Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇬🇪 Georgia 🇹🇷 Turkey
Nearest Cities
🇬🇪 Sarpi, 🇹🇷 Sarp
Coordinates
41.58°N, 41.55°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-90 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~5000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Georgian/Turkish
Currency Exchange
Available near Sarpi (GEL, TRY)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G/5G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Busy, minimal crime
Emergency Contacts
🇬🇪 112 🇹🇷 112/155
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇬🇪 Sarpi, 🇹🇷 Sarp
A Crossing on the Black Sea Coast
The border crossing connecting the village of Sarpi in Georgia with Sarp in Turkey is the main and busiest checkpoint between the two nations, serving the spectacular Black Sea coastal highway. This is a massive international crossing, but its most defining feature is its stunning, futuristic architecture on the Georgian side, a work of art that has become a landmark in its own right. To cross here is to travel from the lush, subtropical coastline of Georgia’s Adjara region to the tea-growing hills of Turkey’s Black Sea coast, a journey along a route that has been a strategic corridor since the time of the ancient Greeks. It is a crossing defined by the intense flow of summer tourism, the constant stream of freight, and the dramatic beauty of its setting.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Autonomous Republic of Adjara of Georgia with the Artvin Province of Turkey. It is a full-service international crossing, open 24/7 to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. The facility is vast and modern, but it is often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of traffic. It is the primary route for goods moving between Turkey and Georgia (and onwards to Azerbaijan and Central Asia) and for the huge number of tourists who visit the Georgian resort city of Batumi. The queues, for both cars and trucks, can be extremely long, often lasting for many hours.
A History of a Laz and Pontic Greek Homeland
The history of this region is the history of the ancient kingdom of Colchis and the Pontic Greeks. The Black Sea coast has been a melting pot of cultures for millennia. The area is the traditional homeland of the Laz people, a Kartvelian-speaking ethnic group. The modern border, established in the early 20th century, divided this historically and culturally cohesive region. During the Soviet era, this was a heavily fortified and almost completely sealed part of the Iron Curtain. The opening of the border after the collapse of the USSR led to a boom in trade and travel, transforming the region. The construction of the new, architecturally ambitious Georgian checkpoint in 2011 was a powerful statement of Georgia’s modern, outward-looking identity.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a rigorous and often very slow process. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. You will need a valid passport. Many nationalities can enter both countries visa-free or with an ID card (for Turkish and Georgian citizens), but it is essential to check the specific requirements for your nationality in advance. Vehicle registration and international insurance (Green Card) are also necessary. The sheer volume of traffic, combined with meticulous checks, is the reason for the long delays.
The Surrounding Region: Georgia Side
On the Georgian side, the crossing is just a short drive from the magnificent city of Batumi, the “Pearl of the Black Sea.” Batumi is a vibrant, modern resort city famous for its futuristic architecture, its long seaside boulevard, its beautiful botanical garden, and its lively nightlife. The crossing is also a gateway to the beautiful mountainous region of Adjara, with its pristine national parks and traditional wooden villages. The Gonio Fortress, a well-preserved Roman fortification, is located just a few kilometers from the border.
The Surrounding Region: Turkey Side
On the Turkish side, the crossing is the gateway to Turkey’s beautiful and dramatic Black Sea coast. The region is known for its lush green mountains that plunge directly into the sea, its vast tea plantations, and its unique cultural heritage. The nearby town of Hopa is the main commercial center. The road from the border leads towards the major cities of Trabzon and Rize. The stunning Fırtına Valley, with its ancient stone arch bridges and traditional Hemshin culture, is also in this region.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is absolutely essential for this route. You must be prepared for extreme wait times, especially in summer. Have a full tank of fuel, and ample food, water, and any necessary medications. The official currencies are the Georgian Lari (GEL) in Georgia and the Turkish Lira (TRY) in Turkey. Currency exchange facilities are available at the border. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance explicitly covers both Georgia and Turkey. To avoid the worst of the queues, try to cross very early in the morning or late at night.
Final Considerations
The Sarpi–Sarp border crossing is the main artery of the Black Sea coast. It is a place of immense beauty and immense logistical challenges. The stunning Georgian checkpoint is a destination in itself, but the journey through the crossing can be a test of patience. It is a border that is defined by the sun and the sea, a critical gateway to the beautiful coastlines and mountains of both Georgia and Turkey. It is a vibrant, chaotic, and unforgettable frontier where Europe meets Asia.