Border Crossing Bulgaria Turkey
The border between Bulgaria and Turkey is one of the most important connecting routes between Europe and Asia. It serves as an interface between the European Union and the Middle East. The course of the border is not only of geopolitical importance, but also plays a central role in international trade and tourism. The various meanings of the border crossing include not only crossing borders, but also the guarded points where such actions can take place. In recent years in particular, the border has become increasingly important due to the rise in the movement of goods and people. Travelers moving between these two countries must be prepared for various entry requirements and checks, which are described in detail below.
Length of the border and special features of the border’s course
The Bulgarian–Turkish border runs for a distance of around 240 kilometers and stretches from the Aegean Sea in the south to the Black Sea coast in the north, making it one of the most important borders in the region. The border’s course is largely characterized by hilly and forested terrain, which in the past led to military tensions. Today, the border marks one of the southeasternmost external borders of the European Union. It is interrupted by several rivers and mountains, which makes border protection and surveillance more difficult in certain areas. Despite these geographical challenges, the border has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology in recent years to make border traffic more efficient and to minimize security risks.
Are there border checks at the border crossing?
Yes, there are comprehensive border checks at the border between Bulgaria and Turkey. Since Turkey is not a member of the European Union and is also not part of the Schengen Area, all persons and vehicles crossing the border are subject to strict checks. These checks are carried out on both the Bulgarian and Turkish sides and include the inspection of passports, visas, and vehicle documents. By comparison, border checks in Germany within the Schengen Area are less strict, as there are no systematic checks. Particular attention is paid to the movement of goods, as the border is an important transit route for trade between Europe and the Middle East. At some border crossings—especially during holiday periods or when traffic volumes are high—longer waiting times can occur. This particularly affects the main border crossing Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule, which is one of the largest in the world.
Entry requirements at the border crossing
For entry into Turkey, citizens of the European Union need a valid passport or national ID card. For some nationalities, a visa is also required; the visa can either be applied for online in advance or obtained upon entry at the border. Since 2020, however, entry has been visa-free for many EU citizens, making travel easier. It is important to check the current requirements before traveling, as they can change at any time. Vehicles entering the country must present valid proof of insurance, and it is strongly recommended to carry an international insurance card (“Green Card”). It can also be useful to check the official websites of the countries in order to plan your stay.
General information about the currency
In Turkey, the official currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). At border crossings, there are usually exchange offices where euros or other currencies can be exchanged into lira. It is advisable to carry some Turkish lira before crossing the border and for your planned stay, especially for smaller expenses such as toll fees or food. Credit cards are accepted in most shops and gas stations; however, you should not rely solely on them, as cash payments are preferred especially in rural areas or at smaller border crossings.
The most important border crossings between Bulgaria and Turkey
The three most important border crossings between Bulgaria and Turkey are
Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule: The largest and busiest border crossing between Bulgaria and its Turkish neighbor. It has impressive infrastructure with numerous processing counters for passenger and freight traffic.
Lesovo–Hamzabeyli: This border crossing was set up as a relief point for Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule and enables faster processing, especially for travelers from northeastern Bulgaria.
Malko Tarnovo–Dereköy: One of the oldest border crossings with historical significance. It is particularly popular with travelers who want to cross the border away from the main routes.
Bulgaria
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are any toll roads.
Bulgaria: Vignette requirement (or not?)
On Bulgarian national roads, a vignette is required. This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 t permissible gross weight as well as motorhomes (regardless of their weight). In addition, vehicles with trailers (i.e., car + trailer) that exceed the permissible gross weight of 3.5 t also need an additional vignette for their trailers.
Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. In addition, vehicles weighing more than 3.5 t permissible gross weight must pay a distance-based toll, so the vignette requirement does not apply to these vehicles.
Distance-based toll
(Commercial) vehicles with a total weight over 3.5 t permissible gross weight must pay a distance-based toll, meaning the length of the route used by the vehicles is calculated. The amount of the toll also depends on the Euro emissions class (pollutant level), the number of axles, and the type of road. The toll is paid using a route card (route pass) purchased in advance, for which the route must be specified. As an alternative to the route pass, a contract can be concluded with a national toll collection service provider, whereby the toll is recorded via an electronic on-board unit or a GPS tracker.
Danube crossing: bridge toll as a special toll
Danube crossings are considered special toll routes. This means that for the use of Danube crossings, you must pay additional fees regardless of whether you have already purchased a vignette or paid a distance-based toll. Possible Danube crossings are located between Romania and Bulgaria.
Turkey
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are any toll roads.
Turkey: Vignette requirement (or not?)
In Turkey, there is no vignette requirement; however, all motorways as well as some bridges and tunnels are subject to tolls.
Distance-based toll
In Turkey, there is a toll obligation in the form of a distance-based toll. Fees apply for using all motorways, the Bosphorus Tunnel, the three Bosphorus bridges in Istanbul, the Osmangazi Bridge from Istanbul toward Izmir, as well as the Çanakkale 1915 Bridge over the Dardanelles in western Turkey. The motorway toll is calculated based on the distance traveled, i.e., it is distance-based. The amount of the distance-based toll depends on the distance traveled and the vehicle class:
Class I: 2-axle vehicles with an axle distance under 3.2 m
Class II: 2-axle vehicles with an axle distance from 3.2 m
Class III: vehicles or combinations with a total of 3 axles
Class IV: vehicles or combinations with 4 or 5 axles
Class V: vehicles or combinations with 6 or more axles
Class VI: motorcycles
Turkey has a comprehensive toll system for motorways and bridges. The toll can generally be paid in cash or by card at the designated stations. At some border crossings, such as Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule, there is an option to pay toll fees directly at the border.
To pay the toll, you can use the electronic HGS system. In some cases, cash and credit card payments are also possible at toll stations.
The HGS system works on a prepaid credit basis and consists of a sticker for the windshield. You can purchase this sticker at PTT post offices, motorway service areas, and at some Shell gas stations. The sticker is then registered to your vehicle so you can top up a minimum balance suitable for your vehicle (depending on the vehicle class). The toll is then automatically deducted when you use toll roads and paid. Once your balance reaches a threshold, you will be notified of the current status via SMS. If the balance is too low, you must pay the toll fee online within 15 days.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
This overview of the border crossing between Bulgaria and Turkey provides all the important information you need for a smooth and well-prepared trip. Whether border checks, entry requirements, or toll fees: being well informed makes the journey significantly easier. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip better and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we will be happy to help. Contact us anytime via email.
