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 term "border crossing" encompass not only the act of crossing borders, but also the guarded points at which such actions can take place. In particular, the border has grown increasingly important in recent years due to increased traffic in goods and people. Travellers 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 runs for a distance of around 240 kilometres and stretches from the Aegean Sea in the south to the Black Sea coast in the north, making it one of the most important borders in the region. The course of the border is largely characterised by hilly and forested 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 border traffic more efficient and minimise security risks.

Are there border checks at the border crossing?

Yes, there are comprehensive border checks at the border between Bulgaria and Turkey. Since Turkey is not a member of the European Union and does not belong to 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 the Turkish side and include the verification of passports, visas and vehicle documents. By comparison, border checks in Germany within the Schengen Area are less strict, as there are no systematic checks. 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 high traffic volume, longer waiting times may occur. This applies above all to the main border crossing Kapitan Andreevo-Kapıkule, which is one of the largest in the world.

Entry requirements at the border crossing

To enter Turkey, nationals of the European Union need a valid passport or national ID card. Some nationalities are also subject to a visa requirement, whereby the visa can either be applied for online in advance or obtained upon entry at the border. However, since 2020 it has been visa-free for many EU citizens, which makes entry easier. It is important to check the current regulations before travelling, 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 worthwhile checking the current website of the countries in question in order to plan your stay.

General information on the currency

In Turkey, the official currency 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 with you even before the border crossing and the planned stay, especially for smaller expenses such as toll fees or food. Credit cards are accepted in most shops and petrol stations, but you should not rely on them exclusively, as cash payments are preferred especially 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 neighbouring Turkey. It has an impressive infrastructure with numerous processing counters for passenger and freight traffic.

• Lesovo-Hamzabeyli: This border crossing was set up as a relief point for Kapitan Andreevo-Kapıkule and allows for faster processing, especially for travellers from northeastern Bulgaria.

• Malko Tarnovo-Dereköy: One of the oldest border crossings with historical significance. It is particularly popular with travellers who want to cross the border away from 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 road sections.

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 (regardless of their weight). In addition, vehicles with trailers (e.g. car + trailer) require an additional vignette for their trailer if the permissible total weight of 3.5 t GVW is exceeded.

Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. In addition, vehicles weighing more than 3.5 t GVW must pay a distance-based toll, which means the vignette requirement does not apply to these vehicles.

Distance-based toll

(Commercial) vehicles with a total weight of 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. The toll is paid using a pre-purchased route card (route pass), on which the route travelled must be indicated. 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 transmitter 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 in the direction of Romania. This means that, regardless of a vignette already purchased 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 cease to apply from 1 October 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 road sections.

Turkey: Vignette requirement (or not?)

In Turkey, there is no vignette requirement; however, all motorways 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 are charged for the use of all motorways, the Bosphorus tunnel, the three Bosphorus bridges in Istanbul, the Osmangazi Bridge from Istanbul towards Izmir, as well as the Çanakkale 1915 Bridge over the Dardanelles in western Turkey. The motorway toll is calculated based on distance, i.e. there is a distance-based toll. The amount of the distance-based toll is made up of the distance travelled 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

There is a comprehensive toll system for motorways and bridges in Turkey. The toll 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 operates via a credit-based system and consists of an adhesive strip for the windscreen. You can purchase this adhesive strip at PTT post offices, motorway service stations and some Shell petrol stations. The adhesive strip is then registered to your vehicle, so that you can top up a minimum credit balance suited to your vehicle (depending on the vehicle class). The toll is then automatically deducted and paid when driving on toll roads. Once your credit balance reaches a certain threshold, you will be notified by SMS about the current balance. If the balance is too low, you must pay the toll fee online within 15 days.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

This overview of the border crossing between Bulgaria and Turkey provides all the important information you need for a smooth and well-prepared journey. Whether it's border checks, 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 at any time by email.