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 importance, 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 borders, but also the guarded points at which such actions can take place. Especially in recent years, the border has gained increasing importance due to rising volumes of goods and people crossing it. Travelers moving between these two countries must prepare for various entry requirements and controls, which are described in detail below.

Length of the border and特征 of the border course

The Bulgarian-Turkish border runs for a distance of around 240 kilometers 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 characterized 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 to make 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. Due to the fact that 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 controls. These controls are carried out on both the Bulgarian and Turkish sides and include the checking of passports, visas, and vehicle documents. In comparison, border controls in Germany within the Schengen Area are less strict, as there are no systematic checks. Special attention is paid to the movement of goods, as the border represents an important transit route for trade between Europe and the Middle East. At some border crossings, longer waiting times can occur, especially during holiday periods or times of high traffic volume. This particularly affects the main border crossing Kapitan Andreevo-Kapıkule, which is one of the largest in the world.

Entry requirements at the border crossing

For entry into Turkey, citizens of the European Union need a valid passport or identity 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 find out about the current regulations 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 worthwhile to check the current website of the respective countries in order to plan your stay.

General information on 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 gas 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 its Turkish neighboring country. It has 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 enables faster processing, especially for travelers from northeastern Bulgaria.

• Malko Tarnovo-Dereköy: One of the oldest border crossings with historical significance. It is particularly popular with travelers 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 route 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 (i.e., 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, 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, 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. Payment of the toll is made through a pre-purchased route card (route pass), for which the route driven 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 transmitter (on-board unit) or a GPS tracker.

Danube crossing: Bridge toll as a special toll

Danube crossings are considered special toll routes. This means that you must pay additional fees for using Danube crossings, regardless of an already purchased vignette or payment of a distance-based toll. Possible Danube crossings are located between Romania and Bulgaria.

Turkey

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

Turkey: Vignette requirement (or not?)

There is no vignette requirement in Turkey, but 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 apply 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 for 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 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

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, there is the option of paying 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 the toll stations.

The HGS system works via a credit-based system and consists of an adhesive strip for the windshield. You can purchase this adhesive strip at PTT post offices, motorway rest stops, and at some Shell gas stations. The adhesive strip is then registered to your vehicle, so that 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 routes. As soon as your balance reaches a 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 trip. Whether it's border controls, entry requirements, or toll fees: being well informed makes the journey much easier. Feel free to use our route planner as well to better plan your trip and be shown suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us at any time by email.