The border between Serbia and Croatia stretches for 241 km from eastern Croatia to neighboring Serbia. The following article provides an overview of the applicable border controls and entry requirements, possible border crossings, as well as the toll regulations (vignette requirement and distance-based tolls) in Croatia and Serbia. Everything you need for your next dream trip!
There are border controls between Croatia and Serbia because, unlike Croatia, Serbia is not part of the EU. As an EU citizen, you need your national ID card or passport to enter Croatia or Serbia. Please note that different rules apply to non-EU citizens and that applying for a visa is often additionally required.
Nevertheless, we recommend that you always check the current regulations before departure, as these can of course change due to certain security measures.
There are numerous border crossings between Croatia and Serbia that connect the two countries across their land border. The best-known border crossing is between Batrovci (Serbia) and Bajakovo (Croatia), but there are also other options for crossing the border:
Batrovci (Serbia) - Bajakovo (Croatia): This border crossing is considered a busy main crossing between Serbia and Croatia. From the A3 motorway in Croatia, the border crossing leads into Serbia toward Belgrade. This route provides easy access to the cities of Novi Sad and Zagreb.
Karakaj (Serbia) - Vinkovci (Croatia): This border crossing is located in the east and provides a crossing between Serbia and Croatia near the city of Vinkovci.
Sremska Raca (Serbia) - Stara Gradiska (Croatia): This border crossing is located in the west and is often used by travelers who want to discover Slavonia during their trip. Slavonia is part of Croatia and lies in the east of the country. In particular, the capital of Slavonia, Osijek, which appears in its old glory, is well worth a visit.
Ilok (Serbia) - Trpinja (Croatia): This border crossing is considered relatively small.
Even though these border crossings are among the most important connections between Croatia and Serbia, we recommend checking the opening hours in advance. Smaller border crossings may only be open during the day.
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette in Croatia and whether there is a distance-based toll.
In Croatia there is no vignette requirement; instead, there is a distance-based toll.
Since there is no vignette requirement in Croatia, the toll to be paid is based on the kilometers driven on the motorways and the vehicle class. If you are traveling to Croatia for your vacation, you must therefore pay the fees for the distance-based toll. You can pay the toll at so-called toll stations, which are located on the motorways. In some cases, you receive a ticket at the beginning of the toll section, which you must pay when leaving the respective section. You can pay this ticket with cash, credit card, or debit card. In addition, cashless payment is possible using the Croatian Electronic Toll Collect System (ETC). However, the transponder for this system must be installed in your vehicle in advance so that the toll can be calculated.
In addition, the implementation of a digital toll system with an e-vignette or toll box for barrier-free payment is planned for 2026.
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are distance-based tolls.
In Serbia there is no vignette requirement, but there is a distance-based toll.
The distance-based toll depends on the distance traveled and can be paid at toll stations or using electronic systems. Expressways and motorways are therefore subject to charges for all motor vehicles, and the fee depends on the vehicle:
Cars: depending on the height of the front axle (up to/from 1.3 m) or overall height (up to/from 1.9 m)
Car-and-trailer combinations: depending on the height of the front axle (up to/from 1.3 m) or overall height (up to/from 1.9 m) as well as the number of axles
Motorhomes: depending on the height of the front axle (up to/from 1.3 m), overall height (up to/from 1.9 m), gross vehicle weight (up to/from 3.5 t GVW) as well as the number of axles
Payment can be made at the toll stations by taking a ticket when you leave the motorway. Depending on the route and the vehicle or vehicle class, the amount of toll due may be higher. At the toll stations, you can pay with cash as well as by credit card or debit card. In addition, it is possible to pay your distance-based toll in euros; however, please note that you will receive change in the Serbian currency (dinar).
We wish you a pleasant trip to Croatia and lots of fun as you explore this diverse country. You can find more information about tolls in Croatia in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.