Is it Safe to Visit Croatia?
Among European countries, Croatia has not been the hardest hit. Croatian Public Health Institute (HZJZ) Assistant Director Marija Bubaš has said that the epidemiological situation in Croatia is good but that caution is necessary as the number of new infections has been on the rise. Currently the vaccination rate is under 50%. Naturally, the infection rate varies by region. Consult the interactive map of cases here.
What Do I Need to Enter Croatia?
- Entry requirements for those coming from an EU or Schengen area or EU citizens coming from outside the zone must present:
a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate OR
- negative PCR test result or rapid antigen test result – RAT for SARS-CoV-2, where the RAT test must be listed in the Common list of rapid antigen tests recognized by the Member States of the European Union, published by the European Commission. If the RAT test results were made abroad, the manufacturer and/or the commercial name of the test must be visible. Otherwise, it will not be accepted as credible for entering the Republic of Croatia. The PCR test result must not be older than 72 hours and the RAT test result must not be older than 48 hours, counting from the time the test was taken until the arrival at the border crossing point;
- certificate that they have received two doses of vaccine used in the EU Member States (Pfizer, Moderna, AstaZeneca, Gamaleya, Sinopharm) not older than 270 days, or a certificate that they have received one dose of the vaccine if the vaccine is administered in a single dose (Janssen/Johnson&Johnson) not older than 270 days, provided that 14 days have passed since they received the single dose;
- certificate showing that they have received the first dose of the Pfizer, Moderna or Gamaleya vaccine, on the basis of which they can enter the Republic of Croatia in the period of 22 to 42 days from receiving the vaccine, or 22 to 84 days from receiving the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine;
- certificate showing that they have recovered from COVID-19 and have received one dose of vaccine within eight months from contracting the disease, provided that the vaccine was administered less than 270 days from their arrival at the border crossing point;
- positive PCR test result or rapid antigen test result, confirming that the holder recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, which was performed in the previous 270 days and which is older than 11 days from the date of arrival at the border crossing point, or a medical certificate of recovery;
- or if they perform PCR testing or rapid antigen testing – RAT for SARS-CoV-2 immediately upon their arrival in the Republic of Croatia (at their own expense), with the obligation to stay in self-isolation until they obtain a negative test result. In case they cannot get tested, they have to self-isolate for ten (10) days.
2) Visitors from other areas must present:
- a certificate of paid accommodation in a hotel, camp, private renter or rented vessel and other form of tourist accommodation
- and one of the following documents:
- negative PCR test result not older than 72 hours from the moment of testing, or rapid antigen test result – RAT for SARS-CoV-2 that is included in the Common list of rapid antigen tests recognized by the Member States of the European Union, published by the European Commission, provided that the test result is not older than 48 hours from the moment of testing to the moment of arrival at the border crossing point
- certificate that they have received two doses of vaccine used in the EU Member States not older than 270 days, provided that 14 days have passed since they received the second dose, or a certificate that they have received one dose of the vaccine, not older than 270 days, if the vaccine is administered in a single dose (Janssen/Johnson&Johnson), provided that 14 days have passed since they received the single dose
- certificate showing that they have recovered from COVID-19 and have received one dose of vaccine within eight months from contracting the virus, provided that the vaccine was administered less than 270 days ago
- a positive PCR or rapid antigen test result, referred to in paragraph III, item 1, subitem 1 of the said Decision, confirming that the holder recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, which was performed in the previous 270 days, and which is older than 11 days from the date of arrival at the border crossing point, or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 issued by a physician
- or they will be imposed self-isolation upon arriving in the Republic of Croatia with a possibility of getting a PCR test or rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 and if they cannot get tested, they have to self-isolate for a total of 10 days.
UK visitors must present a negative PCR test result not older than 72 hours or a negative rapid antigen test result not older than 48 hours, regardless of their vaccination status and recovery. Note that Croatia, as of this date, is on the “green list”, meaning that quarantine is not necessary for returning travellers.
For full information see the Ministry of the Interior page.
Visitors arriving by car are advised to fill out the Enter Croatia form which can be submitted here.
Where Can I Get Tested in Croatia?
See this list of testing centers in Croatia that can perform PCR and Antigen tests along with their prices: koronavirus.hr/testing-centers-in-croatia/764
And should you become infected, there is a special Covid clinic for tourists in Zagreb.
What Happens When I’m in Croatia?
Masks are required for public transport and shops as well as crowded event and activities in which social distancing (1.5 meters) cannot be maintained.
Vaccine Passport is available to anyone who has been vaccinated with one of the European Medicines Agency authorized vaccines (Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen and Pfizer) or tested negative for the virus in the 48 hours (RAT) or 72 hours (PCR test) or have recently recovered from COVID-19.
Bars and Restaurants are open. Restaurants are open for indoor dining but bars may only serve drinks outdoors. Both are open from 6am to midnight.
Public gatherings are authorized for up to 50 or 100 people, depending on the region. Larger gatherings may be held if participants present an EU digital vaccination certificate or a negative Covid test.
Given the uncertainties of travel right now, I strongly recommend good travel insurance. You can cancel for any reason with Travel Guard. Or check out World Nomads which also offers highly competitive prices.
See more about travel insurance in Croatia.
Updated 10 August 2021
