Turkish and Georgian officials confirmed the Sarp-II border crossing opens August 1, 2026, for tourist traffic only. The new facility sits 12 kilometers east of the existing Sarp gate and handles up to 4,000 vehicles daily. Construction finished three months ahead of schedule with EU funding support.
Georgia’s tourism board expects 250,000 additional Turkish visitors this year via the shorter route. Bus companies have already added direct services between Tbilisi and Istanbul using the crossing. Customs procedures will use automated e-gates for passport holders from 40 visa-exempt nations.
The project addresses congestion at the original Sarp gate that caused eight-hour waits last summer. Both countries agreed to 24-hour operations during peak months of July through September. Security features include facial recognition and vehicle scanning technology.
Trucks remain banned from Sarp-II to prioritize leisure travelers. Signage in English, Turkish, and Georgian will guide first-time users.
What this means for you
Plan road trips from Georgia into Turkey’s Black Sea coast using the new gate to avoid queues. Carry printed vehicle registration documents even if digital versions are accepted.
Book bus tickets on the new Tbilisi–Trabzon service for seamless transfers without changing vehicles. Allow extra 30 minutes for initial biometric enrollment on your first crossing.
The opening strengthens overland travel options between the Caucasus and Anatolia for independent explorers.