New Schengen Checks to Slow Travel from Croatia, Bosnia

From Friday April 7, tighter checks at the EU passport-free Schengen Area's external borders will mean longer waits for those travelling from Croatia and Bosnia into the zone.

Previously, border officers performed basic checks, but they will now, on both entry and exit, need to check all documents - including those of people with the right to travel freely within the EU - in the Schengen Information System and Interpol database of stolen and lost documents, among other databases. 

The new regulations are intended to clamp down on the abuse of lost and stolen passports and apply to all external borders - land, air and sea.

A statement from the European Council said the measures, adopted by the European Parliament on March 15, were "in response to the increase in terrorist threats" and fit "[within] the context of the response to 'foreign terrorist fighters'". 

The Bosnia and Herzegovina Auto-Moto Club, BiHAMK, said in a statement that travellers could expect "long delays" at the border between Croatia and Slovenia, which marks the external border of the Schengen zone. 

Bosnia does not border Slovenia but drivers from Bosnia often cross Croatia to reach the Schengen Area.

It warned travellers to check that their documents have not been recorded as lost, stolen or damaged in the past two years, avoid busy periods, and be prepared to be patient.

The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished border controls between them, with a small number imposing some controls in the wake of the recent migration crisis.

The area functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy.

Croatia, like recent EU entries Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus, is part of the EU but is...