Border Crossing Romania Bulgaria

The border is mainly formed by the Danube and stretches over a length of 605 kilometers. Therefore, there is a wide variety of bridges and ferry connections that serve as border crossings. These crossings play an important role in trade, tourism, and general mobility between Romania and Bulgaria. Despite being EU members, border controls are still in place, often leading to long waiting times.

Border Controls

Although both countries are EU members, border controls still exist at their borders. This is because neither country is fully integrated into the Schengen Area. The controls often lead to long waiting times, particularly for heavy goods traffic within the EU. At the major border crossings, such as the Giurgiu-Russe Friendship Bridge, truck drivers can wait up to ten hours to cross the border. These waiting times not only affect the flow of goods but also increase costs for companies that rely on smooth logistics.

However, there will be changes regarding border controls. According to a decision, as of January 1, 2025, no personal checks will be conducted at the border crossings between Romania and Bulgaria. Both countries will thus become full members of the Schengen Area.

Entry Requirements

For entry into Romania or Bulgaria, EU citizens only need a valid ID card or passport. There is no visa requirement for EU citizens, which simplifies entry. Nevertheless, travelers should stay informed about the current entry regulations, as short-term changes may occur, especially concerning health regulations or security measures for each country.

Border Crossings between Romania and Bulgaria

The following are the most significant border crossings between Romania and Bulgaria. It is important to note that additional fees apply for any Danube crossings (in the form of bridges) between Romania and Bulgaria.

• Ruse - Giurgiu: This border crossing is known as the busiest road border crossing between Bulgaria and Romania. The E85 (one of the main traffic routes in the European Union) spans the Danube and connects the city of Ruse (Bulgaria) with Giurgiu (Romania). Therefore, this border crossing plays a crucial role in international trade and transit in the region. A special toll applies for this crossing because the bridge serves as a Danube crossing. Please note that additional costs (in addition to the vignette or route-based toll) must be considered.
• Vidin - Calafat: In the west, crossing the Danube, this border crossing connects Vidin (Bulgaria) with Calafat (Romania). The road starts in Bulgaria as Route 11 and is known as DN56 in Romania. This connection is also vital for European transport traffic. A special toll is also charged for this crossing as the bridge serves as a Danube crossing. Please note that additional costs (in addition to the vignette or route-based toll) must be considered.
• Silistra - Calarasi: In the northeast, the border crossing between Silistra (Bulgaria) and Calarasi (Romania) is crucial for cross-border trade and general economic cooperation. The road starts in Bulgaria as Route 7 and is called DN21 in Romania.
• Kardam - Negru Voda: Also in the northeast, this border crossing connects Kardam (a village in Bulgaria) with Negru Voda (Romania). This crossing is relatively small but significant for regional connections and exchanges between the communities. The road for the border crossing is called Municipal Road III-209 in Bulgaria and DJ225D Municipal Road in Romania.

In addition to the mentioned border crossings, there are other ways to cross the border. However, these connections represent the most used border crossings. You can use our Route Planner to plan your trip and the use of the border crossings.

Romania

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and if there are specific toll routes.

Romania: Vignette Requirement (or not?)

In Romania, there is an electronic vignette called “Rovinieta,” which is required for the Romanian national road network. It is important to know that trailers (caravans) do not require a separate vignette, and motorhomes, regardless of their weight, must have a passenger car vignette. The electronic vignette typically records vehicle data and the validity period in a database, so the consumer only receives a receipt for the paid amount, which should be kept. Depending on the vehicle class, you need to choose a different vignette, and different prices apply. For more information about the digital vignette, please refer here. You can conveniently order your digital vignette from home through us.

Route-Based Toll

In Romania, there is no route-based toll, but you will need a digital vignette and should account for additional fees when crossing the Danube.

Danube Crossing: Bridge Toll

Please note that additional fees apply when crossing the Danube. It flows within Romania, separating the two countries (Romania and Bulgaria). If you want to use one of the many bridges or the ferry for the crossing, additional fees will apply.

Bulgaria

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and if there are specific toll routes.

Bulgaria: Vignette Requirement (or not?)

On Bulgarian national roads, there is a vignette requirement. This requirement applies to all vehicles until 3.5 tons GVW and motorhomes (regardless of weight). Additionally, vehicles with trailers (e.g., car + trailer) exceeding the permissible total weight of 3.5 tons GVW require an additional vignette for their trailer.

Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. Furthermore, vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons GVW must pay a route-based toll, so the vignette requirement is waived for these vehicles.

Route-Based Toll

(Vehicles) with a total weight over 3.5 tons GVW must pay a route-based toll, meaning the distance traveled by the vehicles is calculated. The toll amount also depends on the Euro-emission class (pollution level), the number of axles, and the type of road. The toll is paid through a pre-purchased route card (Route Pass), which specifies the distance traveled. Alternatively, a contract with a national toll service provider can be made, allowing the toll to be captured using an electronic device (On-Board-Unit) or a GPS tracker.

Danube Crossing: Bridge Toll

Please note that additional fees apply when crossing the Danube. It flows within Romania and separates the two countries (Romania and Bulgaria). If you want to use one of the many bridges or the ferry for the crossing, additional fees will apply.

Your Journey Begins Now!

We wish you a great trip and can provide you with more information about beautiful places like the Retezat National Park. Order your digital vignette now conveniently from home and enjoy the easy way to travel.