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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Croatia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Croatian Embassy in London .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Croatia.

Passport validity requirements

To travel to Croatia, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.

To enter Croatia (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Contact the Croatian embassy in the UK if your passport does not meet both these requirements.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document, or try to use a passport that has been lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

Border checks have been introduced at Slovenia’s borders with Croatia and will be in place for 6 months. If travelling from Croatia, to Slovenia, consult our travel advice for Slovenia .

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

If you’re a visitor, your passport must be stamped when you enter or leave the Schengen area (which includes Croatia). Border guards will use passport stamps to check you haven’t overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for stays in the Schengen area. If your passport was not stamped, border guards will presume you have overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Croatia .

At Croatian border control, you may also need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area (including Croatia) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you’re travelling to Croatia and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Croatian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Croatian embassy in UK .

If you stay in Croatia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Croatia guide .

Registration with the police

Your accommodation provider must register your arrival in Croatia with the police within 48 hours. Your hotel will normally register you. If your accommodation provider is unable to do this for you, fill in and print out the form obrazac 16a . The completed form must be handed in at the police station. Alternatively you should go to the nearest police station with the owner of the accommodation to register your address in Croatia.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Croatia . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Croatia

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

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Hidden Croatia: where to stay and what to do off the beaten track

Explore the natural wonders, sleepy villages and car-free islands of seven lesser-known regions Hidden Greece | Hidden Italy

D espite all the restrictions and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, Croatia’s tourism industry made a decent show of bouncing back last year – to about two-thirds of its 2019 levels. And the perennial hotspots of Dubrovnik, Hvar, Brač and Korčula have been as popular as ever. But while millions of people spent last year beating a well-trodden path, there are still regions, islands and beaches where the tourist footprint is lighter, the crowds fewer and the atmosphere more mellow. If you’re looking for an escape and a new discovery this year – but not the crowds – you’ll find it in these places.

There’s a pleasingly laid-back feel to this small town on the Adriatic’s Šibenik Riviera, north-east of Split. The new D-Marin marina hasn’t really affected the slow pace of life in this part of northern Dalmatia, but has added a pleasant hum to the harbour-front cafes. At the mouth of the harbour is Tribunj’s tiny old town, on an islet connected to the coast by a stone bridge.

At one tumultuous point in its history, the town’s population crammed into its fortified castle to protect itself from Ottoman attacks. Ringed by moored boats, the compact islet is home to no fewer than nine bars and restaurants, and is the place to be on a balmy summer evening. A waterside table at the convivial Konoba Dida Toni is a great place to savour a platter of grilled fish or slow-cooked octopus.

The town’s indented coastline harbours several pebbly and rocky beaches, including pine-backed Zamalin just the other side of the stubby Saint Nicholas peninsula. Saint Nicholas church, the town’s emblem, sits on top of the hill, and beyond a bigger peninsula further west is beautifully wild but sheltered Sovlje beach.

East of the marina is Tribunj’s main beach, Bristak, with sun loungers and jetskis for hire. Those who prefer more strenuous activities can rent a bike (details from the tourist office ) and tackle one of the cycling trails that lead through olive groves and up towards spectacular views of the Adriatic. The hiking is just as good, with paths leading to an old Turkish fort and hillside chapels.

With the Adriatic surrounding the town, it’s not surprising that Tribunj likes to celebrate its seafood. The summer season kicks off in mid-June, with a giant Fishermen’s Night feast, a traditional Croatian festival. In late July and late August there are more seafood festivals, as well as a rather comical annual donkey race on the first Sunday in August.

Where to stay Plavi Val (from €40 a night for two) has five apartments overlooking Sovlje beach. They each come with a double bedroom, a sofa bed and a terrace, and there’s a restaurant of the same name on the ground floor.

Papuk nature park

The forested peaks of Papuk nature park in Slavonia – the rectangular eastern region of Croatia bordered by Hungary, Serbia and Bosnia – were once an island in the ancient Pannonian Sea, and now sit in the middle of the vast Pannonian plain, which stretches from the Alps to the Carpathians.

For an exhilarating introduction to this Unesco geopark start at its heart, in the Jankovac forest park. Educational trails wind through centuries-old beech woods, along raised wooden walkways, past lakes and towards the 35-metre-high Skakavac waterfall.

At the Jankovac visitors’ centre, there are canoes to hire for a gentle paddle on Jankovac lake, or bikes for a scoot along the park’s hiking and biking trails. Bicycles are also available at the main ticket office in the village of Velika, on the southern edge of the park.

Just south of Jankovac is Duboka Adrenaline Park , with a zipline and climbing trails for children and adults. The Adriatic is miles away, but there are waterside views on the park’s north-eastern edge, towards the village of Orahovica, where the ruins of medieval Ružica castle tower over the blue-green waters of Hercegovac lake. For swimming, there’s the human-made Orahovačko lake, where there’s also a children’s play area and bike park.

Where to stay B&B Winery Sontacchi (doubles from £50, on booking.com ) in the village of Kutjevo, just south of the nature park, offers simple en suite rooms, a small spa pool and a garden. It’s one of a fair number of wineries in the village and its surrounding area, so there is plenty of opportunity for tastings. Galić Winery , just 500 metres up the road from Sontacchi, produces one of the loveliest rosés in Croatia.

With no cars, motorbikes or hotels, Silba certainly qualifies for the overused “unspoilt” tag. This small, mainly flat island (the highest point is 80 metres above sea level) in the Zadar archipelago is as relaxed as they come. It’s only five miles long and barely half a mile wide at its narrowest point, which happens to be where Silba town stretches from east to west.

It is the perfect place to kick back and relax on the beach, swim, eat fresh seafood and perhaps go hiking along rocky paths through oak woods. Parts of the island are served by footpaths smooth enough to double as cycling trails.

Silba may be small but it packs in plenty of beaches. Pernastica on the north coast has vivid turquoise waters that are worth the hour’s trek through woods. At the other end of the scale, Sotorišće is right by the town centre, and may get a little busy in high season.

For water-borne exploring, Rent a Boat Silba in Silba town hires out canoes, paddleboards and – for those with a licence – small motorised boats and dinghies. It also offers a boat taxi service and private tours.

Even slower-paced is Silba’s neighbour Olib, where cars are also banned. Boat services also run from Silba to another tiny neighbour, Premuda, as well as Lošinj in the Kvarner Gulf. Zadar is only about 90 minutes away on the fast catamaran.

Where to stay S ilbaBlu Bed and Breakfast (sleeps two from £39) has one-bedroom apartments with kitchens, balconies and sea views on Silba Town’s western beachfront. The shared garden includes a barbecue, and there’s a minimum five-night stay.

Mreżnica River

The famous waterfalls and lakes of Plitvice Lakes national park get very busy, but a 90-minute drive north, no fewer than 93 waterfalls ripple along the Mrežnica River. Its clear waters meander through gorgeous karst landscape for 39 miles from Slunj towards Karlovac. It offers tranquil swimming spots, riverside restaurants and campsites, wooded islands and a huge number of places to go rafting and kayaking. Mrežnica’s waterfalls are on a smaller, more human scale, making them safer to navigate and swim in.

Closer to Plitvice is the tiny village of Primišlje, from where Huck Finn Adventure runs one-day kayak and rafting tours of the river. Guests get to jump from the river’s second-highest waterfall, stop for waterside picnics and swim from secluded beaches.

Where to stay Camp Slapić (cabin for two from £38) offers simple wooden “tents” right on the river, with decks and tables from which to enjoy the view. About a 20-minute drive from Karlovac, the site also has tent pitches and mobile homes as well as a pool, a children’s playground and a restaurant.

Neretva delta

Just 90 minutes’ drive north of Dubrovnik is a world completely different from Croatia’s most-visited tourist destination. Beyond Bosnia’s narrow slice of the Adriatic coast lies the patchwork of orchards, lakes, bird-rich wetlands and waterways that makes up the Neretva delta and valley. (Sometime this summer it should be possible to avoid customs queues when the new Pelješac Bridge opens, linking two swaths of the Croatian coast that are currently split by a small stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina, shaving a fair bit of time off the journey.)

A few miles past the border is Blace, a village on a small bay wedged in between the Mala Neretva river and the Adriatic. Here, the Chill Beach Bar, on a sandy spit, is the place for a cold drink and a game of beach volleyball. A short way north across a bridge is sandy Delta Beach, where kitesurfing lessons are offered by Neretva Kiteboarding .

The road inland towards the Bosnian border follows the Neretva river as it winds past fruit stalls selling produce grown in these valley fields. Close to the border is the ancient market town of Metković, where Neretva Bike rents out cycles. Places nearby to explore on two wheels include the village of Vid, whose Narona Archaeological Museum displays ancient Roman and Illyrian finds.

But the most satisfying and often the only way to get to know this delta region is on a boat. Many of the rural restaurants offer boat safaris that meander through the waterways and lakes – including one of the most beautiful, Lake Kuti, with herons, cormorants and hoopoes to spot.

Where to stay Midway between Opuzen – another appealing stop along the Neretva – and Metković is Hotel Restaurant Villa Neretva (doubles from £38 B&B). The hotel also offers boat safaris and trips to Lake Kuti as well as boat trips to its sister restaurant, Konoba Neretvanska Kuća , in a peaceful waterside spot a few miles south.

Dinara nature park

Croatia’s newest nature park, Dinara is home to Croatia’s highest mountain (the 1,831-metre Planina Dinara) and some fantastic hiking. This massif actually has an even higher peak, the Troglav, but that’s just across the border in Bosnia. This vast karst landscape in the northern Dalmatia hinterland is smothered in wild flowers in spring and summer. Eagles and griffon vultures soar overhead, and herds of goats munch on sweet summer grass.

A trek to the top of Dinara is best done with a local guide– they can be booked at Dinaric Guides , in the town of Sinj, to the south of the nature park. There are several mountain huts to overnight in for those planning a multi-day hike, as well as some easier, shorter trails that can be completed in a few hours.

The city of Knin is another starting point for hikes, and for gentler walks to the Krčić waterfall on the Krka river and swims in Šarena lake. Knin was the royal capital of Croatia in the Middle Ages, and its forbidding fortress, which dates from the ninth century and is the second largest in Croatia, is worth a visit.

One of the park’s most extraordinary sights is the source of the Cetina river, which eventually flows into the Adriatic at Omiš . It’s easy to see why this beauty spot is called the eye of Dalmatia: the centre of the deep pool is deep blue, with its shallower edges bright turquoise. It’s surrounded by scrubby limestone slopes and overlooked by a neo-Byzantine Serbian Orthodox church. The source’s temperature never rises above 8C, and while fans of cold-water swimming might be tempted to dive in, it’s not recommended.

Where to stay Apartments Budiša (sleeps two from £41) is in the village of Vrlika overlooking Peruća Lake, a tranquil spot about eight miles south of the Cetina spring.

Karinsko More

About 18 miles inland from Zadar, on the Dalmatian coast, is Karinsko More, an inland sea connected to the Adriatic by a narrow channel. Anyone who has tried bungee jumping off the Maslenica Bridge, which spans that channel, will have spotted this beach-fringed body of water, with the smaller Karin sea off to its south, and the Zrmanja river canyon on its northern side.

Around it, a sleepy collection of small waterside villages – including Maslenica, Posedarje, Pridraga and Kruševo – are interspersed with pebbly and rocky beaches. It is a dream spot for kayakers, who can paddle from beach to beach in these protected waters before setting off into the Zrmanja canyon – all against the backdrop of the Velebit mountains.

On Karinsko More’s southern shore, at the foot of a zigzagging bay, is the historic town of Novigrad, whose hulking hilltop medieval fortress, reached by many stone steps,offers superb views.

The town is a handy base for bike rides along trails stretching for 20 miles, and lunches of local mussels at Konoba Mika on the waterfront. The mussels are so highly regarded that they get their own festival every June. And the first Saturday in August brings another fish feast, when the town’s fishermen cook their catches in the harbour.

Zrmanja River Tours , based in Novigrad, organises activities including group rafting adventures in Zrmanja canyon as well as more sedate boat safaris along the river. There are kayaks, canoes and rafts to hire for independent trips, or private excursions on a small skippered boat.

Where to stay Apartments Mali Dvor (sleep four from £33, on booking.com ) are near the mouth of the Z-shaped bay that leads to Novigrad. There are two flats to choose from, both with two bedrooms and a balcony, and there’s a shared garden with a barbecue and sea views.

Mary Novakovich ’s Croatia memoir, My Family and Other Enemies – Life and Travels in Croatia’s Hinterland , will be published by Bradt on 18 August 2022

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George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city, about which he said “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik”, as well as, famously, describing it as “the pearl of the Adriatic”. It really is a stunning city with an amazing Old Town, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

But whatever we and others say, our words do not give justice to this dazzling place. So come soon and see it with your own eyes!

As mentioned, the Old Town and its many sights (including the well-preserved city walls along which you can walk) is one of the top attractions here. The Old Town is also famous for Stradun (also known as Placa), the main thoroughfare – one of the greatest pleasures for many visitors is to have a drink in one of the nearby cafes and watch the world go by. In turn, they are being watched by the city patron, St. Blaise – or Sveti Vlaho as the locals call him.

If you are visiting in the summer, do not miss the world-renowned Dubrovnik Summer Festival , with music, theatre, dance performances and much more.

Information on Dubrovnik

Read up on the city on our pages below:

• Map Scrollable, searchable map of the city
• History A truly fascinating history, including its time as the Republic of Ragusa
• Getting to Dubrovnik Flying to the city – and other means of transport!
• To and from Dubrovnik Airport Details on how to travel from and to Rudjer Boskovic Airport and the Old Town and the rest of the city
• Public Transport in Dubrovnik Getting around the city and nearby by bus, taxi, cable car, and boat/ferry
• Dubrovnik Cable Car Location, journey and ticket info on this popular attraction
• Accommodation Where to stay
• Sightseeing Read up on the top sights here, including must-sees!
• Museums in Dubrovnik Some of the best museums to visit, from historic artefacts to far more modern experiences
• Two Days in Dubrovnik A 48-hour itinerary, including what to see and do and where to eat
• Guided Tours Some of the guided tours of the city that you can enjoy
• Restaurants Some of the best restaurants to try when you’re there
• Bars & Clubs Enjoy a tipple or two in the best bars and clubs
• Events Annual festivals and festivities
• Lokrum Visiting this tiny island that’s very close to Dubrovnik – perfect for an afternoon visit!
• Day Trips from Dubrovnik Where to head to on a day trip, including Lokrum , Cavtat , the Elafiti islands and Mljet
• Day Trips to Montenegro Ideas for day trips to Kotor, Herceg Novi and Budva
• Day Trips to Bosnia & Hercegovina Information on day trips to Mostar and Medjugorje
• Take a look at our photos! The Dubrovnik Walls Walk gives an idea of what you can see as you walk on the Old Town Walls, whilst we also have Photos of Dubrovnik  and Photos of Dubrovnik 2 .

Getting Around Dubrovnik

There is a good bus service in the city (see routes and timetables on the Bus Terminal website) and you can also get around by taxi. Uber also exists in Dubrovnik. Full information is on our Public Transport in Dubrovnik page.

To get between Rudjer Boskovic Airport and the town centre (or vice versa), see our special page on To and From Dubrovnik Airport .

General info

The area code is 020.

The Tourist Office is at Svetog Dominika 7, 20000 Dubrovnik, tel: +385 (0)20 312 011, email: [email protected].

Additional info

• Dubrovnik Tourist Board website
• Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board website
• Taxi Service Dubrovnik
• Urban storage network Stasher has a number of locations in the city for anyone looking to store luggage. They have low daily rates, 24/7 customer service and full insurance!
• Dubrovnik Visitors is a helpful website that tracks the number of people coming into (and leaving) the Old Town; take a look to see when less busy times may be if you’re planning on doing some sightseeing
• Read about New Year’s celebrations  in the city by Graham Amiss

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Find Croatia » Croatian National Tourist Office

Croatian National Tourist Office

Croatia – croatian national touris offices info.

Croatian National Tourist Office, Zagreb

Iblerov trg 10/IV, 10000 Zagreb

Tel: (00 385) 1 4556 455 Fax: (00 385) 1 4557 827

Email: [email protected]

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Croatian National Tourist Office, Bratislava

Trencianska 5, Bratislava, Slovakia

Tel: (00 421) 7 55 562 054 Fax: (00 421) 7 55 422 619

Book your hotel in Croatia!

Croatian National Tourist Office, Brussels

Vieille Halle aux Bles 38, 1000 Brussels

Tel: (00 32) 2 550 1888, Fax: (00 32) 2 513 8160

Croatian National Tourist Office, Budapest

Magyar u. 36, 1053 Budapest

Tel: (00 36) 1 266 65 05 Fax: (00 36) 1 267 55 99

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Frankfurt

Kaiserstrasse 23, 60311 Frankfurt, Deutschland

Tel: (00 49) 238 5350 Fax: (00 49) 69 2385 3520

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Milan

Piazzetta Pattari 1/3, 20122 Milano, Italia

Tel: (00 39) 02 86 45 44 97 Fax: (00 39) 02 86 45 45 74

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Moscow

Krasnopresnenskaya nab. 12, 123610 Moscow

Tel: (00 7) 095 258 1507, Fax: (00 7) 095258 1508

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Munich

Rumfordstrasse 7, 80469 Munchen, Deutschland

Tel: (00 49) 89 22 33 44 Fax: (00 49) 89 22 33 77

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Netherlands

Hoge Gouwe 93, 2801 LD Gouda, Netherlands

Tel: 0900 20 22 102

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Paris

48 Avenue Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris, France

Tel: (00 33) 1 45 00 99 55 Fax: (00 33) 1 45 00 99 56

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Prague

Krakovska 25, 11000 Praha, Ceska Republika

Tel: (00 420) 2 2221 1812 Fax: (00 420) 2 2221 0793

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Rome

Via Dell’Oca 48, 00186 Roma, Italia

Tel: (00 39) 06 32 11 0396 Fax: (00 39) 06 32 11 1462

E-mail: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Stockholm

Kungsgatan 24, 11135 Stockholm

Tel: (00 46) 853 482 080 Fax: (00 46) 820 2460

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, UK

2 The Lanchesters, 162-164 Fulham Palace Road, London W6 9ER

Tel: 020 8563 7979 Fax: 020 8563 2616

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, USA

350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4003, New York 10118, USA

Tel: (00 1) 212 279 8672 Fax: (00 1) 212 279 8683

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Vienna

Am Hof 13, 1010 Wien, Osterreich

Tel: (00 43) 1 585 38 84 Fax: (00 43) 1 585 38 84 20

Email: [email protected]

Croatian National Tourist Office, Warsaw

Chmielna 16 lok. 2, 0-020 Warsaw

Tel: (00 48) 22 828 51 93 Fax: (00 48) 22 828 51 90

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• Croatia Travel Blog

18 things you need to know before visiting Croatia

Mar 17, 2024 • 7 min read

Plan the perfect Croatia trip with these top tips © TerryPrince / Getty Images

With its glittering coastline, 1244 islands, endlessly fascinating cities and extraordinarily dramatic landscapes, Croatia has been steadily making its way up people’s must-go lists. 

Naturally, tourists are drawn to those beautiful Adriatic beaches that easily hold their own against their Mediterranean rivals. But inland Croatia is just as captivating, from the hilltop villages of Istria to the elegantly buzzing capital, Zagreb .

Don't book your flights just yet though – first, make the most of our planning tips covering everything you need to know about health, safety and etiquette before you go.

1. Don’t overstretch yourself when planning an itinerary

It might be tempting to squeeze in as many destinations as possible into one trip, but you won’t be doing yourself any favors unless you’re staying for at least two weeks. If you’re planning to visit more than one Adriatic island, think realistically about how much time you can spend in each place and how you will be getting around .

Check the schedule of the national ferry operator,  Jadrolinija , if you intend to do some island-hopping. Croatia has an extensive bus network, but factor in some long journey times if you’re traveling along the Adriatic coast.

2.  Croatia's currency is the euro

Although Croatia joined the EU in 2013, the euro was only introduced as the national currency on the January 1, 2023. The Croatian kuna is no longer in use, and if you happen to have any of the old currency, you'll need to go to the Croatian National Bank to exchange them. 

3. Expect to tip at least 10% in restaurants

Croatia’s tipping culture is more laid-back than in other countries. Having said that, it’s customary to leave at least 10% in restaurants and for beauty and spa treatments. In bars and cafes, just round up the bill. Tour guides appreciate a few euros at the end of a tour, and taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, but, again, if you want to round up a fare to the next euro, it’s appreciated. If you’re filling up your car and notice a few students cleaning car windscreens, consider giving them a couple of euros as they’re working for tips only.

4. Croatia is generally considered a safe place to travel

Croatia is a safe country with low levels of violent crime. The most prevalent issue for tourists is pickpocketing, but even that’s on a much lower scale than in other European countries. Solo women travelers should be safe on their own, although it’s wise to ask your accommodation provider if there are any areas in the vicinity that are best avoided. When using taxis, all travelers should make certain they’re using a licensed car either from an official taxi rank or ordered from your hotel. Uber operates in most major towns and cities, including Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split .

5. Some caution is recommended for LGBTIQ+ travelers 

In this relatively conservative country, homosexuality is tolerated, but LGBTIQ+ travelers should be discreet. Public displays of affection could raise a few eyebrows, and some travelers have experienced hostile reactions. Zagreb’s gay scene is growing, however, and both Zagreb and Split hold Gay Pride festivals every June.

6. Bring some swimming shoes

Most of Croatia’s beaches are pebbly or rocky and can be hard to enjoy in bare feet. Just pick up a pair of those neoprene or plastic swimming shoes you see in all the resorts, and you’ll also be protecting your feet from sea urchins that lurk under rocks and pebbles.

7. Nudity at the beach is pretty standard

Naturist beaches are popular in Croatia, and sometimes you won’t know you’re on one until people start stripping off. Most are marked with FKK – the German phrase “Frei-Körper-Kultur,” meaning free body culture – which isn't surprising as Germans make up some of the biggest numbers of tourists in Croatia. Away from the FKK beaches, topless bathing is quite common.

8. Dodge the crowds in Dubrovnik by timing your visit carefully

There could be times when up to 8000 cruise ship passengers might descend on Dubrovnik in one day. That’s the cue to stay away from the Old Town  within the city walls until they leave in the late afternoon. Keep an eye on the Dubrovnik Port Authority’s website for cruise arrivals and the online crowd monitoring system that predicts the numbers of visitors. 

9. Wi-fi is readily available

Croatia is part of EU roaming, which is handy if you have a contract that allows you to use your data abroad. It’s easy to find wi-fi in cafes and bars – just ask the server for the password ( šifra ).

10. Swimwear is for the beach, not the town

If you’re visiting churches and other sacred sites, keep your shoulders covered and avoid bare thighs. If you’re wearing a hat, take it off when you’re in a church. Even though dress codes are relaxed on the coast, Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar have passed laws against walking around the city in swimwear or bare-chested. Croatians like to dress smartly and take great pride in their appearance, so do as they do and avoid looking scruffy.

11.  Don’t get drunk in public

Croatia has developed a reputation as a place to party, which has led to some areas being inundated with badly behaved drunken tourists. After years of enduring this, the mayor of Hvar Town had enough. In 2017, the destination started to issue fines of up to €700 for public drunkenness and things like taking a drunken nap in a public place, such as on a park bench. Split introduced fines of up to €300 in 2023, placing signs in the city center reminding people that public drinking is not allowed, and that no one should be urinating on the walls of Diocletian's Palace .

12. Get to know the Croatian character

Croatians can be quite reserved people, sometimes appearing brusque. It’s nothing personal, which you'll realize when you get to know them better, and the initial reserve melts to reveal a warm and friendly side.

13. Be tactful when talking about Croatia’s war of independence

The 1990s war that splintered the former Yugoslavia is a topic that needs careful handling. If people show a willingness to talk about it, then by all means ask sensible questions. But don’t be intrusive, and bear in mind that Croatians won’t take too kindly to being called either Yugoslav or Balkan. Similarly, in this predominantly Catholic country, be mindful of making loud statements against religion.

14. You can drink the tap water

Tap water in Croatia is perfectly safe and very drinkable, and you can refill your reusable water bottles at public drinking fountains.

15. Keep your lights on if driving during winter months

If you’re driving in Croatia from November to April, it’s compulsory to have your lights on during daylight hours as well as at night.

16. Croatia has occasional earthquakes

Croatia has a history of earthquakes going back centuries, but two recent ones in 2020 caused significant damage. The quake that shook Zagreb damaged thousands of buildings, many of which are in the old town, including the cathedral. Soon after, the city of Petrinja, about an hour’s drive south of Zagreb, was severely damaged in a quake, and aftershocks rippled throughout the region. If an earthquake happens while you're there, follow local guidance.

17. There are still some landmines

There are still parts of the country in the hinterlands of Northern Dalmatia and Lika where landmines remain from the war of independence, but these will be signposted with a skull and crossbones symbol. Don’t go anywhere near them.

18. Take out travel insurance

Dial 112 for general emergencies, 192 for police, and 194 for an ambulance. If you fall ill in Croatia and you're an EU citizen with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a UK citizen with a Global Health Insurance Card, you’re entitled to a vastly reduced price for health care . But even with this cover, you should still take out travel insurance.

This article was first published May 2022 and updated March 2024

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Croatia's Tourism Achieves Record-breaking Numbers in 2023 Despite Global Challenges

Croatia's tourism industry thrived in 2023, surpassing expectations and overcoming global challenges. According to the eVisitor system, which encompasses data from both commercial and non-commercial establishments, as well as nautical charter services (eCrew system), the country welcomed over 20.6 million visitors and recorded an impressive 108 million overnight stays. This marks a substantial 9% increase in arrivals and a 3% surge in overnight stays compared to the previous year.

A noteworthy aspect of these achievements is the overall results for all accommodation capacities, which equal the figures from 2019. Particularly in commercial facilities, such as hotels, campsites, and household establishments, there was a remarkable 1.2% growth in overnight stays compared to 2019.

Kristjan Staničić, the Director of the Croatian Tourist Board , highlighted Croatia's reinforced position as one of Europe's most sought-after destinations. He pointed out that not only did the tourism results reflect this, but other indicators such as growing tourism revenue also supported this claim. Looking ahead to 2024, Staničić acknowledged the challenges posed by the current global situation but expressed optimism, stating, "Through the implementation of promotional activities and campaigns, we plan to maintain the competitiveness of Croatian tourism by promoting sustainability and quality."

Croatia's tourism by region

When analyzing Croatia's tourism results by region, Istria led the way with 30 million overnight stays (+2% from 2022), followed by Split-Dalmatia County with 20.2 million overnight stays (+3% from 2022) and Kvarner with 18.5 million overnight stays (+1% from 2022).

Minister of Tourism and Sports, Nikolina Brnjac, expressed satisfaction with the tourism traffic and financial results in 2023. She highlighted the enactment of the first comprehensive Tourism Law, providing tools for managing tourism towards sustainability. Brnjac emphasized, "With secured financial resources, both through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the State Budget, we have created all the conditions to approach 2024 with great optimism for the even stronger realization of all our goals."

Zadar County, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and Lika-Senj County also experienced significant increases in overnight stays, contributing to the overall success. In the capital city, Zagreb , a notable growth of +13% in overnight stays compared to 2022 was recorded.

Zadar a leading destination - Photo - Canva

December proved to be a particularly strong month for Croatian tourism, with a remarkable 17% increase in arrivals and a 10% increase in overnight stays compared to the previous year. Over 394 thousand arrivals and 938 thousand overnight stays were recorded during this period.

As 2023 came to a close, guests from various markets contributed to Croatia's success, with Germany (23.6 million overnight stays), Croatia (13 million overnight stays), Slovenia (10.6 million overnight stays), and Austria (8.4 million overnight stays) leading the way. The enchanting destinations of Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Poreč, Split, and Umag saw the highest number of overnight stays.

Notably, almost 90 thousand guests celebrated New Year's Eve in Croatia , marking a 12% increase from the previous year. This positive momentum sets the stage for Croatia's tourism industry to face the challenges of 2024 with confidence and determination.

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National Tourist Board Reports on Successful 2023 Tourist Season in Croatia

Katarina Anđelković

Updated on: September 5, 2023

September 5, 2023 – The Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ) has reported the newest data on the 2023 tourist season in Croatia. In the first eight months of this year, there were eight percent more tourist arrivals in Croatia than in the same period last year. Moreover, there were two percent more overnight stays, HTZ claims.

According to eVisitor data, writes Index , 16.2 million arrivals and 88.5 million overnight stays were achieved in Croatia during the first eight months. Compared to the same period last year, this represents an increase of eight percent in arrivals and two percent in overnight stays. Furthermore, compared to 2019, the results are just about equal, HTZ notes.

Istria Leading With Arrivals

Looking at counties, the highest number of arrivals and overnight stays in eight months was achieved in Istria, with 4 million arrivals, or four percent more, and over 25 million overnight stays, or two percent more than last year. Split-Dalmatia County had 3 million arrivals, nine percent more, and 16.4 million overnight stays, a two percent growth. Kvarner had 2.6 million arrivals, or three percent more, and 15.4 million overnight stays, equal to 2022.

In Zagreb, 1.6 million overnight stays were counted, 15 percent more than last year. The rest of continental Croatia noted more than 1.9 million overnight, 14 percent more.

According to individual destinations, the most overnight stays during the first eight months were realized in Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Poreč, Split, and Umag. Looking at the incoming markets, the most overnight stays were realized from the markets of Germany (18.8 million overnight stays), Croatia (10.6 million overnight stays), Slovenia (9 million overnight stays), Austria (6.6 million overnight stays), and Poland (5.7 million overnight stays).

2023 Tourist Season in Croatia Summary: More Arrivals, Shorter stays

“Tourist traffic achieved in the peak of the season, i.e., in July and now in August, confirms the observed trends according to which guests make for more arrivals but stay a bit shorter,” said HTZ director Kristjan Staničić.

Such traffic dynamics, as he stated, make sense considering that during last year, global travel was still the most intense in the main summer months. This is the first year after the pandemic in which there are no travel restrictions and limitations and the first in which all competition has fully returned.

When the influence of global inflation and the still-present conflict in Ukraine are added, it can be concluded that despite all the circumstances, Croatia achieved an excellent result, which will be further strengthened in the coming postseason period. Promotional activities are underway, and expectations are quite high, said Staničić.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Nikolina Brnjac said that the positive trend of tourist results continued through summer.

“After the best pre-season in the history of Croatian tourism, we enter the postseason period with great optimism, for which the announcements are excellent. The continental counties also recorded better results than in 2019 and 2022, which is important because it points to the fact that we truly have the potential for the development of tourism in the whole of Croatia”, she pointed out.

4.6 million arrivals and 31.5 million overnight stays in August

HTZ stated that the trend of more tourist arrivals but shorter stays was also confirmed during August. In August, according to eVisitor data, a total of 4.6 million arrivals and 31.5 million overnight stays were realized in Croatia. Compared to last year, this is a growth of one percent in arrivals and a lag of two percent in overnight stays.

At the same time, 4.3 million arrivals and 30.8 million overnight stays were achieved in the Adriatic counties, which, compared to last year, represents an equal result in arrivals and a lag of two percent in overnight stays.

In Zagreb, 154,000 arrivals (nine percent growth) and 275,000 overnight stays (five percent growth) were achieved, while in the rest of continental Croatia, 195,000 arrivals (four percent more) and 452,000 overnight stays (six percent more) were completed.

The most overnight stays in August were guests from the markets of Germany (7.3 million overnight stays), Croatia (3.8 million overnight stays), Slovenia (2.9 million overnight stays), Poland (2.1 million overnight stays), Austria (2 million overnight stays) and Italy (2 million overnight stays).

According to destinations, the most overnight stays in August were in Rovinj, Vir, Medulin, Umag, Poreč, Dubrovnik, Split and Crikvenica.

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In 2021, nearly 14 million tourists visited Croatia

In 2021, there were 1 3.8 million arrivals and 84.1 million overnights in Croatia, i.e. 77 percent more arrivals and 55 percent more overnights than in the same period in 2020. Foreign tourists accounted for 71.9 million overnights, while domestic tourists realized 12.3 million overnights. These are the first data from the eVisitor system, which contains tourist traffic generated in commercial and non-commercial facilities and nautical charter. Compared to the results from 2019, 67 percent of arrivals and 77 percent of overnights was realized in 2021.

"Behind us is the second pandemic year in which Croatia, despite all the challenges, achieved the best tourist traffic in the Mediterranean. This is the result of the dedicated and quality work of all tourism workers who, through their unified effort, quick reactions and coordinated action, have ensured the status of a high-quality, safe and well-prepared destination for our country. We are entering this year with great optimism, but also with plans that include the realization of 90 percent of traffic from the record 2019 and further positioning of our country as a sustainable and safe destination. We plan to realize this through the implementation of targeted and innovative marketing and information campaigns, which will be conducted throughout the year taking into account the epidemiological situation in each market", said the Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristjan Staničić , emphasizing that good trends in tourist traffic are confirmed by financial indicators, i.e. revenues from tourism.

Most tourist overnights were realized in Istria County (23.5 million), Split-Dalmatia County (15.5 million) and Primorsko-goranska County (15.3 million). Followed by Zadar County (12.7 million overnight stays), Šibenik-Knin County (5.9 million) and Dubrovnik-Neretva County (5.4 million). The destinations that attracted the most visitors were Zagreb (638,000 arrivals), Rovinj (549,000), Dubrovnik (543,000), Split (529,000) and Poreč (431,000 arrivals). In terms of markets, in 2021 most arrivals were recorded by Germans (2.9 million, 84 percent growth compared to 2020), domestic tourists (2.3 million, growth of 41 percent compared to 2020), Slovenians (1.2 million, an increase of 18 percent compared to 2020), Austrians (1.1 million, an increase of 180 percent compared to 2020), Poles (1 million, an increase of 50 percent compared to 2020) and Czechs (775,000, increase of 50 percent from 2020). Also, compared to 2020, there were 78 percent more Italians, 100 percent more Hungarians, 168 percent more French and 324 percent more Dutch. Let us add that, compared to 2019, Poles achieved 8 percent more overnights, Germans equalled overnights from a record 2019, Czechs achieved 97 percent of overnights, while Slovenes and Austrians achieved about 82 percent of 2019 overnights.

"Congratulations to all tourism stakeholders on a great tourist year. During 2021, Croatia built the image of a safe and responsible destination, which was recognized by our tourists. In addition to the importance of safety, modern tourists, especially in this pandemic era, are increasingly recognizing the importance of the sustainability of the destination, which is becoming an additional motivation for them to travel. In order to further highlight the new strategic direction of Croatian tourism, the Ministry is launching a comprehensive web portal for sustainable tourism in Croatian and English, which will provide information on important documents, funding sources, projects, sustainable practices and eco-certification, as well as training, seminars, conferences and events, as well as stakeholder actions in the field of sustainable tourism. We will also have a publicly available display of Sustainable Tourism Indicators on the platform", said Minister of Tourism and Sports Nikolina Brnjac , adding that the project also created a label for the sustainability of Croatian tourism i.e. Croatia naturally yours, which will be recognizable to tourists as well as stakeholders in the sector.

Let us add that according to the type of accommodation, the highest number of overnights was recorded in households (32.1 million), camps (17.4 million) and hotels (15.7 million). In the nautical sector, i.e. the charter segment achieved 3.1 million overnights. Compared to 2020, the highest growth in traffic was achieved in hotels (+124 percent), camps (+92 percent), nautical (+87 percent) and household facilities (+45 percent).