Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule Border Crossing

Kapitan Andreevo – Kapıkule

Step-by-step guide to crossing the border

A clear sequence of steps to avoid unnecessary manoeuvres and wasted time.

Kapitan Andreevo – Kapıkule

Waiting-area coordinates:

41.721825, 26.330747

A queue may form before the entrance.

The queue can stretch for several kilometres.

Do not bypass the queue — you may have to turn around.

Latest border information:

Drivers share the following in the Telegram chat:

— waiting times

— traffic on the approach road

— where it is best to queue

— changes at the border

— customs-clearance details

— problems and workarounds

Information is updated in real time.

Waiting area

You will receive a pager at the entrance.

You will then be directed and escorted to one of the waiting areas.

All facilities are in the central area.

— restaurant

— currency exchange

— document printing

— shop

— ATMs

— hairdresser

— toilets and showers are available in every waiting area

Free minibuses run from the more distant waiting areas.

It is important to have cash with you.

— €25 (fee for the waiting area, up to 72 hours)

— Turkish lira (weighbridge fee)

— $150–350 for veterinary/phytosanitary procedures

ATM withdrawals in Turkey incur high fees.

When your pager signals, you may leave

or stay until your rest break is complete.

Leaving the waiting area:

Exit through the same gate you used to enter.

Pay when you leave.

— €25 in cash

After leaving, keep to the left lane,

follow the signs towards the border

and join the queue if there is one.

Bulgarian side:

Enter and join an open lane.

Processing is completed without leaving your vehicle.

Note:

During processing, Bulgarian officials may ask for a customary payment. Whether to pay is each driver's personal choice.

Proceed to passport control and then exit.

Turkish side:

Passport control is completed without leaving your vehicle.

Then drive onto the weighbridge. Pay in cash without leaving the vehicle and collect the ticket.

After the weighbridge, enter the multi-lane inspection area for checks for contraband. Wait there for an officer and present the ticket issued at the weighbridge.

Then proceed through any open lane to the customs desks:

Standard cargo:

Complete the formalities without leaving your vehicle, then head for the exit

(unless an X-ray scan or inspection is required).

Before leaving:

You can stop for 15–20 minutes to visit the duty-free shop.

Cargo requiring veterinary or phytosanitary inspection:

After completing the formalities at the window, you will be directed to a broker.

It is best to arrange a broker in advance.

The broker will tell you where to go and where to wait.

If you are sent for an X-ray scan or inspection, the broker will explain the route.

You may visit the duty-free shop while waiting.

🚛 After the border

After leaving the border, you can pull over on the right-hand shoulder.

The area has:

— fuel stations

— currency exchange

— shops selling accessories

— truck-parts shops

It is recommended to carry cash, as it is commonly used in Turkey.

Next, you need to purchase an HGS road-toll tag.

You should also top up its balance.

Sales points are marked with an “HGS” sign.

After purchase:

— attach the sticker to the windscreen

— top up the balance

This is important because road tolls are charged automatically.

Even if the barrier opens, you may be fined if your balance is insufficient.