As a popular tourist destination, Croatia has a lot to offer travelers with its stunning coastlines, beautiful national parks, and rich cultural history. In the past, travelers to Croatia were required to obtain a visa in order to enter the country, but this is set to change on January 1, 2023, when Croatia becomes a member of the Schengen zone.
The Schengen zone is an area comprising 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The zone is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement, which was signed in the village of Schengen in Luxembourg. The agreement allows for the free movement of people within the Schengen area, meaning that travelers can move freely between member states without the need for a visa or other travel documents.
Croatia's accession to the Schengen zone on January 1, 2023, will have a number of implications for travelers planning a trip to the country.
First and foremost, once Croatia becomes a member of the Schengen zone, travelers will no longer be required to obtain a visa in order to enter the country. This means that travelers from countries that are not part of the Schengen zone will be able to enter Croatia without the need for a visa, as long as they have a valid passport. This will make it easier and more convenient for travelers to visit Croatia, as they will not need to go through the process of obtaining a visa.
Another thing that travelers need to be aware of is the length of stay in Croatia. Once Croatia becomes a member of the Schengen zone, travelers will be able to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that travelers will be able to spend up to 90 days in Croatia within a six-month period, after which they will need to leave the country or obtain a longer-term visa. It is important for travelers to be aware of this time limit and to plan their trip accordingly.
In addition to these changes, Croatia's accession to the Schengen zone will also have an impact on the country's border controls. Currently, Croatia has border controls in place with non-EU countries, which means that travelers may be required to show their passport or other travel documents when entering or exiting the country. Once Croatia becomes a member of the Schengen zone, these border controls will be abolished, and travelers will be able to move freely between Croatia and other Schengen countries without the need for a passport or other travel documents.
It is important for travelers to be aware of these changes and to plan their trip accordingly. While Croatia's accession to the Schengen zone will make it easier and more convenient for travelers to visit the country, it is important to make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation and are aware of the time limits on your stay.
In addition to the changes mentioned above, there are a few other things that travelers should be aware of when planning a trip to Croatia once it becomes a member of the Schengen zone.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the Schengen Agreement allows for the free movement of people within the Schengen area, it does not guarantee the right to work. This means that travelers will not be able to work in Croatia without obtaining a work permit. It is important for travelers to be aware of this and to make sure that they have all of the necessary documentation if they plan to work while in Croatia.
Another thing to consider is travel insurance. While the Schengen Agreement guarantees the right to free movement within the Schengen area, it does not provide any type of travel insurance. It is important for travelers to make sure that they have adequate travel insurance coverage to protect themselves in case of any unexpected events while traveling. This could include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost or stolen luggage.
Travelers should also be aware of the potential for changes to the Schengen Agreement in the future. While the agreement is intended to allow for the free movement of people within the Schengen area, member states have the right to temporarily reintroduce border controls in certain circumstances, such as in the case of a security threat or to address an influx of migrants. It is important for travelers to be aware of this and to stay informed about any potential changes to the agreement that may affect their trip.
In addition to the changes brought about by Croatia's accession to the Schengen zone, travelers should also be aware of the country's current COVID-19 restrictions. Croatia has implemented measures such as mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing in public areas, as well as the requirement for travelers arriving from certain countries to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. It is important for travelers to familiarize themselves with these measures and to follow them while in Croatia in order to protect themselves and others from the spread of the virus.
Overall, Croatia's accession to the Schengen zone on January 1, 2023, will bring about a number of changes for travelers planning a trip to the country. While it will make it easier and more convenient for travelers to visit Croatia, it is important for them to be aware of the changes that this will bring, including the time limits on their stay and the potential for changes to the Schengen Agreement in the future. It is also important for travelers to make sure that they have all of the necessary documentation and have adequate travel insurance coverage, and to follow COVID-19 restrictions in place in order to protect themselves and others from the spread of the virus.