Crossing Turkey at the land borders

While a significant number of travellers arrive in Turkey via air, the country's shared borders with 8 neighbouring nations offer various overland entry points for tourists.

This article delves into the necessary documentation for entering Turkey through its land borders and outlines the entry process from each neighbouring country.

Required Documentation at Turkish Land Borders

At land border crossing control posts, visitors are expected to present specific identification documents, including:

• A valid passport with over 6 months validity remaining
• An authorised Turkish visa

Many eligible travellers opt for the convenience of obtaining aTurkey e-Visa online, considering it the simplest method.

For tourists driving into the country with their vehicles, additional documentation is essential to ensure legal entry and adherence to Turkish road regulations. These documents include:

• An international driver's licence
• Vehicle licence documents
• Appropriate insurance for Turkish roads (including an International Green Card)
• Vehicle registration details

Entry from Greece

The Greece-Turkey border features two road crossing points:

- Kastanies–Pazarkule

- Kipi–Ä°psala

Both operate 24/7, providing access from the northeast of Greece into Turkey.

Crossing Bulgaria-Turkey Border

Tourists have three routes to choose from when entering Turkey from Bulgaria:

- Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule

- Lesovo–Hamzabeyli

- Malko TÇŽrnovo–Aziziye

Situated in Bulgaria's southeastern corner, these entry points lead to Turkey near the city of Edirne. Kapitan Andreevo is the sole 24/7 border crossing.

Travelling from Georgia to Turkey

Visitors can enter Turkey from Georgia through three land routes:

- Sarp

- Türkgözü

- AktaÅŸ

All three checkpoints operate 24/7, with Sarp and Türkgözü allowing pedestrian access.

Entry from Iran

Turkey's land borders with Iran feature two entry points:

- Bazargan-Gürbulak

- Sero-Esendere

Both are situated in Iran's northwestern corner. Presently, Bazargan-Gürbulak operates 24/7.

Closed Turkish Land Borders

Certain Turkish land borders are closed due to diplomatic and security factors:

• Armenia's land border is closed to civilian tourists, with no announced reopening date.
• The Syria-Turkey land border is inaccessible due to ongoing conflict.
• Turkey's land borders with Iraq are currently closed due to security concerns.

Summary guide

For those planning a trip to Turkey, it's worth noting that the country shares borders with eight neighbouring countries, providing various overland entry points for tourists. While most visitors arrive by air, some prefer to enter Turkey via land borders. However, it's crucial to have the necessary documentation to ensure legal entry. At land border crossing control posts, visitors are expected to present a valid passport with over six months of validity remaining and an authorised Turkish visa. 

Obtaining a Turkey e-Visa online is the simplest method for many eligible travellers. If you're driving into the country, additional documentation is required to adhere to Turkish road regulations. These documents include an international driver's licence, vehicle licence documents, appropriate insurance for Turkish roads (including an International Green Card), and vehicle registration details. It's important to note that certain Turkish land borders are closed due to diplomatic and security reasons, including the borders with Armenia, Syria, and Iraq. When planning your trip, it's advisable to verify the operating hours of specific land border crossings as they may vary.

FAQS

Can tourists enter Turkey through its land borders?

Yes, tourists can enter Turkey through its numerous land borders, which are shared with eight neighbouring countries. These borders provide overland entry points for visitors.

What documents are required to enter Turkey via land borders?

To enter Turkey via land borders, visitors need to present a valid passport with over 6 months of validity and an authorised Turkish visa. Additional documentation may be required for those driving their vehicles into the country.

Is obtaining a Turkey e-Visa recommended for land border entry?

Yes, many travellers find applying for a Turkey e-Visa online to be the most convenient method for obtaining the necessary visa before arriving at the land border. It streamlines the process and ensures a smoother entry experience.

What additional documents are needed for driving into Turkey?

Tourists driving their vehicles into Turkey must also provide an international driver's licence, vehicle licence documents, appropriate insurance for Turkish roads (including an International Green Card), and the vehicle's registration details.

Which countries share land borders with Turkey?

Turkey shares land borders with eight countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Iran, Armenia, Syria, Iraq, and Azerbaijan.

Are land border crossing points open 24/7?

Some land border crossings are open 24 hours a day, allowing continuous entry. However, the accessibility of certain crossing points may vary, so it's advisable to confirm specific operating hours before travelling.

How can tourists enter Turkey from Greece?

The Greece-Turkey border has two road crossing points: Kastanies–Pazarkule and Kipi–Ä°psala. Both operate 24/7 and offer entry from the northeastern part of Greece.

What are the entry options from Bulgaria?

Travellers entering Turkey from Bulgaria can choose from three land border crossings: Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule, Lesovo–Hamzabeyli, and Malko TÇŽrnovo–Aziziye. Kapitan Andreevo is open 24/7, while others have specific operating hours.

How can visitors enter Turkey from Georgia?

Tourists have the choice of three land routes from Georgia: Sarp, Türkgözü, and AktaÅŸ. All three checkpoints are accessible 24/7, with Sarp and Türkgözü allowing pedestrian entry.

What are the land entry points from Iran?

Two land entry points are available from Iran: Bazargan-Gürbulak and Sero-Esendere. Bazargan-Gürbulak operates 24/7, providing entry from Iran's northwestern region.

Are there any closed Turkish land borders?

Yes, certain Turkish land borders are closed due to diplomatic or security reasons. The borders with Armenia, Syria, and Iraq are currently not open to civilian tourists.

Is it advisable to check the specific border operating hours before travelling?

Yes, it's recommended to verify the operating hours of specific land border crossings, as they may vary. This ensures a smoother entry process and prevents any unexpected delays.

Can travellers enter Turkey by foot at all land borders?

Not all land border crossings permit entry by foot at all times. Some checkpoints may have restrictions, so it's important to confirm entry options before planning your travel.

Are there any exceptions for diplomatic or official delegations?

Diplomatic or official delegations may have different entry requirements, which should be clarified through official channels before attempting entry.