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 significance, but also plays a central role in international trade and tourism. The various meanings of the border crossing include not only the act of crossing a border, but also the guarded points at which such crossings can take place. In recent years in particular, the border has grown increasingly important due to the rise in the flow of goods and people. Travelers moving between these two countries must prepare for various entry requirements and checks, which are described in detail below.

Length of the border and special features of its course

The Bulgarian-Turkish border is around 260 kilometers long and runs from the tripoint with Greece at the Maritsa river to the Black Sea coast, making it one of the most important borders in the region. The border is largely characterized by hilly, wooded terrain, which led to military tensions in the past. 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 in order to make cross-border traffic more efficient and minimize security risks.

Are there border controls at the border crossing?

Yes, there are comprehensive border controls at the border between Bulgaria and Turkey. Since Turkey is neither a member of the European Union nor 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 verification of passports, visas, and vehicle documents. The European Entry/Exit System (EES) also applies at this EU external border: non-EU citizens are biometrically registered when entering and leaving, which can extend waiting times. 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 times of heavy traffic, there can be long waiting times. This mainly affects the main border crossing at Kapitan Andreevo-Kapıkule, which is one of the largest in the world.

Entry requirements at the border crossing

Citizens of the European Union need a valid passport or national ID card to enter Turkey. Some nationalities also require a visa, which can either be applied for online in advance or obtained at the border upon entry. However, since 2020 entry has been visa-free for many EU citizens, making it easier to cross. It is important to check the current requirements before traveling, as these 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 a good idea to check the countries' current websites in order to plan the trip.

General information on currency

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). There are usually currency exchange offices at the border crossings where euros or other currencies can be exchanged for lira. It is advisable to carry a certain amount of Turkish lira even before crossing the border and during the planned stay, especially for smaller expenses such as Turkish toll fees or food. Credit cards are accepted in most shops and gas stations, but you should not rely on them exclusively, as cash payments are preferred, particularly 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 an impressive infrastructure with numerous processing lanes for passenger and freight traffic.

• Lesovo-Hamzabeyli: This border crossing was set up to relieve pressure on Kapitan Andreevo-Kapıkule and allows for faster processing.

• Malko Tarnovo-Dereköy: One of the oldest border crossings, with historical significance. It is especially popular with travelers who want to cross the border off the main traffic routes.

Bulgaria

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

Bulgaria: Vignette requirement (or not?)

There is a vignette requirement 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, combination vehicles (e.g. car + trailer) that exceed the permitted total 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, so the vignette requirement does not apply to these vehicles.

Distance-based toll

(Commercial) vehicles with a total weight of more than 3.5 t GVW must pay a distance-based toll, meaning the length of the route used by the vehicle 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 using a route card (route pass) purchased in advance, on which the route driven 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 transmitter (on-board unit) or a GPS tracker.

Crossing the Danube: 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 discontinued as of October 1, 2026. For ferries, you pay the usual ferry fare. This is not a toll.

Turkey

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

Turkey: Vignette requirement (or not?)

There is no vignette requirement in Turkey, however all highways as well as some bridges and tunnels are subject to tolls.

Distance-based toll

In Turkey there is a toll requirement in the form of a distance-based toll. Fees apply for the use of all highways, the Bosphorus Tunnel, the three Bosphorus bridges in Istanbul, the Osmangazi Bridge from Istanbul towards Izmir, as well as for the Çanakkale 1915 Bridge over the Dardanelles in western Turkey. The highway toll is calculated based on distance, meaning it is a distance-based toll. The amount of the distance-based toll is made up of the distance driven and the vehicle class:

• Class I: 2-axle vehicles with an axle distance of less than 3.2 m

• Class II: 2-axle vehicles with an axle distance of 3.2 m or more

• Class III: vehicles or combinations with a total of 3 axles

• Class IV: vehicles or vehicle combinations with 4 or 5 axles

• Class V: vehicles or vehicle combinations with 6 or more axles

• Class VI: motorcycles

Turkey has a comprehensive toll system for highways and bridges. Tolls can usually be paid in cash or by card at the designated stations. At some border crossings, such as Kapitan Andreevo-Kapıkule, it is possible 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 via a credit-based system and consists of an adhesive sticker for the windshield. You can purchase this sticker at PTT post offices, highway rest stops, and some Shell gas stations. The sticker is then registered to your vehicle, so you can top up a minimum balance appropriate to your vehicle (depending on the vehicle class). The toll is then automatically deducted and paid when driving on toll roads. Once your balance reaches a certain threshold, you will be notified of the current balance 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 trip!

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 it's border controls, entry requirements, or toll fees: being well informed makes the journey considerably easier. Feel free 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. Contact us anytime by email.