How to get there?

There are direct flights to Sofia from both Gatwick (operated by BulgariAir) and from Heathrow (operated by BA). Prices are typically GBP160 - GBP250 although prices do increase as the flight time gets closer. Car Hire Foreign nationals may drive in Bulgaria using a national driving license. The usual companies, Avis, Hertz etc all have offices in the major cities and resorts. Alternatively, cars with drivers can be hired very affordably on a daily basis and will even stay overnight if required. Expect to pay Ј40 per day plus expenses and petrol. Trains and long distance buses Are hard to recommend. There are numerous indirect flights that are often cheaper, try http://www.ebookers.com or similar flight search engines. Direct flights to Varna and Burgas start up in April and run through to late September. Balkan Holidays run flights from 16 different cities across the country and details can be found on their website. As the Black Sea in Bulgaria becomes increasingly popular, most tour operators are offering package holidays – check with your travel agent. Flying within Bulgaria There are internal flights within Bulgaria operated by Hemus Air, with flights between Sofia, Burgas and Varna. Passport All visitors require a full British passport that allows a maximum stay of 30 days. Any stay exceeding 30 days requires permission, which can be obtained either from the Bulgarian Embassy in London prior to travel, or at the local police station free of charge. The maximum extended stay cannot exceed 90 days. Failures to either obtain permission to extend the 30 period or exceeding the 90 day extension will result the prospect of a large fine when leaving the country. Extended stay To stay longer than 30/90 days a "D" type 90 day single entry visa should be applied for (this takes a minimum of 30 days). This can only be done at the Bulgarian Embassy in London. The fee is 44stg and relevant documentation is required to support the application (proof of means of support etc). Single entry allows one trip back to Bulgaria to obtain a residents permit obtainable from the regional authority. Again relevant documentation is required (a reference letter from a Bulgarian Bank confirming means of support, passport and Birth Certificate), and a passport photograph. A fee of 200 leva (Ј70) is payable and the process takes a couple of weeks. You cannot leave Bulgaria until this process is complete; otherwise another "D" type has to be applied for back in London. For more information you may visit the page of the Bulgarian Embassy in London at: http://www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk