Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Citizen Services

Does an American citizen need a visa to enter Bulgaria?
An American Citizen does not need a visa to enter Bulgaria if he/she does not intend to remain in Bulgaria for more than ninety days within six months. If he/she plans to be in Bulgaria for a longer period of time, a visa must be obtained.

How can I renew my passport? How long does it take?
Please see our online information regarding passport renewal.

How can I have extra pages inserted in my passport?
If your passport's visa pages are becoming full, but your passport is still valid and in good condition, you may apply for additional pages to be added to your passport. Please see our online information about the procedure.

How do I obtain a U.S. passport for my baby who was born in Bulgaria?
Please see our online information regarding issuance of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and regarding passport applications.

What is Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)?
The State Department offers a secure online Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which will allow you, as an American citizen, to record foreign trip and residence information that the Department of State can use to communicate with you and assist you in case of an emergency. U.S. citizens around the world who travel or reside abroad can access this site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/. 

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for American citizens allows you to sign up and update your contact information on the Internet at any time, making it easier for you to keep your information current. The data you provide is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in Embassies, Consulates, and the Department of State, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

Is it safe to travel to and stay in Bulgaria and some other countries in the region?
For information on traveling conditions in Bulgaria: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1074.html. The Department of State posts Country Specific Information for other countries on its website.

I want to take my cat/dog (or other pet) to the U.S. What are the requirements?
Cats or dogs need to have a passport (your veterinarian can assist in getting a pet passport) and valid rabies vaccination (administered more than one month -- but less than twelve months - from the date of travel). We have a web page containing the specific requirements. For other pets, please contact the Consular Section. Always contact the airline with which you will travel to inquire about their specific requirements for transportation of pets.

I need a document notarized. Do you have a Notary Public? What are your hours?
Please see our online information regarding notarial services.

How do I report an Internet scam?
Please go to the website of Internet Crime Complaint Center and file a complaint there - http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.  This is a center operated by the FBI and private sector partners to receive and analyze internet crime complaints.  When they can identify perpetrators’ locations and can link them to multiple crimes, they refer cases to U.S. federal, state, and local investigators for potential cases.

I’m applying for a Criminal Background Check.  Can I have my fingerprints taken at the U.S. Embassy?
U.S. Embassies cannot provide criminal background checks since we are not a law enforcement agency and do not have access to law enforcement information.  The agency that houses a central database of criminal information is the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).  You will need to work directly with the FBI to obtain the necessary document.  

Additionally, we do not take fingerprints, since this is a law enforcement activity.  However, you may be fingerprinted at a local police station.  

We have detailed information on our web site about how to contact the appropriate offices and how to obtain fingerprints.