Foreign Ministry issues advice to Bulgarians heading to Euro 2016, summer holidays
Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry has issued a series of pointers to the country’s citizens heading abroad for the summer holidays and to the Euro 2016 football championship.
In advice posted on the ministry’s website, it recommended that Bulgarians going abroad inform themselves in advance about the country they intend visiting and abide by security measures there.
The ministry also called on Bulgarians to verify in advance the validity of their personal documents and keep them secured during their travels.
Those travelling by car should keep to the local rules of the road and pay the appropriate fees for use of the road network.
Bulgarian holidaymakers were called on the comply with the rules and designated places for recreation and camping, the Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry said that Bulgarians should pay careful attention to its travel advice about specific countries on its website and should register in the section about the country they are travelling to.
If necessary, Bulgarians could seek additional information and assistance from the country’s diplomatic missions.
Noting that the European Football Championship will be held in France from June 10 to July 10 2016, the Foreign Ministry said that the main concern of the organisers will be to ensure the safety of participants, football fans and the many foreign tourists who are to visit the country during the tournament.
Bulgarians going to the Euro 2016 football championship should be prepared for intensive checks of personal documents and baggage at border crossings of the country and when entering the stadiums and “fan zones” in the host cities.
The ministry said that people should comply with instructions of the police during checks of documents, personal baggage and vehicles, and in the event of a crisis situation.
People should be aware that access to the stadiums will be completed in two stages – an initial inspection in a security perimeter around the stadium (physical inspection of persons and personal baggage) and a second check of tickets and personal documents before entry.
Bulky personal effects and prohibited articles (pocket knives, sharp objects, fireworks, large umbrellas, vuvuzelas, alcohol) will be put into storage.
People without identity papers or displaying aggressive behaviour will not be admitted.
The Foreign Ministry said that the strict two-stage checking process meant that people should arrive early before the start of the matches.
Visitors to Euro 2016 fan zones will also be subject to increased pre-entry checks. Bulky personal effects will be put into storage and people with prohibited items (knives, fireworks, alcohol, etc.) will not be admitted.
The ministry said that if necessary, people could call Europe’s emergency number 112.
(Photo: (c) Clive Leviev-Sawyer)
