Turkey lifts restrictions for Bulgarian lorry drivers

Turkish authorities have issued a decision to release Bulgarian lorry drivers from the requirement for a 14-day quarantine when entering Turkey.

The decision comes after the entry of Bulgarian lorries into Turkey was restricted for several days.

According to information from our Consulate General in Edirne, according to new instructions from the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Turkey late in the afternoon on April 10, Bulgarian drivers will be able to enter the country after proper medical examination and disinfection of the vehicles.

Over the past few days, more than 100 Bulgarian lorries were not admitted to Turkish territory on the grounds that drivers are required to undergo the mandatory two-week quarantine, although they only travel between the two countries.

This led to the line up of lorries, as well as the inability to timely supply food, disinfectants and other essential goods. After a series of top-level conversations, the issue has been resolved.

Until recently, Bulgarian drivers were among the few who travelled unhindered into Turkish territory, especially after Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's meeting with Edrine’s governor in late March. When they come from risky European countries, the Bulgarian transport companies change their driver to a new one in Bulgaria, thus the lorries go to Turkey without the need for quarantine.