Job Discussion Forums

[scb222]

I'm curious about those who do visa runs to bulgaria. Isn't it rather nerve-wracking just exiting and the same day, or next, re-entering? Do the Turk border dudes give you a hard time? Don't they ask any questions? Surely they're ONTO this?

I ask because last year I had a proper work visa, but perhaps if I come again to Turkey I won't have. So I'd just like to know what you all do. I visited bulgaria twice for long weekends when I was living in Istanbul and thought the border process was rather horrid even with the legal paperwork.

[lovelace]

Yes, it's not great but...

Some people don't mind the overnight Bulgaria bus because it's cheap and quick and gets it out of the way in one night. The bus company host/hostess actually helps you and gives you a ticket to a destination in Bulgaria even though they know you're getting off at the border. At the border you go out, in to Bulgaria, then cross over to the other side, out and in again. I did it once and hated it. A combination of night confusion, shouting and shoving people, heavy rain and hassle from the border police who - quite rightly I suppose - took objection to the fact that I was making my purpose so obvious by not even staying a night in the other country, means I will never do it again. I nearly missed the bus going back because he kept me so long. Greece is better - go to Alexandropoulis, stay a night and come back refreshed and ready for questions the next day... Actually, the only difficulties I've had on the Greece trip is from the Turkish border guard on the 'out' side who seems to take exception to you leaving the country without a residence permit etc! I think they may have put him there to make sure he doesn't cause too much trouble because the guys on the other posts are generally okay.
Or, you could avoid all the hassle and get a residence permit.

[jamessmart50]

Agreed - the bus to Bulgaria may be quicker and cheaper but you're treated like cattle at the border. For a relaxing visa-run, take the train to Alexandriopolis, just remember to buy your return ticket at the station at Sultan Ahmet, and remember to take some Euros with you. You have to pay a supplementary at the border town in Greece to get to A-polis, and you'll have to pay for your Visa upon returning to Turkey in Euros too.... all a bit bonkers but there you go. There aren't any cash points or exchange bureaus at the border. Relaxing and easy, but don't forget any of those things!