Covid-19 Rules for UK Travellers to Bulgaria and Back

If you’re a UK national travelling UK to Bulgaria, then you need to make sure you read this – Updated 6th January 2022.

a vaccination certificate (Bulgaria will accept either certificate of completion of a two dose vaccine course (Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Covishield, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik) or a certificate of receipt of a one dose vaccine (Janssen, Johnson & Johnson). In both cases immunisation must have been completed 14 days prior to arrival;

OR

a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 (either PCR or rapid antigen test dated at least 11 days, but no more than 180 days, before arrival into Bulgaria, in English).

AND

• a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours before entry – this should include name, date of birth, details of the medical institution and date and time of the sample in English;

• Children aged 11 and under: read this
• You cannot use an NHS test for your PCR test. You must use a private test provider.

This travel information was correct to the best of our knowledge. And updated on 6th January 2022. No responsibility is taken for its accuracy. Use the resources and links below to check before your travel and do your own research as to whether you think it’s safe for you to travel.

If you’re a UK national travelling from Bulgaria to UK, then you need to do the following from 04:00 7th January 2022

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england

You must self-isolate and take a LFD (Lateral Flow Device) test before the end of day 2 after you arrive (lateral flow tests will not be accepted) – updated 6th January 2022

You can leave self-isolation if your PCR test result is negative

• Complete the Passenger Locator Form before leaving Bulgaria

• Take your day two PCR test within two days of returning to the UK (excludes under 5s)

The EU has adopted the UK’s NHS Covid Certificate as equivalent to the EU Digital COVID Certificate. The decision ensures it will be automatically accepted across Europe. Bulgarian Ministry of Health has also confirmed that UK’s NHS Certificate meet the necessary requirements and will be recognised both for entry into the country and for domestic measures on the territory of Bulgaria.

Children under 12 are exempt from quarantine and the requirement to present Covid-19 documents upon their arrival in Bulgaria, regardless of what colour zone they have travelled from.

Pre departure (Fit2Fly) PCR and day two rapid flow test companies

Chronomics, Rapid Flow: £17.09 No code – automatic discount

Eurofins (option of testing at Asda car parks throughout the UK. Results within 24 hours and open on a Sunday). Discount code: BA2021. PCR: £40

Randox Health: Test at home. Many places to drop your test off. Not good if you live in a remote area. Discount Code:  easyjet2021. PCR – £43 Rapid flow: £21.50

Halo: Spit test that arrives by courier and picked up by courier. Great if you liver in a remote area or don’t have time / don’t want to leave home. rapid flow from £25.

Click here to compare and check latest deals on tests.

Useful Resources

UK Government Travel Portal for Bulgaria. Always check this site

https://www.facebook.com/UKinBulgaria – British Embassy in Bulgaria

http://bulgarianembassy-london.org/covid-19/covid-19_prevencia/?fbclid=IwAR0chVyiAa5yAlbHz8sKOwIQvWUQvk1pgaWu9smqVJQ5U9wkijbtEoauDTg – Bulgarian Embassy Sofia

https://coronavirus.bg/bg/1175 in Bulgarian – Caution unreliable info

https://bulgariatravel.org/useful/practical-information-for-tourists-co

https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk – Passenger Locator Form for travel to the UK

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/how-to-find-the-cheapest-private-coronavirus-tests-for-travel/ – finding cheapest PCR and lateral flow tests

Bansko PCR test Centres: locations and nearby alternatives

COVID-19 restrictions in the UK vary according to the region. The full details on what you can and cannot do are available at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Please note that different rules apply in England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

Wales: https://gov.wales/coronavirus

Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19

100% cancellation refunds with Bansko Blog

Click here to book you private transfer, ski hire and lessons. You should have proper winter insurance. As far as my research tell me you cannot get insurance to cover you if regulations change and you are not able to travel. However you can get insurance that covers you in case of illness (including covid) and illness abroad.

When booking on Bansko App and here on Bansko Blog you pay just 20% of the ski hire upfront and the remainder in the shop. You receive a 100% refund for cancellations made before the day of arrival in Bansko. Lessons are refunded 100% if you pre pay the 3% cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

Transfer payment is made to your driver. But please notify if you need to cancel. Failure to do so makes you still liable for charge.

“All affected Bansko Blog clients in March 2020 when the pandemic hit received 100% refunds. All of these were made promptly and within ten days.”

Lance Nelson

I believe this is the simplest and fairest way for Bansko visitors to ensure their travel is financially risk free.

Travel insurance companies have lots of small print. Reading them carefully is advisable but does not change the fact that, in the past, Bansko travellers did not receive full refunds from travel and ski hire companies when their Bansko’s trips were cancelled. Bansko Blog and our partners operate under a code of practice that is built upon integrity and leads the way for being open, honest and fair. This is why our regular clients recommend us to their friends.

For maximum protection book your flight with a credit card. Then click here for your private transfer where all drivers where a mask and are fully vaccinated. You can then buy you ski and snowboard hire and lessons closer to departure time on our main booking form.

You’ll have peace of mind knowing that, should covid regulations change, your risk of loss is minimal.

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