The approximately 670 km long border between Slovenia and Croatia is the most significant border for tourism in Croatia. The following article provides you with an overview of the applicable border controls and entry requirements, possible border crossings, as well as the toll regulations (vignette requirement, distance-based toll, and special tolls) for Croatia and Slovenia. Everything you need for your next dream trip!
Croatia is part of the Schengen Area and is therefore a member state of the Schengen Agreement. Since 2023, temporary border and passport controls have been implemented at the border crossings between Slovenia and Croatia. Therefore, it is important to note that as an EU citizen, you must carry identification documents (valid ID cards or passports, child passports) to prove your identity. Driver's licenses and children's birth certificates are not sufficient. Also, expect waiting times at the border crossings.
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette in Croatia or if you need to pay 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 highways and the vehicle class. Therefore, if you are traveling to Croatia, you must pay the fees for the distance-based toll. The toll can be paid at so-called toll stations, which are located on the highways. Sometimes, you will receive a ticket at the beginning of the toll section, which you must pay when exiting the respective section. You can pay this ticket with cash, credit card, or bank card. Additionally, cashless payment is possible using the Croatian Electronic Toll Collect System (ETC). However, the transponder for this system must be installed in your vehicle beforehand for toll calculation to occur.
Furthermore, a digital toll system with an e-vignette or toll box is planned for implementation by 2026 to enable barrier-free payment.
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette in Slovenia and if there are toll sections.
If you wish to use the Slovenian highways and expressways during your journey, you will need an electronic vignette, the so-called E-Vinjeta. The E-Vinjeta is required for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (GVW). For vehicles exceeding this weight, the vignette requirement is waived, and toll is charged based on distance. Additionally, there are special toll sections, meaning additional charges apply regardless of the weight, such as for using the Karawanken Tunnel. For your journey, you can choose between various validity periods for the vignette.
If your vehicle weighs over 3.5 t GVW, instead of the vignette, you will need a DarsGo device for collecting the distance-based toll. This toll is calculated based on the kilometers driven, the number of axles, and the Euro-emission class (level of pollution). The Euro-emission class is divided into pollutant classes 1-6, with class 1 indicating high pollution and class 6 indicating low pollution.
Although the Karawanken Tunnel itself is not a toll section requiring a vignette, it is accessed via toll roads. The tunnel connects Austria with Slovenia and is primarily used for crossing the border. To use the Karawanken Tunnel, you must pay an additional fee, regardless of whether you already have a digital vignette or have paid a distance-based toll.
This overview of the border crossing between Croatia and Slovenia provides all the important information you need for a smooth and well-prepared journey. Whether it's border controls, entry requirements, or toll fees – being well-informed makes the drive significantly easier.
