The border between Bulgaria and Turkey is one of the most important connection routes between Europe and Asia. It serves as a junction between the European Union and the Middle East. 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 crossing of borders but also the guarded points where such actions can take place. Especially in recent years, the border has gained increasing importance due to the rising volume of goods and people traffic. Travelers crossing between these two countries must expect various entry requirements and controls, which are detailed below.
The Bulgarian-Turkish border stretches over a distance of around 240 kilometers, 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 border 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 surveillance in certain areas challenging. Despite these geographical challenges, the border has been equipped with the latest technology in recent years to make border traffic more efficient and minimize security risks.
Yes, there are comprehensive 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 individuals and vehicles crossing the border are subject to strict controls. These controls are carried out on both the Bulgarian and Turkish sides and include checks of passports, visas, and vehicle documents. In comparison, border controls within Germany, which is part of the Schengen Area, are less strict as there are no systematic checks. Special attention is paid to the goods traffic, as the border is an important transit route for trade between Europe and the Middle East. At some border crossings, especially during the holiday season or in case of heavy traffic, there may be longer waiting times. This particularly affects the main border crossing Kapitan Andreewo-Kapıkule, which is one of the largest worldwide.
For entry into Turkey, citizens of the European Union only need a valid passport or ID card. For some nationalities, a visa is required, which can either be applied for online in advance or obtained at the border upon entry. Since 2020, however, many EU citizens can enter visa-free, making entry easier. It is important to check the current regulations before traveling, as these can change at any time. Vehicles entering must present valid insurance documents, and it is highly recommended to carry an international insurance card ("Green Card"). It may also be useful to visit the current website of the respective countries to plan the stay.
In Turkey, the official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). There are usually exchange bureaus at border crossings where Euros or other currencies can be exchanged for Lira. It is advisable to carry a certain amount of Turkish Lira before crossing the border and during your stay, especially for smaller expenses such as toll fees or meals. Credit cards are accepted in most shops and gas stations, but it is not recommended to rely solely on them, especially in rural areas or at smaller border crossings, where cash payments are preferred.
Turkey is a country that spans two continents, with the larger part located in Asia and a smaller part in Europe. With a population of over 80 million people, it is one of the most populous countries in the region. It is a presidential republic, and since 2014, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been the president of the country. The capital is Ankara. The political system has increasingly shifted toward an authoritarian presidential system in recent years, which has sparked both domestic and international controversy. Although Turkey is not an EU member state, it is a significant player on the political stage of the Middle East and plays a central role in trade, energy, and security.
In Turkey, there is an extensive toll system for highways and bridges. Tolls can typically be paid in cash or by card at the designated stations. At some border crossings, such as Kapitan Andreewo-Kapıkule, there is the possibility to pay toll fees directly at the border. However, it is more efficient to equip oneself with an HGS or OGS system before entering Turkey to avoid waiting times. These systems enable automatic toll fee billing and can be purchased at gas stations or post offices.
The three main border crossings between Bulgaria and Turkey are:
For using Bulgarian highways and expressways, acquiring a vignette is mandatory. In recent years, Bulgaria has offered the option to purchase a digital vignette for Bulgaria. The great advantage of this digital solution is the immediate validity without waiting times or the need to attach a physical vignette to the windshield. Travelers can conveniently purchase the digital vignette online, saving time and effort when entering. Additionally, during checks, the validity is automatically verified, which significantly speeds up traffic flow at the border crossings.
Overall, the border crossing between Bulgaria and Turkey offers well-developed infrastructure for travelers, but careful preparation is essential to avoid potential delays and inconveniences.
Would you like to prepare for your border crossing from Bulgaria? Then register your digital vignette directly here:
