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Directions
The fastest way to reach Sozopol is to fly to Bourgas, although other routes are also possible (via Sofia or Varna). Bourgas has an International Airport which is 12 km north of the city.
There are buses that operate at every 15 min that will take you from Bourgas airport (BA) to the front of the Bourgas Central Railway Station (BCRS) where the buses from Bourgas to Sozopol operate. The ticket price is approximately 2 BG leva and it is paid on the bus. There is a regular bus service from Bourgas to Sozopol during the day (from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) from just outside the BCRS. The ticket price is approximately 4 BG leva and it is paid on the bus. The journey takes no more than 40 minutes (33 km).
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from BA to BCRS for ~ 30 leva; from BCRS to Sozopol for ~40 leva; or from BA to Sozopol for ~ 70 leva. But keep in mind that the prices for taxis may be a bit higher at night and/or at busy times. Most taxis are metered and the yellow taxis are generally considered reliable. It is advisable, however, to check the tariffs on the vehicle window before boarding as they can vary considerably.
Useful Information
Voltage: 220 V only
Currency: Lev (€1 euro = 1.96 levs)
Time: GMT + 2 hours
Passports and Visas
It is a customer’s responsibility to be in possession of a full valid passport and necessary visas. Your passport and travel documents must be intact and you may not be able to travel if they are damaged.
The Bulgarian visas are issued by the Bulgarian Embassies and consulates abroad, not at the airports or the land and sea passport control points in Bulgaria. A visa is issued only to holders of passports or travel documents that are valid for Bulgaria for at least 3 months after the end of the intended stay and that contain a blank page for affixing of visa vignettes.
If you need to apply for a new or replacement passport, be sure to leave plenty of time for the passport office to process your application: there can be delays in busy travel times.
The name on the passport must match the name on the ticket. If the passport and ticket does not match, you may not be able to travel and your insurance policy may be invalid. It is not necessary to obtain visas before departure on these pre-booked inclusive holidays, but you should take your holiday confirmation invoice with you in case the reason for your visit is requested at the airport on arrival.
Bulgaria- you will need to complete an immigration card upon arrival giving details of your stay and your place of residence whilst in Bulgaria. You will receive the card on arrival. If you book accommodation with us or have arranged your own accommodation at a hotel, your hotelier should stamp your immigration card and submit it to the local police station on your behalf. If you book a flight only to Bulgaria and you are staying in private accommodation, e.g. with friends and family you are required to submit the immigration card to the local police station yourself upon your arrival. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement and do not need visa to travel to Bulgaria.
Passports for children
As of 1 January 2006, all children, including new-born babies, need their own passport to travel to Bulgaria. Children included in their parents' passports will only be allowed in if the passport also contains their photograph.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover the full period you will be in the country, and which includes medical repatriation to your country if necessary. You should be aware, however, that most insurance companies will not authorize medical repatriation as a matter of routine. You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.
Money
There are many exchange bureaus in Bulgaria that normally exchange all major currencies. However, check the rates of exchange before making a transaction and where possible, you should change money in banks or in large hotels. If you have travellers’ cheques you may need to go to a bank anyway. You should also be aware that damaged notes, Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes/coins may not be exchanged in banks and bureaus de changes. There is now a large network of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards that can be used to draw Levs. You must let your bank know you are going abroad, otherwise your bank account may be frozen. Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. Credit cards are not yet very widely accepted, though they may be used in major hotels and, increasingly, in restaurants and retail outlets.
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