Croatia eases visa rules for third-country drivers

The Republic of Croatia has become the first EU member state to allow special visas to be issued to bus and truck drivers employed by companies registered in third countries, the Serbian transporters' business association Pumed announced.

The leading professional organisation representing Serbian road transport companies engaged in international freight transport said that, starting September 23, third-country nationals working as bus and truck drivers will be able to apply for long-term visas, CE Report quotes HINA.

According to the statement, the Croatian Embassy in Belgrade will initially accept a limited number of applications per day. The number of applications will be increased as the electronic system is fully adjusted.

Croatian diplomatic sources said the measure does not apply only to Serbia, but to all Western Balkan countries and countries around the world whose citizens do not otherwise require a visa to enter Croatia.

The decision was made to address a pressing problem faced by transport operators from the Western Balkans following the introduction of the EU's strict digital border-control system.

Under standard Schengen rules, third-country drivers may stay within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. This has seriously disrupted supply chains and the operations of international transport companies, as drivers quickly used up their permitted days of stay in the EU.

Pumed stressed that the long-term national visas issued by Croatia do not constitute a general work permit or allow unlimited residence in other EU member states. Nevertheless, the measure is regarded as an important first bilateral step and a model that other EU members could adopt in the near future to ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods.

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