Sarp/Sarpi Turkey Georgia Border Crossing
Border Crossing From Turkey to Georgia by Land
Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 24/7 - Open continuously
Seasonal Adjustments: No seasonal changes - operates year-round
Holiday Closures: Open during all major holidays (Turkish and Georgian)
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait: Pedestrians: 5-10 minutes (off-peak), 30-120 minutes (peak); Vehicles: 1-4 hours depending on season
Peak Times: June-September (summer tourist season), daily 9 AM - 6 PM, weekends and holidays
Express Options: No official fast-track programs available; early morning crossings (before 8 AM) recommended to avoid crowds
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available - Modern facilities with multiple counters
Customs Processing: Available - X-ray screening and declaration procedures
Health Screening: Limited - Basic facilities available if required
Services:
Turkish Side: ATMs, supermarket, Vodafone store, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, restrooms, taxi stand
Georgian Side: Multiple currency exchange offices, tourist information desk, limited ATM (with surcharges), restrooms
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access; escalators connect levels but may be challenging for mobility-impaired travelers
Official Resources
Turkey Border Authority:
- Website: www.goc.gov.tr
- Contact: Turkish Immigration Services
Georgia Border Authority:
- Website: www.police.ge
- Contact: Georgian Border Police
Travel Advisories:
- Turkey: www.mfa.gov.tr
- Georgia: www.mfa.gov.ge
- Check respective embassy websites for current requirements
Overview
The Sarp/Sarpi Border Crossing serves as the primary gateway between Turkey and Georgia, connecting the Turkish town of Hopa with the Georgian coastal region near Batumi. This is the most popular and convenient border crossing for tourists traveling between the two countries, offering excellent public transportation connections and comprehensive facilities on both sides. The crossing operates 24 hours a day, making it incredibly flexible for travelers with varying schedules. Located along the scenic Black Sea coast, this border point handles both pedestrian and vehicle traffic efficiently. The facility features modern immigration buildings with escalators and long corridors connecting the Turkish and Georgian sides. Both countries have invested significantly in infrastructure here, making it the preferred choice for international tourists. The crossing is particularly busy during summer months when Black Sea tourism peaks, but the continuous operation ensures travelers can always find passage. With duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and transportation hubs on both sides, Sarp/Sarpi represents the most developed border infrastructure in the region.
Document Requirements
For International Travellers
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Visa requirements vary by nationality - check respective embassy websites
- Most EU, US, UK citizens: visa-free for both countries (short stays)
- Travel insurance recommended
- Proof of onward travel may be requested
- Sufficient funds for stay verification possible
For Local Citizens
- Valid Georgian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Georgian biometric ID card accepted for Turkish entry
- Visa-free travel to Turkey for up to 90 days within 180-day period
- Purpose: tourism, business meetings, family visits
- Valid Turkish passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Turkish ID card accepted for Georgian entry
- No visa required for stays up to 365 days in Georgia
- Travel insurance recommended but not mandatory
Crossing Procedure
From Turkey Side
- Enter immigration building through "Departing Passengers" entrance
- Follow escalators and long corridors upward through the facility
- Present passport at Turkish immigration counter for exit stamp
- Proceed through duty-free area and continue along connecting corridors
- Complete Turkish exit formalities (typically 2-3 minutes)
From Georgia Side
- Present passport at Georgian immigration counter
- Answer basic questions about visit purpose and duration
- Receive entry stamp in passport
- Proceed to baggage X-ray screening (bags typically scanned but rarely inspected)
- Exit immigration building to Georgian side (1-2 minutes processing)
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports: Temporary import permits required for vehicles; customs declarations necessary for valuable items
Goods Allowances: Standard duty-free limits apply (cigarettes, alcohol, gifts up to specified values)
Prohibited Items: Weapons, drugs, large quantities of currency without declaration, certain food products
Currency Restrictions: Amounts over $10,000 USD equivalent must be declared
Known Issues: Severe overcrowding in summer, inadequate facilities during peak times, unofficial "helpers" requesting payment, transportation touts targeting tourists
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants near Border Turkey:
Hotel Cihan (minibus departure point)
Various local restaurants in Hopa town center
Basic accommodation options in Hopa (15-20 minutes from border)
Hotels and Restaurants near Border Georgia:
Limited options immediately at border
Small cafes and exchange offices at crossing point
Tourist information available for Batumi recommendations
Better Options Nearby:
Batumi, Georgia (12 km from border) - Major tourist destination with luxury hotels, restaurants, and entertainment
Trabzon, Turkey (168 km from border) - Larger city with comprehensive accommodation and dining options
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, we found a mixed sentiment with notable operational challenges alongside efficient processing times. Positive aspects frequently mentioned include quick processing times for pedestrians (typically 5-10 minutes during off-peak hours), friendly and professional staff on the Turkish side, and excellent transportation connectivity with regular bus services. Many travelers appreciate the 24/7 operation and duty-free shopping opportunities. However, critical concerns dominate reviews regarding severe overcrowding during peak periods, inadequate air conditioning in waiting areas, chaotic queue management especially on the Georgian side, and long waiting times during summer months. Travelers consistently report unprofessional behavior from some Georgian border officials, poor facility maintenance including dirty restrooms, and overwhelming crowds that can extend crossing times to several hours. The Turkish side generally receives better reviews for organization and staff courtesy, while the Georgian side faces criticism for infrastructure and crowd control. Transportation scams targeting tourists are frequently mentioned, though legitimate public transport options are readily available for informed travelers.
Traveler Experiences
"After reading the reviews, I was expecting the worst, but I have to say it went very well for us. My wife and I entered on foot and exited within two minutes of each other. We did it all in an hour." - Massimiliano
"If you're coming from Turkey to the Batumi border crossing in Georgia, it's a bit crowded and hectic. However, upon exiting the gate, you'll find taxis costing $100 or $80 to the airport or city center. The solution is to download the Bolt app." - Kadem
"We crossed the border relatively quickly, without any problems. Everything is fast and easy. I really enjoyed crossing the border at this place." - Suleiman
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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.