Final step in Schengen accession: Croatia will lift internal air border checks on Sunday

Starting Sunday, March 26 all internal border controls at the Croatian airports will be lifted for travelers to Schengen Area countries, making for faster and easier air travel in the final step to the full implementation of Schengen travel rules.

Croatia joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023, allowing for passport-free travel by land and sea to and from its fellow Schengen Area EU neighbors. However, airports were the one exception. That final barrier will be lifted on Sunday at midnight.

Passengers will travel to and from other Schengen countries just like they would on a domestic flight.

Schengen accession is expected to give an additional boost to tourism this year, said Interior Minister Davor Božinović at an event on Saturday.

“Entrepreneurs already understand what being part of the Schengen Area means for the economy, and not just for tourism. Although, when it comes to tourism, I think that this year we will see more people than ever before," said the minister.