Croatia To Face Airports Checks Until March 26 Despite Joining Schengen

On 1 January 2023, Croatia became a member of the Schengen area. Croatia is the latest country to join the Schengen zone, which counts now with 27 members.

Excited to join the #Schengen area – from today #Croatia adds to simpler travelling, greater economic opportunities and more enhanced security in Europe!

🇪🇺🇭🇷 #CroatiaInSchengen pic.twitter.com/tkFPin486m
— Croatia in the EU (@CroatiaInEU) January 1, 2023

The Schengen area now comprises 23 out of the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Border controls at land and sea borders with other EU members have been lifted however, checks at air borders will be lifted from 26 March 2023.

This means that air travellers will remain confronted with checkups at the airport until 26 March in order to fit in with airline schedule changes.

“Schengen enlargement makes us stronger and Croatia can now contribute to a more prosperous and resilient Schengen area”
European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen

Croatia will still apply strict border controls on its eastern frontier with non-EU neighbours Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia.

In addition to free travel, the free movement of goods and services was also ensured. As of 1 January, Croatia also started issuing Schengen visas and is able to make full use of the Schengen Information System.

From Kuna To Euro

Croatia rang in the New Year by switching its official currency to the euro, which replaced its historic kuna.

Euro banknotes and coins are now in circulation, and roughly 70 percent of ATMs are distributing euros, the European Commission said. The traditional kuna currency can still be used through 15 January 2022, although folks who pay in kuna will now receive their change in euros. The kuna-to-1 euro exchange rate has also been fixed at 7.53 to one.

Experts say the adoption of the euro will help protect Croatia’s economy at a time when inflation has been soaring globally since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February led to heightened fuel and food prices.

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