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Croatia Requires Negative Tests

Croatia requires negative tests for ALL travellers from the UK

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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.

Croatia requires negative tests

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.

Croatia is on England's travel green list

Croatia is on England’s travel green list!

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Announced last night and in effect from 4am on Monday 19th July, Croatia is on England’s travel green list! In actual fact, the country is being moved from the amber list to the ‘green watchlist’ which, rather confusingly (in our opinion) means it is ‘at risk of being moved from the green to amber list’.

What does this mean? Well, as of Monday, any travellers returning back to England from Croatia will not need to quarantine for 10 days. However, you will still need to obtain a covid test prior to returning to England AND also take a covid test on day two after your return.

Updated The latest UK travel update on 26th August saw Croatia remain on the green list, which is great news! Do note, however, that neighbouring Montenegro is on the red list from 4am, Monday 30th August – if you travel to Montenegro and then return to the UK you will need to enter paid hotel quarantine for 10 days.

Croatia is on England's travel green list

You keep mentioning England! What about travellers from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

At the present time, this refers to travellers from England only. However, according to BBC News, “the Scottish and Welsh governments said they will do the same, and Northern Ireland is expected to follow suit.”

Updated This ruling is now also in effect for travellers from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This all sounds great! What about regulations for entering Croatia?

British travellers are permitted to visit Croatia and have been allowed to do so since 1st April 2021. However, in order to enter Croatia, you must have one of the following:

  • a negative PCR test undertaken in the previous 72 hours or a rapid antigen test undertaken in the previous 48 hours (at the point of entry); if you are using a rapid antigen test, it must be one recognised by the EU, and the test name and manufacturer must be visible, and the test must be conducted by a healthcare facility/laboratory and signed or confirmed by a doctor
  • a vaccination certificate not older than 210 days showing you have received the second dose of a vaccine used in the EU more than 14 days before entry into Croatia (or a vaccination certificate showing you have received a single dose – in the case of single-dose vaccines – more than 14 days before entry into Croatia)
  • a certificate showing you have recovered from covid AND you have had one dose of a covid vaccine in the six months since recovering; your vaccine dose must have been administered in the previous 210 days before arrival in Croatia
  • a certificate showing you have previously been infected with covid and had a positive PCR or rapid antigen test result in the previous 180 days only (and valid from the 11th day after your positive test result)
  • children under the age of 12 do not need to provide one of the above, providing they are travelling with a parent/guardian
  • If you don’t have one of the above, you must obtain a PCR or rapid antigen test immediately after arriving in Croatia (at your own expense) and to isolate until you obtain a negative test result – if do not do this, you must isolate for a full 10 days

You can see full details of the regulations regarding enter Croatia on the Ministry of the Interior website.

As a non-EU citizen/resident, you will also need to show proof of a paid accommodation booking for Croatia.

It is also highly recommend that you fill out the form on the Enter Croatia website to help speed up your entry in the country.

Do also take a look at our Croatia Travel Restrictions 2021 for details of what the current local regulations are once you arrive in Croatia.

I guess it’s time to book my flights, then!

Our Visiting Croatia in Summer 2021 section will help! It details the latest travel advice and news – alongside the above travel regulations.

Updated Almost all flights due to operate this year from the UK & Ireland to Croatia are currently doing so – see our Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland page for full details.

Take a look at our Accommodation in Croatia section for hotels, apartments, villas, campsites and more all over the country!

How do I get tested in Croatia before returning back to England?

Please take a look at a list of test centres around the country on our Visiting Croatia in Summer 2021. Alternatively, once you’re in Croatia ask at the local tourist office and they will be able to help you.

It’s great that Croatia is on England’s travel green list, but what happens if it moves back to the amber list?

As of 19th July, all double-vaccinated travellers and under-18s from England will also not need to quarantine on returning home from an amber list destination. Again, travellers will need to obtain a covid test prior to their return AND another test on day two after returning.

So even if Croatia moves back onto the travel amber list, certain travellers will still not need to quarantine.

More information

For further information, please see the following:

Croatia Travel Restrictions

Croatia Travel Restrictions 2021

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If you’re planning on visiting the country in the next few months, there are certain Croatia travel restrictions that apply with regards to coronavirus – both for entering the country and regulations in place when here. We’ll take a look at how these will affect travellers and what you need to know!

Croatia Travel Restrictions 2021

Croatia Travel Restrictions 2021 – Entering Croatia

Croatia is open to tourists and welcomes them. (Normal visa restrictions apply, of course.)

NEW Visiting Croatia as a traveller from the UK, Cyprus, Russia or India

In effect from 26th July, ALL travellers (even if they are double-vaccinated) from these four countries must present proof of a negative PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours before entry into Croatia, or a negative rapid antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours before entry.

Visiting Croatia as a non-EU national/resident

If you are a non-EU national and travelling to Croatia from outside of the EU, in order to enter the country you must have one of the following:

  • a negative PCR test undertaken in the previous 72 hours or a rapid antigen test undertaken in the previous 48 hours (at the point of entry); if you are using a rapid antigen test, it must be one recognised by the EU, and the test name and manufacturer must be visible, and the test must be conducted by a healthcare facility/laboratory and signed or confirmed by a doctor
  • a vaccination certificate not older than 270 days showing you have received two doses of a vaccine more than 14 days before entry into Croatia (or a vaccination certificate not older than 270 days showing you have received a single dose – in the case of single-dose vaccines – more than 14 days before entry into Croatia)
  • a certificate showing you have recovered from covid AND you have had one dose of a covid vaccine in the eight months since recovering; your vaccine dose must have been administered in the previous 270 days before arrival in Croatia
  • a certificate showing you have previously been infected with covid and had a positive PCR or rapid antigen test result in the previous 270 days only (and valid from the 11th day after your positive test result)
  • if you don’t have one of the above, you must obtain a PCR or rapid antigen test immediately after arriving in Croatia (at your own expense) and to isolate until you obtain a negative test result – if do not do this, you must isolate for a full 10 days

According to the Ministry of the Interior, non-EU/third-country nationals (which UK citizens now are!) can visit if you are:

  • travelling for tourist reasons and have a certificate of paid accommodation in a hotel, camp, private renter or rented vessel and other forms of tourist accommodation
  • HOWEVER, please note that this requirement now no longer exists for travellers from the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Heregovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macao, Montenegro, Moldova, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, USA

Travelling to Croatia from the EU

If you are travelling to Croatia from the EU – as an EU citizen or otherwise – as of 1st July you can enter Croatia with an EU Digital Covid Certificate.

If you do not have one yet, you must present one of the following at the border:

  • a negative PCR test undertaken in the previous 72 hours or a rapid antigen test undertaken in the previous 48 hours (at the point of entry); if you are using a rapid antigen test, it must be one recognised by the EU, and the test name and manufacturer must be visible, and the test must be conducted by a healthcare facility/laboratory and signed or confirmed by a doctor
  • a vaccination certificate not older than 270 days showing you have received both doses of a vaccine in use in the EU (Pfizer, Moderna, AstaZeneca, Gamaleya, Sinopharm) or a vaccination certificate not older than 270 days showing you have received a single dose (Janssen/Johnson&Johnson) – in the case of single-dose vaccines – and 14 days has passed since that single dose
  • a vaccination certificate showing you have received the first dose of the Pfizer, Moderna or Gamaleya vaccine, on the basis of which you can enter 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
  • a certificate showing you have recovered from covid AND you have had one dose of a covid vaccine in the eight months since recovering; your vaccine dose must have been administered in the previous 270 days before arrival in Croatia
  • a certificate showing you have previously been infected with covid and had a positive PCR or rapid antigen test result in the previous 270 days only (and valid from the 11th day after your positive test result)

If you don’t have one of the above, again:

  • you must obtain a PCR or rapid antigen test immediately after arriving in Croatia (at your own expense) and to isolate until you obtain a negative test result – if do not do this, you must isolate for a full 10 days

Children Travelling to Croatia

Children under the age of 12 who are travelling accompanied by a parent or guardian are exempt from having to provide a negative test result (or to self-isolate) providing their parent or guardian adheres to the above entry regulations.

14-day self-isolation requirement for some countries

Citizens of South Africa, Brazil and Zanzibar (Tanzania) must show proof of a negative PCR test undertaken in the previous 48 hours AND must also isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Croatia. (The isolation period can be shortened if a PCR test – at your own expense – is taken on day 7 at an authorised testing facility.)

As of 26th July, India is no longer on this list so travellers from India do not need to quarantine upon arrival in Croatia. However, travellers from India must show proof of anegative PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours before entry into Croatia, or a negative rapid antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours before entry.

Enter Croatia

It is highly recommended that you fill out the online form on the Enter Croatia website in order to speed up your entry into the country.

To recap – Croatia travel restrictions: what you need to know

If you are travelling to Croatia from the EU/EEA, you can enter with:

  • an EU Digital Covid Certificate
  • OR – if you do not have one yet – then a negative PCR or rapid antigen test; OR a certificate showing both doses of a covid vaccine; OR a certificate showing you have had covid AND have had one vaccine dose in the six months since recovering; OR proof of having had covid in the past 180 days

If you are travelling from outside the EU/EEA, you must have:

  • a negative PCR or rapid antigen test; OR a certificate showing both doses of a covid vaccine; OR proof of having had covid in the past 180 days
  • AND proof of a paid accommodation booking UNLESS you are travelling from certain countries as mentioned above

If you are travelling from the UK, Russia, Cyprus or India from 26th July 2021, you must have:

  • a negative PCR or rapid antigen test (regardless of your vaccination status)
  • AND proof of a paid accommodation booking

Croatia Travel Restrictions 2021 – In Croatia

As of 28th May 2021, covid-related restrictions in Croatia are to be relaxed somewhat. These new measures mean that:

  • Updated As of 1st September 2021, cafes are permitted to serve guests indoors as well as on their outdoor terraces
  • Updated late July 2021 Public gatherings are now limited to 50 people aside from gatherings of up to 1,000 people where all participants must show proof of vaccination/negative test/recovery from covid
  • Cafes (and bakeries, and similar catering facilities) are now allowed to serve customers until midnight, although only outdoors
  • Public gatherings can now run until midnight
  • Restaurants and catering facilities will now be able to serve customers in indoor spaces. Cafes and pubs will also be able to serve customers indoors, providing they have facilities for serving food
  • Catering establishments can work from 6am to 11pm
  • The limit on passenger numbers on public transport (previously only 40% of capacity allowed) has been lifted
  • Alcohol can be sold from 6am to 11pm
  • Casinos are permitted to open from 8am to 11pm
  • Bakeries are allowed to operate until 11pm
  • Indoor playrooms are permitted to open
  • The limit of 100 people at private gatherings has been lifted
  • Public gatherings can run until 11pm
  • Weddings can have 120 guests, although guests must either have had both doses of the vaccine, have previously had covid or tested negative for covid in the previous 48 hours
  • Funerals will no longer have a restriction on the number of people attending

Masks must still be worn in public (and indoors) in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Visiting Croatia in Summer 2021

Now that you’ve got up to speed on Croatia travel restrictions, take a look at our Visiting Croatia in Summer 2021 section for plenty of helpful travel advice and tips.

Island Hopping in Croatia by Car

Travel Question: Island-Hopping in Croatia by Car

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Hope this message finds you well. I am contacting you since I am planning to travel to Croatia in July.  Preparing for the trip, I am planning to visit the islands. The idea is to travel from Split to Brac, from there to Hvar, from Hvar to Korcula and follow to Orebic in order to finish in Dubrovnik. 

Island Hopping in Croatia by Car

Looking for the ferry lines I am not sure if travelling by car will be possible, visiting all the islands using ferries between them. 

Could you please help me with this? It will be great to have the ferry line company connections. I see a lot of catamarans but not sure about the car. 

Regarding the option of leaving the car in Split, and then using catamarans for foot passenger transportation, so it is possible for us to do: Split – Brac – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik, using foot passenger catamarans? If yes, that seems a great alternative. 

When visiting the islands, do you know if it is an extended option to hire a motorbike, quad or similar on each island? That will help us to have more mobility. We did something similar in Greece and if yes, that’s everything solved. 

Thanks in advance for your time.

U.

Yes, what you have found is correct – there are very, very few car ferries that travel from island to island, making island hopping in Croatia by car a little tricky. For the region you’re visiting, you can see what car ferries exist on this Jadrolinija map (the car ferries being shown in blue), the company that operates them.

If you were using foot-passenger only catamarans then yes, you would be able to hop Split – Brac – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik.

If you do want to visit the different islands you mention with a car, you will almost always have to return to the mainland after each island e.g. Split to Supetar on Brac, then back to Split; then Split to Stari Grad on Hvar, then either back to Split to go to Vela Luka on Korcula OR drive to eastern Hvar (Sucuraj) to take the ferry to Drvenik and then drive down the coast and up the Peljesac Peninsula to get the car ferry from Orebic to Korcula.

It obviously depends how much time you have for your trip overall as to whether you’d mind this extra travel time (going back to the mainland after each island).

(Note: the above regarding car ferries has been the case for the past few years, it is nothing to do with the coronavirus pandemic.)

From this year, it is now possible to make a booking for a car ferry for a particular time (before you were not guaranteed a time on the day of travel) for some car ferry routes. However, in peak summer, it is still advisable to get to the port 60 minutes before departure time.

So I would suggest to you to consider how much exploring by car you wish to do on each island – do you really need a car for all of them? Perhaps you could visit some islands on a day (or two) trip from Split / another island by catamaran and leave your car behind? Or not rent a car initially, do some day (or two) trips and then return to Split and rent a car for the second half/part of your trip?

Yes, you can definitely do Split – Brac – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik by catamaran. Jadrolinija basically does this exact line – timetable here.

Alternatively, Kapetan Luka has a catamaran that sails Split – Milna (Brac) – Hvar Town – Korcula Town – Pomena (Mljet) – Dubrovnik, timetable here.

Best islands in Croatia - Korcula

You can of course use the different catamarans AND utilise others too – for example, Jadrolinija have another Split – Bol catamaran (timetable here) that you may prefer to use for that portion of your journey, maybe it departs at a slightly better time for you. 

There is no “flexi-ticket”, “hop-on/hop-off ticket” for these long-range catamarans or similar – you will need to buy tickets for each leg that you do. So this is why it does not matter if you e.g. do Split to Bol to Hvar with Jadrolinija, then Hvar to Korcula with Kapetan Luka, then Korcula to Dubrovnik with Jadrolinija again.

What I would suggest is that you go on both companies’ websites and look up timetables via their ‘book tickets’ facility and then see what catamarans are the most suitable for you.

Just to confuse matters a bit more 🙂 there is also a company called TP Line that operates a Korcula – Dubrovnik catamaran in July and August that you could also use. (Timetable here.)

To answer your other questions – yes, you would definitely be able to hire (more likely) a moped, bike or even a small car on each island to explore for a few hours/a day. Some locations would offer a quad bike e.g. this company on Brac.

Enjoy your island adventures in Croatia!

Coronavirus cases in Croatia

Coronavirus Cases in Croatia – Spring 2021 Update

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Now that we are in spring 2021, we thought we would start a new post on the rate of coronavirus cases in Croatia, as well as the new restrictions in the country – or rather (fingers crossed!), the lifting of them and any other relevant news.

To see our previous posts on this subject, take a look at Coronavirus Situation in Croatia (updated since November 2020) and Coronavirus in Croatia (updated since March 2020).

NEW Please see our Visiting Croatia in Summer 2021 section for all the latest news on visiting the country this summer.

Coronavirus cases in Croatia

Coronavirus Situation in Croatia

NOTE As we are very much out of spring, we will stop updating these statistics here. Do see the Koronavirus.hr website for numbers published daily.

Latest update Today, 16th July 2021, 131 new cases have been announced. There are presently 685 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Zadar county (157 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (129 active cases) and then the City of Zagreb (70 active cases). Sadly, there have been 8,233 deaths in total in Croatia.

Update Today, 6th July 2021, 96 new cases have been announced. There are presently 528 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Zadar county (148 active cases), followed by Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (102 active cases) and then the City of Zagreb (62 active cases). Sadly, there have been 8,221 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 25th June 2021, 118 new cases have been announced. There are presently 552 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Zadar county (157 active cases), followed by Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (58 active cases) and then the City of Zagreb (47 active cases). Sadly, there have been 8,196 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 18th June 2021, 113 new cases have been announced. There are presently 700 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (121 active cases), followed by Zadar county (90 active cases) and then Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (67 active cases). Sadly, there have been 8,091 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 15th June 2021, 96 new cases have been announced. There are presently 767 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (172 active cases), followed by Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (79 active cases) and then Varazdin county (75 active cases). Sadly, there have been 8,091 deaths in total in Croatia.

Update Today, 7th June 2021, 43 new cases have been announced. There are presently 1,243 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (354 active cases), followed by Zagreb county (150 active cases) and then Varazdin county (149 active cases). Sadly, there have been 8,091 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 25th May 2021, 323 new cases have been announced. There are presently 3,019 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (807 active cases), followed by Zagreb county (312 active cases) and then Varazdin county (276 active cases). Sadly, there have been 7,950 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 21st May 2021, 525 new cases have been announced. There are presently 4,633 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (1,242 active cases), followed by Zagreb county (503 active cases) and then Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (386 active cases). Sadly, there have been 7,856 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 18th May 2021, 491 new cases have been announced. There are presently 4,871 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (1,318 active cases), followed by Zagreb county (501 active cases) and then Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (449 active cases). Sadly, there have been 7,765 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 11th May 2021, 876 new cases have been announced. There are presently 7,745 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (1,979 active cases), followed by Zagreb county (848 active cases) and then Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (712 active cases). Sadly, there have been 7,549 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 7th May 2021, 1,435 new cases have been announced. There are presently 11,265 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (2,839 active cases), followed by Zagreb county (1,269 active cases) and then Split-Dalmatia county (1,077 active cases). Sadly, there have been 7,388 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 29th April 2021, 2,439 new cases have been announced. There are presently 14,878 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,273 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (1,751 active cases) and then Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (1,630 active cases). Sadly, there have been 7,001 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 23rd April 2021, 2,529 new cases have been announced. There are presently 16,168 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,456 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,110 active cases) and then Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (1,935 active cases). Sadly, there have been 6,784 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 19th April 2021, 410 new cases have been announced. There are presently 13,812 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (2,961 active cases), followed by Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (1,932 active cases) and then Split-Dalmatia county (1,842 active cases). Sadly, there have been 6,601 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 14th April 2021, 3,099 new cases have been announced. There are presently 13,880 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (2,998 active cases), followed by Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (2,154 active cases) and then Split-Dalmatia county (1,992 active cases). Sadly, there have been 6,399 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 1st April 2021, 2,422 new cases have been announced. There are presently 12,448 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (2,454 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,229 active cases), and then the City of Zagreb (2,135 cases). Sadly, there have been 5,967 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 24th March 2021, 1,891 new cases have been announced. There are presently 7,600 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (1,607 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (1,326 active cases), and then the City of Zagreb (1,206 cases). Sadly, there have been 5,828 deaths in total in Croatia. There has been a 32% increase in cases in one week.

Updated Today, 16th March 2021, 691 new cases have been announced. There are presently 4,475 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (848 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (738 active cases), and then the City of Zagreb (644 cases). Sadly, there have been 5,697 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 10th March 2021, 962 new cases have been announced. There are presently 3,981 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Split-Dalmatia county (716 active cases), followed by Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (586 active cases) and then the City of Zagreb (513 cases). Sadly, there have been 5,625 deaths in total in Croatia. This presents about a 25% increase on the number of cases from last week.

Updated Today, 2nd March 2021, 394 new cases have been announced. There are presently 2,893 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Split-Dalmatia county (489 active cases), followed by the City of Zagreb (391 cases) and Dubrovnik-Neretva county (304 active cases). Sadly, there have been 5,548 deaths in total in Croatia. There was a definite downward trend in coronavirus cases in Croatia up to about mid-February, although since then there has been a slight increase.

News and data on coronavirus Cases in Croatia

The Koronavirus.hr website (in English) publishes daily updates about new case numbers in the country at around 11am each day (Croatian time). That same website also displays a map that shows active cases by county, as well as the total number of cases since the pandemic began.

To compare Croatia’s figures to the rest of the EU, take a look at the website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). This website shows the 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 for all EU countries.

Coronavirus vaccinations in Croatia

Latest update As of 5th July, 1,511,987 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 1,175,528 have received both doses. This means that 45% of the adult population (or 37.3% of the total population) of Croatia have received the first dose of the vaccine. The county with the highest rate of vaccination is the City of Zagreb with 43.4% of the total population receiving their first dose (32.4% receiving both doses) whilst the lowest rate is in Sibenik-Knin county with 30.5% of the population receiving their first dose (25.5% receiving both doses). You can see the rate of vaccination in Croatia compared to other European countries on the Our World in Health website.

Updated As of 25th June, 1,467,772 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 1,000,279 have received both doses. Additionally, 19,281 people have received a single dose vaccine. This means that in total, 30.4% of the adult population of Croatia have been fully vaccinated, whilst 43.7% of the adult population have received a first dose of a vaccine.

Updated As of 15th June, 1,435,788 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 836,456 have received both doses.

Updated As of 15th June, 1,419,924 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 744,950 have received both doses.

Update As of 7th June, 1,338,154 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 565,519 have received both doses. This means that just over 40% of the adult population of Croatia have received the first dose of the vaccine, with around 17% having received both doses.

Updated As of 25th May, 1,195,088 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 410,199 have received both doses.

Updated As of 21st May, 1,149,941 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 357,412 have received both doses. Furthermore, on Thursday 20th May, 57,184 vaccine doses were given out, a new record.

Updated As of 18th May, 1,052,032 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 317,937 have received both doses.

Updated As of 15th May, over 1 million people (about 30% of the adult population) in Croatia have received the first dose of the vaccine.

Updated As of 8th May, 835,320 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 243,440 have received both doses. This means that 25% of the adult population of Croatia has received the first dose, with 6% having received both doses.

Updated As of 7th May, 796,909 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 228,792 have received both doses.

Updated As of 23rd April, 438,706 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 152,906 have received both doses. (A further 2,360 have received the vaccination, but it unknown which dose this was.)

Updated As of 19th April, 412,143 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 139,647 have received both doses. (A further 2,093 have received the vaccination, but it unknown which dose this was.)

Updated As of 1st April, 296,411 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 89,313 have received both doses. (A further 1,462 have received the vaccination, but it unknown which dose this was.)

Updated As of 21st March, 232,000 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 79,000 have received both doses.

As of 1st March 2021, just over 150,000 people in Croatia have received the first dose of a vaccine against coronavirus. There has been a delay in people receiving the vaccine due to supply (as with other countries in the EU).

Border Restrictions for Croatia

NEW Please see our Visiting Croatia in Summer 2021 section for all the latest news on visiting the country this summer.

The main regulations (which you can see on the Ministry of the Interior website), state that you can enter Croatia if you have one of the following:

  • As of 1st July, if you are an EU citizen or travelling from the EU, you can enter Croatia with an EU Digital Covid Certificate.

Otherwise, if you do not yet have an EU Digital Certificate but are travelling from the EU you must have one of the following:

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  • a negative PCR test undertaken in the previous 72 hours or a rapid antigen test undertaken in the previous 48 hours (at the point of entry); if you are using a rapid antigen test, it must be one recognised by the EU, and the test name and manufacturer must be visible, and the test must be conducted by a healthcare facility/laboratory and signed or confirmed by a doctor
  • a vaccination certificate not older than 270 days showing you have received both doses of a vaccine in use in the EU (Pfizer, Moderna, AstaZeneca, Gamaleya, Sinopharm) or a vaccination certificate not older than 270 days showing you have received a single dose (Janssen/Johnson&Johnson) – in the case of single-dose vaccines – and 14 days has passed since that single dose
  • a vaccination certificate showing you have received the first dose of the Pfizer, Moderna or Gamaleya vaccine, on the basis of which you can enter 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
  • a certificate showing you have recovered from covid AND you have had one dose of a covid vaccine in the eight months since recovering; your vaccine dose must have been administered in the previous 270 days before arrival in Croatia
  • a certificate showing you have previously been infected with covid and had a positive PCR or rapid antigen test result in the previous 270 days only (and valid from the 11th day after your positive test result)
  • if you don’t have one of the above, you must obtain a PCR or rapid antigen test immediately after arriving in Croatia (at your own expense) and to isolate until you obtain a negative test result – if do not do this, you must isolate for 10 days

If you are travelling to Croatia from outside of the EU, you must have one of the following:

  • a negative PCR test undertaken in the previous 72 hours or a rapid antigen test undertaken in the previous 48 hours (at the point of entry); if you are using a rapid antigen test, it must be one recognised by the EU, and the test name and manufacturer must be visible, and the test must be conducted by a healthcare facility/laboratory and signed or confirmed by a doctor
  • a vaccination certificate not older than 270 days showing you have received two doses of a vaccine more than 14 days before entry into Croatia (or a vaccination certificate not older than 270 days showing you have received a single dose – in the case of single-dose vaccines – more than 14 days before entry into Croatia)
  • a certificate showing you have recovered from covid AND you have had one dose of a covid vaccine in the eight months since recovering; your vaccine dose must have been administered in the previous 270 days before arrival in Croatia
  • a certificate showing you have previously been infected with covid and had a positive PCR or rapid antigen test result in the previous 270 days only (and valid from the 11th day after your positive test result)
  • if you don’t have one of the above, you must obtain a PCR or rapid antigen test immediately after arriving in Croatia (at your own expense) and to isolate until you obtain a negative test result – if do not do this, you must isolate for a full 10 days

ALL children under the age of 12 who are travelling accompanied by a parent or guardian are exempt from having to provide a negative test result (or to self-isolate) providing their parent or guardian adheres to the above entry regulations.

As of 26th July,ALL travellers (even if they are double-vaccinated) from the UK, Cyprus, Russia and India must present proof of a negative PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours before entry into Croatia, or a negative rapid antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours before entry.

If you are a third-country national, you must also adhere to the above regulations. Third-country nationals (which UK citizens now are!) are permitted to visit if you are:

  • travelling for tourist reasons and have proof of a paid accommodation booking in a hotel, camp, private renter or rented vessel and other forms of tourist accommodation
  • HOWEVER, please note that this requirement now no longer exists for travellers from the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Heregovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macao, Montenegro, Moldova, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, USA

Citizens of South Africa, Brazil and Zanzibar (Tanzania) must show proof of a negative PCR test undertaken in the previous 48 hours AND must also isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Croatia. (The isolation period can be shortened if a PCR test – at your own expense – is taken on day 7 at an authorised testing facility.)

There are some exceptions to the above rules (eg. healthcare workers do not need to present a negative test etc). To see all regulations regarding entry into Croatia, take a look at the Ministry of the Interior website.

Current Restrictions in Croatia

The rules on covid-related restrictions in Croatia changed as of 28th May. Please see our post on Croatia Travel Restrictions 2021 to see these.

Croatia in Summer 2021

Visiting Croatia in Summer 2021

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Here, we’ll bring together the latest information – updated regularly – about visiting Croatia in summer 2021, with flight and holiday news, travel and local restrictions (and the lifting of these) and more.

Croatia in summer 2021

Travel Restrictions in Summer 2021

There are two parts to this story – restrictions on foreign travel by your own country, and restrictions in place for Croatia.

For example, as it stands for the UK, holidays abroad should be allowed from 17th May. (See Covid: When can I go on holiday in the UK or travel abroad?, BBC News, 23rd February 2021) But it is unknown at the moment what and if any kind of quarantine will be required when returning to the UK.

Latest update The latest UK travel update on 26th August saw Croatia remain on the green list, which is great news! Do note, however, that neighbouring Montenegro is on the red list from 4am, Monday 30th August – if you travel to Montenegro and then return to the UK you will need to enter paid hotel quarantine for 10 days.

Updated Announced on 14th July and coming into effect at 4am on 19th July, Croatia has been be placed on England’s travel green list! This means that all travellers returning from Croatia to England do not need to quarantine for 10 days.

Updated From 19th July, fully vaccinated travellers from England (and children under 18 years of age) will not need to quarantine when returning from amber list countries, which Croatia still is. However, covid tests before and after returning to England will be required.

Updated As it stands on 24th June, Croatia remains on the UK amber travel list.

Updated As it stands on 8th June, Croatia remains on the UK amber travel list. There appears to be little movement week by week with new countries making it on to the green list.

Updated The UK is indeed allowing people to travel abroad for holidays from 17th May. The UK has also announced which countries are on its green light travel list…and Croatia is not presently one of them. That means that anyone travelling to Croatia for a holiday would need to self-isolate for 10 days at home on their return. (It is possible to “test to release” on day 5 of your return.)

Updated The UK is now suggesting that people can think about booking summer holidays. The earliest date that people could travel abroad is the 17th May. There is to be a traffic light system with countries designed as green, amber and red; the different colours indicate what UK travellers will need to do (not isolate, isolate at home, or isolate in a hotel) upon returning home. The first list of countries and the ‘traffic light’ that they will be is to be announced on 10th May.

Border Entry Regulations for Croatia

New regulations on entering Croatia were introduced as of 1st April.

NEW Visiting Croatia as a traveller from the UK, Cyprus, Russia or India

In effect from 26th July, ALL travellers (even if they are double-vaccinated) from these four countries must present proof of a negative PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours before entry into Croatia, or a negative rapid antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours before entry. This is due to the worsening epidemiological situation in those countries.

Additionally, as of 1st July, EU citizens/those travelling from the EU can enter Croatia with an EU Digital Covid Certificate.

For EU/EEA nationals and non-EU nationals if they are travelling from the EU/EEA who do not have an EU Digital Covid Certificate yet AND for third-country nationals, you must have one of the following:

  • a negative PCR test undertaken in the previous 72 hours or a rapid antigen test undertaken in the previous 48 hours (at the point of entry); if you are using a rapid antigen test, it must be one recognised by the EU, and the test name and manufacturer must be visible, and the test must be conducted by a healthcare facility/laboratory and signed or confirmed by a doctor
  • a vaccination certificate not older than 270 days showing you have received the second dose of a vaccine more than 14 days before entry into Croatia (or a vaccination certificate not older than 270 days showing you have received a single dose – in the case of single-dose vaccines – more than 14 days before entry into Croatia)
  • a certificate showing you have recovered from covid AND you have had one dose of a covid vaccine in the eight months since recovering; your vaccine dose must have been administered in the previous 270 days before arrival in Croatia
  • a certificate showing you have previously been infected with covid and had a positive PCR or rapid antigen test result in the previous 270 days only (and valid from on the 11th day after your positive test result)
  • if you are travelling from the EU, a vaccination certificate showing you have received the first dose of the Pfizer, Moderna or Gamaleya vaccine, on the basis of which you can enter 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
  • if you don’t have one of the above, you must obtain a PCR or rapid antigen test immediately after arriving in Croatia (at your own expense) and to isolate until you obtain a negative test result – if do not do this, you must isolate for 10 days
  • Children under the age of 12 who are travelling accompanied by a parent or guardian are exempt from having to provide a negative test result (or to self isolate) providing their parent or guardian adheres to above entry regulations

Third-country nationals (which UK citizens now are!) can visit if you are:

  • travelling for tourist reasons and have confirmation of a paid accommodation booking in a hotel, camp, private renter or rented vessel and other forms of tourist accommodation
  • HOWEVER, please note that this paid accommodation booking proof requirement now no longer exists for travellers from the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Heregovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macao, Montenegro, Moldova, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, USA

Citizens of South Africa, Brazil and Zanzibar (Tanzania) must show proof of a negative PCR test undertaken in the previous 48 hours AND must also isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Croatia. (The isolation period can be shortened if a PCR test – at your own expense – is taken on day 7 at an authorised testing facility.)

Updated A meeting between the Croatian Minister of Tourism and Sports, Nikolina Brnjac, and the British Ambassador to Croatia, Andrew Dalgleish, saw Ms Brnjac state that Croatia “would be ready to receive tourists from the UK as soon as epidemiological rules in their home country allow it”. (See: When can I visit Croatia? Latest news as the country promises to welcome Britons by May, Daily Telegraph, 19th March 2021) This would suggest UK citizens could visit Croatia from 17th May.

Will any kind of ‘vaccination passport’ be in place for Croatia? There has not been any firm confirmation on this either way, but it is thought that Croatia is reluctant to introduce this. (Again, to encourage holidaymakers to visit.)

Updated The EU – of which Croatia is, of course, a member – looks set to introduce digital travel certificates for its citizens this summer. The UK is still considering whether or not to do the same.

Local Restrictions in Croatia

As of 28th May, new regulations have come into effect in Croatia. You can read about these on our Croatia Travel Restrictions 2021 page.

Covid Test Centres in Croatia

Should you need to obtain a PCR or rapid antigen test when in Croatia, you can see a list of test centres on the Koronavirus website. This website details the locations of test centres all over the country, including in towns and cities such as Zagreb, Split, Zadar, Pula, Rovinj and Dubrovnik. The page also shows how to book these test and how much they cost.

Test centres in Croatia:

The KoronaTestiranje website shows a map of testing centres all over Croatia, along with contact and booking details and prices.

Flights to Croatia Summer 2021

The vast majority of flights from the UK & Ireland to Croatia that usually operate each year are planned to do so again for summer 2021. The start of the operating timetable for some routes has been pushed back – e.g. instead of flights starting at the end of March/early April, they will do so in May/June. This is to be expected, really, as foreign travel in spring and Easter time – normally a popular time of year to go away – is not yet permitted. (Foreign travel from the UK is expected to be allowed from 17th May.)

Newest update As of the week beginning 9th August almost all flights scheduled to operate this summer from the UK & Ireland to Croatia have commenced. For the full timetable, see our Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland page.

Updated Delta has also announced a brand transatlantic route for summer 2021, from New York-JFK Airport to Dubrovnik. The route will start on 2nd July, operating four times a week (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays). With United’s flights below, this now means Dubrovnik will be connected to New York with 7 flights a week this summer!

Updated United has announced a brand new transatlantic route for summer 2021, from New York-Newark Airport direct to Dubrovnik. Flights will commence on 8th July, operating three times a week (on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays) until 3rd October.

Updated Ryanair has announced new routes for summer 2021 – from Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh to Zadar. (They will also have a new, daily route from London Stansted to Zagreb from 1st September.)

There are also plenty of flights operating from elsewhere in Europe to Croatia in summer 2021. See our Getting to Zagreb, Getting to Split, Getting to Dubrovnik, Getting to Istria, Getting to the Kvarner Riviera and Getting to North Dalmatia pages for more details.

For flights from further afield…there’s bad news, unfortunately. Although more and more transcontinental routes direct to Croatia – from the Middle East, Asia and North America – emerged, pre-pandemic, the majority have been cancelled for 2021. We hope to see them resume in future.

Croatia Travel Updates

Here is some information related to travelling to or in Croatia that visitors may find helpful for summer 2021.

Latest update Jadrolinija will continue to operate its popular coastal catamaran (Split – Bol – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik) until 20th September 2021.

Updated Kapetan Luka is the new operator of the Pula – Unije – Susak – Mali Losinj – Ilovik – Silba – Zadar line (taking over from Catamaran Line).

Updated Kapetan Luka has also cancelled their Split – Hvar – Korcula route for 2021.

Updated Kapetan Luka‘s second coastal catamaran, sailing Split – Bol – Makarska – Korcula – Sobra – Dubrovnik, has been cancelled for 2021.

Updated The start of Jadrolinija‘s international route from Ancona to Zadar has been postponed until 21st July.

Updated Kapetan Luka‘s other coastal catamaran travelling Split – Bol – Makarska – Korcula – Sobra – Dubrovnik will start operating from 5th July.

Updated Jadrolinija‘s coastal catamaran that sails Split – Bol – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik will start operating from 25th June.

Updated Kapetan Luka‘s popular coastal catamaran travelling Split – Milna – Hvar – Korcula – Pomena – Dubrovnik is now due to start operating on 15th May 2021 instead of from early April.

Updated Croatia is to subsidise (by 50%) the cost of covid tests for tourists and those who need to get tested once in the country. Additionally, in Zagreb, special testing centres have been set up for visitors – you can find more info on the Zagreb Tourist Board website.

Updated Jadrolinija has announced that passengers can make changes to their tickets on international sailings (Ancona – Zadar, Ancona – Split and Bari – Dubrovnik) for free up to one day before the sailing date. Tickets can be rebooked onto another sailing within the next 12 months.

Updated Jadrolinija has also announced that those who purchase tickets on certain car ferry lines now WILL have a guaranteed reservation at a particular time – even in summer. (Previously, a ticket did not guarantee a sailing time on the date booked, and travellers still needed to queue up at the port several hours beforehand.) You can see the full list of lines this applies to on Jadrolinija‘s website; in summer, you do still need to be at the port 60 minutes prior to departure.

Booking Holidays to Croatia for Summer 2021

Many tour operators and holiday companies seem to be operating “full steam ahead” when it comes to selling holidays for summer 2021 – for Croatia, and elsewhere! That’s understandable from their perspective, but we would always advise making sure you have comprehensive travel insurance in place should you need to re-arrange or cancel your holiday. (Either due to illness or due to changes in rules on travelling.)

Travelling to Neighbouring Countries from Croatia

Please check the entry requirements of countries such as Bosnia & Hercegovina or Montenegro if you plan on making day trips (or longer stays) into them from Croatia. Do note, however, that as of 4am on 30th August 2021, Montenegro is on the UK’s red list.

Other Info

If you’re visiting Croatia in summer 2021 from the UK, make sure you check out our advice on Visiting Croatia Post Brexit to see what changes there now are seeing as the UK has left the EU!

Happy travels for 2021, everyone, and do keep safe!

Croatia Post Brexit

Visiting Croatia Post Brexit in 2021

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We are here – over four and a half years after Britain voted to leave the EU, the country is finally, officially, no-going-back-now, doing it. (Well, it actually officially left in January 2020 but what with the transition period to the end of the year, there wasn’t much of a difference.) But what does Britain leaving the EU mean for Brits travelling to Croatia in 2021? Here we’ll a look at the changes to visiting Croatia post Brexit.

Croatia Post Brexit

Entering Croatia Post Brexit

Updated Please see that latest entry conditions for Croatia for ‘third-country nationals’ (i.e. non EU citizens/residents) or our Croatia Travel Restrictions 2021 page.

Immigration/Passport Control

Don’t forget that when you’re entering Croatia or any other EU country, British travellers can no longer use the EU/EEA queue at passport control. 🙁

EU Visa Waiver

The EU will be introducing its own visa waiver programme (much the same as the one for visiting the U.S.) in 2022. Named ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorisation System – British travellers will need to apply for this visa waiver before visiting Croatia and the EU once the system is up and running.

Passports

From 1st January 2021, British travellers will need to have six months left on their passports when travelling to the EU, Croatia included. Do make sure that your passport is not due to expire in the next six months if you’re travelling to Croatia/the EU.

You passport does also need to have been issued within the last ten years.

Length of stay in Croatia

When visiting the EU post Brexit, British travellers will only be able to stay for 90 days in any 180 day period in the Schengen Zone.

This is very relevant in the case of Croatia as – although, of course, the country is part of the EU – it is not yet part of the Schengen Zone. (Although is inching ever closer to joining!) But just like for the Schengen Zone, British travellers will be permitted to spend 90 days in any 180 day period in Croatia.

That means, as it stands, British travellers could spend 90 days in Croatia and then still spend another 90 days in the Schengen Zone. And, technically, you could then return to Croatia for another 90 days, and then back to the Schengen Zone for another 90 days…

Driving in Croatia Post Brexit

Driving Licenses

Updated You now do not need to hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Croatia or the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Lichtenstein. You can confirm this on the GOV.UK website.

British travellers will be required to obtain an International Driving Permit in order to hire a car in the EU, including in Croatia. These can be easily obtained from your local Post Office and cost £5.50.

Green Card

You will need to obtain a ‘green card’ from your motor insurer if you are intending to visit Croatia with your own vehicle. This green card shows that you have the minimum level of motor insurance for your vehicle.

Croatia Post Brexit - Slovenia/Croatia Border
The border between Slovenia and Croatia

EHICs and Travel Insurance

Updated EHICs remain valid until their expiry date. So if yours is still valid, you can still ‘use’ it when visiting the EU.

Updated Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) will replace EHICs for UK citizens. If your EHIC has already expired (or you don’t have one), you can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website.

From 1st January 2021, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will no longer be valid for British travellers to Croatia and the rest of the EU.

Please make sure you obtain appropriate travel insurance (which you should really have been doing anyway) before travelling to Croatia.

Data roaming

British travellers may no longer enjoy free data roaming in the EU from 1st January 2021. *sound of thousands of Instagrammers crying*

However, you should really contact your mobile phone provider to find out what charges (if any) are applicable for phone and data use for you in the EU from 1st January 2021.

Customs Restrictions

When returning from Croatia, an EU country, to the UK you are now limited as to the amount of goods you can bring back. There is a limit on personal goods worth £390, as well as additional limits on alcohol and tobacco. You can see these limits on the GOV.UK website. Any amount above these allowances must be declared.

Travelling with Pets

Those travelling with pets to Croatia or the EU need to obtain an animal health certificate (instead of a pet passport) before heading off. You can find out more information on this on the GOV.UK website.

More Information on Visiting the EU and Croatia Post Brexit

The British government has its own guide to Visiting Europe from 1 January 2021. Take a look there to find out more information on travelling to the EU, or if you’re a British national living in the EU.

Coronavirus Situation in Croatia

Coronavirus Situation in Croatia – Autumn Update

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Here we are, already in November 2020 now in 2021, and it seems that the coronavirus pandemic that many hoped would be over or more manageable by summer has certainly reached its second wave – and how. Many countries in Europe and beyond are experiencing huge leaps in daily case numbers and are undergoing new measures, be that lockdowns or more. We wrote up a post in March 2020 about the coronavirus situation in Croatia (as well as advice for Visiting Croatia in Summer 2020, based on covid-related travel restrictions). However, rather than continue to update those older posts, we feel it’s now wiser to write another piece based on the situation in Croatia today. We will continue to update this post regularly.

Coronavirus Situation in Croatia
Photo by Adam Nieścioruk on Unsplash

Coronavirus Situation in Croatia

Latest update Today, 25th February 2021, 544 new cases have been announced. There are presently 2,933 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Split-Dalmatia county (542 cases), followed by the City of Zagreb (475 cases) and Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (240 active cases). Sadly, there have been 5,489 deaths in total in Croatia. Although there was a downward trend in case numbers until about a week ago, the past few days have seen a bit of a jump again.

Updated Today, 16th February 2021, 274 new cases have been announced. There are presently 1,959 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Split-Dalmatia county (354 cases), followed by the City of Zagreb (291 cases) and Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (196 active cases). Sadly, there have been 5,357 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 9th February 2021, 283 new cases have been announced. There are presently 2,329 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Split-Dalmatia county (505 cases), followed by the City of Zagreb (307 cases) and Zagreb county (231 active cases). Sadly, there have been 5,224 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 25th January 2021, 134 new cases have been announced. There are presently 2,519 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Split-Dalmatia county (425 cases), followed by the City of Zagreb (338 cases) and Zagreb county (308 active cases). Sadly, there have been 4,859 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 8th January 2021, 1,098 new cases have been announced. There are presently 5,794 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Split-Dalmatia county (862 cases), followed by the City of Zagreb (743 cases) and Zagreb county (672 active cases). Sadly, there have been 4,304 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 4th January 2021, 361 new cases have been announced. There are presently 5,899 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in Split-Dalmatia county (922 cases), followed by the City of Zagreb (825 cases) and Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (715 active cases). Sadly, there have been 4,126 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Very unfortunately, Croatia suffered its second major earthquake of the year on 29th December 2020. A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the town of Petrinja, about 50km south of Zagreb. A number of foreshocks and aftershocks also took place in the days before and after. Seven people died in this earthquake, and a number of people were also injured. About half of the buildings in Petrinija were destroyed, and the houses and buildings in the local villages were also destroyed or very badly damaged. If you would like to donate money to those affected by the earthquake, please see the information on the Croatian Red Cross website.

Updated On 27th December 2020, Croatia started its covid vaccination programme. The first person to be vaccinated was an 81-year-old care home resident in Zagreb named Branka Anicic.

Updated Today, 18th December 2020, 3,272 new cases have been announced. There are presently 21,297 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (2,965 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,392 active cases) and Zagreb county (2,378 active cases). Sadly, there have been 3,023 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 15th December 2020, 2,360 new cases have been announced. There are presently 21,861 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,092 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,441 active cases) and Zagreb county (2,197 active cases). Sadly, there have been 2,778 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 11th December 2020, 4,396 new cases have been announced. There are presently 25,006 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,657 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,638 active cases) and Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (2,321 active cases). Sadly, there have been 2,484 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 8th December 2020, 2,613 new cases have been announced. There are presently 21,685 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,408 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,632 active cases) and Primorje-Gorski Kotar county (1,970 active cases). Sadly there have been 2,298 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 2nd December 2020, 3,539 new cases have been announced. There are presently 22,610 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,119 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,759 active cases) and Varazdin county (1,750 active cases). Sadly there have been 1,916 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 27th November 2020, 4,080 new cases have been announced – another new record. (Beating the previous day’s record of 4,009 new cases.) There are presently 22,408 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,799 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,652 active cases) and Varazdin county (1,795 active cases). Sadly there have been 1,600 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 24th November 2020, 1,973 new cases have been announced. There are presently 19,275 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,775 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,088 active cases) and Varazdin county (1,605 active cases). Sadly there have been 1,398 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 20th November 2020, 2,958 new cases have been announced. There are presently 18,193 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,481 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,155 active cases) and Varazdin county (1,567 active cases). Sadly there have been 1,257 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 16th November 2020, 1,313 new cases have been announced. There are presently 15,699 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,098 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (1,765 active cases) and Varazdin county (1,498 active cases). Sadly there have been 1,082 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated Today, 10th November 2020, 1,467 new cases have been announced. There are presently 14,524 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,021 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (1,520 active cases) and Varazdin county (1,428 active cases). Sadly there have been 865 deaths in total in Croatia.

Updated The last few weeks (from mid-October onwards) in Croatia have seen huge jumps in daily new case numbers, with records on case numbers being frequently broken. It is not uncommon for there to be more than 2,500 new cases announced in any one day. In fact, today, 6th November 2020, 2,890 new cases have been announced – a record. (Beating the previous day’s record.) That means that there are presently 15,567 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (3,594 cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (1,888 active cases) and Varazdin county (1,232 active cases). Sadly there have been 717 deaths in total in Croatia.

Where to find the latest news and data

All stats related to cases can be found on the Koronavirus.hr website (in English); the map on that site shows active cases by county. The CroatiaCovidInfo website also shows active cases per 100,000 by region and maps out hotspots (or not).

Another useful website to check is the is the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website. This shows 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 for all EU countries.

Coronavirus Regulations in Croatia

The main regulations you must adhere to in Croatia are:

  • Face masks must be worn in all indoor spaces, including catering establishments (cafes, restaurants etc), except when you are seated
  • Face masks must be worn outdoors in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained (and it is recommended that face masks be worn anyway in outdoor situations)
  • You must wear face masks in commercial indoor spaces e.g. shops
  • You must wear face masks on all forms of public transport (buses, ferries, catamarans, trains, trams, taxis)

If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you are allowed to enter and visit Croatia without restriction BUT updated you must present proof of a negative covid PCR test not older than 48 hours unless you are travelling from a green region/country (as shown on the ECDC Map). For others, you must have a specific reason for visiting Croatia (and touristic is considered to be a valid reason – but you must be able to show proof of paid accommodation) as well as showing proof of a negative covid PCR test that is not older than 48 hours at the point of entry. All regulations regarding entry into Croatia can be found on the Ministry of the Interior website.

Other regulations

Other regulations that are currently required in Croatia (although these may not affect all visitors to the country) include:

Newest update As of 1st March 2021, outdoor terraces of catering facilities (cafes, restaurants) are permitted to reopen to serve customers. These establishments can operate from 6am to 10pm each day, with a 3m gap between tables and 1.5m between chairs. Patrons can only go inside (wearing a mask) to go to the toilet.

Updated As of 15th February 2021, some restrictions in Croatia have been lifted. Cafes are able to sell food and drinks to go, although outdoor terraces remain closed and patrons must not congregate and consume their purchases outside venues. Gyms and fitness centres are allowed to reopen (with strict epidemiological measures in place). Casinos (and similar) are allowed to reopen although can only do so until 10pm each day. Children’s playrooms have been allowed to reopen. These are all in force until 28th February.

Updated Covid regulations in Croatia as mentioned below (e.g. the closure of cafes and restaurants, restrictions of numbers of people gathering together, reduced shop opening hours and so on) have been extended until 31st January 2021.

Updated As of 22nd December 2020 (until 8th January 2021), travel between Croatian counties will be severely restricted. Travel can only be undertaken by obtaining a special pass. Movement will be allowed (without a pass) between the City of Zagreb and Zagreb County (considered one ‘county’ for this purpose).

Updated There are additional regulations that shops must adhere to, which come into effect from 12th December 2020. These regulations place restrictions on the number of people that can be in a shop at any one time – for example, shops up to 10 sq. m. in size can only have one customer in at a time; shops of 11 to 100 sq. m. in size must provide 10 sq. m. for every customer. These regulations are in place until 10th January 2021.

Updated Anyone found not wearing a mask where it is compulsory may be fined 500 Kunas.

Updated As of 30th November 2020, everyone entering Croatia must produce proof of a negative covid PCR test that has been undertaken in the previous 48 hours. This includes Croatian citizens. The only exceptions are anyone travelling from a green region/country from within the EU/the Schengen Zone. (Regardless of your citizenship.) As of writing today, there are no green zones – you can see where there may be any green zones on this ECDC Map. If you cannot present proof of a negative covid PCR test at the point of entry, you will be able to obtain a PCR test in Croatia and must self-isolate until you receive a negative result. You can find more details of this on the Croatian Tourist Board website and the Ministry of the Interior website.

Updated Further new restrictions are as follows:

  • Restaurants and cafes must close although restaurants can offer delivery 24 hours a day
  • Sale of alcohol continues to be banned between the hours of 10pm and 6am
  • Hotel restaurants can remain open only to serve hotel guests
  • Wedding ceremonies cannot take place
  • Public gatherings are limited to a maximum of 25 people
  • Public transport – including inter-city transport – must limit passengers to 40% of capacity
  • Increased supervision of shops to ensure the number of customers on the premises is in line with regulations
  • Gyms are allowed to operate but must provide 10 sq. m. per customer
  • Cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries are allowed to remain open, with limits to visitor numbers per sq. m.

Updated as of 22/11/20 The below regulations have been further updated, the additional restrictions now include:

  • Nightclubs, night bars, casinos and similar are not permitted to open
  • A maximum of 15 people can attend weddings
  • A maximum of 25 people can attend funerals
  • A maximum of 10 people can attend other private ceremonies
  • Alcohol cannot be sold between the hours of 10pm and 6am
  • Shops and catering facilities that are permitted to open must clearly display the maximum number of people that can be in the premises at any one time
  • Shops must take on additional measures at expected busy times (holidays) to ensure more customers do not stay in the premises at the same time

Previous restrictions:

  • Alcohol is not allowed to be sold between the hours of midnight and 6am
  • Sports events cannot have any spectators
  • Public events or gatherings with more than 50 people are banned
  • A maximum of 30 people can attend weddings
  • A maximum of 30 people can attend funerals
  • A maximum of 15 people can attend other private ceremonies

Coronavirus Testing in Croatia

Should you be in Croatia and need to take a covid test, you can find a list of testing centres on the Koronavirus website. That page also details how to book a test at these centres.

Updated You can now also see a map of testing centres (including others not listed on the site above) at koronatestiranje.com/en. This map also details which centres can be booked in advance (and how to do so) as well as prices.

Croatia taken off UK's travel corridors list - Cavtat

Croatia taken off the UK’s travel corridors list

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As we’re sure you’ve heard, yesterday Croatia was taken off the UK’s travel corridor’s list. (Others may refer to it as Croatia being taken off the ‘green list’ or being placed on the ‘red list’). This means that anyone that returns to Croatia after 4am on Saturday 22nd August will need to quarantine for 14 days.

Croatia taken off UK's travel corridors list - Cavtat
Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash

Why has this happened? Unfortunately, there has been a sharp increase in the numbers of new coronavirus cases in Croatia over the last week or so. After the initial wave in March/April, cases tumbled to hardly anything – sometimes 1 or 2 per day, sometimes even zero. From the end of June onwards, cases starting increasing again (as with many other European countries) although they generally stayed around the 50-100 per day mark. Then, suddenly, from 13th August and over the last week, there are been upwards of 150-200 cases per day. Yesterday, 20th August, saw a new record of 255 new cases announced.

As ever, you can see daily updates on coronavirus case numbers in Croatia on the Koronavirus.hr website (in English). This will also show you where in the country (by county) the active cases currently are.

We talk about case numbers because it is this that the UK government track when taking countries off their travel corridors list. Or rather, the 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000. It is thought that any country with a figure of over 20 for this cumulative number gets taken off the list. As of yesterday, Croatia had a figure of 41.7. And so, Croatia was taken off the UK’s travel corridor’s list.

By comparison, yesterday France was on 46.3, the Netherlands was on 46.8 and Spain on 138.7. (These three countries have all recently been taken off the travel corridors list too.) The UK is on 20.9. You can see these figures on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website.

Can I still travel to Croatia?

Yes, of course you can. The main issue is that after Saturday, you will need to quarantine for 14 days when you return back home to the UK. For some of you – who are perhaps working from home anyway – this may not be much of an imposition.

Do check how the UK’s announcement affects your travel insurance, however, should you need to use it. But do also remember that until the end of 2020, UK citizens can still use their EHIC cards for emergency treatment in Croatia (a EU country). See more on this on our Safety and Healthcare in Croatia page.

Help! How do I get home from Croatia now?!

If you’re in Croatia at the moment and need to get home…pronto…you do have a few options although unfortunately all are likely to be expensive, and many will already have been booked up.

Nevertheless, the following airlines all have scheduled direct flights from Croatia to the UK on Fridays:

  • British Airways – flights from Zagreb, Pula and Dubrovnik to London Heathrow; Split to London City
  • Croatia Airlines – flights from Zagreb to London Heathrow and Split to London Gatwick
  • Easyjet – flights from Split to London Gatwick and London Luton; Dubrovnik to London Stansted, Bristol
  • Ryanair – fights from Rijeka to London Stansted
  • Wizzair – flights from Split to London Luton
  • Aer Lingus – Split to Dublin

You may also find some of these airlines are able to offer you flights back to the UK via a stopover. It is also worth looking on a website such as Skyscanner for other connections you may not be aware of!

If you are in Istria, you may consider travelling by bus over to Trieste or Venice and then getting a flight from these cities back to the UK. Those in Zagreb/the north of the country could travel by train or bus to Slovenia or Austria to fly home from there.

If you are in Croatia and wish to return today, we do wish you luck in getting home.

Will Croatia be put back on the travel corridors list at some point?

Well, at the same as Croatia being taken off the list yesterday, Portugal was placed on it. So this does show that countries can be put on the list if their situation improves. We hope this to be the case with Croatia, but whether this will happen in time for the rest of this season (which includes September and October)…it’s difficult to say.

Certainly, case numbers will have to reduce considerably and for a sustained period for this to happen, and we’re not sure there’s enough time for this to happen. We do of course for it to happen.

Visiting Croatia in Summer 2020

Visiting Croatia in Summer 2020

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We’ve been tracking news related to the coronavirus pandemic and Croatia since the country entered its lockdown March, but now we enter a new phase. Croatia has eased lockdown, is recording very few (or no) new cases each day and is now allowing foreign visitors from certain countries to enter once more. But what does this all mean in a practical sense, if you’re planning on visiting Croatia in summer 2020?

Visiting Croatia in summer 2020

Coronavirus in Croatia

Newest update Please see our new Coronavirus Situation in Croatia – Autumn Update post for regularly updated coronavirus case numbers in Croatia.

Updated Since 13th August, case numbers in Croatia have been on the rise again – unfortunately – with around 150-200 new cases announced each day (and a record 219 on 19th August). Announcements can be seen on the koronavirus.hr website (data is released at 1pm, UK time, every day). The Croatia Covid Info website also shows where there are hotspots (or not) around the country. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also shows the 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 for European countries.

Updated In the last few weeks, the numbers of new cases per day have been in the range of 50-110 (sometimes fewer, sometimes more).

Updated Croatia has seen a further spike in numbers of new cases in late June and early July. As such, further regulations have been introduced – face masks are now mandatory in all indoor spaces from 13th July and as of 10th July anyone that’s not a EU/EEA/UK citizen or EU long-term resident needs to present a negative covid test that is not older than 48 hours if they wish to enter the country for tourism (or other) reasons.

Updated From 18th June, Croatia has unfortunately seen an increase in the number of new cases recorded each day. After a three week period of hardly any new cases (often zero or one new instance; at most 3), on 18th June 11 new cases were recorded followed by 19, 18, 19, 30 and 22 on the subsequent days. Some new measures have been introduced as a result – the requirement of face masks on public transport, for example.

Croatia has also been easing out of lockdown in the first part of May. Over successive weeks, shops (aside from essential ones, such as supermarkets) and services could reopen, public transport has resumed in towns/cities, and inter-county/city transport has been allowed to restart.

Croatia has dealt with the outbreak very well indeed – enforcing a lockdown earlier than other nations (the UK, for example) and with travel within the country very limited during this time, for example. As of 26th May, there have only been 2,244 cases overall with, sadly, 101 deaths in the country. For the second day in a row, no new cases have been recorded; in the last four days, there has been only one new case. Additionally, there are currently only 97 active coronavirus cases across the whole of Croatia.

Can I visit Croatia in summer 2020?

There are two parts to this question, really.

The first part is – can I enter Croatia?

The second part is – can I reach Croatia?

Can I enter Croatia?

Newest update As of 4am on Saturday 22nd August, anyone returning to the UK from Croatia will have to quarantine for 14 days. Croatia has been taken off the UK’s ‘travel corridors list‘.

Newest update As of midnight on 21st August, Croatia has been placed on the ‘red list’ of countries for Slovenia. All travellers returning to Slovenia from Croatia will need to quarantine.

Updated Austria has placed Croatia on its ‘high-risk’ country list. As of 17th August, visitors to Croatia returning back home to Austria will need to either show a current negative covid test, or get tested within 48 hours.

Updated As of 11/12th August, visitors to Croatia who return back home to Finland will need to quarantine. Visitors returning back to Italy will need to either show proof of a negative covid test (not older than 72 hours) or take a test within 48 hours of entering Croatia.

Updated As of 10th July, anyone not a citizen/resident of a EU/EEA/UK country wishing to travel to Croatia for tourism reasons needs to present proof of a negative covid test (undertaken in the previous 48 hours) when entering the country. If this is not presented when entering Croatia, you will need to self-quarantine for 14 days. You can see more information on this on the Ministry of the Interior website.

Updated Today, 10th July, British visitors to Croatia will not have to quarantine when returning back home to the UK. This applies to English, Welsh, Northern Irish AND Scottish visitors. (Although technically these countries draw up their own lists of safe countries, Croatia is on the safe list for all of them.)

Updated On 3rd July, the UK government published what it calls its “travel corridors: countries and territories exemption list” for English travellers. Croatia is on this list meaning that any English holidaymakers travelling to Croatia won’t need to quarantine on arriving back to England. This comes into effect from 10th July.

Updated As of 1st July, all EU/EEA citizens can enter Croatia freely, without the need for accommodation booking. (Although, we assume most are visiting for a holiday!) It is still advisable to enter your details onto the Enter Croatia website prior to arrival.

Updated Additionally, the EU drawn up a list of 15 countries from where visitors can also enter. This list is to be review every two weeks. Countries on this list include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. You can see the full list here.

Yes, you can…providing you follow certain rules as displayed on the government Koronavirus.hr website. For most visitors, the very last point on that page is most valid. This states that anyone that is an EU/EEA citizen that has confirmation of an accommodation booking in Croatia can enter. (No longer required for EU/EEA citizens and citizens of some other countries – see paragraphs above.) Examples of confirmation include:

  • Confirmation of accommodation booking of all accommodation service providers / all types of accommodation
  • Camp lease contract
  • Permanent berth contract in a nautical tourism port
  • Confirmation of berth reservation in a nautical tourism port
  • Travel agency voucher etc.

Source: Koronavirus.hr

You can also see the advice on the UK Foreign Office website, stating the UK citizens are allowed to enter Croatia.

It is possible to submit details of your accommodation booking prior to visiting online via entercroatia.mup.hr. This should speed up border checks when you arrive in Croatia.

There are also other conditions of entry that may allow you to enter Croatia – if you own a property in the country, for example. Do read all of the conditions on Koronavirus.hr.

If you have any questions regarding entry to Croatia, you can fill in a enquiry form on the Ministry of the Interior’s website.

Furthermore, as of 28th May 2020, citizens of ten EU nations are now not subject to the above mentioned conditions of entry, and can freely enter the country. (In the same way as before the coronavirus pandemic.) These ten nations are the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Germany and Slovakia. However, all will still have to follow the recommendations of the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

There is now a new Re-open EU website – an official EU site, no less – that helpfully puts together all travel, services and health and safety restrictions/recommendations for all the EU nations. Taking a look at their Croatia page is a helpful place to start gathering information before visiting the country.

Can I reach Croatia?

Many of Croatia’s visitors each year – in any ‘normal’ year – reach Croatia by car for their summer holidays. If you’re in a neighbouring/nearby country then it’s relatively straightforward for you to jump in your car and head down right now. And that’s definitely one of the ‘safest’ options in terms of social distancing and minimising interaction with others.

If you’re travelling from further afield, then you’ll likely have to rely on flying. At present, only Croatia Airlines are operating international flights connecting Zagreb with other cities in Europe. They fly twice daily to Frankfurt and return, and once to Amsterdam and return. From 1st June, they will also resume flying to Copenhagen and return, and to Zurich and return from 8th June.

Updated Jadrolinija‘s ferry route connecting Ancona in Italy with Zadar has been converted into a catamaran route for this summer. Sailing time is a zippy 4 hours. The timetable can be found here.

Updated Adriatic Lines (also connecting Istria with Venice) have also cancelled all of their sailings for 2020.

Updated Venezia Lines (connecting Venice with Porec, Rovinj, Pula, Umag and Pira in Slovenia) have cancelled all of their sailings for 2020.

Updated Jadrolinija‘s Ancona – Zadar ferry route will resume from 20th July.

Updated Croatia Airlines have announced the resumption of additional routes connecting Croatia with a number of other European cities. You can see their timetable here.

Updated From the week beginning 22nd June, Croatia Airlines also plan to restart their routes from Zagreb to Frankfurt (2x/day), Zurich (daily, some days 2x/day), and to Rome via Split (3x/week). Additionally, they will also restart some routes this week from Split – to Frankfurt (2x/week), Dusseldorf (1x/week), Berlin (1x/week), Munich (2x/week) and Zurich (2x/week).

Updated From the week beginning 15th June, Croatia Airlines also plan to restart their routes to Munich (3x/week), Sarajevo (3x/week), London Heathrow (2x/week), Dublin (3x/week), Rome (via Split, 3x/week), Brussels (4/x week) and Vienna (2x/week).

Other airlines that will or have already resumed flights to Croatia include Eurowings, Air Serbia, Smartwings, Edelweiss, Condor and AirBaltic.

When will airlines start flying from the UK and Ireland to Croatia?

UPDATED Check out our Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland page to show when flights from the UK and Ireland will be restarting.

Newest update As of 4am on Saturday 22nd August, anyone returning to the UK from Croatia will have to quarantine for 14 days. Croatia has been taken off the UK’s ‘travel corridors list‘.

Updated Just one (more) route to restart for summer 2020 – Jet2 from Edinburgh to Dubrovnik (from 19th August).

Updated Flights restarting from weeks beginning 3rd/10th August – British Airways from London Heathrow to Pula (from 1st Aug) and London City to Split (1st Aug); Easyjet from London Luton to Dubrovnik (from 1st Aug); London Stansted to Split (1st Aug) and Dubrovnik (9th Aug); London Southend to Pula (2nd Aug); Bristol to Pula (1st Aug) and Dubrovnik (2nd Aug); Liverpool to Pula (2nd Aug); Glasgow to Split (2nd Aug); Belfast to Split (1st Aug) and Dubrovnik (2nd Aug).

Updated Flights restarting from week beginning 13th July – British Airways from London Gatwick to Dubrovnik (from 16th July) and Jet2 from London Stansted to Split (from 19th July) and Dubrovnik (18th July); Birmingham to Pula (19th July), Split (15th July) and Dubrovnik (18th July); East Midlands to Split (19th July); Manchester to Pula (16th July), Split (18th July) and Dubrovnik (16th July); Newcastle to Dubrovnik (19th July); Leeds Bradford to Pula (19th July) and Split (18th July). Phew!

Updated TUI have cancelled their flights to Croatia from the UK for summer 2020.

Updated Flights restarting week beginning 6th July – British Airways from London Heathrow to Zagreb and Split (both from 9th July); Ryanair from London Stansted to Rijeka (from 6th July) and Pula (9th July); and Croatia Airlines from London Heathrow to Split (11th July).

Updated Flights restarting week beginning 29th June – Easyjet, London Luton to Split (daily from 1st July); Ryanair to Dubrovnik (Wedensdays and Sundays from 1st July) and to Split (Tuesdays and Saturdays from 4th July).

Updated Croatia Airlines will resume its route from London Heathrow to Split from the week beginning 6th July. This route will fly once a week, on Saturdays.

Updated From the week beginning Monday, 15th June, three routes from the UK & Ireland to Croatia restarted – Croatia Airlines‘s routes from London Heathrow and Dublin to Zagreb, and Wizzair‘s route from London Luton to Split.

Updated TUI have also pushed back the start date of their flights to Croatia. Due to restart from 1st July onwards, their flights will now start 7, 10 or 14 days later in July depending on the route

Updated TUI have also pushed back the start date of their flights to Croatia. Due to restart from 1st July onwards, their flights will now start 7, 10 or 14 days later in July depending on the route

Updated Jet2 were due to start their routes (including those to Croatia) from 1st July onwards. This has now been pushed back by two weeks, and flights are now due to restart from 15th July onwards.

Updated Wizzair are also set to be one of the first airlines reconnecting the UK and Croatia by air, and direct to the coast no less. They will restart their London Luton to Split route on 15th June, flying three times a week until the end of the month, then five times a week until 19th July and then daily from 20th July to 9th September.

Updated Croatia Airlines will recommence flying from London to Zagreb and Dublin to Zagreb on the week beginning 15th June. They will operate the first route twice a week, the second three times a week.

There’s no concrete answer to this at the moment, but it appears unlikely to be before July for most airlines.

British Airways‘ London Heathrow to Zagreb route is bookable once again from 1st July, as is their long-running London Gatwick to Dubrovnik route.

Some Easyjet routes to Croatia are likewise also bookable from July.

Ryanair‘s routes from Dublin to both Split and Dubrovnik are also bookable from July. Routes from the UK to Croatia (to Zadar) are not being offered at all, however.

Flights may be bookable from July, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that these flights will operate. So much could still change but, hopefully, they will restart.

NEW We have now updated our Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland page to show when flights from the UK and Ireland can be booked from.

Don’t forget that the UK is planning to introduce a 14-day quarantine for all international arrivals from 8th June – Updated: NOW IN EFFECT, see here for more details. At present, the only country exempt from this rule is Ireland. So you could possibly go on holiday from the UK and be required to self-isolate for 14 days on your return. However, there is still a suggestion that ‘air bridges’ with certain countries could be created. No longer applies for Croatia as of 10th July.

Essentially, it’s still a case of ‘watch this space’ to see what will happen with flight routes and UK government regulations.

Do I have to enter a 14-day quarantine upon entering Croatia?

Updated As of 10th July, anyone that is not a citizen/long-term resident of an EU/EEA country or a UK citizen WILL need to self-isolate for 14 days when entering Croatia UNLESS they present proof of a negative covid test undertaken in the previous 48 hours. See more on the Ministry of the Interior website.

For EU/EEA/UK visitors, no, you do not. On entering Croatia, “border police officers will provide you with a leaflet containing instructions and recommendations issued by the Croatian Institute of Public Health which you have to comply with in the following 14 days”.

You can see what these instructions and recommendations are here.

If I’m visiting Croatia in summer 2020, what can I do?

Newest update As of 14th July, all nightclubs, cafes, bars (and similar venues that would be allowed to open for 24 hours) will have restricted hours and will not be allowed to be open past midnight.

As per the easing of lockdown in mid May, restaurants and cafes are permitted to open. Obviously those on coastal resorts that normally cater to visitors may have delayed their opening until they have more guests.

More and more hotels are reopening to welcome the increasing numbers of tourists (both domestic and foreign) that are now starting to travel to the coast. (Hotels weren’t required to close during the outbreak, but obviously many did due to low guest numbers.) The “majority of hotels” are expected to be open by June. (Source)

Many of Croatian’s popular sights are open or reopening. For example, national and nature parks reopened on 11th May, the Arena in Pula reopened on 25th May; more such attractions are sure to reopen too (if not already opened).

One thing that definitely won’t be happening this summer is any sort of music festival. Almost all the festivals in Croatia due to take place this summer in places such as Zrce Beach, Tisno, Zagreb, Split and elsewhere have been postponed to 2021.

Mandatory Regulations in Croatia

The main regulations you must adhere once you are in Croatia are:

Newest update Please see our new Coronavirus Situation in Croatia – Autumn Update post for the latest updates on regulations.

  • New Face masks must be worn in all indoor spaces, including catering establishments (cafes, restaurants etc), except when you are seated
  • New Face masks must be worn outdoors in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained (and it is recommended that face masks be worn anyway in outdoor situations)
  • You must wear face masks in commercial indoor spaces e.g. shops
  • You must wear face masks on all forms of public transport (buses, ferries, catamarans, trains, trams, taxis)

Recommendations

If you would like to see recommendations for Croatia (which are not mandatory), there is a list on the website of the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

Covid Testing Centres

The Koronavirus.hr website now has a list of testing centres – plus prices – around Croatia; you can see it here.

Travelling Around Croatia in Summer 2020

Inter-county/city transport in Croatia was allowed to resume on 11th May 2020, and a number of bus and train lines restarted on that day.

Updated As of 25th June, face masks must be warn by everyone using public transport (which includes taxis).

Ferry and Catamaran Services

Kapetan Luka will restart their catamaran services connecting Split, Hvar and Korcula on 1st August. They will restart their popular coastal catamaran service connecting Split and Dubrovnik (and Milna on Brac, Hvar Town, Korcula Town and Pomena on Mljet) on 6th July. Their other coastal catamaran (Split – Bol – Makarska – Korcula – Sobra – Dubrovnik) has been cancelled for 2020.

Jadrolinija‘s coastal catamaran between Split and Dubrovnik (and Bol on Brac, Hvar Town and Korcula Town) is due to restart on 3rd July. (Updated: Unfortunately, this route has been cancelled for 2020.) Their Split – Hvar services will also restart that day. The majority of the rest of their services are already running.

Catamaran Line’s route connecting the port near Split Airport to the city has been postponed for the time being.

Flights

Croatia Airlines have resumed internal flights to Croatia on a limited schedule. At present, they operate Zagreb – Split – Zagreb and Zagreb – Dubrovnik – Zagreb flights twice daily. From 8th June, they will also operate the Zagreb – Zadar – Pula – Zadar – Zagreb network of flights once per day. Trade Air have also resumed some internal flights. You can see more details on our Flights in Croatia page.

Trains

Many train routes in Croatia have resumed. You can see details of some services that presently do not run on the Croatian Railways website.

Should I be visiting Croatia in summer 2020?

We’re still in May (at the time of writing) and there’s still so many unknowns with regards to international travel this summer. Whilst I’m sure many of you may be itching for a break (myself included!) I would say it’s still a little early to be considering booking a holiday to Croatia…there’s still enough time to wait and see how things develop. On the other hand, perhaps you’ve got an existing booking for later this summer? All being well, you may be able to take up that holiday.

Things, at the moment, are looking promising – and you may well be visiting Croatia in summer 2020.