Sarpi Border Crossing: Georgia to Turkey From Batumi 2026

Sarpi, about 12 km south of Batumi on the Black Sea coast, is the main land crossing between Georgia and Turkey. Long-term visitors in Georgia use it to reset their stay, and it is the gateway to Turkey’s eastern Black Sea coast.

Quick Facts

• Georgia side: Sarpi, Adjara
• Turkey side: Sarp, about 20 km from Hopa
• Hours: open 24 hours
• From Batumi: about 20 to 30 minutes by minibus or taxi

Georgia’s One-Year Stay

Citizens of more than 90 countries, including the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia, can stay in Georgia visa-free for up to one year per entry. That is why most people only need a border run once a year. There is no rule against repeating it.

Since January 1, 2026, all tourists entering Georgia must hold health and accident insurance covering their whole stay, with at least 30,000 GEL of coverage. Carry proof when you come back in.

Turkey’s Rules

Turkey allows most Western passports up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A quick hop to Sarp or Hopa uses only a day or two of that. Check whether your nationality needs an e-visa before you go.

Crossing Step By Step

1. Take a minibus or taxi from Batumi to Sarpi
2. Get stamped out of Georgia in the pedestrian hall
3. Walk through to Turkish passport control at Sarp
4. To return, walk back and get a new Georgian entry stamp

The building has separate queues for pedestrians, cars and buses. Queues build up at weekends and holidays.

Bring Proof Of Onward Travel

Border officers on a visa run are deciding one thing: will you leave again on time? A confirmed onward or return booking is the quickest way to answer that. It matters most when you are re-entering a country you only just left, and on the flight leg if your run involves one.

If you do not want to commit to a real ticket yet, Fast Onward Tickets issues an onward flight reservation in minutes. See our complete guide to proof of onward travel for what officers and airlines accept.

FAQs

Can I cross out and straight back?

Yes, and many people do. Georgia explicitly allows repeated visa-free entries, although officers may ask about your plans.

What about Armenia?

From Tbilisi, the Sadakhlo crossing into Armenia is closer.

Do I need Turkish lira?

Only if you go beyond the border village. Cards work in Hopa.

The Bottom Line

Sarpi is the simplest annual reset for Batumi residents. Bring your insurance certificate, pick a quiet hour, and you will be back within the hour.