Croatia has long been a popular vacation destination for travelers from around the world. Located on the Adriatic Sea, the country is home to stunning beaches, ancient cities, and a rich cultural history. And as of today, it will become even more accessible to travelers from within the European Union (EU).

Croatia joins the Schengen area

Croatia has joined the Schengen area, a group of 27 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that travelers from other Schengen countries will be able to enter Croatia without having to go through border control, and vice versa.

For tourists, this is great news. It will make it much easier to travel to and from Croatia, and will likely lead to an increase in tourism to the country. It will also make it easier for Croatian citizens to travel to other Schengen countries, as they will no longer need to go through the hassle of obtaining a visa.

The change to Schengen in airports won’t occur until March 26th for “technical reasons”. HT to reader jj

But joining the Schengen area is not just good news for travelers. It also has economic and security benefits for Croatia. By eliminating border control, the country will be able to trade more easily with other Schengen countries, which will likely lead to an increase in economic growth. Additionally, by joining the Schengen area, Croatia will be able to cooperate more closely with other member countries on issues related to security and law enforcement, which will help to improve the overall safety of the region.

Slovenia has been in charge of guarding the Schengen area. That responsibility will now shift to Croatia with its border of Bosnia, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Croatia converts to the Euro today

Croatia will officially switch to the euro as its official currency. This is a major milestone for the country, which has been preparing for the transition for many years.

For Croatian citizens and businesses, the switch to the euro will bring a number of benefits. For one, it will make it easier to trade with other countries in the European Union (EU), as the euro is the official currency of many EU member states. Additionally, by adopting the euro, Croatia will be able to take advantage of lower transaction costs and increased price transparency, which will make it easier for businesses to operate and for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

The switch to the euro will also bring some challenges. Inflation is likely to increase in the short term, as prices for goods and services are adjusted to reflect the new currency. There may also be some confusion as people get used to using a new currency. However, these challenges are expected to be short-lived, and the overall benefits of switching to the euro are expected to outweigh any temporary difficulties.

To prepare for the transition, Croatian banks and businesses have been working to update their systems and training their staff. The Croatian National Bank has also been working to educate the public about the switch to the euro, including how to use and manage the new currency.

In conclusion, the switch to the euro is a significant event for Croatia. It will bring a number of benefits for citizens and businesses, including easier trade with other EU countries, lower transaction costs, and increased price transparency. While there may be some challenges in the short term, the long-term benefits of adopting the euro are expected to outweigh any temporary difficulties.

Croatia’s entry into the Schengen area is a welcome development for both tourists and the country itself. It will make it easier for people to travel to and from Croatia, and will also have economic and security benefits for the country. So if you’re planning a trip to Croatia, be sure to take advantage of the new Schengen rules. I personally am planning to travel to Croatia in September.