Kapıkule-Kapitan Andreevo Turkey Bulgaria Border Crossing
Border Crossing From Turkey to Bulgaria by Land
Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 24/7 (All days of the week)
Seasonal Adjustments: None - operates continuously year-round
Holiday Closures: None - maintains 24/7 operations during all holidays
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait: 30 minutes to 6+ hours depending on traffic and season
Peak Times: Summer months (June-August), weekends, and holiday periods
Express Options: No fast-track programs available for regular travelers
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available (comprehensive controls)
Customs Processing: Available (24/7 operations with thorough inspections)
Health Screening: Basic facilities available
Services: Restrooms, small shops, currency exchange (limited), food vendors
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access; older infrastructure on Bulgarian side
Official Resources
Turkey Border Authority:
- Website: https://www.trade.gov.tr/
- Edirne Customs Directorate: https://edirne.gtb.gov.tr/
Bulgaria Border Authority:
- Website: https://www.customs.bg/
- National Customs Agency contact information available online
Travel Advisories: Check respective foreign ministry websites for current travel advisories
Overview
The Kapıkule-Kapitan Andreevo Border Crossing represents one of Europe's most significant land border checkpoints, serving as the primary gateway between Turkey and Bulgaria. Located in Edirne on the Turkish side and Svilengrad on the Bulgarian side, this crossing handles an enormous volume of both commercial and passenger traffic daily. As Turkey's busiest border control checkpoint, it serves as a crucial link between Asia and Europe, facilitating trade, tourism, and migration flows. The facility operates with 24/7 availability, ensuring continuous movement of people and goods across this strategically important frontier. The crossing features comprehensive infrastructure including immigration processing centers, customs facilities, vehicle inspection areas, and commercial truck terminals. Due to Bulgaria's EU membership and Turkey's non-EU status, this border maintains strict Schengen controls, resulting in thorough security and documentation checks. The facility handles diverse traffic including private vehicles, commercial trucks, buses, and pedestrians, making it one of the most complex border operations in Southeast Europe.
Document Requirements
For International Travellers
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Appropriate visas for both countries as required by nationality
- Proof of accommodation and return/onward travel
- Travel insurance recommended
- International driving permit and Green Card insurance for vehicles
- Health certificates if traveling from certain countries
For Local Citizens
- Valid Bulgarian passport or EU national ID
- Visa required for Turkey (e-Visa available online)
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
- Proof of return or onward travel
- Vehicle registration and valid insurance for drivers
- International driving permit may be required
- Valid Turkish passport or national ID
- No visa required for short stays in Bulgaria (up to 90 days)
- Health insurance coverage recommended
- Vehicle registration and international driving permit for drivers
- Green Card insurance for vehicles
Crossing Procedure
From Turkey Side
- Approach Turkish customs and immigration checkpoint
- Present passport and travel documents to Turkish officer
- Complete exit stamp procedures
- Proceed to vehicle inspection area if driving
- Complete customs declaration if carrying goods
- Receive exit clearance and proceed to Bulgarian side
From Bulgaria Side
- Queue at Bulgarian immigration checkpoint
- Present passport and required documents to Bulgarian officer
- Answer questions about purpose and duration of visit
- Pay mandatory disinfection fee (€4 for vehicles)
- Undergo customs and security inspection
- Receive entry stamp and proceed into Bulgaria
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports: Temporary vehicle imports allowed with proper documentation
Goods Allowances: Standard EU duty-free limits apply; declare valuable items
Prohibited Items: Weapons, narcotics, large quantities of alcohol/tobacco, certain agricultural products
Currency Restrictions: Declare amounts over €10,000 equivalent
Known Issues: Long queues during peak season, language barriers, mandatory disinfection fees
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants near Border Turkey:
- Hotel Edirne Palace (5 km)
- Rustem Pasha Kervansaray Hotel (8 km)
- Various restaurants and cafes in Edirne city center
Hotels and Restaurants near Border Bulgaria:
- Hotel Svilengrad (3 km)
- Local guesthouses in Svilengrad
- Limited dining options near border
Better Options Nearby: Edirne, Turkey (8 km) offers superior accommodation and dining options with historical attractions
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Kapıkule-Kapitan Andreevo Border Crossing experiences mixed feedback from travelers. Positive aspects include the Turkish side's efficient organization and quick processing, with many reviewers noting that Turkish customs operates smoothly and officers are generally helpful with procedures. Several travelers appreciate the 24/7 availability and note that crossing at night can be relatively quick. However, critical feedback dominates the reviews, particularly regarding the Bulgarian side's operations. Major complaints include extremely long wait times (5-6 hours during peak periods), slow processing speeds, and unprofessional behavior from Bulgarian officials. Travelers frequently mention mandatory disinfection fees of €4, language barriers with officers speaking limited English, and reports of corruption attempts. Summer crossings are particularly challenging due to high temperatures and mosquito problems. The infrastructure disparity between the modern Turkish facilities and older Bulgarian systems contributes to bottlenecks and traveler frustration during peak tourist seasons.
Traveler Experiences
"We crossed at 1 a.m. The officers speak only a smattering of English. If you have all your documents, you shouldn't have any problems. Make sure you have your green card with you." - Adem
"Bulgarian customs will calmly pause for 45 minutes and let you wait slowly in 40-degree temperatures. Turkey moves quickly and is better organized." - Beton
"Since it is the return route for expats, there is a guarantee of waiting at least 5-6 hours. No matter how crowded Kapıkule is, you can pass in an average of half an hour." - mavijeans
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.