| Background |
Bulgaria has become a popular destination for those searching for IVF treatment abroad. The success rates are good and costs fall below the average costs of IVF in Europe. The shorter waiting lists and numerous clinics make Bulgaria a great option to consider. The regulations in place in Bulgaria make it a safe place to consider IVF treatment abroad. |
| Travel facts |
Capital city |
Sofia |
| Language |
Bulgarian |
| Time zone |
GMT +2 |
| Currency |
Bulgarian LEV |
| Flight duration |
3 hours 15 minutes (from London) |
| Passports & visas |
British citizens need a valid passport but a visa is not required to enter Bulgaria |
| Health & Safety |
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you are away. Get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as this entitles you to emergency medical care on the same terms as Bulgarian nationals. |
| Bulgarian cities |
Bulgaria – Sofia – Plovdiv – Varna – Burgas |
| Best time to go |
Sunshine is guaranteed in the summer months. Temperatures in July and August often exceed 30 °C. The Spring and Autumn can be very pleasant with temperatures more manageable and only a few rain showers. |
| Egg donation |
Egg donation is permitted up to the menopause and is well regulated. Egg and sperm donors remain anonymous by law and must be under the age of 34. They are rigorously screened in a similar way to the UK. Egg donors are only allowed to create 5 children (including their own) and must have already had a child themselves. The donor’s data is held centrally by The Executive Agency for Transplantation. |
| Embryo donation |
Embryo donation is permitted in Bulgaria. |
| IVF Laws |
IVF/ICSI |
Legally available to unmarried couples, single women and same-sex relationships |
| Age limit |
IVF treatment using own or donor eggs up until the menopause |
| No. embryos |
Tightly regulated as it depends on many factors. The best advice is to check with your clinic. |
| Sex selection |
Not permitted for social family balancing |
| Egg/sperm donors |
Anonymous but regulated by central government agency |
| Surrogacy |
Not permitted in Bulgaria |
| Egg Freezing |
This is permitted. |
| Safety & Quality |
All IVF clinics are inspected by The Ministry of Health in Bulgaria. There is robust regulation and constant control and monitoring of IVF treatment, which makes it a safe place to receive treatment |
| Success rates |
The public have no access to this data. |
