Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Bulgaria
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1992 13:22:03 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Bulgaria
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Bulgaria - Consular Information Sheet
 October 7, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, is located 
at 1 a. Stamboliski Boulevard; telephone (359) (2) 88-48-01 to -05.  
The Consular Section of the Embassy is located at 1 Kapitan Andreev 
Street in Sofia; telephone numbers are the same.

Country Description: Bulgaria is a moderately developed European 
nation undergoing profound political and economic changes.  
Impassioned debate, political rallies, and periods of strike 
activity are regular features of the scene.  They do not typically 
pose a threat to U.S. citizens.  Tourist facilities are not highly 
developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in 
other European countries are not yet available.

Entry Requirements:  A visa is not required for tourist visits of 
less than 30 days.  An AIDS test is required for those staying more 
than one month for purposes of study or work; U.S. tests are not 
accepted.  For further information concerning entry requirements, 
travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria at 
1621 22nd Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202) 387-7669.

Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited.  Some medicines 
are in short supply.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate 
cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not 
always valid outside the United States.  Travelers have found that 
in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas 
coverage has proved to be useful.  Further information on health 
matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's 
international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information: Bulgaria has a low rate of violent crime.  
Recently, however street crime has increased, especially at night 
near major hotels and restaurants.  The Department of State's 
pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. 
 It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting 
personal security while traveling abroad.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Registration:  Americans who register in the Consular Section of 
the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security 
within the country.

 No. 92-010