Bulgaria travel advisories

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Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Safety Information
Travel advisories Updated on Oct. 12, 2024, 4:23 a.m.
0
通常

The following information has been provided by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The information is subject to change without notice. This is not a comprehensive list, and you are urged to check the most up-to-date information and details.

Table of contents

Entry information for travelers from Japan

No information available

COVID-19 risks

Oct. 19, 2022, midnight

In light of the general improvement in the global infection situation and the fact that the G7 countries have already canceled the designation of levels by country and region, all the new coronavirus infectious disease risk information was announced on October 19. The world is uniformly set to level 1 (please be careful).

Aug. 24, 2022, midnight

On August 24, the infectious disease risk information for 41 countries was changed from level 3 (recommendation to avoid travel) to level 2 (please refrain from non-essential travel), and the infectious disease risk information for 55 countries/regions was changed to level 2. The level has been lowered from (Please refrain from unnecessary and non-urgent travel) to Level 1 (Please be careful).

July 25, 2022, midnight

On July 23, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak of monkeypox a "public health emergency of international concern." According to the WHO, more than 16,000 cases of monkeypox infection in 75 countries and regions have been reported so far, and the infection is spreading worldwide.

July 1, 2022, midnight

Although the infection status of the new corona varies depending on the situation in each country and region, the risk of death and aggravation has decreased, and deregulation at the water's edge and in Japan has also been seen, especially in countries where vaccination is progressing worldwide. I'm on the way. Based on these trends, the infectious disease risk information level is now available after comprehensively considering the actual conditions of each country / region, such as the status of infection, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures in each country / region. Was reviewed.

May 26, 2022, midnight

Although the infection status of the new corona varies depending on the situation in each country and region, the number of new infections and deaths is declining worldwide, and the risk of death and aggravation is mainly in countries where vaccination is progressing. Is declining, and regulations are being relaxed at the water's edge and in Japan. Based on these trends, the infectious disease risk information level is now available after comprehensively considering the actual conditions of each country / region, such as the status of infection, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures in each country / region. Was reviewed.

April 1, 2022, midnight

The level of infectious disease risk information should be reviewed after comprehensively considering the actual situation of each country / region, such as the number of newly infected people in each country / region, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures. It was made. As a result, infectious disease risk information has been reduced from Level 3 "Recommendation for suspension of travel" to Level 2 "Please stop unnecessary and unurgent travel" in 106 countries.

Nov. 29, 2021, midnight

As the infection may spread further, please be informed and try to prevent the infection.

Aug. 13, 2021, midnight

As the infection may spread further, please obtain the latest information and try to prevent the infection.

May 18, 2021, midnight

Coronavirus infections are still spreading worldwide, with more than 160 million confirmed infections and more than 3 million deaths worldwide. Although the number of infected people is decreasing in North America and Europe, the situation continues to require caution, such as the remarkable spread of infection in South Asia.
Based on this situation, the infectious disease risk information level in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Saint Lucia, Thailand, East Timor, and Mongolia has been newly set to Level 2 by comprehensively considering various situations including the deterioration of the infection situation. "Please stop unnecessary and unurgent travel" has been raised to Level 3 "Travel Cancellation Recommendation".

Oct. 30, 2020, midnight

As the infection may spread further, please obtain the latest information and try to prevent the infection.

March 25, 2020, midnight

感染がさらに拡大する可能性があるので,最新情報を入手し,感染予防に努めてください。

Local and national news

Information for the past 30 days.

Caution regarding protests and other activities related to the situation in the Middle East

Oct. 5, 2024, midnight wide area information
1

Wide-area information on infectious diseases: Caution regarding M-POX (Declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC))

Aug. 16, 2024, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
【point】
● On August 14 (local time), the WHO Emergency Committee met and advised WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that the spread of Empox infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and several African countries could potentially spread outside the African continent and be considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
On the same day, Director-General Tedros declared that the outbreak constituted a PHEIC.

Caution regarding Mpox

Aug. 8, 2024, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
●On August 7, at a regular press conference, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that a serious Empox outbreak is occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and that the infection is spreading in neighboring countries.
People traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighboring countries, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, the Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic, where there have been many cases of Empox clade 1 recently, should be particularly careful to prevent infection. People traveling to other countries and regions should also take measures to prevent infection, as the possibility of the infection spreading in the future cannot be denied.

Travel advisories from local embassies and consulates

Information from the past two weeks.

Traffic restrictions due to the Sofia Marathon (12th-13th October)

Oct. 11, 2024, 3:01 p.m.


Consular Security Section of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria Tel: (Country code 359) 2-971-2708 (main) (24h)
e-mail: consul.jpn-emb@sf.mofa.go.jp
HP: http://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Twitter (Japanese): https://twitter.com/EmbassyBulgaria
Twitter (Bulgarian): https://twitter.com/EmbassyOfJapan
Facebook (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/japanemb.bulgaria.anzen
Facebook (Bulgarian): https://www.facebook.com/Embassy-of-Japan-in-Bulgaria-Посолство-на-Япония-в-България-254192337927884/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpembinbulgaria?igsh=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==/
2024 closing days → https://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/kyukanbi.html

"Golgo 13's Overseas Safety Manual" now available!
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/anzen_info/golgo13xgaimusho.html

This email is automatically sent to the email address provided in your residence notification and the email address registered with Tabi-Regi.
*If you have completed the simple registration for Tabi-Regi and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the URL below.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please tell your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.

Demonstration information (Demonstration held in Sofia: 10/9)

Oct. 9, 2024, 5:37 p.m.


Consular Security Section of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria Tel: (Country code 359) 2-971-2708 (main) (24h)
e-mail: consul.jpn-emb@sf.mofa.go.jp
HP: http://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Twitter (Japanese): https://twitter.com/EmbassyBulgaria
Twitter (Bulgarian): https://twitter.com/EmbassyOfJapan
Facebook (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/japanemb.bulgaria.anzen
Facebook (Bulgarian): https://www.facebook.com/Embassy-of-Japan-in-Bulgaria-Посолство-на-Япония-в-България-254192337927884/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpembinbulgaria?igsh=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==/
2024 closing days → https://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/kyukanbi.html

"Golgo 13's Overseas Safety Manual" now available!
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/anzen_info/golgo13xgaimusho.html

This email is automatically sent to the email address provided in your residence notification and the email address registered with Tabi-Regi.
*If you have completed the simple registration for Tabi-Regi and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the URL below.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please tell your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.

Caution (beware of events marking one year since Hamas' attack on Israel)

Oct. 4, 2024, 11:11 p.m.
[Main text]
As stated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' wide-area information "Caution Following Iranian Attack on Israel" (October 2, 2024) and the consular email from our embassy on the same day, tensions in the Middle East have risen again since the Iranian attack on Israel on October 1, and incidents believed to be related have also occurred in various European countries.

In the meantime, it is expected that related events will be held in various places on October 7th, which marks one year since the Hamas attack on Israel. In Sofia, there is information that a related ceremony will be held on October 7th at the Sofia Central Synagogue, inviting Bulgarian government dignitaries, and there are concerns that it may become a target of attacks, including terrorist attacks.

As we have already informed you, there are several other Israeli and Jewish related facilities in Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian government is stepping up its vigilance against them. As unforeseen incidents may occur, please avoid approaching the areas surrounding these facilities as much as possible, especially around October 7th.

[Sofia]
- Israeli Embassy (Bul. 18th June)
- Sofia Central Synagogue (Okzarche Gosip Street 16)
- "Shalom" Sofia branch (Bul. A. St. Bologna 50)

[Plovdiv]
Plovdiv Synagogue (Eliseser Karev 6)
- "Shalom" Plovdiv branch (Yul. Христо G. Danov 20)

[Varna]
- Varna Central Synagogue (Ul. Tychea 5)
- "Shalom" Varna branch (Musalla 7)

[Burgas]
- "Shalom" Burgas branch (Yel. Mitropolit Symen 24)

[Ruse]
- "Shalom" Ruse branch (Yul. D-R Mustakov 4)

[Stara Zagora]
- Stara Zagora branch of "Shalom" (City of 50 A)

*Shalom is an NPO that brings together Jews in Bulgaria.
*Please refer to the consular email dated October 2nd entitled "Caution (Islamic and Israeli related facilities in Bulgaria)" which lists not only the Israeli related facilities mentioned above but also Islamic related facilities.

* The risk of terrorism is also higher in crowded places such as airports, train stations, and large shopping centers. Please pay close attention to your surroundings, and if you notice anything suspicious, please make your personal safety your first priority, such as leaving the area immediately.

Consular Security Section of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria Tel: (Country code 359) 2-971-2708 (main) (24h)
e-mail: consul.jpn-emb@sf.mofa.go.jp
HP: http://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Twitter (Japanese): https://twitter.com/EmbassyBulgaria
Twitter (Bulgarian): https://twitter.com/EmbassyOfJapan
Facebook (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/japanemb.bulgaria.anzen
Facebook (Bulgarian): https://www.facebook.com/Embassy-of-Japan-in-Bulgaria-Посолство-на-Япония-в-България-254192337927884/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpembinbulgaria?igsh=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==/
2024 closing days → https://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/kyukanbi.html

"Golgo 13's Overseas Safety Manual" now available!
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/anzen_info/golgo13xgaimusho.html

This email is automatically sent to the email address provided in your residence notification and the email address registered with Tabi-Regi.
*If you have completed the simple registration for Tabi-Regi and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the URL below.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please tell your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.

Caution (Islamic and Israeli related facilities in Bulgaria)

Oct. 2, 2024, 11:21 p.m.
[Main text]
As stated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' wide-area information "Caution Following Iran's Attack on Israel" (October 2, 2024), tensions in the Middle East are rising again following the Iranian attack on Israel on October 1.

There have been a series of incidents in European countries that appear to be related to Israel, including attacks on Israeli embassies in Sweden and Denmark.

*There are several Islamic, Israeli and Jewish facilities in Bulgaria (some examples are shown below). Please avoid these facilities as much as possible as unforeseen incidents may occur.

[Sofia]
Banya Bashi Mosque (Knyaganja Mariya Luzha 18)
- Israeli Embassy (Bul. 18th June)
- Sofia Central Synagogue (Okzarche Gosip Street 16)
- "Shalom" Sofia branch (Bul. A. St. Bologna 50)

[Blagoevgrad]
- Blagoevgrad Mosque (Сергей Румянцев 2)

[Plovdiv]
- Jumaiyah Mosque (1st mosque)
- Shabedin Imaret Mosque (Yul. Khan Кубрат 11)
- Tashkoplu Mosque (6th mosque, 135th)
Plovdiv Synagogue (Eliseser Karev 6)
- "Shalom" Plovdiv branch (Yul. Христо G. Danov 20)

[Varna]
- Azizye Varna Central Mosque (Ал. Ангел Георгиев 25)
- Hayriye Kamiy (Mosque) (Yul. Dynavy 1)
- Varna Central Synagogue (Ul. Tychea 5)
- "Shalom" Varna branch (Musalla 7)

[Burgas]
- "Shalom" Burgas branch (Yel. Mitropolit Symen 24)

[Ruse]
Said Pasha Mosque
- "Shalom" Ruse branch (Yul. D-R Mustakov 4)

[Stara Zagora]
- Stara Zagora branch of "Shalom" (City of 50 A)

*Shalom is an NPO that brings together Jews in Bulgaria.

In addition to these facilities, the risk of terrorism is also higher in crowded places such as airports and train stations. Please pay close attention to your surroundings, and if you notice any suspicious situations, please make your personal safety your first priority, such as leaving the area immediately.

Consular Security Section of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria Tel: (Country code 359) 2-971-2708 (main) (24h)
e-mail: consul.jpn-emb@sf.mofa.go.jp
HP: http://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Twitter (Japanese): https://twitter.com/EmbassyBulgaria
Twitter (Bulgarian): https://twitter.com/EmbassyOfJapan
Facebook (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/japanemb.bulgaria.anzen
Facebook (Bulgarian): https://www.facebook.com/Embassy-of-Japan-in-Bulgaria-Посолство-на-Япония-в-България-254192337927884/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpembinbulgaria?igsh=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==/
2024 closing days → https://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/kyukanbi.html

"Golgo 13's Overseas Safety Manual" now available!
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/anzen_info/golgo13xgaimusho.html

This email is automatically sent to the email address provided in your residence notification and the email address registered with Tabi-Regi.
*If you have completed the simple registration for Tabi-Regi and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the URL below.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please tell your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.

Postponement of testing of warning systems across Bulgaria

Oct. 1, 2024, 4:11 p.m.


Consular Security Section of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria Tel: (Country code 359) 2-971-2708 (main) (24h)
e-mail: consul.jpn-emb@sf.mofa.go.jp
HP: http://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Twitter (Japanese): https://twitter.com/EmbassyBulgaria
Twitter (Bulgarian): https://twitter.com/EmbassyOfJapan
Facebook (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/japanemb.bulgaria.anzen
Facebook (Bulgarian): https://www.facebook.com/Embassy-of-Japan-in-Bulgaria-Посолство-на-Япония-в-България-254192337927884/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpembinbulgaria?igsh=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==/
2024 closing days → https://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/kyukanbi.html

"Golgo 13's Overseas Safety Manual" now available!
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/anzen_info/golgo13xgaimusho.html

This email is automatically sent to the email address provided in your residence notification and the email address registered with Tabi-Regi.
*If you have completed the simple registration for Tabi-Regi and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the URL below.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please tell your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.

Testing of warning systems across Bulgaria (October 1st, 11am)

Sept. 30, 2024, 11:21 p.m.
[Main text]
A test of the Nationwide Early Warning Notification System (NEWS) will be conducted in the following areas at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1st.

- Some areas of Sofia, Burgas, Varna, Kardzhali, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Ruse, Smolyan, Vratsa, Stara Zagora, Vidin, Pernik, Yambol - Areas within 30 km of the Kozlody power plant

*The National Early Warning and Notification System (NEWS) is a system that issues sirens and voice warnings through audio devices installed in various locations in the event of an emergency.

○In addition, a nationwide test of the "BG Alert" system will be conducted. A message written in Bulgarian and English will be sent once to mobile devices in Japan that are set up to receive test messages (when receiving the message, a special ringtone and vibration will be activated even if the device is on silent mode).

*"BG Alert" is a system that delivers warning messages to personal devices (cell phones, tablets, some smart watches, etc.) via the mobile phone network in the event of a disaster, emergency, or other situation that poses a threat to life, health, or property.

*For information on setting up various devices to receive test messages, please see below.
https://bg-alert.bg/#/help/phone-settings

*None of these notifications inform you of actual incidents or disasters.

(Reference) Notification from the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior
https://www.mvr.bg/press/актуална-информация/актуална-информация/новини/преглед/новини/тест-на-националната-с истема-за-ранно-предупреждение-и-оповестяване-и-на-системата-bg-alert

Consular Security Section of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria Tel: (Country code 359) 2-971-2708 (main) (24h)
e-mail: consul.jpn-emb@sf.mofa.go.jp
HP: http://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Twitter (Japanese): https://twitter.com/EmbassyBulgaria
Twitter (Bulgarian): https://twitter.com/EmbassyOfJapan
Facebook (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/japanemb.bulgaria.anzen
Facebook (Bulgarian): https://www.facebook.com/Embassy-of-Japan-in-Bulgaria-Посолство-на-Япония-в-България-254192337927884/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpembinbulgaria?igsh=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==/
2024 closing days → https://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/kyukanbi.html

"Golgo 13's Overseas Safety Manual" now available!
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/anzen_info/golgo13xgaimusho.html

This email is automatically sent to the email address provided in your residence notification and the email address registered with Tabi-Regi.
*If you have completed the simple registration for Tabi-Regi and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the URL below.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please tell your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.