Threat level: Low-Medium
Croatia is on the UK government's amber list of countries that pose a COVID-19 risk, which means that travellers should not go unless it is for essential, family or business reasons. On their return to the UK, travellers are required to fill in a passenger locator form, to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result before travelling, to quarantine at home for 10 days and to take a sequencing test on day 2 and day 8 after their arrival.
There are currently new requirements on arrivals of foreign travellers coming from the EU, the UK and EEA. Travellers must present either a negative PCR test result on arrival or a negative COVID-19 antigen taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival, a certificate of full vaccination or a certificate of full recovery. If travellers can't produce one of these documents, they must self-isolate for 10 days or until they have taken another test locally.
Wearing a face mask has been made compulsory in public transport, taxis, shops and other enclosed commercial buildings, as well as outside when people can maintain social distancing of 1.5 meters. People must also maintain social distancing of at least 2 meters and capacity on public transport has been limited by 40%. See our healthcare section for advice.
The current travel safety advice for Croatia is to be aware of all surroundings, especially when hiking and venturing outside of the tourist regions. There is a risk of unexploded land mines that poses a serious risk in some areas. The crime and terror threat in Croatia is relatively low, but it is important to be aware of the ongoing threat of terrorism in Europe. There is an underlying threat, which can be reduced by staying vigilant and adhering to basic security precautions during travel throughout Croatia.
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides its clients with Security, Close Protection and Bodyguards Services in Croatia. For more information on these services, see our page: Bodyguard Services in Croatia.
The climate in the mountainous regions of Croatia can change without warning. Even in the summer periods, the temperatures and conditions can become very cold and treacherous overnight. There have been several incidents in 2016, for example tourist hikers getting lost in the mountains. This has happened when they have departed on treks without a local guide, which has resulted in veering from the main routes. If you plan on going hiking in the mountains, you should consider hiring a local guide for your trip.
Be extremely cautious when travelling outside the normal tourist locations, as there is a serious threat of land mines and unexploded ordnance in previous war zones, particularly in Eastern Slavonia, Brodsko-Posavska County, Karlovac County, areas around Zadar County and in the remote areas of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Travellers who plan on visiting such areas, should seek advice from the local authorities as to where is safe to travel.
Since 2011, there have been several reports of gangs flagging down tourist hire cars in rural areas by indicating that they need help, and then robbing them of their valuables. Petty crime is a constant problem around tourist areas and along the Adriatic coast, such as pick-pocketing and stealing documents, so make sure to take care of all belongings.
Make sure you check the price of beverages in establishments, such as bars and cafés, before ordering. This is because it is legal to charge any price the retailer deems suitable and therefore often charge more to foreign travellers. Some entertainment locations showing cabarets, have been known to charge higher prices. Please check prior to ordering, as there have been known threats and force used by security staff at said establishments.
Political protests and demonstrations occur frequently in Croatia and are known to turn violent on some occasions. When possible, travellers should avoid being part of any type of demonstration or large gatherings, as they always have the potential to suddenly turn violent, however this is becoming rarer. Take the advice of local police and be up to date with local news.
Please be vigilant at football and sporting events, as these have been known to likewise turn aggressive, with public upheaval.
Croatia is a member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia now have diplomatic relationships that were started with Croatia recognizing Bosnia & Herzegovina, these relations have been established since 1992.
An international driving licence is not required to drive in Croatia, but you should check with your nearest Embassy that your country's driving licence is valid to use during travel to Croatia. If you bring your own or rented vehicle into the country, you may need to provide proof of ownership by presenting a V5 log book. You can drive using a UK driving licence but a motor insurance green card issued by your car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU. If you fail to produce this when asked, you will be refused entry and the car might be impounded until you can prove ownership. It is illegal to drive with more than 0.05% of alcohol in your system.
Fires can occur in the forestry areas near the coastal region of Croatia that usually occur from June to September. Please note that air quality can fall during these times. There can also be localised flooding in the Eastern and Central regions during this time. Please take all necessary precautions and seek local advice.
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides companies and organisations with Commercial Travel Risk Services designed to mitigate risks of staff when they travel for business. If you are interested in these services, please see: Commercial Travel Risk Services.
Police emergency: 192
Fire emergency: 193
Medical emergency: 112
Coastguard: 195
Capital: Zagreb
Official languages: Croatian
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Kuna (HRK)
U.S. Embassy Zagreb
Ulica Thomasa Jeffersona 2,
10010,
Zagreb,
Croatia
Telephone: +385 1661 2200
Email: consularzagreb@state.gov
British Embassy Zagreb
Ivana Lučića 4,
10000,
Zagreb,
Croatia
Telephone: +385 16009 100
Email: british.embassyzagreb@fco.gov.uk
UK, US, and EU passport holders do not require a visa for visits of up-to 90 days. For visits of more than 90 days, visitors are required to register with the local police or the local town tourist centre within 15 days of arrival. In Zagreb, you should register at the Police Station at Petrinjska 30. Elsewhere in Croatia, you should register at the nearest main Police Station. All hotels and tourist accommodation should register on your behalf, but you should confirm this when you check in. Failure to register may result in a fine or possible deportation from Croatia.
As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Croatia whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.
COVID-19 cases have been reported in Croatia. There is no vaccination against the disease, protection is through preventive measures, to avoid contracting the disease, self-isolate, wear a face mask in public, apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid public gatherings and unnecessary travel.
It is advised that visitors to Croatia are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get a Tetanus vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.
In general, there are no particular health risks associated with living in or visiting Croatia. Medical health care is reasonably adequate and is considered to be of a similar standard to other Western countries. Be aware that on the Croatian islands, the emergency services are poor and healthcare is considered to be quite expensive.
All visiting foreigners are entitled to free basic emergency first aid at state hospitals. For those travelling from EU member states, make sure to have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Croatia. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.
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