Croatia has eliminated air border controls for travel to and from Schengen countries.
Following its entry into Europe’s passport-free travel zone earlier this year, the country’s internal land and sea borders were abolished on January 1, 2023. Its air borders, however, remained in place until March 26.
Passengers flying between Croatia and other countries within the borderless travel zone will now be treated the same as domestic passengers.
When did Croatia become a member of the Schengen Area?
Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania will be considered for entry into the so-called Schengen zone, an agreement between nations to do away with border checks for travelers between their regions, in December 2022.
Croatia entered the passport-free travel and eliminates air border controls area of Europe at the beginning of 2023 with the support of all 26 Schengen member states.
Austria, claiming a lack of readiness, blocked Romania and Bulgaria. While opposing Bulgaria’s bid, the Netherlands backed Romania’s.
Austrian Minister Karl Nehammer stated in December that “more time is needed.”
“We currently have 75,000 unregistered illegal immigrants in Austria, meaning they entered Austria through an external EU boundary. This must first be resolved.”
From January 2023, Croatia began using the euro as well. What you should know if you’re considering visiting the nation this year is provided below.
When will Bulgaria and Romania be taken into consideration for the Schengen region?
Over ten years have passed while Romania and Bulgaria awaited proof.
The Netherlands voted against Bulgaria’s accession in December due to what it claims are unresolved rule-of-law issues and pending laws to combat organized crime and corruption.
Bulgaria, which has been under a caretaker administration since August, refuted these assertions and insisted that the resistance had nothing to do with the Schengen requirements.
Ivan Demerdzhiev, the interior minister of Bulgaria, told Euronews after the meeting that two member states “expressed reservations, but they don’t have any special concerns with relations to Schengen,” adding that his nation was prepared to take the “necessary measures” to win over its skeptics.
“Austria claims that Schengen is not functioning and that we must collaborate to make it function as it must before expanding it to include Bulgaria and Romania. Bulgaria is not to blame for Austria’s domestic issues until that time.”
The European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, stated that the Commission would continue to be “optimistic” and work to ensure that the entry occurs before the expiration of her term.
According to Johansson, when the EU is powerful and united, we can accomplish a lot. “We are not unified when it comes to the accession of Romania and Bulgaria, and that makes us very weak, which also makes me sad.”
What kind of money is used in Croatia?
The kuna was the money of Croatia prior to its accession to the Schengen Zone. Around $0.13 was equivalent to one Croatian Kuna.
However, Croatia started using the euro in January 2023. The nation joins the bloc of 19 nations that also use the money.
The country in eastern Europe hopes that this will increase the quality of living for its people and give them more financial security.
It should aid in containing rising inflation, which also means travelers can anticipate fewer jarring price changes.