Last updated: 27 September 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our society and we all are required to take responsible efforts to protect the health of human beings and to ensure the smooth running of the educational process.
Since 1 April 2022 the anti-epidemic measures on the territory of Bulgaria have been lifted for an unspecified period. Currently, wearing a face mask is recommended but not compulsory. Green Pass is not required neither outdoors or indoors.
Please note: The anti-epidemic measures are being updated permanently according to the assessment of the situation. Their violation could result in a monetary fine or a prison sentence.
Entry and exit regulations
Please note: These regulations may change often and quickly.
Sofia University recommends all international students and staff to follow the instructions of the Bulgarian authorities and their respective national authorities.
For more information about the entry and exit restriction we kindly advise you to regularly visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria or to contact the Embassy of your country in Bulgaria prior to your travel and receive updated information.
Updated information about travel requirements is available also at: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/BGR/7011
Bear in mind that international travel has become more complex and unpredictable. Your travel plans may be disrupted, and you may be placed in quarantine or denied entry to some countries. If traveling by plane, consider checking your airline’s website for additional guidance. Check regularly for updates of the public transport schedules and potential cancellations of flights. Stay aware of the latest entry and exit restrictions introduced in the country of destination, and the countries of transit if any.
Protection against infection
To support the prevention of further spread of COVID-19, all Erasmus students are strongly recommended to follow the prescriptions of the World Health Organization and the national and local public health authorities regarding their own health and safety.
In case of suspicion of infection
If you suspect that you became infected with the virus, you should follow the guidelines outlined here:
Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
If you develop fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance the national information line (+359 2 807 87 57). Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
National 24-hour information line for Bulgaria (Ministry of Health): +359 2 807 87 57
Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate: +359 2 832 91 62; +359 2 832 91 81; +359 2 8130 482
For more information on COVID-19
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: Questions & Answers
World Health Organization: Questions & Answers
Prevention and protection measures at Sofia University
Sofia University is committed to protecting the students, faculty, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. We implement necessary measures to minimize the risk of infection.
Communication with employees is advised to be carried out by phone and/or email. Meetings can be held only by prior arrangement.
Access to the educational buildings of persons in quarantine period or with symptoms of acute infectious and respiratory diseases (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.) is prohibited.
The use of student canteens, cafes and restaurants on the territory of the university is allowed.
Quarantine
If you are staying at the dormitories of Sofia University, please be aware that you cannot be provided with relevant conditions for quarantine. During the quarantine period, people are obliged not to leave their place of stay and to follow the instructions given by the public health authorities.
If no symptoms of COVID-19 appear until the expiry of the prescribed period, according to the current case definition, the quarantine is terminated.
In case of symptoms of acute respiratory diseases (fever, cough, runny nose, etc.) among lecturers and students:
- the person with symptoms is released from classes and immediately leaves the university building;
- persons with symptoms are obliged to contact their general practitioner or the relevant regional health inspectorate by telephone to receive instructions.
- Erasmus students confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 shall inform by telephone or email the Erasmus Office.
We strongly recommend you nоt to leave Bulgaria during your mobility period, except for urgent cases.
We strongly recommend you to contact and to register at your Embassy/Consulate immediately upon arrival in Bulgaria.
If it is necessary to travel abroad before the end of your mobility, you must inform your coordinator at the International Relations Office at Sofia University in advance. IRO is not responsible for any problems that may occur in case of closure of borders, lack of transportation or other restrictions.
The student coordinator at IRO may be reached via email. Meetings shall be requested in advance.
(These provisions will be subject to further review based on the assessment of the situation. Updates will follow when necessary.)