Vacation in Türkiye is approaching: Millions of Euro-Turks are returning home!

Vacation in Türkiye is approaching: Millions of Euro-Turks are returning home!

A week after the start of the summer holidays in several German federal states and Austria, cities in the Balkans are feeling the onslaught of Euro-Turks. According to reports from Augsburger Allgemeine Around 180,000 travelers in 46,000 cars crossed the Turkish land border near Edirne. The vehicles are mostly loaded with families of Turkish origin who are visiting their old homeland from Western Europe.

The car journey takes you through a picturesque route across the Balkans. Travelers arriving at the border in Kapikule are welcomed with fried liver, confectionery and Turkish folk music. Last year, over 4.3 million Euro-Turks crossed the Bulgarian-Turkish border with 700,000 cars. The main routes lead via Vienna and Budapest or alternatively via Salzburg, Ljubljana and Zagreb.

Popular travel routes and destinations

Additionally, there is a route that runs via Lucerne and Milan to Venice or Brindisi, followed by a car ferry to Igoumenitsa and the overland route through Greece to the Turkish border station at Ipsala. Many travelers take this opportunity to visit their places of origin and relatives before heading towards Antalya or the Aegean Sea for a beach vacation.

In recent years, Antalya has become a popular travel destination, with the number of Turks abroad exceeding one million holidaymakers for the first time last year. In addition to travel preparation, Euro-Turks are supported by specialized automobile clubs that offer various services such as advice, insurance and roadside assistance.

Border controls and current developments

Waiting times at the border in Kapikule are around an hour this year - a significant improvement compared to up to ten hours in previous years. To increase efficiency, Turkey has expanded the border facility to include eight more counters and lanes. Almost 1,200 officials are on duty to speed up entry. A personal welcome by Governor Yunus Sezer ensures that travelers are treated to regional specialties and entertained by folk dancers while they wait for border control.

The central role of social media and modern technologies should not be underestimated. Websites and Facebook groups inform travelers about new regulations and traffic conditions. WhatsApp groups also help to keep members up to date on traffic jams and construction sites. The peak of the travel wave is expected at the end of July and beginning of August, when the most populous federal states start their holidays.

Currency issues for travelers

A practical concern for many travelers is the question of whether you can pay with euros in Turkey. According to the information from Practical tips, there are a few options, but in most stores the local currency, lira, is preferred. Therefore, travelers should prepare to exchange into local currency to avoid difficulties when paying.

Turkey continues to attract millions of travelers who return to the country with the hope of relaxation and family unity. The preparations and developments at the borders are making a significant contribution to making this summer an unforgettable one for many Euro-Turks.