Europe
Is Bulgaria safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Bulgaria safe?
Safe overall, with little violent crime. The main risks are pickpockets, taxi overcharging, bar scams in resorts and aggressive driving; occasional protests disrupt traffic.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-10-08.
- Homicide rate: 1.1 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 9.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 166 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 160 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Generally comfortable for solo women. Sunny Beach nightlife needs care with drinks and taxis; rural areas are conservative.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Aggressive driving and poorly maintained, unlit roads
- Pickpockets in Sofia, on trains and in resorts
- Thefts and taxi robberies around Sunny Beach
- Summer wildfires and occasional flash floods
Common scams
- 'Gentlemen's clubs' in Sofia, Bansko and Sunny Beach inflating bills
- Unlicensed taxis at Sofia airport; use the official booking desk
- Taxis with inflated tariffs; check the window sticker before getting in
Laws visitors break by accident
- Face coverings such as the niqab or burqa are banned in public
- Driving on highways without an e-vignette brings fines
- Loud drunken behaviour or public urination can lead to arrest or fines
Safety by place in Bulgaria
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Sofia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Plovdiv | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bansko | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Varna | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nessebar | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Golden Sands | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Veliko Tarnovo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sozopol | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Burgas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Borovets | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sunny Beach | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Bulgaria safe for tourists?
Safe overall, with little violent crime. The main risks are pickpockets, taxi overcharging, bar scams in resorts and aggressive driving; occasional protests disrupt traffic.
Is Bulgaria safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women. Sunny Beach nightlife needs care with drinks and taxis; rural areas are conservative.
What is the emergency number in Bulgaria?
Police 166 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 160 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Bulgaria
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria: visas
- Speedtest Global Index: Bulgaria
- EF English Proficiency Index 2025: Bulgaria
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.