Germany Issues Urgent Travel Alert for Bulgaria Amid Political Unrest, Crime, and Evolving Security Measures

Germany Raises Alarm for Travelers to Bulgaria

The German government issued an urgent travel alert on December 7, 2025, advising its citizens to exercise increased caution when traveling to Bulgaria. The advisory cites a combination of factors, including political unrest, elevated crime rates, and evolving security measures and border regulations, as reasons for the heightened warning.

Travelers are specifically urged to remain informed, practice caution, and understand entry requirements. The German Foreign Office emphasized the need to continuously monitor local media and government advisories, avoid protests and demonstrations, secure valuables, and be prepared for any changes in customs or visa procedures.

Political Instability and Public Demonstrations

Bulgaria is currently experiencing a period of significant political turmoil. Recent anti-government protests have taken place in the capital, Sofia, and other major cities, leading to public unrest. While many demonstrations have been largely peaceful, isolated clashes have been reported.

This political instability has already impacted public transportation and travel routes, particularly in urban centers. On December 5, 2025, the 'Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria' party submitted a vote of no confidence in the government following a 'massive protest' on December 1, 2025. The country has faced considerable political flux, including seven parliamentary elections over the past four years.

Concerns Over Crime Rates

The travel alert also highlights concerns regarding crime. Tourists in Bulgaria are frequently targeted by petty criminals. Specific risks include:

• Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas such as airports, train stations, bus stations, and popular tourist attractions.
• Petty thefts, including vehicle break-ins and car thefts, which are more common in areas with high visitor numbers.
• Scams, particularly involving overcharging by taxi drivers, hidden fees in restaurants, and overpriced goods from street vendors.
• Credit card and ATM fraud, especially in cities like Sofia, Burgas, and Varna.
• Reports of violent crime, including bombings, shootouts, and gang-related activities, particularly involving organized criminal groups in casinos and nightclubs.

New Security Measures and Border Protocols

The German advisory also references 'complex border regulations' and 'mandatory ID card updates.' This comes after Bulgaria, alongside Romania, officially joined the Schengen Area by land on January 1, 2025, removing internal land border checks. This integration has led to increased focus on strengthening external border security against illegal migration.

Furthermore, the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) has been rolled out for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area. This system requires travelers to register, provide fingerprints, and have their photos taken, which may result in longer queues at border crossings. Bulgarian officials have committed to combating organized crime and enhancing border security technology as part of these new measures.