800,000 expats enter Türkiye from Bulgaria, setting record at Kapikule border

The Kapikule Border Gate witnessed an all-time high on July 15, Monday, with 9,628 vehicles and 40,593 passengers entering Türkiye from Bulgaria in a single day. This marks the highest number of entries ever recorded at this border point.

Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer remarked on the historic day, stating: “All necessary precautions have been taken to ensure a smooth passage for our citizens. We have increased the number of lanes from 12 to 24 and deployed additional personnel to handle the influx.”

Expat season in full swing

The entry surge is attributed to the start of the expat season, which began in the third week of June and is expected to continue until mid-August. Since the beginning of this season, approximately 800,000 expats have entered Türkiye through various border gates.

Expats from Europe typically spend 4 to 6 weeks in Türkiye during their annual leave, with many starting their return journey in mid-August.

Enhanced measures for smooth entry

To accommodate the increased traffic, several measures have been implemented:

• Doubling of lanes: The number of processing lanes at Kapıkule has increased from 12 to 24.
• Increased personnel: 110 additional police officers and 105 customs officials have been deployed.
• Enhanced security: Both civil and official security teams are on duty to ensure safety and order.

High-level visits, inspections

Edirne Gendarmerie Commander Colonel Hacı Ali Buber and Edirne Police Chief Onur Karaburun inspected the border gates to monitor the situation. They interacted with expats, listened to their concerns, and ensured that their needs were met.

A warm welcome

During their visit, Buber and Karaburun distributed gifts to children and took photos with families, creating a welcoming atmosphere for those arriving from abroad.

Governor Sezer emphasized, “Despite the increased traffic compared to last year, our measures have ensured no significant delays. Vehicles are processed quickly, and we are committed to providing a smooth entry experience for all.”