Bulgarian Foreign Ministry cautions travellers to Ukraine
Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued on August 17 a series of recommendations to the country’s citizens travelling to Ukraine, warning of “increased social tension, characterised by protests in large Ukrainian cities and in view of the deteriorating crime situation”.
The Foreign Ministry urged Bulgarians, before travelling to Ukraine, to register on the ministry’s website or with the Bulgarian diplomatic representation, stating where they will be and when and leaving a contact phone number, so that they can get updated information about the situation in Ukraine.
Bulgarians should carry their passports with them at all time and “by no means leave belongings and documents unattended,” the ministry said.
When travelling by car, people should stop only at well-lit and crowded places along the way, and should not leave attractive and expensive items in the cabin of the car and, after getting out of it, their documents and money.
The Foreign Ministry said that in Ukraine, criminal groups often created a situation, such a staging a fight or an accident, to distract the attention of foreigners and then, unnoticed, steal belongings, money and documents.
“To avoid getting stuck in this kind of situation, Bulgarians should be vigilant and cautious,” the ministry said.
It called on Bulgarians to avoid being present at large-scale public events such as protests and rallies.
It recommended that, before going to Ukraine, Bulgarians should input into their phones the hotlines of the consular offices in Kyiv and Odessa.
If necessary, Bulgarians could approach the embassy in Kyiv and consulate-general in Odessa for further information and assistance, the Foreign Ministry said.
(Photo: Simon Johansson/sxc.hu)
