How to Enter Turkey Via its Land Borders

Thousands of tourists choose to enter Turkey through its land borders, providing diverse access options as it shares borders with 8 other countries. This guide will detail the process of entering Turkey via a land border checkpoint, the necessary documents, and specific border crossings.

Required Documents for Land Border Entry

Traveling into Turkey via land borders requires specific documents, similar to other entry methods:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least another 6 months.
• Turkish Visa or e-Visa: You need an official Turkish visa or the Turkey e-Visa. The e-Visa is a convenient electronic travel permit allowing stays of up to 90 days, and it is recommended to apply for it online at least three days before your visit.
• Additional Documents for Vehicle Entry: If you're entering Turkey in your vehicle, additional documents are necessary to ensure your vehicle's legality and your authorization to drive in Turkey. These include:
• Driver's License: From your resident country.
• Vehicle Registration Documentation: Proof of proper vehicle importation.
• Insurance: Adequate insurance coverage, including an International Green Card, for traveling on Turkish highways.

Entering Turkey from Specific Countries via Land

Entering Turkey via its land borders is a convenient option for travelers coming from neighboring countries. Here are the specific details on entering Turkey from different neighboring countries by land:

Entering Turkey from Greece via Land

Travelers can access Turkey from Greece through two land border crossing points located in Greece's northeast. These border crossings are open 24 hours a day and provide easy access to Turkey. The border crossings between Greece and Turkey include:

• Kastanies – Pazarkule: This border crossing is a popular choice for those traveling between Greece and Turkey. It operates 24/7, allowing for easy access by road.
• Kipi – Ä°psala: Another border crossing option located in the northeast, also operating 24 hours a day, offering convenience for travelers.

Entering Turkey from Bulgaria via Land

When entering Turkey from Bulgaria, travelers have several options, particularly in Bulgaria's southeastern corner. It's essential to note that only one of these border crossings, Kapitan Andreevo, is open 24 hours a day. Here are the border crossings between Bulgaria and Turkey:

• Andreevo – Kapkule Kapitan: This crossing is open 24 hours a day, making it a convenient choice for travelers. It provides access near the Turkish city of Edirne.
• Lesovo – Hamzabeyli: Although not open 24/7, this border crossing offers an alternative route into Turkey from Bulgaria.
• Trnovo – Aziziye Malko: Another option for those traveling from Bulgaria to Turkey. However, it may not be accessible at all times on foot.

Entering Turkey from Georgia via Land

Travelers from Georgia can enter Turkey using one of three land border crossings. These checkpoints are manned 24 hours a day, and visitors can cross the border on foot. The border crossings between Georgia and Turkey include:

• Sarp: A popular entry point between Turkey and Georgia, open 24 hours, and allowing for both road and foot access.
• Türkgözü: Another border crossing offering 24/7 access between Turkey and Georgia, suitable for both vehicles and pedestrians.
• AktaÅŸ: A third option for travelers coming from Georgia, providing a convenient way to enter Turkey.

Entering Turkey from Iran via Land

Iran offers two land border crossings into Turkey, both located in Iran's northwestern corner. Currently, only one of these crossings, Bazargan - Gürbulak, is open 24 hours a day. The border crossings between Iran and Turkey include:

• Bazargan - Gürbulak: This is the primary border crossing, offering 24/7 access for travelers entering Turkey from Iran.
• Sero - Esendere: Another option for travelers, although it may not be open 24/7.

It's essential to stay informed about the operating hours and specific requirements for each border crossing when planning your trip.

Please note that the availability and conditions of these border crossings can change, so it's advisable to check the latest information and any travel advisories before your journey.

For those planning to explore Turkey's attractions, such as Alanya with its scenic beaches, obtaining a Turkish Visa Online is a convenient way to prepare for your trip. The e-Visa application process is straightforward and can be completed online in a matter of minutes, allowing you to enter Turkey for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days.

Applying for Turkey e-Visa

Applying for a Turkey e-Visa is a convenient way to prepare for your trip to a Turkish border crossing. Here's how to apply:

• Complete the Application: Fill out the Turkey e-Visa application form with your personal and passport information.
• Payment: Review and confirm the visa fee payment.
• Visa Approval: You will receive your visa approval via email. Print and carry it with you when entering Turkey.

Required Documents for Turkey e-Visa Application

To apply for a Turkey e-Visa, you will need:

• Passport from an eligible country.
• Email address.
• Debit or credit card for payment.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 60 days after your planned departure, or 150 days for a 90-day visa. Notifications and the approved visa will be sent to your email.

Eligibility for Turkish e-Visa

The Turkish e-Visa is available to tourists and business visitors from more than 90 countries, making it a convenient option for travelers visiting Turkey for tourism or business purposes.

 The e-Visa allows eligible travelers to enter Turkey and stay for a specified duration. The eligibility criteria can vary based on the traveler's nationality. Here are the two common types of e-Visas available based on nationality:

• Single Entry 30-day Visa: This e-Visa allows travelers to enter Turkey once and stay for a maximum duration of 30 days. It is suitable for tourists and short-term visitors.
• Multiple Entry 60-day Visa: This e-Visa allows travelers to enter Turkey multiple times within a 60-day period from the date of the first entry. It is more flexible and suitable for those who need to make multiple trips to Turkey within a short timeframe, such as business travelers.

Explore Turkey

Turkey offers a rich blend of culture, history, and landscapes, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. Besides exploring its historical sites and scenic beauty, you can also engage in adventure sports, making your visit even more exciting.

Visiting Turkey through its land borders is a unique and exciting experience that allows you to explore this diverse and culturally rich country. Ensure you have the necessary documents and enjoy your journey into Turkey from its neighboring countries.

What To Bring To A Turkish Land Border Control Post

When you're planning to enter Turkey through a land border control post, it's important to ensure you have the necessary documents and identification. Here is a comprehensive list of what you should bring with you to a Turkish land border control post:

For All Travelers:

• Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least another 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Turkey. This is a standard requirement for most international travel.
• Authorized Turkish Visa: You must have the appropriate visa to enter Turkey legally. If you are eligible, you can obtain a Turkey e-Visa online, which allows for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. It's recommended to apply for the e-Visa at least three days before your trip.

For Travelers with Their Own Vehicles:

If you plan to drive into Turkey with your own vehicle, you will need additional documentation to ensure that your vehicle is imported legally, and you have the proper authorization to drive on Turkish roads. These additional items include:

• International Driver's License: If your driver's license is from a different country, consider obtaining an international driver's license or an official translation of your license, depending on Turkey's specific requirements.
• Vehicle License Documents: Make sure you have the necessary documents for your vehicle, which typically include the registration and ownership papers.
• Appropriate Insurance: You must have insurance coverage to travel on Turkish roads, including an International Green Card. This card serves as proof of insurance coverage and is essential for crossing borders with your vehicle.

Having all of these documents in order will help streamline the border control process and ensure you meet all the legal requirements for entering Turkey. It's essential to check the specific requirements and regulations, as they can change over time, and it's advisable to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and entry requirements when planning your journey.