Turkish truck drivers protest visa and residency restrictions at borders

Truck drivers at the Kapıkule and Hamzabeyli border crossings in Edirne are reporting significant disruptions to international transport due to Schengen visa and residency permit policies. Drivers claim that Turkish-plated vehicles and personnel are being frequently turned away by European authorities, specifically citing Bulgarian officials.

One driver, Yusuf Ateş, reported that approximately 245 vehicles were turned back in a single evening, with residency duration cited as a primary reason for the denials. Drivers expressed frustration that they are being treated like tourists rather than essential workers contributing to import and export economies.

Beyond the immediate border crossings, drivers reported further difficulties including over 200 drivers waiting in the Kranevo-Kalotina buffer zone, the arrest of two Turkish drivers in Poland, and restrictions on Turkish vehicles within certain European customs areas. The drivers are calling on authorities to address these visa hurdles to prevent further economic impact on international trade.