Croatia from 23 September opens long-term visas for professional drivers
From 23 September Croatia will accept applications for long-term visas for bus and freight drivers from third countries, a move relevant for carriers from North Macedonia.
Croatia to start issuing long-term visas for professional drivers from September 23
From 23 September Croatia will begin accepting applications for long-term visas aimed at professional bus and freight drivers from third countries, opening a new option for carriers from North Macedonia and other Western Balkan states.
Who is eligible and why the change
The Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs said the new visas target third-country nationals who normally do not need a short-stay visa to enter Croatia. A visa may be valid for up to 365 days.
The measure covers drivers of freight vehicles employed by companies registered in third countries performing international transport of goods to or from Croatia, as well as bus drivers on regular international lines between Croatia and third countries. Citizens of North Macedonia are included among those for whom this option is relevant, because holders of Macedonian passports do not require a short-term visa to enter Croatia.
Officials said the move aims to ease problems created by the Schengen rule that allows third-country nationals to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period — a limit that has in recent years complicated operations for transport firms and professional drivers from the Western Balkans.
Initially a limited number of applications will be accepted, and processing may take up to 45 days. Applications can be submitted no earlier than two months and no later than 30 days before the planned start of transport.
Photo: press material from the event
