Travel info and Visa invitation

Sofia and Bulgaria rank among the safest cities and country in Europe.

There are different ways to reach Bulgaria depending on your location, budget, and preferences. Here are some of the common options:

By air: Bulgaria has several international airports, with the main ones being in Sofia, Varna, and Burgas. You can find direct flights to Bulgaria from many European and some Asian and African countries, or you can connect via other major hubs. You can compare and book flights online using websites like Skyscanner or Kayak.

By road: Bulgaria is connected by road to its neighboring countries: Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. You can drive to Bulgaria by car, or you can take a bus from many European cities. You can check the bus schedules and prices on websites like Busbud or Flixbus.

By rail: Bulgaria has a railway network that links it to other European countries, such as Romania, Serbia, Greece, and Turkey. You can travel to Bulgaria by train, or you can use a rail pass like Eurail or [Interrail] to explore multiple destinations.

By sea: Bulgaria has a coastline along the Black Sea, where you can find several ports and marinas. You can reach Bulgaria by ferry from some countries, such as Ukraine, Georgia, and Russia, or you can take a cruise that stops in Bulgaria. You can find more information on websites like [Direct Ferries] or [Cruise Critic].

These are some of the ways to easily reach Bulgaria. You can also combine different modes of transportation to suit your needs and preferences. Bulgaria is a beautiful and diverse country that awaits you with its natural, cultural, and historical attractions.

Nationals of Schengen countries, the USA, Australia, and Canada can enter Bulgaria for short-term stays without a visa.

➤ Participants requiring a visa for entry to Bulgaria are strongly advised to make their application at least two months before the intended date of travel. To assist with the visa application process, the IAFS registration secretariat may provide you with a letter of invitation (for more details, please contact us).

➤ Please check the current Covid – 19 regulations to travel to Bulgaria by consulting the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website