Border Crossing Bulgaria Serbia

The border crossing between Bulgaria and Serbia is an essential part of the transport network between the two countries and plays a significant role both for trade and for tourism.

The border between Bulgaria and Serbia stretches over a length of 318 kilometers. Historically, the population in these border regions has played a significant cultural role, particularly through the influence of the Muslim population and their conversions to Islam as well as resistance to Hellenization. Once a symbol of the division between Eastern and Western Europe, it now has a different meaning: it marks the transition between an EU member state and a country striving for EU accession. The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia.

Border Controls and Entry Requirements

Since Bulgaria is part of the European Union, but Serbia has not yet been integrated into the Schengen Area, comprehensive border controls continue to take place at the border with Serbia. These controls apply to both people and vehicles. Travelers must present valid travel documents and may be subject to random customs checks. Entry requirements for Serbia generally require a passport as a travel document, and for some nationalities also a visa.

Currency and Payment Options at the Border

Serbia's official currency is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Travelers are advised to carry sufficient Serbian Dinars with them, as not all border crossings accept payment in Euro or credit card. However, at some crossings, there are options to pay toll fees in Euro.

Border Crossings between Bulgaria and Serbia

The most important road border crossings between Bulgaria and Serbia are:

• Kalotina - Gradinja: This border crossing is one of the busiest between the two countries. Due to extensive construction work on the Bulgarian side, there may be additional traffic jams and longer waiting times here, especially during periods of high traffic volume.

• Strezimirovtsi: This crossing in western Bulgaria can be reached via the E69 from Sofia. On the Serbian side, Route 40 leads from Surdulica to the border crossing. The route passes through picturesque landscapes, particularly around Lake Vlasinsko Jezero in eastern Serbia.

• Bregovo - Vrashka Chuka: This border crossing is recommended as an alternative when there are traffic jams at other crossings.

• Other crossings: In addition, there are also the border crossings Oltomantsi and Botevgrad-Dragoman.

Special Features of the Border Region

During the holiday season and on weekends, there can be waiting times of several hours at the border crossings. The borders between Bulgaria and Serbia are EU external borders. Despite Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen Area, border controls continue to take place. A new border crossing in the village of Petacinci is planned, designed exclusively for passenger traffic. This is intended to relieve the heavily frequented Gradina crossing, especially during the tourist season. The border region, particularly around the city of Dimitrovgrad, has a complex history with changing allegiance to Serbia and Bulgaria, which has shaped the identity of its residents.

Bulgaria

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are 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 trailers.

Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. In addition, vehicles with a weight over 3.5 t GVW must pay a distance-based toll and do not need to purchase a vignette (except for cars with trailers that exceed a weight of 3.5 t GVW).

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 emissions), the number of axles, and the type of road. Payment of the toll is made via a pre-purchased route card (route pass), for which the route traveled must be specified. As an alternative to the route pass, a contract can be made 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 as a Special Toll

The special toll routes include the Vidin-Calafat Danube Bridge as well as the Ruse-Giurgiu Bridge heading toward Romania. Accordingly, you must pay additional fees to use these bridges, regardless of an already purchased vignette or payment of a distance-based toll. The Romanian bridge toll heading toward Bulgaria will be discontinued as of October 1, 2026. For ferries, you pay the usual ferry fare. This is not a toll.

Serbia

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are toll-liable road sections.

Vignette Requirement (or Not?)

In Serbia, there is no vignette requirement, but there is a distance-based toll.

Distance-Based Toll

The distance-based toll depends on the distance traveled, which can be settled at toll stations or using electronic systems. Expressways and motorways are therefore subject to tolls for all vehicles, and the fee is accordingly based on the vehicle:

• Cars: depending on the height of the front axle (up to/from 1.3 m) or overall height (up to/from 1.9 m)

• Vehicle combinations: depending on the height of the front axle (up to/from 1.3 m) or overall height (up to/from 1.9 m) as well as the number of axles

• Motorhomes: depending on the height of the front axle (up to/from 1.3 m), overall height (up to/from 1.9 m), total weight (up to/from 3.5 t GVW) as well as the number of axles

Payment can be made at the toll stations by taking a ticket when you leave the motorway. The amount of toll to be paid is higher depending on the route and vehicle or vehicle class. At the toll stations, you can pay with both cash and credit card or debit card. It is also possible to pay your distance-based toll in Euros, but you should note that you will receive change in the Serbian currency (Dinar).

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

This overview of the border crossing between Bulgaria and Serbia offers all the important information you need for a smooth and well-prepared journey. Whether border controls, entry requirements, or toll fees: being well informed makes the trip much easier. For more information on tolls in Bulgaria, see our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your trip and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us anytime via email.