Travelers who intend to stay more than 30 days, or travelers using official or diplomatic passports, must secure a Bulgarian visa. The fees connected with the extension of a visitor's 30-day stay in the country are much higher than the visa fees. Visitors should carry their passport with them at all times. Petty street crime, much of which is directed against foreigners or others who appear to have money, continues to be a problem. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are frequent occurrences, especially in crowded markets and on shopping streets.
Con artists operate on public transportation and in bus and train stations.
Travelers should be suspicious of instant friends and should also require persons claiming to be government officials to show identification. Taxi drivers at Sofia airport often overcharge unwary travelers. Travelers who pre-negotiate a fare may avoid excessive payment. Because incidents of pilferage of checked baggage at Sofia airport are common, travelers should not include items of value in checked luggage. European sedans the most popular targets.