Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇲🇰 North Macedonia
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Border Cities
🇲🇰 Novo Selo
🇧🇬 Petrich
Coordinates
41.40°N, 23.20°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
Macedonian/Bulgarian
Currency Exchange
Available near Novo Selo (MKD, BGN)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Busy, minimal crime
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Novo Selo & Petrich
A Crossing in the Strumica Valley
The border crossing connecting the area near Novo Selo in North Macedonia with the region of Petrich in Bulgaria is a journey through the fertile and strategically important Strumica River valley. This is a major international checkpoint, a key link between the two nations, but it is often referred to by the names of the nearby mountains or larger towns. Since both North Macedonia and Bulgaria are members of the European Union, this is an internal EU border, which has simplified procedures. To cross here is to travel a route that has been a trade and military corridor for centuries, a passage through a landscape of agriculture, mountains, and a shared Slavic history.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Southeastern Statistical Region of North Macedonia with the Blagoevgrad Province of Bulgaria. It is a major international crossing, open 24/7 to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. The facility is large and designed to handle a significant volume of traffic. It is a key part of the Pan-European Corridor VIII, a major east-west transport route. The crossing can be busy, especially with freight traffic moving between the Adriatic and Black Seas.
Before Crossing
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A History of a Macedonian Borderland
The history of this region is the history of Macedonia, a land that has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. The Strumica valley has been part of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. It was a center of the medieval Bulgarian Empire, and the nearby fortress of the Bulgarian Tsar Samuil was the scene of a famous and tragic battle with the Byzantines in 1014. The modern border, established in the early 20th century after the Balkan Wars, divided the historic Macedonia region between Greece, Serbia (later Yugoslavia/North Macedonia), and Bulgaria. The people on both sides of this border share a very similar language, culture, and Orthodox Christian faith, making the political division a sensitive and complex issue.
The Simplified EU Border Procedure
Today, the border procedure is simplified due to both countries being in the EU. While Bulgaria is not yet a full member of the Schengen Area, the controls at the border with North Macedonia (an EU candidate country) are often less intensive than at a full Schengen external border. You will still need to stop and show your documents (passport or national ID card for EU citizens), but the process is generally faster and more straightforward. Customs checks are minimal for private travelers, focusing primarily on commercial freight.
The Surrounding Region: North Macedonia Side
On the North Macedonian side, the crossing is in the Strumica region, the agricultural heartland of the country, famous for its production of vegetables, particularly tomatoes and peppers. The city of Strumica has a lively atmosphere, with a beautiful central park and numerous cafes. The region is known for the Smolare and Koleshino waterfalls, two of the highest in the country, which are located in the Belasica mountains that form the border with Greece to the south. The ancient Roman baths at Bansko are also a popular attraction.
The Surrounding Region: Bulgaria Side
On the Bulgarian side, the crossing is the gateway to the Petrich region. The town of Petrich is situated at the foot of the Belasitsa mountains. The area is famous for the Rupite protected area, the site of a former volcano crater with hot mineral springs, which was the home of the famous Bulgarian clairvoyant, Baba Vanga. The beautiful Rozhen Monastery and the unique sandstone pyramids of Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria and a center of wine production, are also a short drive away. The crossing is a gateway to the Pirin Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The main highway is well-maintained. The official currencies are the Macedonian Denar (MKD) in North Macedonia and the Bulgarian Lev (BGN) in Bulgaria. Currency exchange facilities are available at the border. You will need to purchase electronic vignettes for your vehicle for both countries if you plan to use the main road networks. These can be bought online in advance. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance is valid for both countries.
Final Considerations
The Novo Selo–Petrich border crossing is a major economic and tourist artery. It is a busy, functional checkpoint that serves as a gateway to the beautiful and historically rich regions of southeastern North Macedonia and southwestern Bulgaria. The journey through it is a passage through a shared landscape and a complex, intertwined history. For the modern traveler, it is a straightforward and essential route for exploring the diverse natural and cultural treasures of this fascinating Balkan borderland.