Bulgaria
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Get alerted when this changesLawLert pings you if Bulgaria's laws change. Free.Get the free appCannabis
It is illegal to bring marijuana, cannabis, or CBD products into Bulgaria; penalties for possession, use, or trafficking are severe.
Long jail sentences and heavy fines; lengthy detention.
§ US State Dept — BulgariaMedications
Carry prescription medication in original packaging with your prescription and a doctor's letter; some medicines may be illegal in Bulgaria even if prescribed at home.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — BulgariaCustoms & Cash
Declare EUR 10,000 or more (cash, traveller's cheques, gold) when entering or leaving the EU via Bulgaria. Travelling to or from another EU country you must still declare it if a customs officer asks. Undeclared cash can be detained and fined.
Customs may detain the cash and impose a penalty under national law.
§ Bulgarian Customs Agency — carrying of cashAlcohol
You can be charged with DUI in Bulgaria at a BAC as low as 0.05%; penalties for an injury/fatal accident range from a fine to life imprisonment.
Penalties range from a US $25 fine to life in prison for an accident causing injury or death; DUI can mean immediate jail, vehicle confiscation and fines.
§ US State Dept — BulgariaDrunken or disorderly behaviour in Bulgaria — loud conduct or urinating in public — can result in a fine or arrest.
Fine or arrest.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — BulgariaDriving
A valid digital vignette (e-vignette) is required on motorways and main roads in Bulgaria; buy it online (no printing needed).
Fine for driving without a valid vignette.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — BulgariaA US licence is only valid in Bulgaria with an International Driving Permit, which must be obtained before travel; most rental companies require an IDP.
Driving without an IDP may void insurance.
§ US State Dept — BulgariaLGBTQ+ Safety
There are no legal restrictions on same-sex relations or LGB events in Bulgaria, but same-sex marriage is not legal and LGBTQ+ people may face stigma and verbal abuse, especially outside Sofia.
§ US State Dept — BulgariaPublic Conduct
Covering your face in public is illegal in Bulgaria (balaclavas, full veils, etc.) — including in public buildings, streets, parks, restaurants, shops and on public transport; medical masks are exempt.
Arrest and heavy fines for non-compliance.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — BulgariaIt is a legal requirement to carry valid photo ID at all times in Bulgaria; a printed copy of your passport photo page is accepted.
Failure to carry ID is a legal violation.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — Bulgaria