# Croatia long-term driver visa implementation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-long-term-driver-visa-implementation
> Updated: 2026-09-18T09:16:57.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

Croatia has become the first European Union member to implement special long-term visas specifically for bus and truck drivers from third countries, including those from the Western Balkans. Scheduled to begin on September 23, 2026, the measure aims to mitigate disruptions to supply chains and business operations caused by Schengen rules, which limit third-country nationals to a 90-day stay within a 180-day period.

Bosnian Minister of Communications and Transport, Edin Forto, described the move as a step toward treating drivers as “professionals rather than tourists or migrants.” While these visas do not provide general work permits or unlimited stay within other EU member states, they are intended to facilitate international transport. Applications will be processed through Croatian embassies and consulates in locations such as Sarajevo and Belgrade, though transit to other Schengen areas remains subject to standard entry and exit regulations.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: Construction companies in Croatia announce new job openings

Construction firms Mando d. o. o. and Kamgrad d. o. o. are recruiting drivers and skilled laborers for projects in Split and Zagreb, Croatia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/construction-companies-in-croatia-announce-new-job-openings

### 2026-09-16: Croatia introduces special long-term visas for professional drivers

Croatia is introducing special long-term visas for professional bus and truck drivers from third countries to resolve transit and supply chain issues caused by strict Schengen stay limits.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bosnia-and-herzegovina-seeks-eu-flexibility-for-professional-drivers

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Cite as: Croatia long-term driver visa implementation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-long-term-driver-visa-implementation