Cross-border route
Turkey Bulgaria
Driving across the border
Yes — you can drive from Turkey into Bulgaria, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Bulgaria expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, in the Both format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The Kapıkule crossing near Edirne is one of the busiest land borders in the region.
Last reviewed June 2026
Route at a glance
FromTurkey
ToBulgaria
IDP in BulgariaRequired
Accepted formatBoth
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in BulgariaBGN
Turkey → Bulgaria
Crossing the border
The Kapıkule crossing near Edirne is one of the busiest land borders in the region.
Driving rules in Bulgaria
- Electronic vignette required on national roads.
- Headlights on day and night.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Reflective vest and triangle mandatory.
Common questions
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Turkey to Bulgaria?
Yes — Bulgaria requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Bulgaria recognises the Both format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between Turkey and Bulgaria?
No. Both Turkey and Bulgaria drive on the right.
03
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.
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