Traffic at the Border: Difficulties at Kapitan Andreevo and Kalotina

27.08.2025 | Transport and communications

Difficult traffic and queues at the Kapitan Andreevo and Kalotina border crossing points. The Oryahovo – Bechet ferry is suspended, and the Rudozem – Xanthi road is closed.

Снимка от Julian Nyča, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

This morning, intense traffic and heightened tension mark several of Bulgaria's main border crossings. According to data from the General Directorate of Border Police at 6:00 a.m., the situation is particularly busy at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing on the border with Turkey. Here, the flow of cars entering the country is unusually large, creating long queues and slowing down the crossing. The situation is similar at the Kalotina border crossing, where a significant vehicle traffic has formed at the exit from Bulgaria to Serbia, indicating a mass departure from the country. The congestion at the two checkpoints suggests increased control and additional attention from border authorities.

Despite the congestion at these key points, the situation at most other border crossings is normal and traffic is moving without difficulty. This morning, traffic through the Stanke Lisichkovo border crossing on the border with the Republic of North Macedonia was fully restored in both directions, after having previously been difficult.

Restrictions at other borders

The Border Police remind that the ferry platform connecting Oryahovo and the Romanian city of Bechet remains temporarily suspended. The reason for this is the extremely low level of the Danube River, registered since August 22. The level of the river, one of the most important waterways in Europe, has reached critical values, which makes the transport of vehicles impossible.

In addition, the main repair of the Bulgarian section of the "Danube Bridge" near Ruse continues. Due to this, a temporary traffic organization has been introduced, with passage only being carried out in one lane with an access regime regulated by employees of the executing company.

The department also issues an important warning to those traveling to Greece. It is noted that large-scale construction activities are being carried out on the Rudozem – Xanthi route on the Greek side. The Greek authorities have placed signs that clearly indicate that the area is a construction site and access for unauthorized persons is prohibited. Specifically, the road to Xanthi through the Zlatograd border crossing will be completely closed to all vehicles until September 13, 2025, due to ongoing repair works. During this period, travelers are recommended to use the alternative route through the Makaza border crossing to avoid delays and additional difficulties.