Travel without limitations: With this app, keep waiting times at the Balkans!

Travel without limitations: With this app, keep waiting times at the Balkans!

Regular trips to the Balkans can often lead to long waiting times at the limits during the main travel period. In order to solve this problem, many travelers rely on digital solutions, in particular on the Borderwatcher app. This app collects real-time data from 23 European border crossings, including Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia. The information comes from official reports and through crowdsourcing of users. Because up to 70 % of the travelers can significantly improve their travel plans due to the high-precision data collection, such as Kosmo

The Borderwatcher app is characterized by various functions: users can select specific border items and receive push notifications about changes in the waiting times. Historical course data enables more precise planning, while group functions support coordinated crossing of limits and can reduce waiting times by up to 70 %. The app is currently available for Android devices from version 6.0, downloadable free of charge and was last updated on May 21, 2025. The app has a total of over 360,000 downloads, with 4,100 new users added in the last 30 days. The ratings are mixed, depending on the user -friendliness and accuracy of the data, such as Appbrain specified.

digital entry/exit system

In the context of increasing digitization in border management, the European Parliament recently decided to introduce a new European border system (EES). This is intended to optimize the processes at the EU external borders. According to a report of the EU representation in Germany is gradually put into operation within six months. The aim is to increase the security in the Schengen area, reduce identity fraud and to facilitate the identification of visa overcovers.

The automated recording of data from third countries is to be designed to cross the border for travelers faster and easier. This agreement means a big step for national security and the efficiency of the border administrations in Europe. As soon as the system comes into force, the border authorities will be able to register all persons who cross the borders and thus provide more overview.

future perspectives

The development of border management is particularly relevant with regard to the upcoming changes in the Schengen area. Croatia and Slovenia made border controls facilitated in 2023 after Croatia's joining the Schengen zone. A 70 % loss of systematic personal controls has noticeably shortened the travel time between these countries. Bulgaria and Romania also plan to open their limits to the Schengen area in 2025. This could further improve the travel experience and result in the planned "Roaming Revolution in the Balkans", which holds unlimited data use for navigation apps without additional costs for travelers.