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No restrictions for people with HIV/AIDS.
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New legislation as of December 11, 2009
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HIV-specific entry and residence regulations for Bulgaria
The Ministry of Health published its new “Ordinance on the requirements and procedure for HIV testing, test result notification and registering new HIV cases“, No 47, effective December 11, 2009. This ordinance replaces Regulation 4 from April 2 1992, and removes all HIV testing requirements for long term visitors or immigrants from the law.
The new law stipulates mandatory HIV testing fort he following situations: blood donours, patients on haemodialysis, babies from HIV-positive mothers, babies from mothers not been tested for HIV during pregnancy and delivery, babies whose mothers have died from HIV-associated conditions, children approved for adoption if there is a risk of blood borne infections, children in social institutions before admission, people applying for adoption.
(Source: 2)
According to the visa information provided by the Bulgarian Embassy, there are no restrictions based on HIV status affecting foreign visitors or alien residents in Bulgaria. The current Regulation No 4 from April 2 1992 is no longer applied, new legislation is being prepared.
Until recently, all refugees were tested for HIV. Now, the test is offered on voluntary basis. Also until recently, foreigners applying for citizenship of Bulgaria were required an HIV test. This is no longer the case.
(Sources: 1, 2)
Antiretroviral medication can be imported for personal use. A certificate by the treating physician is required.
(Source: 3)
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Bulgaria.
(Source: 4)
HIV treatment information for Bulgaria
HIV treatment and care are free in Bulgaria. Not all antiretroviral drugs are available, as the country is struggling with high drug prices.
Foreigners visiting Bulgaria are treated for free in emergency situations. In other situations, health insurance is required. In the absence of insurance coverage, treatment has to be paid out of pocket.
(Source: 2)
HIV information / HIV NGOs in Bulgaria
Updated information is available through the aidsmap search engine at
www.aidsmap.com/en/orgs/ux/default.asp
Global Criminalisation of HIV Transmission Scan
The Global Criminalisation Scan is an initiative of GNP+. It aims to collect and keep up to date information on national and state level laws criminalising the transmission of or exposure to HIV. It also aims to provide an easily accessible ‘clearing-house’ of resources, research, and initiatives on the subject and to provide a platform for advocacy initiatives.
Find out more about the scan and the criminalisation of HIV transmission legislation at
http://criminalisation.gnpplus.net/.
Key HIV resources for Bulgaria
- Embassy of Bulgaria, London, www.bulgarianembassy-london.org/index.php?option=com_content&task =view&id=96&Itemid=164,
consulted January 15, 2010.
- Anonymous feedback to authors, via e-mail, January 15, 2010, March 5 and March 10, 2010
- Embassy of Germany, Sofia, based on information by the Bulgarian Health Ministry, April 20, 2008
- US State Department web site; International Travel Information / January 2009;
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1074.html consulted January 13, 2010
updated: 4/7/2010
Corrections and additions welcome. Please use the contact us form.