BULGARIA

Compiled from the August 2005 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:

Republic of Bulgaria

PROFILE

Geography

Area:

110,994 sq. km. (slightly larger than Tennessee).

Cities:

Capital—Sofia 1.2 million.

Others:

Plovdiv—368,568, Varna—349,482.

Terrain:

Bulgaria is located in South Central Europe. The terrain is varied, containing large mountainous areas, fertile valleys, plains and a coastline along the Black Sea.

Climate:

Continental—mild summers and cold, snowy winters.

People

Population (2003):

7,801,300.

Growth rate (2003.):

?5.7 (on basis of 1,000 people).

Ethnic groups (2001):

Bulgarian 83.94%, Turkish 9.42%, Roma 4.68%, and others.

Religions (2001):

Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, Roman Catholic 0.6%, Protestant 0.5%, others.

Language:

Bulgarian (official).

Health:

Life expectancy (2002)—male 68.5 years; female 75.4 years. Infant mortality rate (2002)—13.3 deaths/1,000 live births.

Government

Type:

Parliamentary democracy.

Constitution:

Adopted July 12, 1991.

Independence:

1908 (from the Ottoman Empire).

Branches:

Executive—president (chief of state), prime minister (head of government), Council of Ministers (cabinet). Legislative—unicameral National Assembly or Narodno Subranie—240 seats. Members are elected by popular vote of party/coalition lists of candidates for 4-year terms. Based on results of June 2005 elections, seat allocation is as follows: BSP—82, NMSS—53, MRF—34, Ataka—21, UDF—20, DSB—17, BNU—13. Judicial—three-tiered system.

Suffrage:

Universal at 18 years of age.

Main political movements:

Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP); National Movement Simeon II (NMSS); Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF); United Democratic Forces (UDF); Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB); Bulgarian People's Union (BNU) and Ataka. Results from the June 25, 2005 general election are as follows: BSP (Coalition for Bulgaria) 34.17%, NMSS 22.08%, MRF 14.17%, Ataka 8.75%, UDF 8.33%, DSB 7.08%, BNU 5.42%.

Economy

Real GDP growth:

5.6% (2004); 4.3% (2003).

Inflation rate:

6% (2004); 5.6% (2003).

Unemployment rate:

12.7% (2004 average); 14.25% (2003 average).

Natural resources:

Bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, and timber.

Official exchange rate:

Lev per $1 U.S.—1.49 (Feb. 2005); 1.58 (2004 average); 1.73 (2003 average).

GEOGRAPHY AND PEOPLE

Bulgaria shares a border with Turkey and Greece to the south, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro to the west, Romania to the north and the Black Sea to the east. The capital, Sofia, lies in the western region of the country. Ethnic groups include Bulgarian, Turkish, Roma, and others. The official language is Bulgarian.

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

The first Bulgarian state was recognized in 681 A.D. and was a mixture of Slavs and Bulgars. Several years later, the First Bulgarian Kingdom or the "Golden Age" emerged under Tsar Simeon I in 893-927. During this time, Bulgarian art and literature flourished. Also during the ninth century, Orthodox Christianity became the primary religion in Bulgaria and the Cyrillic alphabet was established.

In 1018, Bulgaria fell under the authority of the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine rule was short-lived, however. By 1185 Bulgarians had broken free of Byzantine rule and, in 1202, they established the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Ottoman domination of the Balkan Peninsula eventually affected Bulgaria in the late 14th century, and by 1396, Bulgaria had become part of the Ottoman Empire. Following the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78) and the Treaty of Berlin (1885), Bulgaria gained some autonomy under the Ottoman Empire, but complete independence was not recognized until 1908.

During the first half of the 20th century, Bulgaria was marred by social and political unrest. Bulgaria participated in the First and Second Balkan Wars (1912 and 1913) and sided with the Central Powers, and later the Axis Powers, during the two World Wars. Although allied with Germany during World War II, Bulgaria never declared war on Russia.

King Simeon II assumed control of the throne in 1943 at the age of 6 following the death of his father Boris III. Following the defeat of the Axis Powers in World War II, communism emerged as the dominant political force within Bulgaria. Simeon, who is currently Prime Minister, was forced into exile in 1946 and resided primarily in Madrid, Spain, until April 2001, when he returned to Bulgaria. By 1946 Bulgaria had become a satellite of the Soviet Union, remaining so throughout the Cold War period. Todor Zhivkov, the head of the Bulgarian Communist Party, ruled the country for much of its time under communism, and during his 27 years as leader of Bulgaria, democratic opposition was crushed, agriculture and industry were nationalized, and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church fell under the control of the state.

In 1989 Zhivkov relinquished control, and democratic change began. The first multi-party elections since World War II were held in 1990. The ruling communist party changed its name to the Bulgarian Socialist Party and won the June 1990 elections. Following a period of social unrest and passage of a new constitution, the first fully democratic parliamentary elections were held in 1991 in which the Union of Democratic Forces won. The first direct presidential elections were held the next year.

As Bulgaria emerged from the throes of communism, it experienced a period of social and economic unrest that culminated in a severe economic and financial crisis in late 1996-early 1997. With the help of the international community, former Prime Minister Ivan Kostov initiated a series of reforms in 1997 that helped stabilize the country's economy and put Bulgaria on the Euro-Atlantic path. Elections in 2001 ushered in a new government and president. In July 2001, Bulgaria's ex-king Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha became the first former monarch in post-communist Eastern Europe to become Prime Minister. The leadership in Sofia pursued Euro-Atlantic integration, democratic reform, and development of a market economy. Bulgaria officially became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on March 29, 2004 after depositing its instruments of treaty ratification in Washington, DC. Bulgaria signed its Accession Treaty with the European Union (EU) on April 25, 2005. With the support of all political parties, the Bulgarian parliament ratified the EU accession treaty on May 11, 2005, with a view towards joining the EU in 2007. Following general elections on June 25, 2005, on August 16, 2005, Sergei Stanishev of the Bulgarian Socialist Party became the new Prime Minister of a coalition government.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic. The unicameral National Assembly, or Narodno Subranie, consists of 240 deputies who are elected for 4-year terms through a system of proportional representation in 31 electoral regions. Party or coalition lists, rather than individual candidate names, appear on the ballots. A party or coalition must garner a minimum of 4% of the vote in order to enter parliament. Parliament selects and dismisses government ministers, including the prime minister, exercises control over the government, and sanctions deployment of troops abroad. It is responsible for enactment of laws, approval of the budget, scheduling of presidential elections, declaration of war, and ratification of international treaties and agreements.

A one-month official campaign period precedes general elections. The voting age is 18. Preliminary results are available within hours of poll closings. Seats in parliament are allocated both by vote and by voter turnout. The votes for parties who did not receive a minimum threshold of votes are redistributed to other parties proportionate to their own share of the vote. The lists of newly elected members of parliament are announced 7 days after the elections. The president must convene the new parliament within one month after the elections, and calls upon parties, coalitions, or political groups to nominate a prime minister and form a government. If the three largest parties, coalitions, or political groups fail to nominate a prime minister, the president can dissolve parliament and schedule new elections. In recent years, it has taken approximately a month for the new government to form. A general election in Bulgaria was held June 25, 2005. Results are as follows: Bulgarian Socialist Party/Coalition for Bulgaria (BSP) 34.17%, National Movement Simeon II (NMSS) 22.08%, Movement for Rights and Freedom (MRF) 14.17%, Ataka 8.75%, United Democratic Forces (UDF) 8.33%, Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) 7.08%, Bulgarian People's Union (BNU) 5.42%.

The 2001 parliamentary elections ushered in 63 women deputies, placing Bulgaria first within the region according to the number of women currently serving in parliament. The president of Bulgaria is directly

elected for a 5-year term with the right to one re-election. The president serves as the head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces. The president is the head of the Consultative Council for National Security and while unable to initiate legislation, the president can return a bill for further debate. Parliament can overturn the president's veto with a simple majority vote. Bulgarian Socialist Party candidate Georgi Purvanov won the November 2001 presidential election and took office January 2002. Presidential elections are expected in fall 2006.

The prime minister is head of the Council of Ministers, which is the primary component of the executive branch. In addition to the prime minister and deputy prime ministers, the Council is composed of ministers who head the various agencies within the government and usually come from the majority/ruling party or from a member party of the ruling coalition in parliament.

The Council is responsible for carrying out state policy, managing the state budget and maintaining law and order. The Council must resign if the National Assembly passes a vote of no confidence in the Council or prime minister.

The Bulgarian judicial system became an independent branch of the government following passage of the 1991 constitution. Reform within this branch was initially slow. In 1994, the National Assembly passed the Judicial Powers Act to further delineate the role of the judiciary. In 2003, Bulgaria adopted amendments to the constitution, which aimed to improve the effectiveness of the judicial system by limiting magistrates' irremovability and immunity against criminal prosecution.

The first, appellate, and cassation (highest appellate) courts comprise the three tiers of the judicial system.

The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) is composed of 25 members serving 5-year terms. Those who serve on the council are experienced legal professionals and are either appointed by the National Assembly, selected by the judicial system, or serve on the SJC as a result of their position in government. The SJC manages the judiciary and is responsible for appointing judges.

The Supreme Court of Administration and Supreme Court of Cassation are the highest courts of appeal and determine the application of all laws.

The court that interprets the constitution and constitutionality of laws and treaties is the Constitutional Court. Its 12 justices serve 9-year terms and are selected by the president, the National Assembly and the Supreme Courts.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 12/6/2005

President: Georgi PURVANOV
Vice President: Angel MARIN
Prime Minister: Sergei STANISHEV
Dep. Prime Min.: Emel ETEM
Dep. Prime Min.: Ivaylo KALFIN
Dep. Prime Min.: Daniel VULCHEV
Min. of Agriculture & Forestry: Nihat KABIL
Min. of Culture: Stefan DANAILOV
Min. of Defense: Vesselin BLIZNAKOV
Min. of Disaster & Accidents: Emel ETEM
Min. of Economy & Energy: Roumen OVCHAROV
Min. of Education: Daniel VULCHEV
Min. of Environment & Waters: Djevdet CHAKUROV
Min. of European Affairs: Meglena KUNEVA
Min. of Finance: Plamen ORESHARSKI
Min. of Foreign Affairs: Ivaylo KALFIN
Min. of Health: Radoslav GAIDARSKI
Min. of Interior: Rumen PETKOV
Min. of Justice: Georgi PETKANOV
Min. of Labor & Social Policy: Emilia MASLOROVA
Min. of Regional Development: Asen GAGAOUZOV
Min. of State Administration: Nikolai VASSILEV
Min. of Transportation: Peter MOUTAFCHIEV
Chmn., Bulgarian National Bank: Ivan Ganchov ISKROV
Ambassador to the US: Elena POPTODOROVA
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Stefan TAFROV

Bulgaria maintains an embassy in the United States at 1621 22nd Street, NW, Washington DC 20008 (tel. 202-387-0174; fax: 202-234-7973).

ECONOMY

Bulgaria's economy contracted dramatically after 1989 with the collapse of the COMECON system and the loss of the Soviet market, to which the Bulgarian economy had been closely tied. The standard of living fell by about 40%. In addition, UN sanctions against Yugoslavia and Iraq took a heavy toll on the Bulgarian economy. The first signs of recovery emerged when GDP grew in 1994 for the first time since 1988, by 1.4% and then by 2.5% in 1995. Inflation, which surged in 1994 to 122%, fell to 32.9% in 1995. During 1996, however, the economy collapsed due to shortsighted economic reforms and an unstable and de-capitalized banking system.

Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Ivan Kostov (UDF), who came to power in 1997, an ambitious set of reforms were launched, including introduction of a currency board regime, bringing growth and stability to the Bulgarian economy. The currency board contained inflationary pressures and the three-digit inflation in 1997 was cut to only 1% in 1998. Following declines in GDP in both 1996 and 1997, the Bulgarian government delivered strong, steady GDP growth in real terms (4.0% in 1998, 2.3% in 1999, 5.4% in 2000 and 4.0% in 2001).

In spite of the transition to a new government in July 2001, Bulgaria remained committed to the market reforms undertaken in 1997. Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg's economic team of young, Western-educated financiers continued to implement measures that helped sustain stable economic growth and curb unemployment. The government was expecting a record-high GDP growth of 5.8% in 2004, following GDP growth of 4.9% and 4.3% in 2002 and 2003, respectively. As a result of these moves, in October 2002 the European Commission declared Bulgaria had a "Functioning Market Economy." Measures introduced by the government were targeted at reducing corporate and individual taxes, curtailing corruption, and attracting foreign investment. The government also implemented a set of measures that helped restructure the country's foreign debt and revive the local stock market. It also moved ahead with long-delayed privatization of some of the major state monopolies. But while macroeconomic data reveal private sector growth, a double-digit increase in exports and imports and higher foreign investment, incomes remain low. The new government of Prime Minister Stanishev will need to act on its pledge to secure higher living standards.

DEFENSE

In November 2002, Bulgaria was invited to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and officially became a member of NATO on March 29, 2004 after depositing its instruments of treaty ratification in Washington, DC. Bulgaria's military is currently undergoing an ambitious restructuring program aimed to bring the army up to NATO standards.

Bulgaria also has played an important role in resolving recent interethnic disputes within the Balkan Peninsula. Small contingents of Bulgarian troops are currently deployed with international forces serving in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, as well as Afghanistan. A Bulgarian battalion is currently deployed in Iraq as part of U.S.-led coalition forces there.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Bulgaria, which is advancing towards greater Euro-Atlantic integration, officially became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on March 29, 2004 after depositing its instruments of treaty ratification in Washington, DC. Bulgaria signed its Accession Treaty with the European Union (EU) on April 25, 2005. With the support of all political parties, the Bulgarian parliament ratified the EU accession treaty on May 11, 2005, with a view towards joining the EU in 2007. Bulgaria is a member of the United Nations and in 2002-2003 served a 2-year term as a nonpermanent member on the UN Security Council. Bulgaria served as Chair-In-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2004.

Bulgaria joined the World Trade Organization in 1996. In July 1998, Bulgaria became a full member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), which called for the reduction of tariffs by 2002 on most industrial and agricultural goods traded between CEFTA countries. Bulgaria has initialed free trade agreements with Turkey, Macedonia, Croatia, Lithuania, Estonia, Israel, Albania, and Latvia. Currently, Bulgaria is holding consultations for launching free trade agreement talks with Moldova as well.

Bulgaria's relationship with its neighbors has generally been good. Bulgaria has proven to be a constructive force in the region and has played an important role in promoting regional security.

U.S.-BULGARIAN RELATIONS

The year 2003 marked the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Bulgaria. U.S.-Bulgarian relations were severed in 1950 but were restored a decade later. Bilateral relations between the two nations improved dramatically after the fall of communism. The United States moved quickly to encourage development of a multi-party democracy and a market economy. The U.S. signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty in 1994 and gave Bulgaria most-favored-nation trade status in October 1996.

In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed the Support for East European Democracies Act (SEED), authorizing financial support to facilitate development of democratic institutions, political pluralism, and free market economies in the Balkan region. Since 1990, Bulgaria has received more than $460 million in SEED assistance.

Bulgaria hosts the only fully American university in the region, the American University of Bulgaria in Blagoevgrad, established in 1991, drawing students from throughout southeast Europe and beyond.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

SOFIA (E) Address: 16 Kozyak Street, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria; Phone: (359)(2) 937-5100; Fax: (359)(2)937-5320; 939-5790/GSO; 937-5231/HR; INMARSAT Tel: 683-13-1345;683-13-1346; Workweek: M-F 08:00-19:00; Website: http://www.usembassy.bg

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

September 14, 2005

Country Description:

Bulgaria is a quickly developing European nation undergoing significant economic changes. Tourist facilities are widely available, although conditions vary and some facilities may not be up to Western standards. Goods and services taken for granted in other European countries may not be available in many areas of Bulgaria.

Entry/Exit Requirements:

A United States passport is required for U.S. citizens who are not also Bulgarian nationals. U.S. citizens who enter the country on regular passports without a Bulgarian visa are authorized to stay for a total of 30 days within a six-month period. This law is strictly enforced, and many travelers are refused entry when their aggregate stays over the prior six months total more than 30 days. An application to extend one's stay for up to two months beyond the original 30 days can be filed, but must be submitted to regional police authorities no later than five days prior to the end of the original thirty-day period. For travelers who intend to stay more than 30 days, we recommend securing a Bulgarian visa from a Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate prior to arrival. Travelers using official or diplomatic passports must also secure visas prior to arrival. Bulgarian immigration authorities ask all foreigners to declare the purpose of their visit at the border or upon arrival and to provide their intended address.

U.S. citizens who intend to stay and live or work in Bulgaria must obtain a "D" visa prior to arrival. Once in Bulgaria, U.S. citizens may apply for a long-term residence permit on the basis of this visa. The process of switching from tourist status to long-term status when already in country is extremely cumbersome: those wanting to do so have to leave Bulgaria and apply for a D visa at a Bulgarian Consulate in a neighboring country. Travelers who have a one-year multiple-entry visa may stay in Bulgaria for a total of 90 days within a six-month period. If a traveler comes to Bulgaria on a one-year multiple-entry visa, stays in the country 90 days, and then leaves, he/she will not be able to enter the country for another 90 days.

American citizens who marry Bulgarian nationals technically have a legal right to switch to long-term status without leaving the country. In practice, however, applicants for residency are asked to leave the country, present their marriage license at a Bulgarian consulate in a neighboring country, and apply for a D visa. The same procedure applies to any foreigner wishing to adjust their status. They must leave the country and apply for a D visa at a Bulgarian consulate. This procedure takes anywhere between two weeks and a month.

For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria at 1621 22nd St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; http://www.bulgaria-embassy.org; tel. (202) 483-5885 (main switchboard (202) 387-7969), or the Bulgarian Consulate in New York City. Visit the Embassy of Bulgaria web site at http://www.bulgaria-embassy.org for the most current visa information.

Traveling with Bulgarian minors: Bulgarian authorities are particularly strict in matters involving the travel of Bulgarian children. Adults, other than a child's parents, departing Bulgaria with a Bulgarian national (including dual or multinational Bulgarian) child, must present to authorities a certified/legalized declaration signed by the child's parents authorizing custody for travel purposes. This holds true even if the adult is otherwise related to the child. If the declaration is signed in Bulgaria, certification by a Bulgarian notary public is required. If signed in the U.S., certification must come from a notary public and the court where the notary is licensed and then be legalized with an apostille, issued by the individual state's Department of State or the Governor's office. Please note Bulgarian authorities do not require such documentation for minors who are not Bulgarian.

Safety and Security:

A series of bombings and shootouts have occurred in public places in Sofia. It is believed these shootings are the result of turf wars among organized crime groups. These groups often travel in convoys of late-model SUVs and luxury sedans, accompanied by armed men, and frequent expensive restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs. Travelers should use caution when near such groups.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Crime:

Persons with dark complexions have complained of being the recipients of hostile attitudes or ethnic slurs solely because of their skin color. The Embassy continues to receive a number of such reports including reports of racially motivated verbal and even physical assaults. Petty street crime, much of which is directed against persons who appear to have money or to be foreign, continues to be a problem. Pick pocketing and purse snatching are frequent occurrences, especially in crowded markets and on shopping streets. Con artists operate on public transportation and in bus and train stations. Credit cards and ATMs should be used with caution; see Special Circumstances below. Travelers should be suspicious of "instant friends" and should also require persons claiming to be government officials to show identification. There have been incidents in which tourists have been drugged or assaulted and robbed after accepting offers of coffee or alcoholic beverages from "friendly" individuals met by "chance" at hotels, the airport, or at bus or train stations. Travelers should be wary of unfamiliar individuals who encourage them to drink or eat products as these may be tainted with strong tranquilizers (such as valium) that can lead rapidly to unconsciousness. Reporting a crime immediately to the police has helped recover money and valuables on more than one occasion and is recommended. To avoid becoming a victim of more serious crimes, including sexual assault, travelers should use the same personal safety precautions that they would use in the United States.

Taxi drivers often overcharge unwary travelers, particularly at Sofia Airport and the Central Train Station. We recommend travelers use reputable taxi companies whose cars have meters and clearly marked rates, displayed on a sticker on the passenger side of the windshield. Travelers should be aware that there is no official commission that sets taxi cab rates. Taxi drivers are within their full rights to charge passengers any price they want provided that it corresponds with the price shown on the windshield sticker. At the airport, there is a clearly marked booth within the arrivals terminal, which arranges for metered taxis at a fair rate. Finding reputable taxis at the Central Train Station is more difficult. We recommend trying to pre-negotiate a fare to avoid excessive payment if a metered taxi cannot be found. Because pilferage of checked baggage may occur at Sofia Airport, travelers should not include items of value in checked luggage.

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. Thieves also sometimes smash vehicle windows to steal valuables left in sight. Break-ins at residential apartments occur frequently. Persons who plan to reside in Bulgaria on a long-term basis should take measures to protect their dwellings. Long-term residents should consider installation of window grills, steel doors with well-functioning locks, and an alarm system that alerts an armed response team. Potential travelers should also be cautious about making credit card charges over the Internet as recent experience has shown that some offers come from scam artists posing as legitimate businesses. Travelers should also be careful about making credit card payments to Bulgarian tour operators over the Internet before coming to Bulgaria because some listed entities do not actually exist.

Information for Victims of Crime:

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. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Medical Facilities and Health Information:

While Bulgarian physicians are trained to a very high standard, most hospitals and clinics, especially in village areas, are generally not equipped and maintained to meet U.S. or Western European standards. Basic medical supplies and over-the-counter and prescription medications are widely available, but highly specialized treatment may not be obtainable. Pediatric facilities are in need of funding and lack equipment. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States may cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Medical Insurance:

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

All foreign citizens traveling to Bulgaria should be prepared to present valid evidence of health insurance to the Bulgarian border authorities in order to be admitted into the country. The insurance should be valid for the duration of the traveler's stay in Bulgaria.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions:

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Bulgaria is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

The Bulgarian road system is largely underdeveloped. There are few sections of limited-access divided highway. Some roads are in poor repair and full of potholes. Rockslides and landslides may be encountered on roads in mountainous areas. Livestock and animal-drawn carts present road hazards throughout the country, especially during the agricultural season. Travel conditions deteriorate during the winter as roads become icy and potholes proliferate. The U.S. Embassy in Sofia advises against driving at night because road conditions are more dangerous in the dark. Some roads lack pavement markings and lights, and motorists often drive with dim or missing headlights.

Driving in Bulgaria is extremely dangerous. Aggressive driving habits, the lack of safe infrastructure, and a mixture of late model and old model cars on the country's highways contribute to a high fatality rate for road accidents. Heavy traffic conditions have led to a significant increase in "road-rage" accidents. Motorists should avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers in Bulgaria. In particular, drivers of late-model sedans (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) are known to speed and drive dangerously. Motorists should exercise caution and avoid altercations with the drivers of such vehicles, which may be driven by armed organized crime figures. In some cities traffic lights late at night blink yellow in all directions, leaving rights-of-way unclear and contributing to frequent accidents.

Heavy truck traffic along the two-lane routes from the Greek border at Kulata to Sofia and from the Turkish border at Kapitan Andreevo to Plovdiv creates numerous hazards. Motorists should expect long delays at border crossings. A U.S. state driver's license is valid in Bulgaria only when used in conjunction with an International Driving Permit. For information on how to obtain a permit, please see http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html #permits.

Persons operating vehicles with foreign license plates frequently complain of being stopped by police and being fined on the spot for offenses that they have not committed. Motorists should note, however, that, under Bulgarian law, police officers may not collect fines on the spot; they may only issue a ticket with the fine to be paid at the motorist's local regional tax office.

Buses, trams, and trolleys are inexpensive, but they are often crowded and of widely varying quality. Passengers on the busiest lines have reported pick pocketing, purse slashing, and pinching.

The use of seat belts is mandatory in Bulgaria for all passengers, except pregnant women. Children under 10 years of age may ride in the front seat only if seated in a child car seat. In practice, these rules are often not followed. Speed limits are 50 KM/H in the cities/towns, 90 KM/H out of town, and 130 KM/H on the highways. For motorcycles, speed limits are 50 KM/H in the cities/towns, 80 KM/H out of town, and 100 KM/H on the highways. Motorcyclists must drive with helmets and with lights on at all times. At crossings that are not regulated, the driver who is on the right has the right-of-way, but this rule, too, is frequently ignored. Drivers may be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood level as low as 0.05 percent. Right turns on red lights are not permitted unless specifically authorized. The penalties for drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death range from a 25 U.S. Dollar fine up to imprisonment for life.

In case of emergency, drivers should contact the police at telephone number 166 and/or the Roadside Assistance at telephone number 146. For an ambulance, please call 150. The fire department can be reached at 160.

For specific information concerning Bulgarian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please contact the Bulgarian Embassy via the Internet at http://www.bulgaria-embassy.org. Visit the website of the country's national tourist office www.bulgariatravel.org and national authority responsible for road safety at www.kat.mvr.bg.

Aviation Safety Oversight:

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Bulgaria as not being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Bulgaria's air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

Special Circumstances:

Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. Due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity, credit cards should be used sparingly and with extreme caution. There have been reports of false ATM fronts on bona fide machines that capture cards and PINs for later criminal use, including unauthorized charges or withdrawals. In connection with such scams, travelers should be extremely wary of friendly bystanders near ATMs who offer assistance. Any time a card is not returned the traveler should immediately report the card as lost/stolen to the card-issuing company.

Visitors may exchange cash at banks or Exchange Bureaus, however, Exchange Bureaus sometimes post misleading rates that can confuse travelers. People on the street who offer high rates of exchange are usually con artists intent on swindling the unwary traveler. Damaged or very worn U.S dollar bank notes are often not accepted at banks or Exchange Bureaus. Major branches of the following Bulgarian banks will cash travelers' checks on the spot for Leva, the Bulgarian currency, or another desired currency: Bulbank, Bulgarian Postbank, Biochim, First Investment Bank, and United Bulgarian Bank (UBB). UBB also serves as a Western Union agent and provides direct transfer of money to travelers in need. There are also many Western Union branches in major towns and cities. Most shops, hotels, and restaurants, with the exception of the major hotels, do not accept travelers' checks or credit cards. Only some local banks can cash U.S. Treasury checks, and the payee may need to wait up to a month to receive funds.

The Bulgarian authorities do not consider presentation of a copy of the passport sufficient for identification purposes. Visitors should carry their original passports with them at all times.

Corruption remains an important concern of the Government. The Commission for Coordinating of the Activity for Combating Corruption manages the efforts of each government agency's internal inspectorate in fighting public corruption and engages in public awareness campaigns. Complaints of public corruption can be made to it at the at the Ministry of Justice, 2A Knyaz Dondukov Blvd., 1055 Sofia, Bulgaria, E-mail: [email protected] 359 2 980 9213, 359 2 923 7595, 359 2 940 3630, or to the Ministry of Finance hotline: 0800180018.

Criminal Penalties:

While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Bulgaria's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bulgaria are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children's Issues:

For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://www.travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.

Registration/Embassy Location:

Americans living or traveling in Bulgaria are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bulgaria. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at 16, Kozyak St., Sofia 1407; tel.: (+359 2) 937-5100; fax (+359 2) 937-5209; website www.usembassy.bg; Questions regarding consular services may be directed via email to: [email protected] (for non-immigrant visa matters); [email protected] (for immigrant visa matters); and [email protected] (for American Citizen Services matters).

International Adoption

December 2004

The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family

Disclaimer:

The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and our current understanding. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel.

Patterns of Immigration of Adopted Orphans to the U.S.:

Recent U.S. immigrant visa statistics reflect the following pattern for visa issuance to orphans

Fiscal Year: Number of Immigrant Visas Issued
FY 2004: 110
FY 2003: 198
FY 2002: 260
FY 2001: 297
FY 2000: 214

Adoption Authority in Bulgaria:

Ministry of Justice
Slavyanska Street # 1, Sofia 1000
Tel: (359 2)923-7303(Bulgarian only)
http://www.mjeli.government.bg/(Bulgarian only)

Eligibility Requirements for Adoptive Parents:

Prospective adoptive parents may be married or single. Adoptive parents must be at least fifteen years older than their adoptive children, but no more than forty-five years older. There are no Bulgarian age minimums or maximums; prospective adoptive parents are expected to comply with their home government's age requirements (For the U.S. prospective adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old; there are no age maximums).

Residency Requirements:

There are no residency requirements to complete an international adoption in Bulgaria. However, prospective adoptive parents are expected to spend 5 days with their adoptive child before the orphanage director will release the child.

Time Frame:

It normally takes at least several months to complete an intercountry adoption in Bulgaria; however, some adoptions have taken over a year to complete.

Adoption Agencies and Attorneys:

Prospective adoptive parents must use a Bulgarian licensed U.S. adoption agency or a Bulgarian adoption agency accredited by the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice is currently reviewing license applications for several U.S. based adoption agencies. For a complete list of adoption agencies accredited by the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice, please visit the web site at http://www.usembassy.bg/consular/adoptagency.html.

Adoption Fees in Bulgaria:

The U.S. Embassy in Sofia is aware of the following Bulgarian fees for adoption. These fees are subject to change. All fees are given in euros as the Bulgarian currency is linked to the Euro.

• Application fee at the MOJ: 100.00 Euro
• Court fee: 750.00 Euro
• Transcript of the Court Decree: 25.00 Euro
• Passport fee for child under 14: 7.00 Euro
• Passport fee for child over 14: 14.00 Euro
• Birth Certificate fee: 3.00 Euro

U.S. adoption agencies may charge additional fees to those listed above for services they provide.

Adoption Procedures:

U.S. citizen parents interested in adopting a Bulgarian orphan should first contact the U.S. CIS and satisfy the U.S. pre-adoption requirements. The next step is to identify an orphan available for adoption. Changes in Bulgarian adoption law in July 2003 require prospective adoptive parents to deposit their applications directly at the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) using the services of an American adoption agency licensed in Bulgaria or a Bulgarian agency accredited by the MOJ. The names of all prospective adoptive parents will be entered into a register. Another register will keep track of all Bulgarian children available for foreign adoptions. A council consisting of representatives of the Ministries of Justice, Health, Education, Social Services will review each application. The Council will offer a child to a prospective adoptive family. The MOJ will provide photographs of the child and information about his/her medical condition. If the family declines to adopt a specific child, the Council should be informed within two months and a new child will be offered for adoption.

Once the adoptive parent(s) select a child and the Council approves the application, the case will be forwarded to the Minister of Justice for final approval. When the Minister signs the parents' application, the paperwork will be transferred directly to the Bulgarian court, which must give custody of the child to the adoptive parents. One or both of the adoptive parents should plan on making a trip to Bulgaria. When the court has given custody of the child to the adoptive parents, they would be expected to spend at least five days with their adopted son or daughter before the orphanage director releases their child.

Documents Required for Adoption in Bulgaria:

• Application (personal data, short family history, financial situation)
• Document certifying that the adoptive parent has not been deprived of custody rights
• Home Study
• Medical Certificate
• Police Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Approval by the USCIS (I-171H)

All documents should be translated and apostilled.

Authenticating U.S. Documents to be Used Abroad:

All U.S. documents submitted to the Bulgarian government/court must be authenticated. Visit the State Department website at travel.state.gov for additional information about authentication procedures.

Bulgarian Embassy and Consulates in the United States:

Embassy of Bulgaria
1621 22nd Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: 202-387-0174 (main), 202-387-7969 (consular section)
Fax: 202-234-7973
Email: [email protected],
[email protected]
http://www.bulgaria-embassy.org/

Bulgaria also has a Consulate General in New York City:

121 East 62 Street
New York, NY 10021-7301
Tel: 212-935-4646
Fax: 212-319-5955
Email: [email protected]

U.S. Immigration Requirements:

Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at travel.state.gov/family.

Applying for a Visa for Your Child at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria:

As soon as prospective adopting parents arrive in Bulgaria, they should contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in order to register their presence in Bulgaria and schedule a visa appointment for their adopted child. The Consulate Section is located at: 16 Kozyak Street; Sofia 1407; Bulgaria; Tel: (359 2) 937-5100; e-mail: [email protected].

Immigrant visa interview appointments should be arranged a few days in advance. Interviews can be scheduled by calling (359-2) 937-5100 each working day from to 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. This is the direct line to the Immigrant Visa Unit. In case of emergency or if the line is busy, adoptive parents may reach the Immigrant Visa Unit through the Embassy's switchboard: (359-2) 937-5100, ext. 81-117. Email inquiries are also welcome at [email protected]. Embassy conducts immigrant visa interviews on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Additional Information:

Specific questions about adoption in a particular country may be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in that country. General questions regarding international adoption may be addressed to the Office of Children's Issues, U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/CI, SA-29, 4th Floor, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, toll-free Tel: 1-888-404-4747.