The border between Bulgaria and Turkey is one of the most important connections between Europe and Asia. It serves as an interface between the European Union and the Middle East. The border's course is not only of geopolitical significance but also plays a central role in international trade and tourism. The various meanings of the border crossing not only involve crossing borders but also the guarded points where such actions can take place. Particularly in recent years, the border has gained increasing importance due to the rising flow of goods and people. Travelers between these two countries must prepare for various entry regulations and checks, which are detailed below.
The Bulgaria-Turkey border stretches for about 240 kilometers from the Aegean Sea in the south to the Black Sea coast in the north, representing one of the most important borders in the region. The border line is mostly characterized by hilly and forested terrain, which has historically led to military tensions. 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 monitoring in certain areas difficult. Despite these geographical challenges, the border has been equipped with modern technology in recent years to make border traffic more efficient and minimize security risks.
Yes, there are extensive border controls at the border between Bulgaria and Turkey. Since Turkey is not a member of the European Union and is not 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 the inspection 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 flow of goods, as the border is a significant transit route for trade between Europe and the Middle East. During peak holiday periods or high traffic volumes, longer waiting times can occur at certain border crossings. This is especially true for the main crossing, Kapitan Andreevo-Kapıkule, which is one of the largest in the world.
For entry into Turkey, citizens of the European Union need a valid passport or ID card. For some nationalities, a visa is required, which can either be applied for in advance online or obtained upon arrival at the border. However, since 2020, many EU citizens can enter without a visa, which simplifies entry. It is important to check the current regulations before traveling, as these may change at any time. Vehicles entering Turkey must present valid insurance documentation, and it is strongly recommended to carry an international insurance card ("Green Card"). It may also be useful to check the current website of the countries to plan the stay.
The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). There are usually currency exchange offices at border crossings where Euros or other currencies can be exchanged for Lira. It is advisable to carry some Turkish Lira with you before crossing the border and for your planned stay, especially for smaller expenses such as toll fees or meals. Credit cards are accepted in most shops and gas stations, but you should not rely solely on them, especially in rural areas or at smaller border crossings where cash is preferred.
Turkey has a comprehensive toll system for highways and bridges. The toll can generally 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 tolls directly at the border. However, it is more efficient to equip yourself with an HGS or OGS system before entering Turkey to avoid waiting times. These systems allow for automatic toll fee collection and can be obtained at gas stations or post offices.
The three major border crossings between Bulgaria and Turkey are:
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are certain toll sections.
Bulgaria requires a vignette on national roads. This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 tons gross weight (zGG) and motorhomes (regardless of their weight). Additionally, vehicles with trailers (such as a car + trailer) exceeding the permissible total weight of 3.5 tons zGG require an additional vignette for their trailers.
Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. Furthermore, vehicles over 3.5 tons zGG must pay a distance-based toll and are therefore not required to buy a vignette.
(Commercial) vehicles with a total weight over 3.5 tons zGG must pay a distance-based toll, meaning the length of the route used by the vehicles is calculated. The toll amount also depends on the Euro emission class (pollution level), the number of axles, and the type of road. The toll is paid using a pre-purchased route card (route pass), where the travel distance must be indicated. Alternatively, a contract with a national toll collection service provider can be made, allowing tolls to be recorded via an electronic device (On-Board Unit) or a GPS tracker.
The Danube crossings are considered special toll routes. Therefore, you must pay additional fees for using Danube crossings, regardless of whether you have already purchased a vignette or paid a distance-based toll. Possible Danube crossings are located between Romania and Bulgaria.
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are certain toll sections.
In Turkey, there is no vignette requirement, but all highways, as well as some bridges and tunnels, are subject to tolls.
In Turkey, a toll is required. Tolls apply for the use of all highways, the Bosporus Tunnel, the three Bosporus bridges in Istanbul, the Ozmangazi Bridge from Istanbul towards Izmir, and the Çanakkale-1915 Bridge over the Dardanelles in the west of Turkey. The highway toll is calculated based on the distance traveled, meaning there is a distance-based toll. The toll amount is determined by the traveled distance and the vehicle class:
To pay the toll, you can use the electronic HGS system. Cash and credit card payments are also possible at the toll stations.
The HGS system works on a prepaid system and consists of a sticker for the windshield. This sticker can be purchased at post offices (PTT), highway rest stops, and some Shell gas stations. The sticker is then registered to your vehicle, allowing you to load a minimum balance according to your vehicle's class. The toll is automatically deducted when using toll roads. Once your balance reaches a certain threshold, you will be notified via SMS about the current balance. If the balance is too low, you must pay the toll fee online within 15 days.
This overview of the border crossing between Bulgaria and Turkey provides all the essential 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.
