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 for both trade and tourism.
The border between Bulgaria and Serbia stretches over a length of 318 kilometers. It currently marks the transition between an EU member state and a country seeking EU accession. At the same time, it is an EU external border with regular border controls.
Border controls and entry requirements
Since Bulgaria is part of the European Union, but Serbia has not yet been integrated into the Schengen Area, extensive 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, a visa as well. At this EU external border, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) also applies: non-EU citizens are biometrically registered upon entry and exit, which can extend waiting times.
Currency and payment options at the border
Serbia's official currency is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Travelers are advised to carry sufficient Serbian Dinars, as not all border crossings accept payment in euros or by credit card. However, some crossings do offer the option to pay toll fees in euros.
Border crossings between Bulgaria and Serbia
The main 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, additional congestion and longer waiting times may occur here, especially during periods of high traffic volume.
Strezimirovtsi: This crossing in western Bulgaria can be reached from Sofia via Pernik and Tran. On the Serbian side, Route 40 leads from Surdulica to the border crossing. The route passes through picturesque landscapes, particularly around Lake Vlasinsko in eastern Serbia.
Bregovo and Vrashka Chuka: These are two separate border crossings in northwestern Bulgaria. They are recommended as an alternative when congestion occurs at other crossings.
Other crossings: In addition, there is also the Oltomantsi border crossing.
Special features of the border region
During holiday periods and on weekends, waiting times of several hours can occur 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 is planned in the village of Petacinci, designed solely for passenger traffic. This is intended to relieve the heavily used Gradina crossing, especially during the tourist season. The border region, particularly around the city of Dimitrovgrad, has a complex history with shifting affiliation between 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 registered as class M1 (regardless of their weight). In addition, vehicle combinations (e.g., car + trailer) that exceed the permitted gross vehicle weight of 3.5 t GVW require an additional vignette for their trailer.
Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. In addition, vehicles weighing more than 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, meaning 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. The toll is paid by purchasing a route card (route pass) in advance, on which the route traveled must be specified. As an alternative to the route pass, a contract can be concluded with a national toll service provider, whereby the toll is recorded using an electronic 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 and the Ruse-Giurgiu Bridge in the direction of Romania. This means that, regardless of an already purchased vignette or payment of a distance-based toll, you must pay additional fees to use these bridges. The Romanian bridge toll in the direction of Bulgaria will be abolished from October 1, 2026. For ferries, you pay the standard 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?)
There is no vignette requirement in Serbia, but there is a distance-based toll.
Distance-based toll
The distance-based toll depends on the distance traveled, which can be paid 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 front axle height (up to/over 1.3 m) or overall height (up to/over 1.9 m)
Vehicle combinations: depending on front axle height (up to/over 1.3 m) or overall height (up to/over 1.9 m) as well as the number of axles
Motorhomes: depending on front axle height (up to/over 1.3 m), overall height (up to/over 1.9 m), total weight (up to/over 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 exit the motorway. The amount of toll payable varies depending on the route and the vehicle or vehicle class. At the toll stations, you can pay with both cash and credit 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 provides all the important information you need for a smooth and well-prepared trip. Whether it's border controls, entry requirements, or toll fees: being well informed makes the journey much easier. For more information on tolls in Bulgaria, please see our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your trip and have suitable toll products displayed to you. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Feel free to contact us anytime by email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most important questions about the Bulgaria-Serbia border crossing.
Do I need to expect checks at the border with Serbia?
Yes, since Serbia is not part of the Schengen Area, comprehensive border checks for people and vehicles are still carried out there.
What currency do I need in Serbia?
Is there a vignette requirement in Serbia?
Which border crossing between Bulgaria and Serbia is the most heavily trafficked?
