Travelers at the Bajakovo-Batrovci border crossing between Croatia and Serbia faced long delays in extreme heat, with wait times reaching up to eight hours and queues stretching seven kilometers. The congestion was due to peak summer holiday traffic, as many people traveled between the two countries, with Croatia being a popular tourist destination. The delays were exacerbated by the introduction of the European Union’s new Entry-Exit System, a biometric screening process that replaces passport stamping. This system, in use since April, may have contributed to the long wait times, although it is unclear if it was a direct cause. Many travelers, like Senad Arman from Turkey and 72-year-old Vjekoslav Draskovic, expressed frustration and exhaustion from the extended wait. The situation highlights the challenges of managing border traffic during busy holiday periods.
QUESTION: How might the introduction of new technologies, like the Entry-Exit System, impact travel experiences in the future?
Hourslong waits at Croatia-Serbia border test travelers’ resolve in sweltering heat
