The Greece border, live: cameras, wait times and a checklist before you set off

The border, live, with no surprises

Summer means queues heading into Greece, and nobody wants to get stuck at a crossing without knowing the wait. So we pulled the live cameras from all three border points - Bogorodica, Medzitlija and Star Dojran - into one place, so you can see the queue before you get in the car, not after you've already left.

All three crossings on one screen

Bogorodica is the main and fastest route to Thessaloniki and the south, but also the busiest. When it's jammed, Star Dojran is a solid alternative for cars heading to the eastern coast, while Medzitlija serves western Greece and anyone starting from Bitola. Instead of guessing, open the cameras and check where it's clear right now.

How long the wait really is

Off-peak you cross in 10-20 minutes. But on weekend mornings toward Greece and Sunday afternoons heading home, the line can stretch to one to three hours. The new biometric control at Bogorodica is often paused once a queue builds, so it's not always as bad as it sounds - but count on it during the worst rush.

Get the car ready before you go

Besides your patience, get your papers in order. For Greece you need a green card, an international driving permit and mandatory equipment in the car - a fire extinguisher, a warning triangle and a first-aid kit. The fines aren't trivial: no extinguisher is 80 euros, no triangle 40 to 80, and no international permit can cost you up to 300 euros.

Everything in one place

The live cameras, the wait times that travellers report themselves, the documents, the gear and the costs - from tolls to fuel - we keep gathered and up to date all summer in our guide to a holiday in Greece. Check before you leave, and travel easy.