Croatia

While there's been no recent terrorist attacks in Croatia, they can still happen.

There's been an increasing number of bomb threats against public areas, such as shopping malls, government offices and schools. Monitor the media for developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

In recent years, terrorists have staged attacks in European cities. Targets have included:

• public transport
• transport hubs
• public places popular with tourists

Security services have stopped some planned attacks.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats in public places
• take care near possible terrorist targets
• monitor the media for updates
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

Report any suspicious behaviour or items to the police.

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common. Take extra care:

• in busy tourist areas
• at bus and railway stations
• on public transport
• at the beach

Drink spiking can happen and may lead to theft and sexual assault.

To protect yourself from crime:

• never accept food or drinks from strangers
• don't leave your food or drink unattended
• look after your belongings, particularly in crowds

Men's clubs in coastal centres have been known to overcharge tourists. They may threaten violence and use security guards to make you pay. Check prices before ordering.

Report incidents of extreme overcharging and related threats or violence to local police.

While violent crime is rare, isolated attacks may occur, including at sporting events.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. This includes sporting events. Be careful if you attend soccer matches.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest: 

• avoid protests and demonstrations
• monitor the media for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Partying

Croatia is a popular party destination, but partying carries safety, legal and financial risks.

Accidents have occurred on party boats, resulting in serious injuries. The safety standards may be different to Australia. Nightclub fires, balcony collapses, and crowd crushes can occur.

Uniformed and plain-clothed police patrol music festivals in Croatia. Drug and other antisocial behaviour-related arrests are common.

Locals don't like rowdy and drunken behaviour in public places.

Being drunk or under the influence of drugs may void your travel insurance.

Dress codes apply in some popular tourist areas. Police may fine you if you're shirtless or wearing swimwear in towns with signs banning this.

More information:

• Partying safely

Cliff jumping

Jumping off rocks and cliffs into the sea along the coast of Croatia can cause injuries. Warning signs aren't always in place.

Many accidents occur in Split, Dubrovnik and in the Dalmatian Islands.

Your travel insurance may not cover you if you:

• cliff jump
• dive
• engage in other dangerous activities
• were intoxicated, and this caused or contributed to an accident

Trekking or rock climbing

It's not uncommon for tourists to find themselves in need of rescuing from the Croatian mountains because they're not prepared.

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
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out, and do not venture off marked trails

More information: 

• Croatian Mountain Rescue 

Croatia experiences natural disasters and severe weather.

The country is in an active earthquake zone.

Forest fires are common in the dry, hot coastal areas and on the islands from June to September. Avoid affected areas.

Flooding can happen throughout the year, triggering landslides, and damaging buildings, roads and other infrastructure. This can disrupt road travel.

To protect yourself if there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor media and other sources for updates
• keep in regular contact with friends and family
• follow the advice of local authorities

Safety barriers aren't always in place in some tourist areas. Care should be taken when walking on uneven, slippery surfaces, including old cobblestone streets.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

There are limits on the types and amount of some medications you can take into Croatia. Standard medication can be imported in quantities needed for personal use for up to one month.

If you plan to bring medication, check with the Ministry of Finance Customs Administration.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use only

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested areas.

Ticks are most common in country areas. They're active from spring to autumn.

Cases of West Nile virus have occurred in Croatia. There's no vaccine for it.

To protect yourself from illness:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

To reduce your risk of tick-borne disease:

• check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests
• remove ticks as soon as possible, making sure to remove the whole tick
• monitor the tick site for signs of infection

Hantavirus

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), commonly known as 'mouse fever', is a risk in forested areas. It's caused by hantaviruses. Hantaviruses are carried and transmitted by rodents and are more common in warmer months.

To reduce the risk of mouse fever:

• avoid contact with rodents and their droppings
• avoid sitting or lying on the ground when in forests
• keep your food and drinks in closed containers
• don't drink from forest springs

Medical facilities

The standard of health care on the mainland is generally good, but services on the islands are limited.

Public hospital facilities may not be to the same standard as Australian hospitals.

Private hospitals and clinics have facilities for some services but often cost more.

Dubrovnik, Split, Rijeka and Pula have decompression chambers.

If you're injured or become seriously ill on an island or remote area, you'll be evacuated to a regional centre for treatment. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Dual nationals are not automatically covered by the Croatian health insurance system or entitled to free access to health services through the Croatian Healthcare fund. Prior registration and monthly contributions/payments are required to gain access and coverage.

Local law

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Possessing, using or trafficking illicit drugs is illegal.

If you're arrested for a drug offence, police may detain you while they investigate.

Penalties include imprisonment.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

On-the-spot fines

Police issue on-the-spot fines for some minor offences, including traffic violations. They may detain you and/or hold your passport if you:

• challenge the offence
• can't pay the fine

Property laws

Foreigners buying property have been involved in lengthy disputes about the validity of property titles. Seek independent legal advice before signing any contracts.

Other laws

You must carry an ID, such as your passport, at all times.

You must register your stay in Croatia with the local police within 48 hours of arrival. If you're staying at a hotel or a tourist facility, the accommodation provider will register you.

Drinking alcohol in public areas, outside bars and restaurants, and in popular tourist areas such as Split and Dubrovnik is prohibited. 

Signs warning of prohibited behaviours, including drunken and disorderly behaviour, have been put up, and on-the-spot fines are issued. Dress codes apply. Police may fine you if you're shirtless or wearing swimwear in towns with signs banning this.

Court holidays

Court staff take holidays over the summer. If you're detained at that time, you may face delays in having your case processed. You may not be able to leave Croatia until the matter is finalised.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Croatia recognises dual nationality and treats dual nationals as Croatian citizens.

Military service for males is no longer compulsory. However, male Croatians, including dual nationals, must report to defence authorities to register their details. Failure to report is an offence.

Seek advice from an embassy or consulate of Croatia on the specific registration requirements before you travel.

If you're an Australian-Croatian dual national and intend to stay for over 3 months, you may need to provide evidence of your Croatian citizenship.

Dual nationals are not automatically covered by the Croatian health insurance system (see 'Health').

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ travellers can vary, particularly outside tourist areas. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

•  Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas

Croatia is a part of the Schengen Area. Get a clear stamp on your passport when you enter the Schengen Area for the first time.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Croatia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border with Slovenia

Temporary border checks have been introduced at Croatia's borders with Slovenia. You should allow extra time for crossing the land border between Croatia and Slovenia and be ready to show your passport or residency card if asked by the border police. Checks may also involve vehicle inspections. Border checks between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia remain in place.

You can enter Croatia without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you'll need to get a visa. 

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Croatia for the latest details on entry requirements before you travel.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The currency of Croatia is the euro (EUR).

Prior to 1 January 2023, the currency was the Croatian Kuna (HRK). You can find information on the transition arrangements on European Central Bank website.

If you're travelling to or from any non-EU country, declare cash of more than 10,000 euros or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you fail to declare it or give wrong information, you'll be fined.

You don't need to declare currency if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Delays at borders

There's been an increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe.

Delays at land border crossings may occur. Allow extra time if you're travelling by road or train.

• have back-up plans
• follow the advice of local authorities

Unexploded landmines

Unexploded landmines and remnants of war are a serious problem in parts of Croatia. Clearance operations are ongoing.

If you visit former conflict areas, don't leave known safe roads and safe areas.

Check details on known and suspected mine areas with the Ministry of Interior, Civil Protection Directorate (Croatian) before you travel.

Driving permit

To drive a vehicle, you'll need both:

• a current Australian driver's licence, and
• a valid international driving permit (IDP)

Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

If you plan to live in Croatia, you must exchange your Australian driver's licence for a Croatian one within 12 months of arrival. You can do this at the local police station.

Road travel

Driving can be hazardous, and traffic accidents are common.

In winter, severe weather can make roads icy and slippery.

Many country roads are narrow and lack guardrails.

Aggressive drivers may overtake when it's not safe to do so.

According to local road rules, you must:

• always use headlights from the last weekend in October until the last weekend in March
• use headlights during fog and rain
• have winter tyres fitted on motor vehicles between 15 November and 15 April

It's illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.

Motor vehicles must carry a fluorescent vest. You must wear this vest while attending to a breakdown.

Police may fine drivers and cyclists involved in accidents, even when no third parties are involved.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer if your policy covers you riding a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and authorised car services.

Avoid flagging down taxis in the street.

Public transport

Bus and rail services operate throughout Croatia.

Take care of your belongings on public transport, as petty crime does occur.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Several accidents and serious injuries have occurred on party boats.

Ensure proper safety equipment is on board before travelling on a ferry or other sea vessel.

The Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure recognises some Australian boating licences issued by state authorities. You should check the requirements with the Ministry before your travel to Croatia.

All skippers must have an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or hold a valid recognised Australian boating licence.

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Croatia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Zagreb.

Australian Embassy, Zagreb

Grand Centar
Fifth Floor, Hektoroviceva 2
10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Phone: (+385) 1 489 1200
Fax: (+385) 1 489 1216
Email: austemb.zagreb@dfat.gov.au, consular.zagreb@dfat.gov.au
Website: https://croatia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Croatia

Twitter: AusAmbCroatia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia