VISA ARRANGEMENTS

Since January 1, 2007 Bulgaria applies the common visa policy of the European Union. Foreign participants are asked to promptly consult with the respective Bulgarian consular office in their country in terms of visa requirements.

Please mind that in some cases procedures to issuing a visa may take longer time.

Detailed information about visa procedures can be found on the website of the Bulgarian Ministry of foreign affairs

In case that entry visa is needed, the applicant may visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/travel-bulgaria/visa-bulgaria and access the visa request page to fill in the form corresponding to his/her visa application. Please mind that visas will only be issued by the Bulgarian diplomatic and consular representations. No visas can be issued upon arrival in Bulgaria. The participants should also present a letter-invitation from the organizers of the Competition. Detailed information about the Bulgarian diplomatic and consular representations is accessible at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Visa Application

To apply for a VISA you will need to submit an Invitation Letter to the respective Embassy. You can receive Invitation Letter from the NIGGG-BAS that will confirm that you are participant in the Competition. To obtain an Invitation Letter, please send an e-mail of request to psgeo@bas.bg with the following information: Your names, passport number, date and place of birth, date of issue of the passport and date of validity.

You can receive an Invitation Letter once you have successfully completed your registration. Keep in mind that you should apply for a VISA no later than 1 month prior to the Competition, as it takes time for VISA issuing. You may also be invited to an interview.

More information about visa application is available at https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/travel-bulgaria/visa-bulgaria. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Bulgarian Embassy in your country.

CURRENCY AND FORMS OF PAYMENT

Bulgarian lev (BGN) is the official currency of this country. Levs used in Bulgaria today are in emissions not earlier than 1999. Paper denominations are: 5 levs, 10 levs, 20 levs, 50 levs and 100 levs. The coins are called “stotinki” (1 st = 0.01 lev). In circulation are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 “stotinki”, as well as 1 and 2 lev coins.

Exchange of major currencies in Bulgarian lev can be performed in all Bulgarian banks from Monday to Friday during the regular working hours. Exchange offices exist in all big cities throughout the country; some of them operate on weekends, while others – around the clock. Most of them do not charge commission (please make sure in that prior to the exchange).

Payments in Bulgaria are only in BGN or BGN equivalent. International credit cards can be used in the country. There are ATMs in larger cities. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and large stores. Payment by credit card includes a transfer to the Bulgarian lev.

ELECTRICITY

The power supply in Bulgaria is 220 volts, 50 hertz

TIME

Official time in Bulgaria is the East European time in the Northern hemisphere.
GMT/UTC + 2h in winter
GMT/UTC +3h in summer (daylight saving time was introduced in Bulgaria on April 1 1979)

TELEPHONES

Bulgaria is included into the global network of analogue and cellular phones. The telephone code for Bulgaria is
+359 (Sofia: +359 / 02)
Mobile operators, working in Bulgaria are:
• À1
• Telenor
• Vivacom

They provide almost full coverage of the country - 99.99% (3G - with a maximum speed of 42 Mbit / s)

Important phone numbers:

Single European emergency number: 112

What weather to expect?

During the first half of August, the weather in the area of the competition is typically summer, with average daily temperatures of 21-23 °C (maximum daily 33-36°C and minimum night 13-16°C). Precipitation is unlikely and, if it occurs, it is short-time.

The location of Teteven offers summer coolness, which is preferred for recreation after intense competition events.