From January 2023, the land and sea border controls with Slovenia, Hungary and Italy were removed, while the external borders with Serbia, Bosnia & Hercegovina and Montenegro became the external Schengen border. Croatian international airports will have a transition period of 3 months to adjust their border controls. After the transition is complete – by March 26, 2023, Schengen originating flights arriving in Croatia will no longer be required passport/border control.
Travelers boarding flights between Schengen countries, but originating from a third country outside the area, are required to go through Schengen entry border checks upon arrival in the Schengen Area. This is because the route originates outside the Schengen Area and the authorities at the final destination would have no way of differentiating between arriving passengers who boarded at the origin and those who joined in the middle. Additionally, travellers are required to process through Schengen exit border checks upon departure. However, those holding a Schengen visa will be able to enter Croatia and freely move within Schengen. If you are a national of a country requiring a Visa, please check for details at your closest Croatian embassy or consulate. If you hold a Schengen visa you will be able to enter Croatia and freely move within Schengen.
By entering Schengen Croatia joins 26 other EU and EEA countries comprised of countries that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. Being an element within the wider area of freedom, security and justice policy of the EU, it mostly functions as a single jurisdiction under a common visa policy for international travel purposes. An open Schengen border towards Schengen neighbors will eliminate border congestion for tourists, but at the same time increases Croatia’s responsibilities at its external borders towards its non-Schengen neighbors. Freedom of movement within Schengen will certainly improve the flow of tourists within the region.
