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Croatia joins the Schengen Zone

Croatia joins the Schengen Zone

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In the works for a number of years now, and finally confirmed on 9th December 2022, Croatia joins the Schengen Zone on 1st January 2023. Find out what this means for your future travels to the country below.

Croatia joins the Schengen Zone

What is the Schengen Zone?

Currently made up of 26 countries – with Croatia joining as the 27th member – the Schengen Zone is an area of Europe without any border controls or passport checks. Largely, most EU countries (23 out of 27) are part of the Schengen Zone with the exception of Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Ireland. Additionally, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are part of the Schengen Zone despite not being part of the EU.

Travel to Croatia with a Schengen Visa

Although travellers to Croatia could previously visit the country if they were in possession of a Schengen visa (as long as it was a dual or multiple entry one), they were not able to obtain one from a Croatian visa centre or embassy. Additionally, obtaining a Croatian visa did not allow the visa holder entry into the Schengen Zone.

This all changes from 1st January 2023 when obtaining a Croatian visa will no longer be possible – visitors will need to obtain a Schengen visa instead. And this visa will of course permit the holder to travel to the rest of the Schengen Zone too.

Border checks

The main purpose of the Schengen Zone is the lack of border controls between member countries. If you have ever driven from one Schengen country to another you’ll have noticed the absence of a border or controls of any kind. (There are of course signs denoting the new country you’re entering!) This will now be the case for Croatia as well whichever way you enter the country – by land (car, bus or train), sea or air – if you are travelling from another Schengen Area country. But of course, Croatia will now be the “last” Schengen country in this part of southern Europe, so if you are travelling from one of Croatia’s non-Schengen neighbours – such as Serbia, Montenegro or Bosnia and Hercegovina – you will go through regular border checks/passport controls.

In the case of air travel from another Schengen country, airport border controls will still temporarily be in place during a short transition period. These are expected to be fully abolished on 26th March 2023. Again, airport border controls – or a lack of them – are only the case for flights originating from other Schengen countries. If you are flying from a non-Schengen country to Croatia – from the UK, for example – you will absolutely still have to go through passport control upon landing in Croatia.

90-Day Schengen Zone Limit

Visa-free travellers to the Schengen Zone are permitted a 90-day stay in any 180-day period. This means If you stay in the Zone – whether that’s in just one country or several – for 90 days, you must leave for the next 90 days before being allowed to return.

Before joining the Schengen Zone, Croatia had a similar “90 days in 180” limit – but by being outside of the Zone, travellers could swap between the Schengen Zone and Croatia (or other non-Schengen countries) to remain in Europe if they wished. This is obviously no longer the case, so please be careful with your travelling time limit when visiting Croatia and the Schengen Zone. (You may well get into “trouble” if you overstay the 90-day limit.)

Make sure your passport is valid!

Your passport must have been issued in the previous 10 years and you must also have three months of validity remaining on it after your departure date from Croatia.

More info

For news coverage on Croatia joining the Schengen Zone, take a look at Croatia To Join EU’s Schengen Zone In January, Bulgaria And Romania Rejected (Forbes, 9th December 2022) and Schengen and Eurozone. Nothing is the same for Croatia in 2023 (Croatian Ministry of Foreign & European Affairs, 1st January 2023).

For Croatia visa advice, see our Visa Requirements for Croatia page.

Take a look at the UK Foreign Office’s advice on Croatia’s entry requirements.

Coronavirus in Croatia Autumn 2021

Coronavirus in Croatia Autumn 2021 Update

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Many had hoped that by this time in 2021 – almost a year after the first vaccinations were being distributed across the world – coronavirus would be a relatively distant memory and we’d be back to normality. Whilst many of us are seeing some semblance of normality in our day to day lives – with lockdowns not currently in operation in many places, travel, entertainment, work, education and more all possible – unfortunately case numbers remain high in many countries. This is certainly true in Croatia where in early November, the country recorded its highest ever daily case number today (over 7,000 new cases) ever in the whole pandemic. As such, we thought we would publish a Coronavirus in Croatia Autumn 2021 post to update you all on case numbers, the current vaccination rate and any new restrictions that come into effect.

Unfortunately, the vaccination rate in Croatia has been quite low compared to other European countries with the country having about the third or fourth lowest vaccination rate in the EU. This may well be one reason why case numbers have now jumped up some considerably this autumn.

Coronavirus in Croatia Autumn 2021

Coronavirus in Croatia Autumn 2021

Latest updateToday, 20th December 2021, 367 new cases have been announced. There are presently 19,570 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (4,663 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,566 active cases) and then Zagreb county (1,668 active cases). Sadly, there have been 12,043 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 16th December 2021, 3,765 new cases have been announced. There are presently 24,082 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (6,086 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,980 active cases) and then Zagreb county (2,139 active cases). Sadly, there have been 11,825 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 13th December 2021, 453 new cases have been announced. There are presently 21,581 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (5,732 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,308 active cases) and then Zagreb county (2,011 active cases). Sadly, there have been 11,666 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 10th December 2021, 3,797 new cases have been announced. There are presently 26,824 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (7,127 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (2,747 active cases) and then Zagreb county (2,611 active cases). Sadly, there have been 11,516 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 6th December 2021, 728 new cases have been announced. There are presently 25,567 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (7,069 active cases), followed by Zagreb county (2,655 active cases) and then Split-Dalmatia county (2,445 active cases). Sadly, there have been 11,269 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 2nd December 2021, 5,341 new cases have been announced. There are presently 32,603 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (8,569 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (3,435 active cases) and then Zagreb county (3,191 active cases). Sadly, there have been 10,826 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 29th November 2021, 1,031 new cases have been announced. There are presently 29,891 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (7,869 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (3,023 active cases) and then Zagreb county (2,839 active cases). Sadly, there have been 10,826 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 25th November 2021, 6,246 new cases have been announced. There are presently 34,953 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (8,915 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (3,692 active cases) and then Zagreb county (3,181 active cases). Sadly, there have been 10,569 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 22nd November 2021, 1,327 new cases have been announced. There are presently 29,725 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (7,460 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (3,000 active cases) and then Zagreb county (2,630 active cases). Sadly, there have been 10,376 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 18th November 2021, 7,270 new cases have been announced. There are presently 39,034 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (9,438 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (4,306 active cases) and thenPrimorje-Gorski Kotar county (3,534 active cases). Sadly, there have been 10,113 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 15th November 2021, 1,135 new cases have been announced. There are presently 34,062 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (8,270 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (3,765 active cases) and thenPrimorje-Gorski Kotar county (2,985 active cases). Sadly, there have been 9,936 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

UpdatedToday, 8th November 2021, 1,242 new cases have been announced. (As it’s a Monday, case numbers are always lower than maybe expected due to the weekend.) There are presently 29,265 active cases in the country. Most active cases are currently located in the City of Zagreb (7,258 active cases), followed by Split-Dalmatia county (3,257 active cases) and thenPrimorje-Gorski Kotar county (2,692 active cases). Sadly, there have been 9,546 deaths in total in Croatia since the pandemic began.

News and data on coronavirus cases in Croatia Autumn 2021

The Koronavirus.hr website (in English) publishes daily updates about new case numbers every morning. 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. You can also take a look at the ECDC Map which shows a colour-coded map of Europe based on test positivity rates. (This map is updated every Thursday.)

Coronavirus vaccinations in Croatia Autumn 2021

Latest update As of 19th December, 2,242,791 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 2,090,818 have received both doses or a single dose vaccine. That means that 65.87% of the adult population (or 55.27% of the total population) of Croatia have been vaccinated.

Updated As of 12th December, 2,227,358 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 2,039,788 have received both doses or a single dose vaccine. That means that 65.42% of the adult population (or 54.89% of the total population) of Croatia have been vaccinated.

Updated As of 5th December, 2,207,786 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 1,981,397 have received both doses or a single dose vaccine. That means that 64.89% of the adult population (or 54.4% of the total population) of Croatia have been vaccinated.

Updated As of 28th November, 2,176,068 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 1,931,878 have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine. That means that 63.9% of the adult population (or 53.6% of the total population) of Croatia have been vaccinated.

Updated As of 22nd November, 2,125,514 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 1,896,361 have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine. That means that 62.5% of the adult population (or 52.3% of the total population) of Croatia have been vaccinated.

Updated As of 15th November, 2,048,628 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 1,859,418 have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine. That means that 60% of the adult population (or 50% of the total population) of Croatia have been vaccinated.

Updated As of 7th November, 1,948,738 people in Croatia have received the first vaccine dose, and 1,820,138 have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine. (An additional 121,725 people have received a single dose vaccine.) That means 58% of the adult population of Croatia have received one dose, and 58% have received both doses.

You can track vaccination statistics in Croatia on the Croatian Institute of Public Health website – they now have an interactive map which show vaccination rates by municipality (in Croatian). You can also see the rate of vaccination in Croatia compared to other European countries on the Our World in Health website.

Current Restrictions in Croatia

Travel Restrictions

Latest update As of 26th November 2021, due to the new omicron variant of coronavirus, there is a complete ban on passengers entering Croatia from the following countries (or if you have been in one of the following countries in the previous 14 days): South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong. If you are a Croatian citizen or long-term resident, then you are permitted to enter Croatia but you must quarantine for 14 days. This measure is in effect until 15th December 2021.

Restrictions in Croatia

Some new restrictions have come into effect on 6th November 2021. These include:

  • Indoor events of more than 50 people are prohibited, unless attended by people with a covid certificate – but masks and social distancing are mandatory
  • Outdoor events of more than 100 people can be organised if all participants have a covid certificate
  • Events must finished by midnight (cinema screenings can run until 2am)
  • Weddings are permitted to run until 2am, providing everyone attending has a covid certificate
  • Congresses and conferences are permitted to be held, providing everyone attending has a covid certificate and masks and social distancing are mandatory
  • Indoor sports gatherings are permitted providing all those attending have a covid certificate and wears masks
  • Outdoor sports gatherings are permitted; covid certificates are again required but masks are not necessary
  • School students in some years must wear masks when moving around the school

From 16th November 2021, all workers and visitors to government institutions must present an EU Digital Covid Certificate or be tested.

The use of covid certificates may also be implemented for venues such as cafes, restaurants and gyms should the number of new cases increase.

UK travellers to Croatia

Double vaccinated UK travellers to Croatia no longer need a negative test

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Good news for all UK travellers to Croatia! As of 1st October 2021 (yesterday), all double vaccinated travellers from the UK no longer need a negative test to enter Croatia – a rule that has been in place since 26th July.

That means that you can now just use your vaccination certificate to enter the country, and you definitely don’t need to also obtain a negative PCR or rapid antigen test.

This comes just in time for the new rules changes for returning to England too – from Monday 4th October, a negative test is also no longer need to return home.

UK Travellers to Croatia no longer require a negative test to enter

UK travellers to Croatia – using a vaccination certificate to enter the country

You can enter Croatia using your vaccination certificate providing 14 days have passed since the second dose of your vaccine, and that second dose has been administered in the previous 365 days. (This number of days has also been changed on 1st October – see below.)

You can obtain a certificate for travel via the NHS Covid Pass website or app. Although you can demonstrate your certificate on your phone, we would always recommend printing it off to be on the safe side.

What if you don’t have a vaccination certificate?

If you aren’t (double) vaccinated, don’t forget that you can still enter Croatia if you have:

  • a previous covid positive test from the past 365 days, with 11 days having passed since the test was undertaken, or a certificate of recovery from covid signed by physican
  • a certificate showing that you have recovered from covid and have received one dose of a vaccine in the eight months since having covid (provided that the vaccine was administered less than 12 months ago)

And if you don’t have any of these then…

  • you do need a negative covid test to enter Croatia – a PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours

If you don’t have any of the above, you will need to quarantine on arrival in Croatia until you can obtain a negative test result.

Other requirements for entering Croatia

Don’t forget that UK travellers still need to show proof of paid accommodation to enter Croatia. However, you don’t need this for the entire duration of your stay – you can show proof of paid accommodation just for the first couple of days.

It is also recommended that you fill out the Enter Croatia form before travel to help speed up your entry into the country.

The UK Foreign Office advice on Croatia also provides information for UK travellers to Croatia.

Other entry changes

As well as UK travellers to Croatia, travellers from Russia and Cyprus also no longer need a negative test to enter the country – they can also use a vaccination certificate.

Additionally, vaccination certificates (for all travellers, regardless of nationality) are now valid for 365 days since the second dose having been administered (or a single dose in the case of single-dose vaccines). This has been upped from 270 days.

Likewise, you can use a positive test result from the previous 365 days (previously also 270 days) to enter Croatia.

Travellers from Brazil no longer need to quarantine for 14 days on arrival to Croatia but do need to show a negative PCR (taken in the previous 72 hours) or a negative rapid antigen test (in the previous 48 hours).

All of these rules can be seen on the Croatian Ministry of the Interior website.

Visiting Croatia in October

Don’t forget to check out our new Visiting Croatia in October post to find out more on flights to the country this month and what to see and do when there.

Croatia in October 2021

Visiting Croatia in October 2021

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Summer may have finished, by visiting Croatia in October is still possible…and highly recommended! We take a look at what you can see and do this month in Croatia, as well as what you need to know for travelling there.

Croatia in October 2021

Travelling from the UK to Croatia in October

Negative tests NO LONGER REQUIRED for double vaccinated travellers from the UK

Latest update As of 24th October, fully vaccinated travellers returning to England from Croatia (or indeed, from anywhere else) can book a cheaper lateral flow test or a PCR test for the required day 2 test. See Travel to England from another country during coronavirus on the GOV.UK website for more details – and to check the rules for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Latest update As of 1st October, double vaccinated travellers from the UK no longer need a negative test to enter Croatia…great news! Obviously, if you are not fully vaccinated and/or cannot prove you have had covid in the previous 365 days, you do still need a negative test to enter the country. Full details of this here: Double vaccinated UK travellers to Croatia no longer need a negative test.

New travel rules for England from 4th October

On Monday 4th October at 4am, the travel rules for England change. The green and amber lists are being combined into one ‘safe list’ whilst the red list remains…red. Croatia is currently on the green list, so will definitely be on the new safe list from this date.

The rules for travelling back from a safe list country – including Croatia – from 4th October vary depending on whether you are fully vaccinated or not.

If you are fully vaccinated, to travel back from Croatia to England, you need:

  • book and pay for a day 2 PCR test (a test to get back into England is no longer required) – we recommend Randox
  • complete the passenger locator form in the 48 hours before returning to England
  • do the day 2 test

If you are NOT fully vaccinated, to travel back from Croatia to England, you need:

  • take a pre-departure test in the 3 days before returning to England
  • book and pay for day 2 and day 8 PCR tests – we recommend Randox
  • complete the passenger locator form in the 48 hours before returning to England
  • quarantine at home/your place of stay for 10 days
  • do the day 2 and day 8 tests

This is a change as, up until 4th October, non-vaccinated and vaccinated had to do a pre-departure test to return to England…and non-vaccinated travellers did not have to quarantine for 10 days.

Travelling from elsewhere to Croatia in October

As well as the major change mentioned above – that double vaccinated travellers from the UK no longer need a negative test to enter Croatia – there have been some additional rule changes as of 1st October 2021:

  • If you are entering Croatia using a vaccination certificate, the second dose of your vaccine (or single dose in the case of single-dose vaccines) must have been administered within the previous 365 days. (This number of days has changed – it was previously 270 days.)
  • If you are entering Croatia using a positive test result from a previous covid infection (at least 11 days must have passed the test result!), this is valid if the test has been taken in the previous 365 days (also previously 270 days)

Take a look at our Croatia Travel Restrictions page for other regulations, and do also take a look at the rules posted on the Ministry of the Interior website.

Flights from the UK & Ireland to Croatia in October

There are still plenty of flights to Croatia if you fancy an October break! They include:

To Zagreb

  • British Airways 5x then 4x/week from London Heathrow for the rest of the year
  • Croatia Airlines 3x/week from London Heathrow for the rest of the year
  • Croatia Airlines 2x/week from Dublin for the rest of the year
  • Ryanair daily from London Stansted for the rest of the year
  • (Note: Ryanair will start flying 2x/week from Manchester, and 3x/week from Dublin from 2nd December)

To Pula

  • Easyjet 1x/week from London Luton until 30th October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Bristol until 30th October
  • Ryanair 3/x week from London Stansted until 28th October

To Zadar

  • Ryanair 5/x week from London Stansted until 30th October
  • Ryanair 2/x week from Manchester until 30th October
  • Ryanair 2/x week from Edinburgh until 27th October
  • Ryanair 2/x week from Dublin until 27th October

To Split

  • Easyjet 3x then 2x/week from London Gatwick until 30th October
  • Easyjet 4x then 3x/week from London Luton until 31st October
  • Easyjet 5x/week from Bristol until 30th October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Manchester until 30th October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Glasgow until 24th October
  • Easyjet 5x/week from Belfast until 30th October
  • Ryanair 3/x week from Dublin until 29th October
  • Wizzair 2x from London Luton until 30th October
  • TUI 2x/week from Manchester until 8th October
  • Jet2.com 1/x week from London Stansted until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 1/x week from Birmingham until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 3x then 2/x week from Manchester until 30th October
  • Jet2.com 1/x week from Leeds Bradford until 16th October

To Dubrovnik

  • British Airways daily from London Heathrow until 31st October
  • Easyjet 3x/week from London Gatwick until 30th October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Bristol until 31st October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Manchester until 9th October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Edinburgh until 6th November
  • TUI 1x/week from London Gatwick until 24th October
  • TUI 1x/week from Manchester until 24th October
  • Jet2.com 3/x week from London Stansted until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 1/x week from Birmingham until 30th October
  • Jet2.com 3/x week from Manchester until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 1/x week from Newcastle until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 2/x week from Leeds Bradford until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 2/x week from Edinburgh until 24th October
  • Aer Lingus 3x/week from Dublin until 30th October

That’s a lot of flights! Take a look at our Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland 2021 page for the full schedule.

Events in Croatia in October

There’s absolutely loads on in Croatia this month! Take a look at some of the highlights below:

  • Autumn is truffle season in Istria! Zigante Truffle Days actually stretches out from 18th September to 14th November 2021; this year, it’s primarily centred around Restaurant Zigante in Livade in northeastern Istria
  • The Zadar Street Food Festival is on now (until 3rd October) – take your pick from food stalls offering delicacies from local restaurants 
  • The annual professional road cycling CroRace is on from 28th September to 3rd October; there are six stages taking place across the country, from Osijek in eastern Croatia to central Dalmatia, to Istria and then finishing in Zagreb on the final Sunday. Pop along if you’re in one of these regions to watch the cyclists whizzing past (or watch it on TV for lovely scenes of Croatia!).
  • Northern Croatian town Koprivnica hosts the Podravski Motivi / Podravina Motfis on 2nd & 3rd October, showcasing items typical from the region (such as naive art) as well as young wine and chestnuts
  • Dubrovnik’s Triathlon will be taking place on land and in the waters around the city on 2nd October – there will be different races for experienced triathletes as well as first-timers 
  • In a similar(ish) vein, the 29th Zagreb Marathon will be hitting the streets of Croatia’s capital on 10th October 
  • Dubrovnik Film Festival is on from 14th to 17th October
  • On the island of Krk, the Baska Outdoor Festival offers outdoor adventures for all abilities and ages over a weekend in mid-October (15th to 17th)
  • Held all over Croatia, Restaurant Week (Tjedan Restorana) is on from 15th to 24th October – participating restaurants (check the website!) offer menus for a special price
  • The Biograd Boat Show, the largest such event in Croatia, is taking place from 20th to 24th October  

Weather in Croatia in October

The weather forecast is looking exceedingly lovely for the first part of October – along the coast (and the further south you go, the better your chances of warm weather) in places such as Split and Dubrovnik, you’ll find temperatures of low to mid-20s Celsius every day. There are occasional rain showers forecast, yes, but most days will see plenty of sun. The long-range forecast for October is the same. Further north up the coast temperatures will be similar if a few degrees less; inland likewise also with more mixed weather (more rain).

Take a look at the Croatian Meteorological Service website for forecasts.

What to See and Do

October is the month that straddles the seasons in Croatia – whilst the early part of the month may well be very pleasant indeed (see under “Weather” above!) the temperature slowly declines. On the coast you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine although it will probably be a little too cold for sea swimming; hitting the pool, meanwhile, should be okay! We would certainly recommend heading to destinations in and around Split and Dubrovnik, as well as Istria, for a holiday this month. The islands, however, will be a bit on the quiet side…so we’d suggest leaving these for another trip next year.

October is traditionally the month that ‘tourist facilities’ (restaurants, bars, cafes and similar catering to visitors) start shutting up shop towards the end of the month before the cold months set in, so you’ll still be able to enjoy these.

This October is Croatian Tourism Month (unfortunately, the website appears to be in Croatian only!). Some tourist services, facilities and venues – including accommodation, restaurants and cultural attractions – across the country are offering discounts of 35% off.

Do be aware that ferry/catamaran schedules (i.e. Jadrolinija‘s) change from high season to low season ones in early October, so take this into account if you’re planning on travelling around. Bus schedules will also see fewer buses on long-distance routes, but you’ll still have plenty of choice.

Plitivice Lakes in autumn
The Plitvice Lakes in autumn

October is a great month to make the most of some of Croatia’s top experiences – without all the summer crowds – particularly with the country taking on an autumnal hue. If you’re able to do, we’d certainly recommend a trip to one of Croatia’s national or nature parks, such as Plitvice or Krka.

Zagreb is an excellent choice for Croatia in October – there’s plenty to explore (sights, restaurants, experiences, even shopping) and it’s a very easy city to navigate.

We hope you enjoy Croatia in October!

Croatia Requires Negative Tests

Croatia requires negative tests for ALL travellers from the UK

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LATEST UPDATE As of 1st October, this requirement is no longer valid. Please see the latest news: Double vaccinated UK travellers to Croatia no longer need a negative test.

In effect from Monday 26th July, Croatia requires negative tests for all people travelling directly from the UK, Cyprus and Russia – regardless of whether you have been vaccinated or not, and regardless of whether you have had previously had covid.

Announced yesterday by the Croatian Institute for Public Health, this measure has been introduced due to the worsening epidemiological situation in these three countries due to the delta variant.

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 recommended that you fill out the form on the Enter Croatia website to help speed up your entry into 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.

LATEST UPDATE As of 1st October 2021, a negative test is no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers from the UK, Cyprus, Russia or India. Please see the latest news: Double vaccinated UK travellers to Croatia no longer need a negative test.

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 365 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 365 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 12 months 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 365 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 365 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 12 months 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 365 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.

Negative test requirement for all travellers from Brazil

As of 1st October, travellers from Brazil no longer need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Croatia. However, ALL travellers – regardless of vaccination status – from Brazil need to show a negative PCR test (taken in the previous 72 hours) or a negative rapid antigen test (taken in the previous 48 hours) to enter Croatia.

14-day self-isolation requirement for some countries

Travellers from South Africa 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.)

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

Croatia Travel Restrictions 2021 – In Croatia

Latest Update Please see our Coronavirus in Croatia Autumn 2021 Update for the latest rules in the country.

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

  • As of 1st September 2021, cafes are permitted to serve guests indoors as well as on their outdoor terraces
  • 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 as a dotted line), 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 on 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.)

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 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 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:

  • 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 365 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 365 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 12 months 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 365 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 365 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 365 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 12 months 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 365 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. As of 1st October, this no longer applies. See Double vaccinated UK travellers to Croatia no longer need a negative test.

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

Travellers from South Africa 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.)

Travellers fromBrazil – regardless of vaccination status – need to show a negative PCR test (taken in the previous 72 hours) or a negative rapid antigen test (taken in the previous 48 hours) to enter Croatia but, as of 1st October, no longer need to quarantine for 14 days.

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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Note: Many of the websites relating to coronavirus no longer exist, so we have removed some of the links on this page

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 UK’s green and amber lists have been combined into one “safe list” as of 4am on Monday 4th October. Croatia is on this safe list, meaning fully vaccinated travellers do not need a test to re-enter the UK and do not need to self-quarantine for 10 days. See the full list of rules on the Foreign Office website.

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.

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.

LATEST UPDATE 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. As of 1st October, this is no longer valid. Please see Double vaccinated UK travellers to Croatia no longer need a negative test.

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 365 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 365 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 12 months 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 365 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

Travellers from South Africa 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 1st October, travellers from Brazil no longer need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Croatia. However, ALL travellers – regardless of vaccination status – from Brazil need to show a negative PCR test (taken in the previous 72 hours) or a negative rapid antigen test (taken in the previous 48 hours) to enter Croatia.

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.)

Updated 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.

Updated 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!