Massive pre-Christmas Croatian border delays as waits stretch up to nine hours

(Photo: HAK)

With Christmas just a few days away, significant traffic congestion has been recorded at several Croatian border crossings this weekend, with the most severe delays reported at Bajakovo.

According to the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) and police, vehicle queues at Bajakovo reached approximately 11 kilometres on Saturday, with some travellers waiting up to nine hours to cross the border.

Traffic began building up early in the morning, following an increased inflow of vehicles observed the previous day. While conditions briefly improved yesterday evening, congestion quickly returned.

Many travellers are heading home to spend the holidays with family, while freight traffic has also intensified as goods are delivered ahead of Christmas.

While some passengers endured waits of up to eight hours, most reported delays of between three and four hours.

HAK and police have urged drivers, where possible, to use alternative border crossings and to regularly check traffic updates before setting off.

Conditions at other eastern Croatian border crossings are somewhat better, though still busy.

At Tovarnik, Ilok and Slavonski Brod, waiting times have generally ranged from one to two hours, making them among the more congested crossings after Bajakovo.

(Photo: HAK)

In addition to border delays, HAK issued warnings about wet and slippery roads across much of Croatia, with fog significantly reducing visibility in some areas. Drivers have been advised to adjust their speed and driving style to road conditions to avoid accidents.

Several traffic incidents were reported this morning, including on the A3 motorway, further complicating access to the Bajakovo crossing.

Travellers expressed frustration with the situation. “The drive was fine until we reached the border, this always happens here,” one passenger who had been waiting three to four hours told HRT.

Others reported similar delays while travelling from Switzerland towards North Macedonia, Kosovo and other destinations.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise patience as heavy holiday traffic is expected to continue in the days leading up to Christmas.