Safety in Burgas and on the coast
Emergency numbers, how to avoid scams and theft, how to swim safely and what to watch for behind the wheel. Short and to the point.
- 112single number, free
- 150 · 166 · 160ambulance · police · fire
- 4sections: health, theft, sea, roads
Burgas and the coast are usually calm, but tourist areas see theft and overcharging. The advice is based on UK Foreign Office guidance (GOV.UK) as of October 2026 and our own guide. It does not replace official warnings.
If something happens, call 112: it is the single number and works from any phone. For an ambulance you can also dial 150.
Emergency numbers
112: single number (say you need an ambulance); 150: ambulance; 166: police; 160: fire service.
Insurance
EU citizens use the EHIC card (UK travellers use the GHIC): it covers state healthcare but is not a substitute for travel insurance, which covers private clinics and evacuation.
Hospitals and clinics
State hospitals are basic and staff rarely speak English. Private clinics are usually better equipped; agree the price in advance, as in resorts tourists are sometimes overcharged.
Ticks and insects
Ticks and biting insects are a known risk (especially in forest and long grass, for example in Strandzha). Use repellent and check your skin after a walk.
Heat and sun
In summer you need sunscreen, a hat and water; the average temperature near Burgas is about 24 °C, in Sunny Beach about 27 °C.
Pharmacies
Look for a “Denonoshtna apteka” (24-hour) sign. More on the Services page.
GOV.UK (health) and our Services page.
Theft and scams
The most common problems are pickpocketing and overcharging in tourist places. Simple habits help.
Pickpockets
Thieves work in tourist areas, on buses and trains, at stations and airports. Keep your bag in front of you and valuables in zipped pockets.
Sunny Beach and the bus to Nessebar
In Sunny Beach do not take valuables to the beach. Thefts on the Nessebar to Sunny Beach bus have increased. Take care on poorly lit roads at night.
Taxis
Avoid unmarked cars outside hotels and in tourist areas. Have your hotel call a taxi or flag one with a green “available” light. Check the licence sticker and the tariff on the window; “yellow” operators are considered the most reliable. In Sozopol fares at night are often marked up two to three times: agree the price first.
Bars and clubs
In Sunny Beach and other resorts tourists have been overcharged at clubs (“gentlemen’s clubs”). Choose places recommended by your hotel. Pay by card in your presence and do not re-enter your PIN when asked.
Hotel and rental
Lock the door, windows and balcony, and keep valuables in the safe.
Your car
Lock the car even when you go in to pay at a petrol station: thefts there have increased. Do not stop if someone waves you down or “points out” a flat tyre: it is a way to distract you and rob the car.
GOV.UK, safety and security section (checked October 2026), and Wikivoyage (Sozopol).
At sea and by the water
The sea near Burgas is calm, but there are currents and deep spots. Watch the flags and do not swim far out.
Flags
Green: swim; yellow: be careful; red: no swimming. On beaches with lifeguards follow their instructions.
Currents and rocks
Currents are reported at the Veleka mouth and the water is deep and rough by the Sozopol rocks. Jumping from the cliffs by the old town is only for confident swimmers.
Jellyfish and sea urchins
If jellyfish or sea urchins appear, follow local lifeguard advice and do not swim blindly.
Water sports
Book only with licensed centres, ask for a safety briefing and find out how to call for help.
Lakes
Swimming is not recommended in Lake Vaya (Burgas): the water is murky. Atanasovsko is a salt-water reserve.
Water quality
Water at Blue Flag beaches is checked twice a month. Before going to smaller beaches check recent reports.
Our Beaches page and GOV.UK (water safety).
If you rent a car, keep local rules and road conditions in mind.
Roads
Roads and pavements are often in poor repair and roadworks may be unmarked and unlit at night. Driving can be aggressive in places: avoid confrontation.
Lights
Drive with dipped headlights or side lights even during the day.
Vignette
Motorways and main roads outside towns need a digital vignette, bought in advance online. Driving without one is fined. Rental companies usually arrange it; check.
Documents
Carry your licence, the car’s registration documents and insurance; for a hire car, the rental contract.
Fines
Police can issue on-the-spot fines. Drink-driving penalties are strict, up to confiscation of the car and prison.
Parking
Parking is paid in central Burgas: a wheel clamp is €15, towing €28 to €37 excl. VAT. See Transport and parking.
GOV.UK (roads and driving) and our Transport and parking page.
Questions and answers
What are the emergency numbers in Bulgaria?
112 is the single number: it works from any phone and is free. Separately: 150 ambulance, 166 police, 160 fire.
Is Burgas and the resorts safe?
Usually calm, but pickpocketing and overcharging occur in tourist places. There are more thefts on the Nessebar – Sunny Beach bus line, and in Sozopol taxis often charge 2–3 times the price at night, so agree the fare first (per GOV.UK advice).
How do I swim safely?
Watch the flags: green means swim, yellow means be careful, red means no swimming. Currents are reported at the mouth of the Veleka, and the sea is deep and rough by the rocks of Sozopol. Swimming in Lake Vaya is not recommended: the water is murky.
Sources
- Bulgaria: Safety and security — GOV.UK (FCDO) ↗
- Bulgaria: Health — GOV.UK (FCDO) ↗
- Sozopol — Wikivoyage ↗
- Burgas — Wikivoyage ↗
Safety advice changes. Before you travel, check current warnings from your own country’s foreign ministry.