For my money, the Croatian coast ranks among Europe’s best places to be in late August – early September.
The blues of the Adriatic Sea and Game of Thrones filming sites have long drawn people to Croatia. In 2023, however, travelers hoping to explore this Balkan gem will face some new travel rules as the country finally joins the Schengen zone — the world’s largest visa-free area.
(Explainer: What is the Schengen Zone?)
Though the European Parliament voted in favor of removing border controls between Croatia and the Schengen zone, the final decision still needs to be made by the 27 EU Council members. The decision is all but set to pass on Thursday, so here’s what travelers can expect:
Money, money, money
Even though Croatia has been part of the European Union since 2023, it will officially start using the euro in January 2023. Moving to the euro is good news for Croatia’s citizens as it will hopefully help quell inflation. It also means that travelers won’t face such dramatic price fluctuations or the hassle of exchanging dollars or euros to Croatian kuna.
You’ll still need a passport
Travelers from other Schengen countries will no longer need to show a passport or identity card. Travelers from non-Schengen countries — such as the US or UK — still need to provide their usual travel documents.
by travelers, for travelers.
