Is Croatia part of the Schengen Zone? In a nutshell, YES!
Croatia joined the Schengen Zone on January 1, 2023, But what does that actually mean for Croatia?
Letโs start from the beginning, what is the Schengen Zone?
Imagine a huge area where you can travel freely from one country to another without stopping at borders for passport checks. Pretty useful, eh?
Well, that's what the Schengen Zone is all about.
Now, let's bring Croatia into the mix. It's a fantastic nation known for its stunning beaches, delicious food, and fascinating history.
More importantly, Croatia is part of a big family called the European Union (EU), which is a group of countries in Europe that work together to create a better future for their citizens.
But here's the million-dollar question: Is Croatia part of the Schengen Zone?
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Understanding the Schengen Zone
Imagine going on a road trip around Europe without stopping at any borders. Sounds simple, right?
This all started way back in 1985 when five countries decided to create a borderless area. Fast forward to the present day, and the Schengen Zone has expanded hugely, with 26 countries being included in this VIP club!
Being part of this VIP club comes with some pretty nice advantages.
For instance, it's easier to travel, to do business, and even study in other Schengen countries.
But, it's not all fun and games. Countries also have to follow some rules, like working together to control border security outside the Schengen Zone.
Croatia and Its Relationship with the EU
Croatia joined the European Union family back in 2013, making it one of the newer members.
Since joining the EU, Croatia has experienced some pretty cool changes.
For one, it's now far more involved in big decisions that affect all of Europe. Also, it's opened up many more opportunities for trade, business, travel and tourism.
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And finally, Croatia adopted the Euro currency on January 1st, 2023.
Just because a country is part of the EU family, it doesn't necessarily mean they're automatically in the Schengen Zone VIP club.
Think of it like this: all the Schengen Zone countries are in the EU, but not all EU countries are in the Schengen Zone.
So where does that leave Croatia?
When did Croatia join Schengen?
So, Croatia officially joined the Schengen Zone on January 1, 2023.
In June 2022, there was a proposal made by the Council of the European Union (EU Council), that suggested the following:
Starting January 1, 2023, there should be no more border controls on the land and maritime boundaries between Croatia and other Schengen members.
From March 26, 2023, Croatian airports should cease border controls for passengers from the Schengen area.
As of January 1, 2023, any restrictions concerning the use of the Schengen Information System (SIS) should be removed.
After drafting this proposal, the EU Council requested the European Parliament's feedback, which is a necessary step in the process of making Croatia a Schengen member. On November 10, 2022, the European Parliament expressed its agreement with Croatia's entry into Schengen.
The EU Council made its final decision in December 2022, affirming that Croatia would officially become a part of the Schengen area on January 1, 2023.
All Schengen countries that are members of the EU had to agree on this decision. However, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland (non-EU countries) weren't eligible to vote.
So, Croatia officially joined the Schengen Zone on January 1, 2023.
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Border controls have been eliminated, and separate airport gates are now in place for Schengen passengers.
Those travelling from Croatia to other Schengen countries, and vice versa, use gates without border controls. In effect, these passengers are not subject to checks.
Currently, flights within the Schengen Zone, including those from Croatia, are considered domestic flights. Passengers on direct flights from Croatia to other Schengen destinations just need to check in for their flight and go through security.
They're then free to board their flight without needing to pass through border control or a police check.
Croatia Joining the Schengen Zone
Joining the Schengen is a big deal for Croatia. Their citizens are now able to travel freely to any other Schengen nations without getting their passports checked.
For the Schengen Zone, having Croatia join the zone would be like adding another player to the team. Croatia's pretty cool โ they have a lot to offer with beautiful cities, wonderful beaches, and delicious food.
So, it would make the Schengen Zone even more attractive for travelers.
However, there's the flip side to this coin. Sometimes, joining new cooperations means you have to follow different rules. Rules that are somewhat different from what you're used to.
So potentially, there can be unexpected challenges along the way.
Schengen Challenges
Joining the Schengen Zone is like joining a sports team or a club at school. Sometimes, not everyone on the team agrees on who should join. It was the same with Croatia's application to join the Schengen Zone. Some people were all for it, while others had their concerns.
They might worry about security or how it might change the dynamics of the "club".
Croatia also has its share of challenges to overcome as it could mean upgrading its security systems, managing borders more effectively, and cooperating well with the other Schengen members.
All these challenges make the process exciting but every country that joined the Schengen Zone had to go through the same process. So it's a tried and tested approach.
Is Croatia a Part of The Schengen? Summary
So, as of the 1st of January 2023, Croatia has been a part of the Schengen zone which will allow its people to travel freely between member countries.
Being a part of the Schengen Zone has its advantages, like traveling without border checks.
But, it also means following certain rules and living up to the expectations of being a Schengen member. Only time will tell whether or not this was a beneficial move for Croatia.
Buy, no matter what, remember that this is all part of a bigger story โ the story of countries working together for a better European future. And you know what? That's pretty cool.