Reconsider travel to Bulgaria due to COVID-19.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Bulgaria due to COVID-19.
Improved conditions have been reported within Bulgaria. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Bulgaria.
Read the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Bulgaria:
Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.
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Federal Contractor Agrees to Pay $18.98 Million for Alleged False Claims Act Caused by Overcharges and Unqualified LaborIn Crime NewsNovember 20, 2020Cognosante LLC has agreed to pay the United States $18,987,789 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by using unqualified labor and overcharging the United States for services provided to government agencies under two General Services Administration (GSA) contracts, the Justice Department announced today. Cognosante, which is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, provides health care and IT services and solutions to federal agencies.[Read More…]
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuNovember 19, 2020Michael R. Pompeo, [Read More…]- Former Owner of Aquarium Business Sentenced to Prison for Illicit Trafficking of Protected Reef CreaturesIn Crime NewsFebruary 22, 2021The Justice Department announced today that a Puerto Rico man was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for felony violations of the Lacey Act that involved the trafficking and false labeling of protected reef creatures as part of an effort to subvert Puerto Rican laws designed to protect coral reef organisms.[Read More…]
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo with Yoshio Arima of NHKOctober 6, 2020Michael R. Pompeo, [Read More…]
Former DEA Agent and His Wife Plead Guilty for Roles in Scheme to Divert Drug Proceeds From Undercover Money Laundering InvestigationsIn Crime NewsSeptember 15, 2020A former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent and his wife pleaded guilty Monday to all charges in a 19-count indictment unsealed against them on Feb. 21, 2020. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson accepted the guilty pleas in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.[Read More…]- Office for Victims of Crime Awards Nearly $4 Million to Support Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner ProgramsIn Crime NewsOctober 22, 2020The Office of Justice [Read More…]
Republic of the Congo Travel AdvisoryIn TravelSeptember 26, 2020Reconsider travel to the [Read More…]- North Carolina Couple Indicted for Failing to Pay Employment Taxes and Failure to File Tax ReturnsIn Crime NewsOctober 27, 2020A federal grand jury in Greensboro, North Carolina, returned an indictment today, charging a North Carolina couple with federal employment tax and individual income tax violations, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin for the Middle District of North Carolina.[Read More…]
Annual Bankruptcy Filings Fall 29.7 PercentIn U.S CourtsJanuary 28, 2021Bankruptcy filings fell sharply for the 12-month period ending Dec. 31, 2020, despite a significant surge in unemployment related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).[Read More…]- United States Hosts Indo-Pacific Virtual Conference on Strengthening Governance of Transboundary RiversOctober 16, 2020Office of the [Read More…]
- Newport News Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Preparing False ReturnIn Crime NewsAugust 7, 2020A Newport News, Virginia, tax preparer pleaded guilty today to aiding and assisting the preparation of a false tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia.[Read More…]
- J&F Investimentos S.A. Pleads Guilty and Agrees to Pay Over $256 Million to Resolve Criminal Foreign Bribery CaseIn Crime NewsOctober 14, 2020J&F Investimentos S.A. (J&F), a Brazil-based investment company that owns and controls companies involved in multiple industries, including the meat and agriculture industry, has agreed to pay a criminal monetary penalty of $256,497,026 to resolve the department’s investigation into violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The resolution arises out of J&F’s scheme to pay millions of dollars in bribes to government officials in Brazil in exchange for obtaining financing and other benefits for J&F and J&F-owned entities.[Read More…]
Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad Travel to Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Norway, Pakistan, and QatarSeptember 26, 2020Office of the [Read More…]- Deputy Secretary Biegun’s Call with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister AkibaDecember 3, 2020Office of the [Read More…]
- United States to Host World Data System’s International Program OfficeJanuary 14, 2021Office of the [Read More…]
Whatever Sea Level Rise Brings, NASA Will Be ThereIn SpaceSeptember 26, 2020From keeping tabs on [Read More…]- Bankruptcy Filings Fall 11.8 Percent for Year Ending June 30In U.S CourtsJuly 29, 2020Despite a sharp rise in unemployment related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, personal and business bankruptcy filings fell 11.8 percent for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2020, according to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.[Read More…]
- Secretary Antony J. Blinken Introductory Remarks for President Biden and Vice President Harris’s Meeting with State Department EmployeesFebruary 4, 2021Antony J. Blinken, [Read More…]
- Readout of Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall from the Funeral of FBI Special Agent Daniel AlfinIn Crime NewsFebruary 7, 2021Acting United States Attorney General Monty Wilkinson, FBI Director Christopher Wray and President Joe Biden’s Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall represented the United States Government’s official delegation today at the funeral service for fallen FBI Special Agent Daniel Alfin in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.[Read More…]
- Department Press Briefing – February 5, 2021February 5, 2021Ned Price, Department [Read More…]
Angola Travel AdvisoryIn TravelSeptember 26, 2020Reconsider travel to [Read More…]- Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen Attends Security Briefing at FBI’s Strategic Information and Operations Center on Inauguration Planning and Recent Capitol AttackIn Crime NewsJanuary 14, 2021Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen attended a briefing today at the FBI’s Strategic Information and Operations Center (SIOC) on the recent attack on the Capitol building and law enforcement preparations for the upcoming presidential inauguration. Following the briefing, he addressed the assembled law enforcement partners and thanked them for their efforts.[Read More…]
Child Welfare and Aging Programs: HHS Could Enhance Support for Grandparents and Other Relative CaregiversIn U.S GAO NewsAugust 10, 2020In 2018, an estimated 2.7 million children lived with kin caregivers— grandparents, other relatives, or close family friends—because their parents were unable to care for them. Most of these children were cared for outside the foster care system, which can affect the types of services and supports available. While children did not live with parents for a variety of reasons, parental substance abuse and incarceration were often cited in data and in interviews with program officials. Most Children Living with Kin Are Not in Foster Care, 2018 Challenges faced by kin caregivers include having limited financial resources and needing legal assistance, particularly when caring for children outside foster care, according to survey data and studies GAO reviewed. This is, in part, because licensed foster parents generally receive foster care maintenance payments and other services. Officials in selected communities said they have addressed some challenges by, for example, providing temporary payments or legal representation to eligible kin caregivers. However, officials also said that program eligibility criteria or insufficient funds can limit availability or result in waiting lists. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides technical assistance and other support to help states use federal programs and initiatives established to serve kin caregivers. HHS officials said that these programs are optional, so they mainly provide assistance in response to states' requests. However, this approach has not led to widespread use. For example, 23 states used the option under the National Family Caregiver Support Program to serve older relative caregivers with 1 percent or more of their fiscal year 2016 funds (spent through 2018). State officials said they would like more guides or tools for using these programs. By not proactively sharing information and best practices, HHS may be missing opportunities to help states better support kin caregivers. Grandparents and other kin often step in to provide stability and security when parents cannot care for their children. Taking on this responsibility can lead to significant hardships, especially for older caregivers. GAO was asked to study the challenges faced by grandparents and other older kin when becoming primary caregivers. This report examines (1) what is known about the numbers of grandparents and other kin serving as primary caregivers for children, and the reasons for that care; (2) challenges kin caregivers face and how officials report addressing them in selected communities; and (3) the extent to which HHS has supported states' efforts to use relevant federal programs and initiatives. GAO analyzed U.S. Census Bureau survey and HHS administrative data; reviewed relevant literature, federal laws, regulations, guidance, and other documents; and interviewed officials from HHS, national organizations, and in four states (Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, and Ohio) and communities, selected for their relatively large numbers of grandparent caregivers and to reflect geographic and demographic diversity. GAO is making two recommendations to HHS on sharing information and best practices with states about federal programs that serve kin caregivers. HHS did not concur, stating that the agency already provides ongoing support. GAO maintains that implementing these recommendations would be helpful. For more information, contact Kathryn A. Larin at (202) 512-7215 or larink@gao.gov.[Read More…]- Arrests Made in Conspiracy to Illegally Manufacture FirearmsIn Crime NewsOctober 27, 2020On Oct. 20, 2020, a former United States Marine Lance Corporal, recently stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and two co-defendants were arrested in Boise, Idaho on the federal charge of conspiracy to unlawfully manufacture, possess, and distribute various weapons, ammunition, and suppressors. Liam Montgomery Collins, 21, and Paul James Kryscuk, 35, recently of Boise, were charged via an indictment, while Jordan Duncan, 25, a North Carolina native also currently residing in Boise, was charged via a complaint, both obtained in the Eastern District of North Carolina.[Read More…]
- British Virgin Islands Travel AdvisoryIn TravelSeptember 26, 2020Reconsider travel to the [Read More…]
Poland Travel AdvisoryIn TravelSeptember 26, 2020Reconsider travel to [Read More…]- Imperial Pacific International and MCC International Saipan Executives Indicted on Federal ChargesIn Crime NewsAugust 4, 2020Three executives from Imperial Pacific International (IPI) and MCC International Saipan have been indicted on federal criminal charges, including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) conspiracy, harboring illegal aliens, unlawful employment of aliens, and international promotional money laundering announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Shawn N. Anderson for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.[Read More…]
- President Trump’s Executive Order on Ensuring Access to United States Government COVID-19 VaccinesDecember 9, 2020Michael R. Pompeo, [Read More…]
- U.S. Citizen Charged with Murder of Department of Defense Employee in BahrainIn Crime NewsFebruary 12, 2021A U.S. citizen arrived in the United States today after being ordered detained and removed from Bahrain to the United States for the alleged murder of his mother, a Department of Defense civilian employee working in Bahrain.[Read More…]
Recycling: Building on Existing Federal Efforts Could Help Address Cross-Cutting ChallengesIn U.S GAO NewsDecember 18, 2020Based on GAO analysis of stakeholder views, five cross-cutting challenges affect the U.S. recycling system: (1) contamination of recyclables; (2) low collection of recyclables; (3) limited market demand for recyclables; (4) low profitability for operating recycling programs; and (5) limited information to support decision-making about recycling. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) most recent data show that less than a quarter of the waste generated in the United States is collected for recycling (69 million of 292 million tons) and is potentially available, along with new materials, to make new products (see fig.). Estimated Generation and Disposition of Waste in the United States, as of 2018 EPA, the Departments of Commerce (Commerce) and Energy, and the Federal Trade Commission have taken actions that advance recycling, such as collecting data and awarding grants for research on recycling technologies. However, EPA has not conducted studies or developed recommendations for administrative or legislative action on the effect of existing public policies on recycling, as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requires. Conducting these studies would provide Congress with information to better evaluate the effect of different policies on U.S. recycling efforts. In addition, Commerce is not fully meeting its RCRA requirement to stimulate the development of markets for recycled materials because it has not taken actions to stimulate domestic markets, as GAO recommended in 2006. Commerce officials stated that their work to stimulate international markets fulfills Commerce's obligations under RCRA. Congress may need to act to clarify Commerce's responsibilities under RCRA or assign responsibility for stimulating domestic markets to another agency. By taking action, Congress can ensure a federal response to the reduction in international demand for U.S. recyclables. EPA has taken several actions to plan and coordinate national efforts to advance recycling, such as releasing a draft national recycling strategy in October 2020. However, EPA has not incorporated some desirable characteristics for effective national strategies, identified in prior GAO work. By better incorporating such characteristics as it finalizes and implements its draft strategy, EPA will have greater assurance of the strategy's usefulness in making resource and policy decisions and will better ensure accountability for its implementation. In 1976, Congress sought to reduce solid waste and encourage recycling as part of RCRA, which gave primary responsibility for recycling to states and municipalities but requires EPA and Commerce to take specific actions. The United States generated almost 1,800 pounds of waste per capita in 2018. Recycling rates for common recyclables, such as paper, plastics, glass, and some metals, remain low. Furthermore, recent international import restrictions have reduced demand for U.S. exports of recyclables. GAO was asked to review federal efforts that advance recycling in the United States. This report examines (1) cross-cutting challenges affecting recycling in the United States, (2) actions that selected federal agencies have taken that advance recycling, and (3) actions EPA has taken to plan and coordinate national efforts to advance recycling. GAO reviewed laws and agency documents; and interviewed federal officials and nonfederal stakeholders, such as states, municipalities, and industry representatives, selected for their expertise and efforts to advance recycling. GAO is making one matter for congressional consideration to clarify a RCRA requirement for Commerce or to assign responsibility for stimulating domestic markets to another agency; and three recommendations to EPA, including that it take actions to fulfill certain RCRA requirements. EPA concurred with GAO's recommendations. For more information, contact J. Alfredo Gómez at (202) 512-3841 or gomezj@gao.gov.[Read More…]
Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Vietnamese Minister for Public Security LamOctober 30, 2020Office of the [Read More…]- Justice Department and EPA Announce Settlement with Stericycle Inc. to Address Environmental Violations at Medical Waste IncineratorIn Crime NewsJanuary 29, 2021The Justice Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with Illinois-based Stericycle Inc. resolving alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act and Utah air quality regulations at its medical waste incinerator in North Salt Lake, Utah.[Read More…]
- Senior State Department Officials Briefing to Traveling PressNovember 16, 2020Istanbul, Turkey [Read More…]
- Former Colorado Police Officer Sentenced on Sexual Assault ChargesIn Crime NewsFebruary 1, 2021Curtis Arganbright, 43, a former Westminster Police Department (WPD) officer, was sentenced today in federal court in Denver, Colorado, to 72 months in prison and three years supervised release. In addition to his prison sentence, Arganbright will forfeit his law enforcement certification and be required to register as a sex offender.[Read More…]
- Doctor Sentenced for Role in Unlawful Distribution of OpioidsIn Crime NewsFebruary 8, 2021An Ohio physician was sentenced to two years in prison today for his role in illegally distributing opioids.[Read More…]
Serbia Travel AdvisoryIn TravelSeptember 26, 2020Reconsider travel to [Read More…]
Tunisia Travel AdvisoryIn TravelSeptember 26, 2020Reconsider travel [Read More…]- Two Iranian Nationals Charged in Cyber Theft Campaign Targeting Computer Systems in United States, Europe, and the Middle EastIn Crime NewsSeptember 16, 2020Two Iranian nationals have been charged in connection with a coordinated cyber intrusion campaign – sometimes at the behest of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) – targeting computers in New Jersey, elsewhere in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, the Department of Justice announced today.[Read More…]
- Secretary Blinken’s Call with Portuguese Foreign Minister Santos SilvaFebruary 16, 2021Office of the [Read More…]
- United States Antitrust Agencies Co-Host the 19th Annual International Competition Network ConferenceIn Crime NewsSeptember 14, 2020The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are co-hosting the International Competition Network’s (ICN) 19th annual conference, which opens today and runs through Thursday, September 17, 2020. Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim and FTC Chairman Joseph J. Simons are leading the U.S. agencies’ participation in the ICN’s first virtual conference. Assistant Attorney General Delrahim and Chairman Simons will deliver opening remarks and speak on the conference’s showcase program addressing the challenges of enforcement in the digital economy.[Read More…]
Belgium Travel AdvisoryIn TravelSeptember 26, 2020Reconsider travel to [Read More…]- Secretary Blinken’s Call with Salvadoran Foreign Minister Hill TinocoFebruary 19, 2021Office of the [Read More…]
FY 2020 Request for Concept Notes for NGO Programs Benefiting Refugees, Displaced Iraqis, and Other Vulnerable Populations in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and TurkeySeptember 27, 2020Bureau of Population, [Read More…]- International Law Enforcement Operation Targeting Opioid Traffickers on the Darknet Results in over 170 Arrests Worldwide and the Seizure of Weapons, Drugs and over $6.5 MillionIn Crime NewsSeptember 22, 2020Today, the Department of Justice, through the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team joined Europol to announce the results of Operation DisrupTor, a coordinated international effort to disrupt opioid trafficking on the Darknet. The operation, which was conducted across the United States and Europe, demonstrates the continued partnership between JCODE and Europol against the illegal sale of drugs and other illicit goods and services. Operation DisrupTor builds on the success of last year’s Operation SaboTor and the coordinated law enforcement takedown of the Wall Street Market, one of the largest illegal online markets on the dark web.[Read More…]
- Long Island Car Wash Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionIn Crime NewsFebruary 19, 2021A Coram, New York, car wash owner pleaded guilty today to tax evasion, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Seth D. DuCharme for the Eastern District of New York. According to court documents and statements made in court, Nicholas Pascullo, 56, operated a car wash and detailing business called H2O Car Wash & Exotic Detailing LLC (H2O), based in Lindenhurst, New York. From 2012 to 2017, Pascullo attempted to evade income and employment taxes owed by him and H2O for calendar years 2012 through 2016. As part of the scheme, Pascullo filed false partnership and individual income tax returns with the IRS that underreported the gross receipts earned by H2O and the flow-through income received by Pascullo and his partners.[Read More…]
- Federal Charges Against Stanford University Researcher ExpandedIn Crime NewsFebruary 19, 2021A federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment charging Chen Song with visa fraud, obstruction of justice, destruction of documents, and false statements in connection with a scheme to conceal and lie about her status as a member of the People’s Republic of China’s military forces while in the United States, the Justice Department announced yesterday.[Read More…]
- Secretary Blinken’s Call with French Foreign Minister Le Drian, German Foreign Minister Maas, and UK Foreign Secretary RaabFebruary 5, 2021Office of the [Read More…]
- Department of Justice Invests More than $87 Million in Grants to Address School ViolenceIn Crime NewsOctober 9, 2020The Department of [Read More…]
- Global Entry for Passport Holders of TaiwanIn TravelSeptember 27, 2020How to Apply for Global [Read More…]
- Judiciary Seeks 2022 Funding, Cites Caseload Resurgence and Security NeedsIn U.S CourtsFebruary 24, 2021Federal Judiciary officials have asked Congress for $8.12 billion to fund judicial branch operations for fiscal year 2022. The request includes funding to keep pace with inflationary and other budget adjustments, and to pay for program increases, including projected workload changes, courthouse security, cybersecurity, and new magistrate judges.[Read More…]
- Department of Justice Awards over $1 Million in Forensic Grants to Aid Wyoming InvestigatorsIn Crime NewsAugust 13, 2020Attorney General William [Read More…]
- Terrorist Attacks in BaghdadJanuary 21, 2021Daniel B. Smith, Acting [Read More…]
- Justice Department Reaches Agreement with the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of St. Louis to Ensure Polling Place Accessibility for Voters with DisabilitiesIn Crime NewsJanuary 12, 2021The Justice Department today reached a settlement under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of St. Louis to ensure that St. Louis polling places are accessible during elections to individuals with mobility and vision impairments.[Read More…]
- United States Reaches Agreement to Protect New Orleans Waterways and Lake PontchartrainIn Crime NewsSeptember 29, 2020Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice announced a settlement with the Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company LLC, d/b/a Fair Grounds Corporation (Fair Grounds) that will resolve years of Clean Water Act (CWA) violations at its New Orleans racetrack. Under the settlement, Fair Grounds will eliminate unauthorized discharges of manure, urine and process wastewater through operational changes and construction projects at an estimated cost of $5,600,000. The company also will pay a civil penalty of $2,790,000, the largest ever paid by a concentrated animal feeding operation in a CWA matter.[Read More…]
- U.S.-Greenland Technical Engagement on Mining Sector Education and TrainingNovember 23, 2020Office of the [Read More…]
Counselor Brechbühl’s Travel to NigeriaOctober 27, 2020Office of the [Read More…]
From NASA JPL’s Mailroom to Mars and BeyondIn SpaceDecember 17, 2020Bill Allen has thrived [Read More…]- Two Members of Notorious Videogame Piracy Group “Team Xecuter” in CustodyIn Crime NewsOctober 2, 2020Two leaders of one of the world’s most notorious videogame piracy groups, Team Xecuter, have been arrested and are in custody facing charges filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle.[Read More…]
- West Virginia Doctor Found Guilty of Unlawfully Distributing OpioidsIn Crime NewsAugust 10, 2020A federal jury found a West Virginia doctor guilty today of unlawfully distributing opioids to his patients. The defendant was charged in a September 2019 indictment as part of the second Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown, a coordinated effort by the Justice Department’s Fraud Section to target unlawful drug diversion activities in areas of the country particularly hard-hit by the opioid epidemic.[Read More…]
- Secretary Blinken’s Call with Swiss President ParmelinFebruary 2, 2021Office of the [Read More…]