Overview 

Kapıkule: is the busiest land border crossing point in Europe, with over 4 million people and 400,000 vehicles crossing each year. It is located in Edirne Province, Türkiye, and connects to the Bulgarian border crossing point of Kapitan Andreevo. Kapıkule is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

The Kapıkule border crossing between Türkiye and Bulgaria has more truck movement than any other border crossing between Türkiye and Europe. In 2021, the Kapıkule border crossing handled an average of 1,800 trucks per day. The next busiest border crossing between Türkiye and Europe is the Hamzabeyli border crossing between Türkiye and Bulgaria, which handled an average of 1,500 trucks per day in 2021. 

The Kapıkule border crossing is located in the European part of Türkiye, near the city of Edirne. It is the main land route for trade between Türkiye and Europe. The increased truck movement at the Kapıkule border crossing is due to several factors. First, the Turkish government has been investing in infrastructure improvements at the crossing in recent years. This has made it easier and faster for trucks to cross the border. Second, the European Union has been working to improve security in the region. This has made it more attractive for businesses to trade between Türkiye and Europe. 

Daily Capacity 

• The Kapıkule Border is a major border crossing between Türkiye and Bulgaria. It is the busiest border crossing in Türkiye, with an average of 1,250 trucks and 10,000 cars crossing each day. 

• Private cars are not provided a separate lane at the Kapıkule Border. All vehicles must use the same lanes. 

• The level of traffic leaving the country is higher than the level of traffic entering the country. In 2021, an average of 7,500 trucks left Türkiye through the Kapıkule Border each day, while an average of 5,000 trucks entered Türkiye. 

The level of traffic at the Kapıkule Border varies depending on the time of year. Traffic is typically heavier in the summer months, when there is more tourism and trade. The level of traffic at the Kapıkule Border is relatively consistent throughout the month of January. However, there is a slight increase in traffic on the 3rd and 4th of January. This may be due to the fact that the 3rd of January is New Year's Day, and the 4th of January is a public holiday in Türkiye. 

Customs Clearance 

Potential delays or restrictions: Customs clearance at the Kapıkule Border can be delayed due to a number of factors, including: 

• Heavy traffic 

• Customs inspections 

• Lack of documentation 

• Commodities that are subject to import restrictions 

Documentation required: The following documentation is required to clear goods at the Kapıkule Border: 

• Commercial invoice 

• Bill of lading 

• Certificate of origin 

• Import license (if required) 

• Phytosanitary certificate (if required) 

• Certificate of analysis (if required) 

• Other documentation as required by the Turkish Customs Authority 

Regulatory authority: The Turkish Customs Authority is the regulatory authority that has established the requirements for customs clearance at the Kapıkule Border. 

Fees: The customs fees at the Kapıkule Border are USD 100. 

Trucks will be subject to inspection upon entering the country. The inspection may include a physical inspection of the goods, as well as a review of the documentation. Main challenges related to food items which needs to be taken to Sofia, Bulgaria for laboratory testing before crossing the border, which may result on a 3-4 days wait at a border for clearance to be completed. 

For more information on customs in Türkiye, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.   

Other Relevant Information 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.