BULGARIA

Compiled from the October 2004 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).

Major 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: (Dec. 2002 est.) 7,845,841.

Growth rate: (2002 est.)-5.8 (on basis of 1,000 people).

Ethnic groups: (March 2001 est.) Bulgarian 83.94%, Turkish 9.42%, Roma 4.68%, and others.

Religions: (March 2001 est.) Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, Roman Catholic 0.6%, Protestant 0.5%, others.

Language: Bulgarian (official).

Health: Life expectancy (data for 2000-2002 period)—male 68.5 years; female 75.4 years. Infant mortality rate (2002 est.)—3.3 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. Judicial—three-tiered system.

Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.

Political parties: National Movement Simeon II (NMS2); United Democratic Forces (UDF); Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP); Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF). The NMS won half the seats in the June 2001 parliamentary election and established a coalition government with the mainly ethnic Turkish MRF.

Economy

Real GDP growth: (2003 est.) 4.3%, (2002) 4.8%.

Inflation rate: (2003) 5.6%, (2002) 3.8%.

Unemployment rate: (2003 average) 14.3%, (2002 average) 17.7%.

Natural resources: Bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, and timber.

Official exchange rate: Lev per $1 U.S.—1.55 (Oct. 2004), 1.56 (Jan. 2004), 1.72 (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 remains committed to 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 and hopes for a full membership in the European Union by 2007.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

The unicameral National Assembly, or Narodno Subranie, consists of 240 deputies who are elected for 4-year terms by popular vote of party or coalition lists of candidates for each of the 28 administrative divisions. A party or coalition must garner a minimum of 4% of the vote in order to enter parliament. Parliament is responsible for enactment of laws, approval of the budget, scheduling of presidential elections, selection and dismissal of the prime minister and other ministers, declaration of war, deployment of troops outside of Bulgaria, and ratification of international treaties and agreements.

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.

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 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: 2/18/04

President: Purvanov , Georgi
Vice President: Marin , Angel
Prime Minister: Saxe-Coburg-Gotha , Simeon
Dep. Prime Min.: Vasilev , Nikolai
Dep. Prime Min.: Plamen , Panayotov
Dep. Prime Min.: Shuleva , Lidiya
Min. of Agriculture & Forests: Dikme , Mehmed
Min. of Culture: Abrashev , Bozhidar
Min. of Defense: Svinarov , Nikolai
Min. of Economy: Shuleva , Lidiya
Min. of Education & Science: Damyanov , Igor
Min. of Energy: Kovachev , Milko
Min. of Environment & Water: Arsenova , Dolores
Min. of European Affairs: Kuneva , Meglena
Min. of Finance: Velchev , Milen
Min. of Foreign Affairs: Pasi , Solomon
Min. of Health: Bogoev , Slavcho
Min. of Interior: Petkanov , Georgi
Min. of Justice: Stankov , Anton
Min. of Labor & Social Policy: Khristova , Khristina
Min. of Natural Disasters & Accidents: Khusmenova , Filis
Min. of Regional Development & Public Works: Cerovski , Valentin Ivanov
Min. of State Administration: Kalchev , Dimitur
Min. of Transportation & Communications: Vasilev , Nikolai
Min. of Youth & Sport: Ivanov , Vasil Minchev
Chmn., Bulgarian National Bank: Iskrov , Ivan Ganchov
Ambassador to the US: Poptodorova , Elena
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Tafrov , Stefan

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. The government'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 GDP growth of 5% in 2003, following a 4.8% growth in 2002. As a result of these moves, in October 2002 the European Commission declared Bulgaria had a "Functioning Market Economy." Recent measures introduced by Simeon Saxe-Coburg's government seek to reduce corporate taxes, curtail corruption, and attract 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 vowed to move ahead with long-delayed privatization of 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 and the government still needs to act on its pledges for securing 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 the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 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 hopes to complete European Union (EU) accession talks by the end of 2004 and hopes for a full membership in the EU by 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 is serving 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

July 21, 2004

Country Description: Bulgaria is a moderately developed 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 are still not 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. An application to extend one's stay for up to two months from the original 30 days can be filed, but must be submitted to regional police authorities no later than ten 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.

American citizens who intend to stay and live or work in Bulgaria must obtain a special 90-day "D" visa prior to arrival. Once in Bulgaria, this visa facilitates application for a residence permit. Travelers who have a one-year multiple-entry visa for Bulgaria may stay 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 within the next 90 days.

All travelers are required to register with the regional passport office for foreigners or the police within 48 hours after their arrival in the country and to inform the office about any change in their address. For those staying at a hotel, a private boarding house, or an apartment rented through an accommodation company, registration is taken care of by the proprietor. 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, although long-term residents may carry Bulgarian government-issued identity cards in place of passports. 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.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated protective procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

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 multi-national 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 state's Department of State or the Governor's office.

Safety and Security: Recently, a series of bombings and shootouts have occurred in public places in Sofia. It is believed that these represent turf wars among organized crime groups. These groups often travel in convoys of late-model SUVs and luxury sedans, accompanied by armed men. Travelers should use caution when near such groups. Travelers should also be aware that people of a dark-skinned complexion have reported to the Embassy instances of hostile attitudes, ethnic slurs and physical attacks they believe were caused solely because of their skin color.

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 Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. 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: Petty street crime, much of which is directed against persons who appear to have money or appear 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. 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.

Taxi drivers often overcharge unwary travelers, particularly at Sofia Airport and the Central Train Station. We recommend travelers use reputable taxi companies whose cars are clearly marked and have meters. Travelers should be aware that there is no official commission that sets taxi cab rates. 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. Breakins 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.

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 over-seas, 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 in finding appropriate medical care, in contacting family members or friends and in explaining 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.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Medical Facilities: Although Bulgarian physicians are trained to a very high standard, most hospitals and clinics are generally not equipped and maintained to meet U.S. or Western European standards. Basic medical supplies are widely available, but specialized treatment may not be obtainable. 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.

Medical Insurance: All foreign citizens traveling to Bulgaria must 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. 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 if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost more than 50,000 U.S. Dollars. Uninsured travelers who require medical care over-seas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have found it to be life saving when a medical emergency has occurred. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

Other Health Information: 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); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

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

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair

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 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/abroad_roadsafety.html

Furthermore, 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. Under Bulgarian law, a police officer must give a written receipt for any traffic fine collected.

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.

The most generally encountered local traffic custom is a driver flashing high beams, which usually means that a traffic police post is ahead. Motorists should avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers in Bulgaria. Drivers of late-model sedans (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) are known to speed and drive dangerously. Motorists should exercise caution and not engage in altercations with the drivers of such vehicles because some are armed organized crime figures. 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.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_roadsafety.html. 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.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Bulgaria's civil aviation authority as Category 2—not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for the oversight of the Bulgarian air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Bulgarian air carriers currently flying to the United States will be subject to heightened FAA surveillance. No additional flights or new service to the United States by Bulgaria's air carriers will be permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by an air carrier from a country meeting international safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet web site, http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

Customs Regulations: Travelers should declare jewelry, cameras, computers, and other valuables upon arrival in order to avoid difficulties when departing. Travelers entering Bulgaria with more than 8,000 Bulgarian Leva or the equivalent (around USD 5,400) in either foreign currency or traveler's checks must declare the money and/or checks to Customs officials upon arrival. Travelers entering Bulgaria with any amount of cut or uncut gems, unworked gold, or unworked silver must also declare these valuables. Americans intending to declare money or valuables who enter Bulgaria through Sofia Airport are strongly encouraged to use the red "Something to Declare" line and not the green "Nothing to Declare" line at Customs, even if specifically invited into the green line by a Customs official. The Bulgarian government considers entry through the green line to be a formal, irrevocable declaration that the traveler is carrying less than 8,000 Leva, and Customs authorities have sometimes confiscated travelers' entire funds if they are carrying undeclared cash in excess of that amount.

Travelers who attempt to leave the country with the equivalent of 25,000 Bulgarian Leva or more must complete a customs declaration on which they must state the origin of the money, and present a certificate from the Bulgarian regional internal revenue service proving they do not owe taxes, unless the sum is less than the amount originally reported when initially brought into the country. Please contact the Embassy of Bulgaria in Washington, D.C. or one of Bulgaria's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs regulations.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at http://www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm.

Bulgaria's customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information, please call (212) 354-4480, or send an e-mail to [email protected], or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.

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 Bulgarian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bulgaria are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Foreigners charged with a crime may be denied permission to depart Bulgaria. Criminal cases have been known to take years to resolve, regardless of their outcome.

Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposes of the PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18.

Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.

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 caution. ATMs are generally safe; however, there have been reports of false fronts to bona fide machines, which capture cards and PINs for later criminal use. 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 should exchange cash at banks or Exchange Bureaus, but they should know that Exchange Bureaus sometimes post rate quotations designed to confuse and defraud travelers. Travelers should carefully reconfirm all advertised rates prior to beginning an exchange transaction. 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. Most shops, hotels, and restaurants, with the exception of the major hotels, do not accept travelers' checks or credit cards. Cashing of U.S. Treasury checks through local banks can take up to a month.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Inter-net site at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

For additional information on international adoptions in Bulgaria, please contact the Department of State's Office of Children's Issues, the Consular Section of the Embassy, or the U.S. Embassy web site at http://www.usembassy.bg.

Registration/Consulate Location: Americans living in or visiting Bulgaria are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria and obtain updated information on travel and security within Bulgaria. The U.S. Embassy is located in Sofia at 1 Suborna (formerly 1 A. Stamboliyski Boulevard); tel. (359) (2) 937-5100; fax: (359) (2) 981-8977. The U.S. Embassy Consular Section is located at 1 Kapitan Andreev; tel. (359) (2) 963-2022; fax: (359) (2) 963-2859. The American Citizen Services direct line is (359) (2) 963-1391 (please, no calls about US immigrant/non-immigrant visa matters). The Embassy's web site is at http://www.usembassy.bg. Questions regarding consular services may be directed via e-mail to: [email protected] (for non-immigrant visa issues), [email protected] (for immigrant visa issues), and [email protected] (for American Citizen Services issues).

International Adoption

January 2005

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 following is intended as a very general guide to assist U.S. citizens who plan to adopt a child in Bulgaria and apply for an immigrant visa for the child to come to the United States. The information in this flier relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and our current understanding. It does not necessarily reflect the actual state of the laws of Bulgaria and is provided for general information only.

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 2003:198
FY 2002: 260
FY 2001: 297
FY 2000: 210
FY 1999: 230

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. Please also see the Web site for the U.S. Embassy in Sofia for information on Bulgarian adoption agencies authorized to provide adoption services. http://www.usembassy.bg/consular/adoptagency.html

Adopt an Angel International
Address: 1390 Highway 76 East,
Suite E
Hiawassee, GA 30546
Telephone: (706) 896-5094
E-mail: [email protected]

Bulgarian Branch
Address: Mladost 1, bl. 53, entr. 2,
apt. 1, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria
Telephone/Fax: (+359 2) 974-1411
Cell phone: (+359 888) 984-378
Ms. Liliana Radulova
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

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.

• 1. Application fee at the MOJ: 100.00 Euro
• 2. Court fee: 750.00 Euro
• 3. Transcript of the Court Decree: 25.00 Euro
• 4. Passport fee for child under 14: 7.00 Euro
• 5. Passport fee for child over 14: 14.00 Euro
• 6. 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.

Documents Required for Adoption in Bulgaria:

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

Authenticating U.S. Documents To Be Used Abroad: All U.S. documents submitted to the Bulgarian government/court must be authenticated. Bulgaria is a party to the Hague Legalization Convention. Please visit the Web site for the State Department Office of Authentications for additional information about authentication procedures.

Bulgarian Embassy and Consulates in the United States:

Embassy of Bulgaria
1621 22 nd 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]

Applying for a Visa for Your Child at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria: Immigrant visa interview appointments should be arranged a few days in advance. Interviews can be scheduled by calling (359-2) 963-1250 each working day from to 2:00 to 5:00 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.

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. The Consulate Section is located at: 16 Kozyak Street; Sofia 1407 Bulgaria; Tel: (359 2) 937 5100; e-mail: [email protected]

Additional Information: Specific questions about adoption in [country] may be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria. 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, 4 th Floor, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, toll-free Tel: 1-888-404-4747.