter and leave Bulgaria via Sofia Airport, and there are fre-
quent flights to the capital from other European cities. Bulgaria is also easily accessible by
road and rail from neighbouring countries, and Bulgaria's railway is part of the InterRail
system and so can be included in a longer European rail journey. Note, though, that at the
time of research there were no trains operating between Bulgaria and Greece. There are
regular ferry crossings across the Danube from Romania, which carry both vehicles and
foot passengers.
If you prefer something more structured, an increasing number of companies offer or-
ganised tours and package holidays to Bulgaria.
Flights, cars and tours can be booked online at
lonelyplanet.com/bookings
.
Entering the Country
Bulgaria is a member of the EU, and so citizens of other EU nations, at least, will face min-
imal border formalities.
Delays are common at border crossings, and customs officials are generally an un-
friendly and suspicious lot; expect to be questioned on what business you have in coming
to Bulgaria and where you intend on staying.
Passport
There are no restrictions on any foreign-passport holders entering Bulgaria, other than the
length of time they are allowed to stay. See
Click here
f
or information on which nationals
require visas to visit Bulgaria. Passports should be valid for at least three months after the
date of your arrival in the country.
CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
Every form of transport that relies on carbon-based fuel generates CO2, the main cause of human-induced climate
change. Modern travel is dependent on aeroplanes, which might use less fuel per kilometre per person than most
cars but travel much greater distances. The altitude at which aircraft emit gases (including CO2) and particles also
contributes to their climate change impact. Many websites offer 'carbon calculators' that allow people to estimate
the carbon emissions generated by their journey and, for those who wish to do so, to offset the impact of the green-
