The lev (plural: leva; code: BGN) is the Bulgarian currency.
It was revaluated in 1999. 1.000 old leva = 1 new lev. The
old leva are no longer valid! The new notes are of: 1, 2,
5, 10, 20 and 50 leva and all of them have a security strip
on their left side.
Since June 1997 the lev is tied to the German mark, so that
1 lev equals 1 mark. Currently, the exchange rates of the
US dollar and the British pound are approximately as follows:
You
can change cash at any Bulgarian bank or exchange office. It's a good
idea to ask the clerk beforehand whether they charge any
commission or hidden fee!
You wouldn't want to change your money at a hotel since
the rate will be lower.
In Bulgaria, you pay cash for almost everything. Credit
cards are accepted only in some of the biggest hotels and
resorts.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are already a common sight
in the cities and the most populous towns, so you can withdraw
unds with your card, be it VISA, MasterCard, Cirrus, Plus,
AmEx or else.
Bulgarian Visas
(As
stated on www.bulgaria-embassy.org - the web site of the
Bulgarian Embassy in U.S.A. The information might change
without previous notice.)
A Bulgarian visa (entry or transit) may be obtained at the
Bulgarian Embassy in the US, the Bulgarian Consulate in
New York City or at any other Bulgarian Embassy or Consular
Office in other countries. Citizens of the United States
and Canada, the European Union, Japan, Australia, New Zealand
and Israel traveling on regular passports, are NOT required
visas for stay in Bulgaria not exceeding 30 days. A border
tax (of approx. $20) will be collected from such individuals
when entering the country. If planning to stay more than
30 days, or traveling on diplomatic or official passport,
a visa is required and must be obtained in advance.
Non
US citizens are expected to provide an invitation from a
Bulgarian host or business partner and a letter from their
company or institution in the US if they are traveling for
business purpose.
Multiple
entry visas may be granted to individuals whose business
in Bulgaria requires frequent visits. Multiple visas are
subject of prior approval and delays in their issuance may
be anticipated.
Transit
visas grant stay in Bulgaria of 24 hours or less. Airline
tickets and evidence of right of entry into the next country
of travel will be required.
Possession of airline tickets does not guarantee the granting
of an entry visa. Travel arrangements and costs are solely
at the applicant's risk. Individuals who do not possess
national passports may travel on INS-issued re-entry permits
and refugee travel documents. Possession of a valid visa
is mandatory for such nationals for entry in Bulgaria. "Green
cards" are not considered travel documents. Citizens
of countries not listed above may not apply for overnight
issuance of an entry visa. Visa requirements are subject
to change. Incomplete applications, absence of photos or
inadequate payment result in return of application to sender
without further action.
If
you are traveling with pets you should have a certificate
of veterinarian examination carried out within one week
before departure as well as certificate of rabies shot made
during the last six months.
VISA
REQUIREMENTS
Valid
passport or Travel Document (at least 6 months remaining);
Visa Application Form, fully completed;
One passport size photo;
Copy of the Green Card;
Self-addressed stamped envelope;
Visa fee - fees are collected at the time of application.
(Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted)
VISA
FEES
Single
entry visas:
Issuance after 10 working days $53
Issuance after 5 working days $68
Overnight issuance (only for US citizens) $88
Multiple entry visa $123
Transit visas $43
Double transit visa $63
Diplomatic and official visas are free of charge.
Visas are valid for entry within 3 months of the date of
issue. For motorists a national driving license is required.
Motor vehicle insurance can be arranged at the Bulgarian
border point of entry.
