Visiting Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria's capital sits at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, blending Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and Soviet architecture. A city of contrasts with ancient churches, parks, and vibrant nightlife.
Quick Facts
Sofia is located in Bulgaria, a Schengen Area member. Visa-exempt travelers (US, UK, Canada, etc.) will need ETIAS authorization from Q4 2026. Maximum stay: 90 days per 180-day period.
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Population 1.3 million
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Timezone EET (UTC+2)
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Best Time May to September
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Summer Temp 27°C
Getting to Sofia
Sofia is served by 1 airport(s). It's a popular entry point for travelers visiting Bulgaria.
Getting Around
Metro, Tram, Bus, Trolleybus
Highlights
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Roman ruins of Serdica, Vitosha Boulevard, National Palace of Culture, Boyana Church (UNESCO), Vitosha Mountain
Entry Requirements for Bulgaria
- EU/EEA citizens Travel freely with passport or national ID. No visa or ETIAS needed.
- Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, etc.) No visa needed for stays up to 90 days. ETIAS required from Q4 2026 (€20).
- Visa-required nationals Schengen Visa required (€80). Apply at embassy of your main destination.
Entry Requirements for Bulgaria
Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Area. Visa-exempt travelers (US, UK, Canada, etc.) will need ETIAS (€20) from Q4 2026. Visa-required nationals need a Schengen Visa (€80). EU citizens travel freely.
Visiting Sofia — FAQs
Do I need ETIAS to visit Sofia?
If you're from an ETIAS-eligible country (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), you will need ETIAS (€20) from Q4 2026. EU citizens do not need ETIAS.
When is the best time to visit Sofia?
The best time to visit Sofia is May to September. Summer temperatures average around 27°C.
How do I get around Sofia?
Metro, Tram, Bus, Trolleybus
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