20.08.2026 17:11
The density continues at the Kapıkule Border Gate, which opens to Bulgaria from Edirne, for expatriates who have completed their holidays in Turkey and are on their way back to the countries where they live in Europe. An expatriate, stating that the return journey is bittersweet, said, "Coming is nice and exciting, the road passes quickly. Returning is sad. Hopefully, we will come to our homeland again next year."
Expatriates who spend their annual leave in Turkey continue their return journey to the European countries where they live.
Expatriates who have completed their leave are arriving at the border gates opening to Europe and, after customs and passport procedures, are heading to the countries where they work.
VEHICLE QUEUES FORMED
Due to the intensification of returns, vehicle queues occasionally form at the border gates. Density is also being observed at the Kapıkule Border Gate, which is the most preferred by expatriates.
"WE QUENCHED OUR LONGING"
Burak Bülbül, who came to the Kapıkule Border Gate to return to Germany, said he spent his holiday in his hometown Samsun and toured the Black Sea Region. Stating that he comes to Turkey every year during his annual leave, Bülbül said, "Our holiday was very nice, we are very pleased. We quenched our longing, kissed our relatives' hands, and met with our nephews."
"EXCITEMENT WHEN COMING, SADNESS WHEN RETURNING"
Rabbani Taşdelen, returning to Germany, also recounted that they visited relatives extensively during the holiday. Expressing that the return journey is bittersweet, Taşdelen said, "Coming is nice and exciting, the road passes quickly. When returning, there is sadness because we are leaving our relatives. Next year, God willing, we will come to our homeland again."
Mehmet Ülker, returning to Austria, said he has lived abroad for 42 years and comes to his hometown Yozgat every year for a holiday. Stating that the return road is sad and bittersweet, Ülker noted that he is already looking forward to his visit to Turkey next year.
Ferhat Özkan, heading to Germany, also recounted spending his holiday in his hometown Nevşehir. Stating that his holiday was pleasant, Özkan said, "We visited friends and relatives. We toured Ordu and rode the cable car. The holiday passed quickly, now we are on the way back."