U.S. Embassy Sofia

Today in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria commissioned its first five Stryker armored vehicles, the first of more than 180 that will strengthen mobility, readiness, and interoperability with @NATO Allies. At the ceremony, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Baker recognized the soldiers of Bulgaria’s 61st Mechanized Brigade, saying “these vehicles are now yours. Train hard, maintain them well, and carry them with the pride of a nation that has defended its freedom for centuries.” Additional Strykers will be assembled in Veliko Tarnovo, helping expand Bulgaria’s defense industrial and maintenance capacity. #StrongerTogether #USBG

Deputy Assistant Secretary David Baker met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev to talk about how to strengthen the U.S.-Bulgaria partnership. They covered energy security, defense cooperation, and economic and commercial ties. Bulgaria is a valued @NATO Ally and a key partner for a secure, prosperous region. 🇺🇸🇧🇬 #StrongerTogether #USBG 📸Council of Ministers

Following U.S. laws is an important part of maintaining your visa status. 🇺🇸

Our consular team joined the Bulgarian Red Cross, fellow diplomatic missions, and the Consular Association to strengthen cooperation on safety and emergency preparedness for foreign nationals in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Red Cross shared an overview of its services, including disaster response, water and mountain rescue, first aid and basic life support training, and help for people affected by emergencies. Participants also traded practical advice on water safety, avoiding injuries in the mountains, and what to do in an emergency. We work closely with our Bulgarian partners so that U.S. citizens in Bulgaria can get timely, reliable, and potentially life-saving information. 👉 Traveling or living in Bulgaria? Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to get safety updates. In an emergency, dial 112.

Human trafficking is a crime that exploits vulnerable people for profit, and combating it requires strong institutions, effective law enforcement, victim protection, and international cooperation. The U.S. Department of State has released its 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, which examines government efforts around the world to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and hold traffickers accountable. The report also underscores the importance of identifying victims early and ensuring they receive the support they need so traffickers can be successfully investigated and prosecuted. The United States remains committed to working with Bulgaria and partners around the world to combat human trafficking and protect those most at risk. Read the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report at the link in the comments.

Austin Peay State University and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” signed a new academic partnership supporting student and faculty exchanges, with a focus on security policy, and bilateral cooperation. More than 30 years of partnership, now reaching a new generation.

The U.S. Embassy will be closed today, Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, October 13.

From September 28 to October 4, Bulgarian authorities and international partners carried out BALKAN BRIDGE 2, a large-scale operation targeting human trafficking, weapons, narcotics, undeclared currency, excise goods, and other contraband at key border crossings across Bulgaria. U.S. Diplomatic Security personnel worked alongside Bulgarian and European law enforcement partners at Ruse, Kapitan Andreevo, Kulata, and Kalotina, with Frontex coordinating the operation and Europol providing support. The operation focused not only on individual seizures, but also on identifying the wider criminal networks behind cross-border trafficking and strengthening real-time information sharing among participating countries. BALKAN BRIDGE 2 builds on the first phase of the initiative and reflects the strong security cooperation between Bulgaria, the United States, and our European partners. #SaferTogether

Thank you, Foreign Minister Petrova, for hosting today’s International Corridor VIII Conference.  The United States sees Corridor VIII as a smart investment in a stronger, more self-reliant Southeast Europe.  It makes allies more secure and more prosperous and opens new opportunities for American businesses. John Griswold from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (@DFCgov) highlighted how U.S. financial tools can advance commercial opportunities for the United States, our allies, and partners. @MFABulgaria

Chief Commissioner Lyubomir Nikolov, Chief Secretary of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior, met with U.S. Border Patrol Chief Rosario Vasquez to discuss common border security challenges, border management, and ways to deepen cooperation between Bulgarian and U.S. authorities. The conversation focused on practical next steps, including joint training and expert exchanges that can give both sides first-hand insight into each other’s approaches and strengthen cooperation in the field. #SaferTogether 📷 Credit to: @MIBulgaria

If you are arrested your U.S. Visa: - may be revoked - you may be deported, and - you could be ineligible for other visas.

It is your responsibility to use your visa correctly. Some activities that ARE ALLOWED on a B1/B2 visitor visa: ✅ Tourism ✅ Vacation (holiday) ✅ Shopping ✅ Visiting with friends or relatives ✅ Meetings with business associates ✅ Attending a convention or conference Activities NOT ALLOWED on a B1/B2 visitor visa: ❌ Birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child) ❌ Work that results in payment from a U.S. employer or business ❌ Studying for a degree or academic credit ❌ Paid performances

Misrepresenting facts and providing fake documents can result in a permanent lifetime ban from entering the United States as well as criminal prosecution.