Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

The violent crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common.

Organized groups of pickpockets often use distraction techniques and are particularly active in:

• main cities
• public transportation hubs
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants, patios and outdoor cafés
• tourist sites and attractions

While in Croatia:

• avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash
• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• don’t leave luggage unattended at airport check-in or ticket counters, car rental desks or hotel lobbies
• don’t leave luggage or valuables in a vehicle, and always park your vehicle in secure facilities
• be cautious when travelling on public transportation and overnight trains
• carry a photocopy or digital copy of your passport identification page, driver’s licence, train or airline tickets and credit cards

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud may occur. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overcharge

Some bars, nightclubs and “cabarets” may try to charge exorbitant prices. Disputes about overcharging may lead to threats of violence, and security guards may force you to pay.

• Always confirm prices before consuming
• Avoid running a tab or leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff
• Check your bill to make sure it’s exact

More about overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Landmines

While most of the territory has been cleared, landmines and unexploded ordnance may still pose a serious risk in certain areas. These are usually clearly identified and major tourist destinations are not affected.

The Croatian Mine Action Centre maintains a map of suspected minefields and has also developed a free smartphone app to alert users if they enter a danger zone.

If you plan on visiting areas outside of major tourist destinations:

• consult the map of suspected minefields and download the alert app
• pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines
• remain on paved roads
• avoid open fields, road shoulders and unmarked trails

Useful links

• Map of suspected minefields - The Croatian Mine Action Centre
• Minefields info app - The Croatian Mine Action Centre

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

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. Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time.

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

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Soccer matches and sports events

Sports events sometimes lead to rowdy behaviour and violent incidents.

Be vigilant if you attend soccer matches and sports rallies.

Water activities

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous.

In the fall and winter months, waves can be unpredictable, breaking further than expected and causing strong undertows.

• Be cautious when walking on the shore
• Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Always take into account warning flags at beaches
• Don’t dive into unknown water, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
• Exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities

Recreational boating

If you are planning to go boating:

• know the navigation rules
• follow safe practices for all water activities such as jet-skiing, water-skiing, diving, swimming or fishing
• don’t overload your boat capacity
• carry a VHF marine radio that will generate your position in case of emergency
• be prepared for emergencies

Water safety abroad

Mountain activities

Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well prepared. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

If you intend to go hiking or climbing:

• never do so alone
• consider hiring 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
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out
• do not venture off marked trails
• pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Driving conditions may be hazardous on small roads. Many roads are poorly maintained. In Istria and along the Adriatic coast, roads can be congested, narrow and slippery when wet. Many lack guard rails. Accidents involving cyclists have occurred.

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws.

In Zagreb, always be alert when walking, driving or cycling near tram rails.

Road conditions and safety information - Croatian Automobile Association (Hrvatski Autoklub)

Public transportation

Public transportation in Zagreb is extensive, safe and reliable.

You must validate your ticket before boarding transportation.

Train and bus

Main cities and tourist areas are well connected by bus services and trains.

Ferries

Ferry services operate between mainland and several islands of the Adriatic coast, particularly during summer.

Taxis

Taxis are generally safe. Ridesharing services are available.

• Use only officially marked taxis or a trusted ridesharing app
• Negotiate fares in advance or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

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.

Regional travel

Croatia is a member of the European Union but it’s not part of the Schengen area. A passport is required to travel between Croatia and other European countries.

Passport

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.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

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 foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Information on visas - Ministry of Interior of Croatia

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Entry by sea

If you plan on entering Croatia by sea on your boat or a rented boat, you must:

• pass through immigration clearance at the closest port open to international traffic
• obtain a vignette from the Harbour Master’s Office or its Branch Office

Registration

You must report your presence in Croatia to local authorities within 48 hours of arrival.

Commercial accommodations will generally file the registration on your behalf, but you are responsible for making sure it's done. Registration can take up to 24 hours.

If you are staying in private accommodations, you must register with local police.

Failure to register may lead to fines or expulsion from Croatia.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Health

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.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

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 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.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

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

Good health care is available in major cities. It may be more limited in rural areas.

Emergency services, especially on the Croatian islands, may be inadequate. Upfront payments may be requested.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

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

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons

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. This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Useful links

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Public behaviour

Certain municipalities, particularly those with a high number of visitors, have adopted public conduct rules which are strictly enforced by local authorities. Certain behaviours are illegal and may include:

• walking in an urban setting or religious places in swimwear or shirtless
• being drunk on the public way
• sleeping in public areas

Public notices about conduct are usually found in and around tourist areas.

Comply with public regulation. You may be fined if you fail to do so.

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

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Croatia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Croatia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Croatian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Croatia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Investments

If you plan on buying property or making other investments in Croatia, seek legal advice in Canada and in Croatia. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Customs

If you plan on travelling between countries that are not members of the European Union and Croatia, make sure you are aware of the rules and restrictions regarding the importation of certain items and merchandise such as tobacco.

Controlled goods - Customs administration of Croatia

Camping

Camping outside organized campsites and designated areas is illegal.

Driving

As a tourist or temporary resident, you can drive with a valid Canadian driver’s licence. You should carry an international driving permit.

Vehicles with foreign licence plates can operate in Croatia for up to 3 months after arrival. After 3 months, you must temporarily register in Croatia.

You must use daytime headlights from the last weekend in October until the last weekend in March. It’s also mandatory during episodes of fog and inclement weather. Winter tires are mandatory between 15 November and 15 April.

Motorists must wear a fluorescent vest when attending to a car breakdown along the road.

The “priority to the right” system is in effect in Croatia. Drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections, unless otherwise indicated.

This is often a surprise to foreign drivers and results in accidents.

Familiarize yourself with the “priority to the right” system.

Right turns at red lights are prohibited.

The country has a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving for:

• professional drivers
• drivers under 24
• anyone involved in an accident

Useful links

• Driving in Croatia - European Commission
• More about the International Driving Permit

Boating

Recreational skippers must have an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

It’s also illegal to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol.

Boating in Croatia - Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure

Money

The currency is the Croatian kuna (HRK).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Natural disasters and climate

Seismic activity

Croatia is located in an active seismic zone. Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage.

Useful links

• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Latest earthquakes @seizmo_hr - Seismological Survey

Wildfires

Forest and maquis fires may occur. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a significant fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
• follow the advice of local authorities

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains, particularly during spring and summer, can cause flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Exercise caution, particularly in areas around major rivers
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Weather forecast and warnings - Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service