Bulgaria
Key advice
Bulgaria is a member state of the European Union: if you reside in another EU country, no customs controls apply to your underwater photo/video equipment – complete free movement, without declaration or taxes. British travelers (post-Brexit): the EU personal allowance (~430 EUR) technically applies, but used personal photo equipment practically passes without inspection in almost all cases.
- Customs authority
- Агенция Митници (Bulgarian Customs Agency)
- Personal duty-free allowance
- N/A pour résidents UE / ~475 USD (~430 EUR) pour voyageurs non-UE
- ATA Carnet
- Not accepted
- Official website
- customs.bg ↗
Practical scenarios
You are traveling to Bulgaria from France with a GoPro Hero 11 and its waterproof housing, valued at 600 €. As an EU resident, you benefit from the free movement of goods. You have no customs procedures to follow, no declarations to fill out, and no risk of taxation. Your equipment is considered personal effects in free circulation within the EU.
You are arriving in Bulgaria from Germany with a Sony A6700 mirrorless camera, an Isotta housing, and a macro lens, with a total value of 3,500 €. As an EU citizen, the free movement of goods applies. You will pass through customs without any formalities. There is no value or quantity limit for your personal equipment. No risk of customs duties or VAT.
You are a professional British photographer (non-EU) arriving in Bulgaria with a Nauticam system for Canon R5, two lenses, and arms, valued at 12,000 €. The personal allowance is approximately 430 EUR. Although your equipment significantly exceeds this amount, used professional equipment is generally admitted without taxation for temporary use. Prepare your purchase invoices to prove ownership and professional use in case of inspection, even if it's rare for used equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my underwater photo equipment in Bulgaria if I'm coming from another EU country?
No, if you are coming from another European Union member state, you do not need to make any declaration. Bulgaria is part of the EU, and the free movement of goods applies. Your equipment is considered personal effects and is not subject to any customs controls or taxation.
What is the customs allowance for photo equipment if I'm coming from the UK (non-EU) to Bulgaria?
For travelers coming from the United Kingdom, the personal allowance is approximately 430 EUR. Beyond this amount, customs duties and VAT could theoretically apply. However, for used photo equipment intended for personal or temporary professional use, inspections are rare and passage is often smooth.
Where can I find official information on Bulgarian customs regulations?
For official and detailed information on customs regulations in Bulgaria, you can directly consult the website of the Bulgarian Customs Agency. For more information, please visit the official website: https://customs.bg/wps/portal/agency-en/home.