Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have formalized a new border crossings deal designed to significantly enhance transport connections and foster greater economic cooperation between the two neighboring nations. The agreement was jointly signed by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto during a meeting in Sarajevo on 8th June 2026.
This new accord represents a notable advancement in streamlining the movement of both people and goods across the shared border. A key provision of the agreement is the expansion of the number of highest-category border crossings. Previously, only two crossings held this designation. Under the new framework, this number will increase to five, with a temporary allowance for six crossings during a transitional phase. Once the construction of the new Gornji Varoš–Gradiška crossing is complete, the Stara Gradiška crossing will transition to a lower category.
Several strategically vital crossings were highlighted, including Svilaj–Donji Svilaj, situated on the Pan-European Corridor Vc, the Kamensko crossing providing access to Split-Dalmatia County, Ličko Petrovo Selo–Izačić, and the recently inaugurated Gornji Varoš–Gradiška crossing. Beyond these, the agreement expands the total number of international road border crossings designated for both passenger and freight traffic from the previous 14 to 17.
Furthermore, the agreement outlines provisions for 20 crossings for international passenger traffic and 10 for local border crossings, in addition to the five existing railway border crossings. The leaders also confirmed the continuation of the temporary operational regime at the new Gradiška crossing.
Plenković noted that this border crossings deal complements Croatia’s updated Foreigners Act, which simplifies the process for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to secure long-term visas. He indicated that this measure is anticipated to help mitigate some of the challenges that have arisen with the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, which in certain instances has led to slower border procedures. The agreement is expected to be a catalyst for further growth in bilateral trade, building upon existing strong economic ties.
Bilateral trade exchange between the two countries reached €4 billion in 2025, and approximately 650,000 visitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina traveled to Croatia during the same year. Cross-border investment is also on an upward trend, with Croatian companies continuing to make substantial investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while investment from Bosnian and Herzegovinian companies into Croatia is also seeing an increase.
This new border crossings deal underscores the profound economic and transport links between the two nations and is poised to further invigorate the flow of trade, tourism, and investment across their shared border.
