BRITS heading to Croatia are being warned of new changes coming into force next year.
After a majority vote by the European Parliament, Croatia has successfully entered the Schengen Zone and the Eurozone.
This means there are two new rules in place that will affect British holidaymakers.
One of the new rules allows passport-free travel between Croatia and other countries in the Schengen Zone from March 26, 2023.
This isn’t so great for British passport holders unfortunately, since the UK left the Schengen Zone following Brexit.
Those looking to use their UK passport to travel to Croatian hotspots such as Dubrovnik will only be allowed to stay for 90 days in any 180-day period from next spring.
The UK Foreign Office website states: “As of 1 January 2023 Croatia is part of the Schengen area.
“You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
“This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.”
“Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.”
Brits heading to Croatia must also have at least three months left on their passport to be allowed into the country.
The website warns to make sure your passport is stamped when both entering and leaving the country.
They state: “If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.”
Croatia will also be scrapping the kuna (its current currency) by the end of this year.
From January 1, 2023, the euro will be in full circulation across the country.
Kuna can still be used until January 15, but you can exchange them to euros for the rest of they year.
The Foreign Office states: “As of 1 January 2023, the currency of Croatia is the euro. Croatian kuna will still be accepted until 15 January, but can be exchanged for euros at Croatian banks until the end of 2023.”
Both Romania and Bulgaria, who bid to join back in 2011, are also hopeful they will be able to join next year although a date is yet to be confirmed.
And new rules from next year will also require Brits to pay for a visa to travel to countries in the Schengen Zone.
The ETIAS scheme, similar to the US Esta, means Brits will have to pay €7 (£6) for a three-year ‘visa’ when travelling to countries in the EU.
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 70 will have to pay it if traveling for less than 90 days, with applications submitted 96 hours before travel.
Applicants will be asked for information about their identity, passport, education, job, recent travel, and criminal convictions, including if you have ever been kicked out of a country.
Another new system is the Entry/Exit system (EES), expected to start from May 2023.
