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Health, Safety and Security

Security and Safety

Sofia is generally considered a safe city for travellers. Most concerns involve petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, which can happen in crowded areas like tourist spots, public transport, and markets​.

For general safety:

  1. Be aware of your surroundings: Stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas like tourist spots, markets, and transportation hubs. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
  2. Use reliable transportation: Choose licensed taxis or official transportation services for safe travel.
  3. Be cautious at night: It is wise to exercise caution when exploring at night. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid isolated streets. Consider using reputable transportation or arranging a safe ride back to your accommodation if you are out late.
  4. Respect local customs and laws: Familiarise yourself with local customs and laws to avoid misunderstandings. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and refrain from engaging in illegal activities.
  5. Stay informed: Keep updated on local events and potential safety risks. Monitor local news, follow travel advisories, and register with relevant authorities if needed.
  6. Secure your accommodation: Choose hotels with secure entrances and positive reviews. Use hotel safes to store valuables during your stay.
  7. Prepare beforehand: Know emergency contact numbers for local services and your embassy or consulate. Keep essential documents like your passport and travel insurance in a secure place.

Health

Your health and wellbeing remain our top priority, and we want to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all attendees. Although there are no longer formal COVID-19 restrictions in place, we understand the importance of continued safety measures.

As such, the conference team will provide masks and offer COVID tests on-site as a precautionary measure. These will be available at the registration desk. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these resources, even if you have been fully vaccinated.

If you test positive for COVID-19 during the event, please do not enter the event areas and inform the SEE 13 Meeting organisation team at seeurope@ripe.net. We will keep the information confidential and only use it to inform other on-site attendees without revealing your identity. Revealing this information is not obligatory but will help minimise the spread of the virus and help us have a safe meeting. We will only keep your personal data for one week after receiving the report.

Visit the government's website for more information on COVID-19 prevention measures.