Official Global Travel Advisories
- Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice
- Avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice
Mandatory COVID-19 testing
To be allowed to board a flight to Canada, all air passengers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 72 hours of their scheduled time of departure to Canada. If the traveller has a connecting flight to Canada, the pre-departure test must be conducted within 72 hours of the last direct flight to Canada. This means they may need to schedule a COVID-19 test at their transit city within 72 hours of their direct flight to Canada.
All travellers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, arriving to Canada by land are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours prior to crossing the border into Canada.
Alternatively, travellers can present a positive COVID-19 molecular test taken between 14 and 90 days prior to departure.
More information on measures in place to enter Canada – Government of Canada
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Latest updates: The Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
COVID-19 – Global travel advisory
Effective date: March 13, 2020
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.
Croatia - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Croatia.
Safety and security
Safety and security
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
Preventative measures and restrictions are in place.
You must wear a face covering on public transport, in closed public spaces and in outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is not possible.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing
- Avoid crowded areas
Useful link:
COVID-19 response - Government of the Republic of Croatia
Crime
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and document theft occurs, especially in busy tourist areas and along the Adriatic coast.
Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times, particularly on public transportation and in railroad stations and airports.
Disputes about overcharging
Some bars and “cabarets” charge exorbitant prices. Check prices before placing an order. Disputes about overcharging may lead to threats of violence, and security guards may force you to pay.
Spiked food and drinks
Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose a serious risk in some former front-line areas. Demining operations in certain areas will last until at least 2019.
Stay on paved roads. Avoid ditches, open fields and the shoulders of roads in areas where signs indicate the possible presence of landmines.
While major tourist destinations are not affected, consult the Croatian Mine Action Centre if you have questions regarding the presence of unexploded landmines.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur periodically and are usually peaceful.
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Road safety
Exercise caution when driving on highways and respect speed limits.
Drivers do not always follow safe driving practices.
Travel on small roads can be hazardous. Many roads are poorly maintained. In particular, roads in Istria and along the Adriatic coast can be congested, narrow and slippery when wet, and many lack guard rails. Accidents involving cyclists have occurred.
Highways cover main cities.
Road conditions and safety information - Croatian Automobile Association (Hrvatski Autoklub)
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
Trekking or rock climbing
If you intend to trek or rock climb:
- never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
- buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
- ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
- ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
- inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
- know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
- obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails
Soccer matches
Be vigilant if you attend soccer matches. The crowd occasionally becomes rowdy and violent.
There has been a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe. Some countries have already experienced disruptions to transportation services, including at ferry ports and railway stations, and have seen major delays at border crossings. The situation also heightens the potential for demonstrations that could turn violent without warning, particularly at railway stations and other transportation hubs. If you are travelling in the region, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities, and contact your transport carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry requirements
Travellers arriving from Canada are not allowed entry to Croatia. However, certain travellers may be allowed entry if they can prove the essential nature of their travel or if they meet specific criteria.
It is your responsibility to verify this information with the appropriate foreign diplomatic office and to ask if you may be allowed entry, based on your individual circumstances and your itinerary.
Local authorities may impose additional requirements without notice and your travel plans could be severely disrupted. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
Useful links:
- Conditions of entry - Government of the Republic of Croatia
- Entry requirements to EU countries - Re-open EU
- Foreign diplomatic offices in Canada - Global Affairs Canada
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Croatian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Croatia is a member of the European Union but it is not part of the Schengen area. A passport is required to travel between Croatia and other European countries.
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Croatia.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days.
Student visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days.
Registration requirement
If you are staying in private accommodations, you must register with local police within 48 hours of arrival. Confirm with your hotel or tourist accommodation that they registered you. Registration could take up to 24 hours. Failure to register may lead to fines or expulsion from Croatia.
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Health
- Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada - April 22, 2021
- Global Measles Notice - July 23, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).
Tick-borne encephalitis
Risk
- Tick-borne encephalitis is present in some areas of this country.
- It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
- It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or when you consume unpasteurized milk products.
Recommendation
- Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to ticks during outdoor activities.
- A vaccine against TBE does exist but is only available in countries where the disease is present.
- Learn more on what you can do to prevent tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)?
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Southern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Southern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Dengue
- In this country, dengue fever may occur sporadically. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
- Dengue fever can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- The level of risk of dengue fever changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. After a decline in reported dengue cases worldwide in 2017 and 2018, numbers have been steeply rising again.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing facilities
Consult the following links to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test:
- Local COVID-19 testing facilities - Government of Croatia
Adequate medical care is available. Emergency services, especially on the Croatian islands, may be inadequate. Medical services sometimes require immediate cash payment.
There are decompression chambers on the Adriatic coast in Crikvenica, Dubrovnik, Pula and Split.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Canada and Croatia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Croatia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Croatian authorities.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Croatia.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Croatia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
Police detention and national obligations
Although dual citizenship is formally recognized, the police usually process dual nationals as Croatian citizens only.
Dual citizens should contact the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate well before departure in order to seek advice on any required administrative procedures. Failure to do so may subject Canadian-Croatian citizens to Croatian national obligations, such as taxes.
Identificiation
Carry adequate identification, such as your passport, at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport, should the original be lost or seized.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Driving
You should carry an international driving permit.
More about the International Driving Permit
Use of seat belts for the driver and all passengers in the car and of car seats for infants are mandatory. Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat.
The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless the phone is fitted with a hands-free device.
The use of headlights is required when driving during winter (from the last weekend in October until the last weekend in March)—even during daytime—as well as in fog and other inclement weather.
Motorists must wear a fluorescent vest when attending to a car breakdown along the road.
When driving, a vehicle coming from the right has the right of way, unless otherwise indicated. Right turns at red lights are prohibited.
Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Police undertake routine spot checks. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, but there is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol when a motorist or boat operator is involved in an accident. The legal blood alcohol limit is also 0.00% for professional drivers and drivers younger than 24 years of age. In the event that an accident causes serious injury or death, police will take blood samples to test alcohol levels. Seek legal counsel immediately if you are charged following an accident.
Vehicles with foreign licence plates can operate in Croatia up to 3 months after arrival. After 3 months, vehicles must be temporarily registered in Croatia.
Boating
Recreational skippers must be certified; however, under Croatian law, licences issued by the national authorities of other countries are recognized.
More about boating in Croatia - Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure
Money
The currency is the Croatian kuna (HRK).
You can exchange all major Western currencies for local currency. Keep receipts to reconvert kuna to foreign currency. Most banks and hotels accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available in urban centres.
If you are carrying more than €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs upon your entry or exit to the European Union. The sum can be in cash, cheque, money order, traveller’s cheque or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.
More information about cash controls - European Commission
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Croatia is located in an active seismic zone.
Bush and forest fires are common from June to September in the coastal areas of Croatia. In the event of a wildfire, avoid the affected areas, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media. If you suffer from respiratory ailments, take into account that the air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.
Heavy rains are frequent in the summer in the eastern and central regions, sometimes resulting in localized flooding. Exercise caution, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
General assistance
Dial 1987 for roadside assistance.
Consular assistance
Zagreb - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Zagreb and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.