Bulgaria travel guide

Bulgaria (България, Balgariya, pronounced bɤlˈgarijə), officially the Republic of Bulgaria (Република България, Republika Balgariya, pronounced rɛˈpubliˌkə bɤlˈgarijə), a state in Southeastern Europe, borders five other countries; Romania to the north (mostly along the Danube), Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, and Greece and Turkey to the south. The Black Sea defines the extent of the country to the east.
Bulgaria comprises the classical regions of Thrace, Moesia, and Macedonia. Proto-Thracian culture in the region started to produce golden artifacts by the fifth millennium BC. The country preserves the traditions of the First Bulgarian Empire (632 - 1018), which at times covered most of the Balkans and spread its culture and literature among the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe. Centuries later, during the decline of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185 - 1392/1422), the country fell under five centuries of Ottoman rule. Diplomacy re-established Bulgaria as a constitutional monarchy in 1878, with the Treaty of San Stefano marking the birth of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. After World War II, Bulgaria became a communist state and part of the Eastern Bloc.
Currently, Bulgaria functions as a parliamentary democracy under a unitary constitutional republic. The country has joined the European Union and NATO. It has a population of approximately 7.7 million, with Sofia as its capital and largest city. (...)

Passport required. Visa not required for a stay of up to 30 days. Border tax $20 (U.S.) must be paid when entering Bulgaria. For persons staying over 30 days, obtain a visa in advance. AIDS test may be required for those staying more than 1 month. All travelers, except those staying in a private boarding house or hotel, etc., are required to register with the regional passport office or the police within 48 hours after their arrival in Bulgaria. For more information, contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, 1621 22nd St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/387-7969 or 387-0174) or the Bulgarian Consulate in New York at (212/935-4646). Internet: www.bulgaria-embassy.org. Mention tripwolf when you contact American Passport following the link below to ensure eligibility for special rates and services.