The British Foreign Office has issued an updated guide for British citizens planning to travel to the popular European destination Bulgaria, warning them of possible unintentional violations of Bulgarian laws that could lead to imprisonment, BGNES reported.

Bulgaria has become a favourite destination, attracting around a quarter of a million tourists a year from the United Kingdom.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises visitors to check its safety and security advice before travelling.

An update published by the FCDO contains two important warnings regarding changes in legislation: one on new guidelines on narcotic substances and the other on assisting migrants.

Tourists have been informed that the use of the substance is considered an illegal activity. Diphenyl oxide, better known as “laughing gas”, has been banned in Bulgaria for sale to individuals since October. The FCDO stated: 'The Bulgarian authorities take all drug-related and sexual offences very seriously. All foreign nationals convicted of such crimes can expect an effective sentence. Although it was widely available in resort areas, the use of laughing gas for non-medical purposes is now illegal."

The Ministry specifies that the Bulgarian Parliament's website lists serious fines for the unauthorised sale of nitrous oxide, with penalties of up to 10,000 levs, and for repeat offences, the fine is doubled to 20,000 levs.

In addition, the FCDO issued a serious warning about the legal risks of assisting illegal migrants in Bulgaria: "Providing assistance to people who have entered Bulgaria illegally or are passing through the country with the intention of seeking asylum in another country is a violation of Bulgarian law. It does not matter whether you are helping them for profit or not – you still risk breaking the law.‘

The warning adds that any involvement in ’facilitating" illegal entry or stay in Bulgaria, including by providing shelter or transport, could lead to serious legal consequences: ‘You may be arrested, detained and charged if you are suspected of assisting illegal entry or residence in Bulgaria, including by providing accommodation or transport.’ | BGNES