Croatia requires negative tests for ALL travellers from the UK
LATEST UPDATE As of 1st October, this requirement is no longer valid. Please see the latest news: Double vaccinated UK travellers to Croatia no longer need a negative test.
In effect from Monday 26th July, Croatia requires negative tests for all people travelling directly from the UK, Cyprus and Russia – regardless of whether you have been vaccinated or not, and regardless of whether you have had previously had covid.
Announced yesterday by the Croatian Institute for Public Health, this measure has been introduced due to the worsening epidemiological situation in these three countries due to the delta variant.
So, what sort of test do I need?
Here’s what we know so far.
According to this article from the Croatian online newspaper Index, you must provide either a negative PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours before travel or a negative rapid antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours.
This new ruling applies to everyone aged 12 and above.
The GOV.UK Foreign Office advice for Croatia has been updated to explain this new regulation.
Keep an eye on the official regulations published on the Ministry of the Interior website which should be updated soon.
What sort of rapid antigen tests are accepted?
The official guidelines are that such a 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. However, this lists manufacturers of such tests, not the companies offering the tests.
We would imagine that most companies offering private rapid antigen tests for travel that produce an official, signed certificate would be acceptable.
Check with your airline before travelling as many are offering deals on rapid antigen tests.
Can I use an NHS lateral flow at home test?
No, per the NHS website, these tests cannot be used for travel.
What about if I am a British citizen travelling from the EU?
Then the above does not apply. This new regulation is only for those travelling from the UK, Cyprus or Russia – regardless of citizenship. If you are a British citizen travelling from the EU, for example, then the previous regulations apply i.e. you can enter the country with proof of vaccination.
Other regulations
Don’t forget that all travellers travelling to Croatia from outside of the EU – which includes Brits – need to show proof of a paid accommodation booking in order to enter Croatia.
It is also advisable to fill out the Enter Croatia form before travel.
More info
Take a look at our Croatia Travel Restrictions 2021 and Visiting Croatia in Summer 2021 pages for more help in visiting Croatia this summer.