Croatia introduces long-term visas for Bosnian professional drivers

Starting September 23, professional drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina can apply for long-term visas in Croatia. This change follows amendments to the Croatian Aliens Act, designed to facilitate easier movement and work within the Schengen Area for drivers who do not hold dual citizenship.

Previously, the 90-day limit within a 180-day period created significant logistical challenges for professional drivers whose work requires frequent border crossings. Bosnian Minister of Communications and Transport Edin Forto noted that this is a concrete step toward easing work conditions, though he emphasized that diplomatic efforts will continue to seek long-term solutions with European partners to support trade and supply chains.

Bosnian Deputy Foreign Minister Josip Brkić described the move as a sign of good neighborly relations and partnership. The initiative is seen as a way to bypass broader Schengen rule restrictions, which the European Commission had previously declined to change for this specific group.