It’s been a tough six months for Croatian tourism since Covid 19 swept into the Western hemisphere. Visitor numbers plummeted as cancellations rained down on flights, tours and accommodation.

Along with the rest of Europe, Croatia fought the coronavirus with lockdowns, social distancing and masks. Their efforts paid off. As of today, Croatia has suffered just short of 3000 cases of the virus since March 19 with 110 deaths, far fewer than other European countries.

Border Rules

Now the country is ready to open its borders to visitors while still aiming to protect the public against the virus. As of July 1, Croatia has implemented the following entrance policies:

• Residents and nationals of the EU, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and the Holy See.

May enter without restrictions but, in order shorten border waiting times, are advised to submit a form here: entercroatia.mup.hr/

• Residents and nationals of the Schengen Zone

May enter without restrictions but, in order shorten border waiting times, are advised to submit a form here: entercroatia.mup.hr/

• All other foreign nationals including Americans

May enter Croatia with a valid reason (business or tourism) and must provide proof of accommodation in any facility–camping, private accommodation, berth contract or reservation in a nautical port. It’s advisable to submit a form here: entercroatia.mup.hr/

UPDATE: New rules for travelers from the US and other non-EU countries:1)present a negative PCR result of a nasal and throat swab for SARS-Cov-2 at the border crossing point, which is not older than 48 hours (counting from the time of taking the swab to arriving at the border crossing point) or 2) A quarantine / self-isolation measure with health supervision for 14 days has been determined for these persons, with the possibility of shortening its duration to 7 days, if a person gets their nose and throat swabbed at their own expense seven days after entering Croatia and receives a negative PCR test result for SARS-CoV-2. https://mup.gov.hr/uzg-covid/english/286212

Find up-to-date information on entering Croatia at the Ministry of the Interior

Flights

European airlines are starting direct flights from European cities to Croatian destinations. Easyjet, British Airways, Croatia Airlines are just some of the carriers flying to Croatia this summer. Visitors from North America will have to fly into a gateway city in Europe to get to Croatia as there are no direct flights from North America to Croatia this year. Americans who would otherwise be barred from visiting EU countries are allowed to transit in a European airport while en route to Croatia.

While in Croatia

A leaflet provided upon arrival will give instructions on what to do if a visitor falls ill and Covid is suspected.

Masks are obligatory on all public transport throughout Croatia but there are no other restrictions. Bars, restaurants and sights are fully operational.

Tourism hotspot Dubrovnik will be finally free of cruise ship crowds and has cut the entrance price to its famous walls by 75%. It’s a bargain!

Stay abreast of all Covid developments at Croatia’s dedicated coronavirus website.