Fees to be introduced amid major Schengen border crossings changes

Starting in October, the European Union and Schengen Area are introducing significant changes to entry regulations aimed at preventing criminals and terrorists from entering with fake passports.

These changes will particularly impact travellers from non-EU countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, daily Večernji list reports.

First Change: Entry/Exit System (EES)

The first change is the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated system that will register non-EU citizens each time they enter or exit EU countries for short stays, defined as up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The system, which records entries, exits, and refusals, requires travellers to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans at border crossings. While this system is automated across most EU countries, passport processing in Cyprus and Ireland will continue to be manual.

Second Change: ETIAS Authorisation

The second and more impactful change is the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), set to become operational by May next year.

Under this new system, travellers from visa-exempt non-EU countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, will need to complete an online form and pay a €7 fee to obtain travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area.

The fee is waived for individuals under 18 and over 70 years of age. Once granted, the ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

While the application process is straightforward, with approvals typically granted within minutes to four days, some cases may require additional documentation or an interview, potentially extending the process to 30 days.

It’s important to note that possessing a valid ETIAS does not guarantee entry; border officials will still assess whether the traveller meets entry requirements upon arrival.

(Photo: Lan Glad/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Impact on Tourism

Despite concerns that these new requirements could disrupt travel, Croatian tourism officials do not anticipate significant negative effects, Večernji list reported.

Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian Tourist Board, expressed confidence that travellers are generally well-informed about destination requirements and that the rules apply uniformly across all Schengen countries.

He also highlighted the UK’s positive tourism trends, noting a 6% increase in overnight stays by British tourists this year.

“We do not expect the new procedures for the entry of non-EU and non-Schengen nationals to negatively impact tourism trends and traffic flows. After all, anyone travelling abroad typically gathers thorough information beforehand, not only about the destination and what it offers but also about specific entry requirements for each country. Furthermore, this decision applies not just to entry into Croatia but to all EU and Schengen member states,” commented Staničić, adding.

“We will do everything necessary to ensure our guests are well-informed and prepared for the new procedures, especially from markets like the UK, where we continue to see positive results and trends this year. This is evidenced by the 2.7 million overnight stays by British tourists recorded so far this year, reflecting a 6% increase compared to last year,” Staničić added.

Boris Žgomba, President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce’s Association of Travel Agencies, acknowledged that any new administrative measures could present challenges, but he believes these will not deter travellers.

The €7 fee, for instance, is a minor addition to the overall cost of a holiday, which is unlikely to discourage potential visitors.

While the new ETIAS requirement adds an administrative step for non-EU travellers, it is expected to have a minimal impact on tourism flows to Croatia and other EU countries.