Croatia has been part of the European Union since 2013, but only from January 1, 2023, Croatia lifted its border controls with other Schengen countries and adopted Euro as its official currency.
Now that it is official, here are top 3 benefits for tourists when travelling to Croatia.
1.Passport-free travel
Travelling to Croatia has become a lot more accessible. As of January 1, 2023, if you are coming from Schengen countries, you can use gates without border controls and enter Croatia passport-free. The Schengen area allows people, goods and services to travel free amongst its member countries without having to pass identity checks, travel or customs documentation. Since transport between Schengen countries will be treated as domestic, this makes it easier for many travellers to visit Croatia.
2. No currency exchange
Croatia just transitioned from its previous currency, the Croatian kuna, and officially joined 19 other countries in the block that use euro as the official currency. So, if you are planning your trip to the country, make sure you keep this in mind. From now on, you can finally pay in euros! This brings a lot of benefits for people travelling. Using the euro as the national currency means that travellers from other European countries do not have to worry about exchanging money or paying foreign transaction fees on their credit cards. In addition to that, you can expect fewer dramatic fluctuations in prices, as well as easier payments on various tours or excursions when visiting.
3.Simplified travel
In general, being in the Schengen Area and using the euro can make travel to Croatia more convenient, as it reduces the need for travellers to worry about certain administrative tasks such as obtaining visas or exchanging currency. Croatia might also experience a higher number of international flights and connections, making it easier to access them from other parts of the world.
Now that Croatia joined the Schengen area and adopted the euro as its official currency, these benefits can make the travel experience more streamlined and hassle-free for many travellers, which is especially important when travelling to multiple countries or spending a longer period of time abroad.