Connectivity — Bulgaria

Transmitting radio equipment is permission-based in Bulgaria and the sanction is criminal, not a ticket. Building, keeping or using a radio device that transmits on the air without written authorisation is a crime carrying up to 5 years' imprisonment plus a fine, and the device itself is forfeited to the State. The same article catches using a transmitter you have not first registered with full identifying data, using it for purposes the authorisation does not allow, and changing its registered data on your own initiative. Jamming sits in the same article: obstructing or interfering with the operation of a radio-communication, broadcasting, television or radio-relay station or a radio transmission centre carries the same penalty, so a signal jammer or an unapproved booster is the clearest way for a traveller to commit this offence. Note the word keeping — the offence does not require you to switch the device on. Equipment that only receives, and a phone on a Bulgarian or roaming network, are not what this article is about. Separately, using special technical means to reach or learn a message not addressed to you — by telephone, over a computer network or by any other telecommunication means — carries up to 2 years, and that extends to computer data sent within or between information systems, including electromagnetic emissions from an information system.

Building, keeping or using an air-transmitting radio device without written authorisation; using one without having first registered it with full identifying data, or for purposes the authorisation does not permit; unilaterally altering its registered data; or obstructing or interfering with the operation of a radio-communication, broadcasting, television or radio-relay station or a radio transmission centre: up to 5 years' imprisonment and a fine of 100 to 300 leva, and the radio device is forfeited to the State (Criminal Code art. 348). Unlawfully accessing or learning, by means of special technical devices, a message not addressed to you transmitted by telephone, telegraph, a computer network or another telecommunication means: up to 2 years (art. 171(3)); the same penalty applies where the object is computer data sent within or between information systems, including electromagnetic emissions from an information system (art. 171(4)). Damaging a telegraph, telephone, teleprinter, television or radio installation or line and thereby cutting off or hindering communications: up to 5 years, or up to 1 year, probation or a fine of 100 to 300 leva if done negligently (art. 347).

Verified Oct 14, 2026