Expect heavy traffic and border queues this long weekend — Bogorodica–Evzoni to be busiest

Published on 27 August 2026 at 07:20 — Authorities and road organisations warn that the long weekend and the traditional end-of‑August turnover of holidaymakers will sharply raise traffic volumes and lead to longer waits at border crossings between North Macedonia and Greece.

Traffic peaks toward Greece are expected on Friday and Saturday, when many Macedonian travellers will use the days off to head for the Greek coast. Additional pressure on the network will come from transit foreign tourists either starting or finishing their holidays.

The main bottleneck is forecast at the Bogorodica–Evzoni crossing, which handles the primary flow toward Thessaloniki, Halkidiki and the Olympic region. Authorities expect the first large wave of vehicles already on Friday, with intensity increasing on Saturday.

On Sunday the traffic wave is expected to reverse, from Greece back into North Macedonia. That shift may produce long queues on the Greek side entering the country, and later on the Tabanovce crossing toward Serbia.

How to avoid long queues

Drivers are advised to consider alternative border points to reduce delays. Dojran–Dojrani is a suitable option for those bound for Thessaloniki, Asprovalta and the Halkidiki area. Medzitlija–Niki is a better choice for destinations in western Greece (Ionian Sea, Lefkada, Parga).

Before departing, motorists should check the situation at crossings via the webcams of the Public Enterprise for State Roads (JP State Roads) and the Automobile and Motorcycle Association of Macedonia (AMSM), and where possible plan travel outside peak hours.

Drivers should also prepare for longer travel times, carry necessary documents, ensure vehicles are fuelled and roadworthy, and allow extra time for unexpected delays caused by peak tourist movements.

Photo: press material from the event