Border Crossings Romania Bulgaria
The border is formed primarily by the Danube and stretches over a length of 605 kilometers. As a result, there are numerous different bridges and ferry connections that serve as border crossings. These crossings therefore play a particularly important role for trade, tourism, and general mobility between Romania and Bulgaria. Despite EU membership, border controls continue to take place, often leading to long waiting times.
Border Controls
Although both countries are members of the EU, controls still take place at their borders. This is because both countries have not yet been fully integrated into the Schengen Area. The controls often lead to long waiting times, especially for heavy goods traffic in the EU. At the most important border crossings, such as the Giurgiu-Ruse Friendship Bridge, truck drivers can wait up to ten hours to cross the border. These waiting times not only affect the movement of goods but also increase costs for companies that depend on smooth logistics.
However, something will change regarding border controls. According to a decision, starting January 1, 2025, no personal checks are to take place at the border crossings between Romania and Bulgaria. Both countries will thus become full Schengen members.
Entry Requirements
To enter Romania or Bulgaria, EU citizens only need a valid ID card or passport. There is no visa requirement for EU citizens, which makes entry easier. Nevertheless, travelers should stay informed about current entry regulations, as short-term changes can occur depending on the situation, especially with regard to health regulations or security policy measures for the respective country.
Border Crossings Between Romania and Bulgaria
Below you will find the most significant border crossings between Romania and Bulgaria. It is important to note that additional fees apply for any Danube crossings (in the form of bridge crossings) between Romania and Bulgaria.
Ruse - Giurgiu: This border crossing is known as the busiest road border crossing between Bulgaria and Romania. The E85 (one of the main roads of the European Union) crosses the Danube and connects the city of Ruse (Bulgaria) with Giurgiu (Romania). This border crossing therefore plays a crucial role for international trade and transit in the region. A special toll applies to this border crossing, as the bridge serves as a Danube crossing. Please note that you will therefore need to budget for additional costs (in addition to the vignette or distance-based toll).
Vidin - Calafat: In the west, crossing the Danube, this border crossing connects Vidin (Bulgaria) with Calafat (Romania). The road begins in Bulgaria as Route 11 and is called DN56 on the Romanian side. This connection is also important for European transport traffic. A special toll is likewise charged for this border crossing, as the bridge serves as a Danube crossing. Please note that you will need to budget for additional costs (in addition to the vignette or distance-based toll).
Silistra - Calarasi: In the northeast is the border crossing Silistra (Bulgaria) and Calarasi (Romania), which is crucial for cross-border trade as well as general economic cooperation. The road begins in Bulgaria as Route 7 and is called DN21 in Romania.
Kardam - Negru Voda: Also located in the northeast is the border crossing Kardam (village in Bulgaria) and Negru Voda (Romania). This border crossing is comparatively small but crucial for regional connectivity and exchange between communities. The road of the border crossing is called communal road III-209 in Bulgaria and communal road DJ225D in Romania.
In addition to the border crossings mentioned, there are further options for crossing the border. However, these connections represent the most frequently used border crossings. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip and thus also the use of the border crossings.
Romania
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are certain toll-liable road sections.
Romania: Vignette Requirement (or Not?)
In Romania, there is an electronic vignette called "Rovinieta" that you need for the Romanian national road network. It is important to know that trailers (combinations) do not require their own vignette and motorhomes must have a car vignette regardless of their weight. It is common for the electronic vignette that the vehicle data and the validity period of the vignette are recorded in a database, so that the consumer only receives a receipt for the amount paid, which should be kept safe. Depending on the vehicle class, you must choose a different vignette, and different prices apply. Further information on the digital vignette can be found here. Order your digital vignette conveniently and easily from home with us.
Distance-Based Toll
In Romania, there is no distance-based toll, but you need a digital vignette and must take into account additional fees when crossing the Danube.
Danube Crossing: Bridge Toll (Special Toll)
Please note that additional fees apply when crossing the Danube. This river flows within Romania and separates the two countries (Romania and Bulgaria) from each other. If you wish to use one of the many bridges or the ferry to cross, additional fees will apply.
Bulgaria
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are certain toll-liable road sections.
Bulgaria: Vignette Requirement (or Not?)
A vignette requirement applies on Bulgarian national roads. This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW as well as motorhomes (regardless of their weight). In addition, vehicles with trailers (e.g., car + trailer) that exceed the permissible total weight of 3.5 t GVW require an additional vignette for their trailer.
Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. In addition, vehicles with a weight over 3.5 t GVW 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 GVW must pay a distance-based toll, i.e., the length of the route used by the vehicles is calculated. The amount of the toll also depends on the Euro emission class (pollutant level), the number of axles, and the type of road. Payment of the toll is made by purchasing a route card (route pass) in advance, in 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 using an electronic transmission device (on-board unit) or a GPS tracker.
Danube Crossing: Bridge Toll (Special Toll)
Please note that additional fees apply when crossing the Danube. This river flows within Romania and separates the two countries (Romania and Bulgaria) from each other. If you wish to use one of the many bridges or the ferry to cross, additional fees will apply.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!
We wish you a pleasant trip and lots of enjoyment on your journey. Purchase your digital vignette for Romania now. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us anytime by email.
