Border Crossing Bulgaria Romania

The border between Bulgaria and Romania stretches over a length of 605 kilometres, which is mainly formed by the Danube River. Only two road bridges cross the Danube (Ruse–Giurgiu and Vidin–Calafat), in addition there are several ferry connections and road crossings in the east, where the border runs overland. These crossings play a decisive role for trade, tourism and general mobility between the two countries. Since 1 January 2025, both countries have been full members of the Schengen Area, and there are no longer any regular border controls.

Among the most important crossings is the Giurgiu-Ruse Friendship Bridge, which spans the Danube and is one of the main connections between the two countries. Another important connection is the Danube Bridge 2, which connects Calafat in Romania with Vidin in Bulgaria. These bridges are of strategic importance and are each around two kilometres long.

Border controls and entry requirements

Since 1 January 2025, Bulgaria and Romania have been full members of the Schengen Area. At the land border, no regular checks on persons take place any more, though random police checks in the border area are possible.

To enter Romania or Bulgaria, EU citizens only need a valid identity card or passport. There is no visa requirement. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check the current entry requirements before travelling, as changes can occur at short notice.

General information about the currency

In Romania, payments are made in Romanian Leu (RON), and in Bulgaria, from 1 January 2026, in Euro. The Leu is not pegged to the Euro, and the exchange rate fluctuates. Travellers should nevertheless carry some cash in the respective national currency, as card payments are not accepted everywhere.

Can the toll be paid at the border?

Don't rely on it. The vignette for Romania must be valid before the first journey on the Romanian national road network; there is no option to purchase one afterwards for foreign number plates. There are no toll stations in Romania; checks are carried out electronically via the number plate. The Bulgarian e-vignette is also sold at counters at the Danube bridges near Ruse and Vidin, as well as in Silistra, but it must be valid before you drive on a toll road. The easiest way is to buy both vignettes online before your trip.

Important border crossings and their特点

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The most important border crossings between Bulgaria and Romania are:

• Bechet ↔ Oryahovo

• Călărași ↔ Silistra

• Dobromir ↔ Krushari

• Giurgiu ↔ Ruse (Friendship Bridge)

• Calafat ↔ Vidin (Danube Bridge 2)

• Durankulak ↔ Vama Veche

• Oltenița ↔ Tutrakan

• Turnu Măgurele ↔ Nikopol

• Zimnicea ↔ Svishtov

• Kaynardzha ↔ Lipnitsa

Airports are also technically considered border crossings.

Bulgaria

Vignette requirement

On Bulgarian national roads, a vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight as well as motorhomes. Motorcycles are exempt. Vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight are subject to a distance-based toll.

Distance-based toll

For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the toll is calculated based on distance. As an alternative to the route card, the toll can be recorded via an on-board unit or a GPS tracker.

Crossing the Danube: Bridge toll

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Danube bridges may be special toll routes. Additional fees apply:

• Calafat – Vidin Bridge

• Giurgiu – Ruse Bridge (direction Romania)

The Romanian bridge toll in the direction of Bulgaria no longer applies at the Giurgiu-Ruse Friendship Bridge as of 1 October 2026. For ferries, you pay the usual ferry fare. This is not a toll.

Romania

In Romania, the electronic vignette Rovinieta applies across the entire national road network. For cars and motorhomes (regardless of weight), there is no distance-based toll; only goods vehicles over 3.5 t pay the kilometre-based toll TollRo. Detailed information on the toll in Romania can be found in our guide.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Bulgaria and Romania and lots of enjoyment on your exploration. Further information on the toll in Bulgaria or the toll in Romania can be found in our guide. Also use our route planner. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.