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Croatia
Country Specific Information
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October 14, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Croatia is an increasingly well-developed nation in the process of accession to the EU. Facilities for tourism are available
throughout the country, and the Adriatic coast is an increasingly popular tourist destination. Read the Department of State
Background Notes on Croatia. For additional information visit the Croatian Homepage at http://www.hr/english.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required for travel to Croatia. A visa is not required for U.S. passport holders for tourist or business trips of fewer than 90 days within a six-month period. All foreign citizens must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival as well as inform them of any change in their address. Registration of foreign visitors staying in hotels or accommodations rented through an accommodation company is done automatically by the hotelier or accommodation company. Failure to register is a misdemeanor offense; some Americans have been fined for failing to register.
U.S. citizens already in Croatia who wish to remain in Croatia for more than 90 days must obtain a temporary residence permit: Note that the first temporary stay permit must be obtained from the Croatian Embassy or Consulate in the United States.
For further information on entry requirements for Croatia, including information regarding requirements for residency and
work permits, travelers may also contact the Embassy of Croatia at 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel.
(202) 588-5899, the Croatian Consulates in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles or the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs’
Office for Foreigners, tel. +385 (1) 456-3111 or http://www.mup.hr and http://www.mvpei.hr/MVP.asp?pcpid=1123.
In support of a residency application, applicants will need to provide a copy of their birth and marriage certificates, if
applicable, obtained no more than 90 days before application, as well as an FBI Identification Record Request authenticated
for use abroad. All documents should be translated into Croatian and have an “apostille” stamp certifying their authenticity.
Information on apostilles and authentication of documents is available from the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site.
For information on obtaining FBI Identification Record Requests, please see http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm.
If an extension of an approved temporary stay is needed, U.S. citizens should submit a request to the local police having
jurisdiction over their place of residence in Croatia no later than 30 days in advance of the last day of authorized stay.
For the latest information on procedures for obtaining residence or work permits, please see http://zagreb.usembassy.gov/service/other/entry.html.
Information on dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on the State Department web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet or visit www.carina.hr for specific information about Croatian customs regulations.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Although hostilities in all parts of the country ended in 1995, de-mining of areas along former confrontation lines is
not complete. It is estimated that de-mining operations will continue at least until 2010. Mine-affected areas are well-marked
with Croatian-language warning signs using the international symbol for mines. Travelers in former conflict areas, including
Eastern Slavonija, Brodsko-Posavska County, Karlovac County, areas around Zadar and in more remote areas of the Plitvice Lakes
National Park should exercise caution and not stray from known safe roads and areas. Mine clearance work may lead to the
closure of roads in former conflict areas. For more information about mine-affected areas and de-mining operations in Croatia,
please visit the Croatian Mine Action Center’s web site at www.hcr.hr/en/minskaSituacija.asp.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada,
or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Croatia has a low crime rate and violent crime is rare. Foreigners do not appear to be singled out. Travelers are advised
to safeguard their belongings in public areas, especially in bus or railroad stations, airports and on public transportation.
As in many countries, outward displays of wealth may increase a traveler’s chances of being targeted by thieves.
While violent crime is rare, there have been isolated attacks targeted at specific persons or property, which may have been
racially motivated or prompted by lingering ethnic tensions from Croatia’s war for independence.
American citizens are urged to be cautious when frequenting so called "gentlemen's clubs." A few such establishments have
presented foreign patrons with grossly inflated bar bills, sometimes in the thousands of dollars, and threatened those customers
who refuse to pay.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. Please see our information for Victims of Crime.
The Croatian emergency number for police, medical, and fire emergencies is 112.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Health facilities in Croatia, although generally of western caliber, are under severe budgetary strains. Some medicines are in short supply in public hospitals and clinics. The number of private medical and dental practitioners is substantial, and private pharmacies stock a variety of medicines not readily available through public health facilities. Croatian health care facilities, doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for health services and generally will not accept credit cards. Tick-borne encephalitis, a disease preventable with a three-shot vaccination series, is found throughout inland Croatia but is not prevalent along the coast. Travelers to Croatia may obtain a list of English-speaking physicians and dentists at the Embassy’s web site at http://zagreb.usembassy.gov/services/medical_information.html, or by calling: + 385 (1) 661-2376 during working hours. Ambulance service can be requested by dialing 94. Ambulance service is effective; however, response times may be longer to more isolated areas.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Croatia.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Americans who plan to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days may be required by Croatian authorities to pay into the Croatian health insurance system for the period of their stay in Croatia, regardless of whether they hold private American insurance or not. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Croatia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in
a particular location or circumstance.
Road conditions and maintenance in Croatia vary widely. Two modern highways linking Zagreb with Rijeka and Split opened in
2004. Construction is complete between Zagreb and Split and Zagreb and Rijeka, but work is still ongoing between Split and
Dubrovnik; this work may cause delays and road closures. Additionally, there are stretches of highway with average travel
speeds up to 130 km/hour that are only one lane in each direction. Opposing traffic may not be separated by a divider. Highway
tolls are higher than in the United States and must be paid by cash or credit card. Primary roads, including roads along the
coast, are generally adequate, but most have only one lane in each direction. Coastal roads are narrow and congested, and
tend to be slippery when wet. Rock slides are also possible on roads along the coast, as well as through the mountain regions
of Lika and Gorski Kotar. There is heavy congestion on major routes on weekends (towards the coast, for example) and in major
cities during rush hours. Congestion on coastal routes, at border crossings, and at tunnels is especially heavy in the summer
months. Drivers should be prepared for sudden slowdowns when approaching tunnels at any time of year. Drivers tend to be aggressive
in Croatia. Passing on curves or in oncoming lanes is common on highways and poses a higher risk of accidents. Accidents,
when they do happen, very often involve fatalities. Drivers traveling though former conflict areas should stay on paved roads
to reduce the risk of encountering unmarked mines and unexploded ordnance left over from the 1991-1995 war. In Zagreb, motorists
and pedestrians alike should also pay special attention to trams (streetcars), which in downtown areas may travel at a high
rate of speed through the narrow, congested streets.
Right turns on red lights are strictly forbidden in Croatia, unless an additional green light (in the shape of an arrow) allows
it. At unmarked intersections, right of way is always given to the vehicle entering from the right. The use of front seat
belts is obligatory and passengers in vehicles equipped with rear seat belts are required to use them. Special seats are required
for infants, and children under age 12 may not sit in the front seat of an automobile. The use of cellular phones while operating
a motor vehicle is prohibited unless the driver is using a hands-free device. By law, headlights of vehicles must be used
during the winter, during fog, and/or during inclement weather.
According to Croatian law a driver may drive with a blood alcohol level of up to 0.05 percent, however it is illegal for a
professional driver and those younger than 24 years of age to drive with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.00 percent.
A driver involved in an accident is also forbidden to have a blood alcohol level greater than 0.00 percent. Police routinely
spot-check motorists for drinking and driving administering breath-analyzer tests at even the most minor accident. Drivers
who refuse to submit to a breath-analyzer are automatically presumed to have admitted to driving while intoxicated. In case
of accidents resulting in death or serious injury, Croatian law requires police to take blood samples to test blood alcohol
levels. This new law also introduced significantly tougher fines for traffic violations of up to 2,000 euros and prison sentences.
Within Croatia, emergency road help and information may be reached by dialing 987, a service of the Croatian Automobile Association
(HAK), staffed by English speaking operators. The police can be reached by dialing 112 or 92 and the ambulance service by
dialing 94. Additional road condition and safety information may be obtained from HAK at tel. + 385 (1) 464-0800 ext. 0 (English
speaking operators available 24 hours), or + 385 (1) 455-4433 or +385 (1) 661-1999, or via their web site, www.hak.hr. During the tourist season, traffic information in English is also available at 98.5 FM on Croatian radio thirty minutes
past the hour between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
According to Croatian law, U.S. citizens visiting Croatia for tourism or business may use a U.S. driver’s license for up to
three months. U.S. citizens with an approved extended tourist visa or a permit for permanent residence may continue to use
a U.S. driver’s license for up to twelve months. However, a Croatian driver’s license is required for stays longer than twelve
months.
Foreigners who have been granted temporary residence in the Republic of Croatia and who are in possession of a vehicle registered
abroad (with valid registration documents and insurance), may use their car a maximum of three months following the day of
entry into Croatia, after which period the vehicle must be re-registered in Croatia. For specific information concerning Croatian
driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Croatian National Tourist Office,
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4003, New York, NY 10118; phone 1-800-829-4416 or 212-278-8672; fax 212-279-8683
In cases of traffic accidents involving a foreign-registered vehicle, the investigating police officer on the scene is required
to issue a vehicle damage certificate to the owner of the foreign-registered vehicle. This certificate is necessary to cross
the border. Upon written request, the police station in the area where the accident occurred will issue a Traffic Accident
Investigation Record. For further information, please visit http://www.mup.hr/1266.aspx.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
For travelers arriving by private marine craft, please refer to the nautical information and regulations available at www.mmtpr.hr.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Croatia’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Croatia’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: With numerous automated teller machines (ATMs) and ever-wider acceptance of credit cards in Croatia, traveler’s checks
are accepted less frequently or exchanged at an unfavorable rate. Western Union money transfer is available. For information
on money transfers, call + (385-11) 4839-166 or fax + (385-1) 4839-122.
Recreational Boating: The Croatian government requires all recreational skippers chartering Croatian flagged vessels to have
a certificate of competence. Under Croatian law, the Ministry of Sea, Tourism and Transport can only recognize licenses issued
by the national authorities of other countries. As no such national licensing regime exists in the United States, Americans
wishing to charter and pilot a Croatian-flagged vessel may be required to pass a certification test at the Ministry’s offices
in Zagreb or a at a designated harbormaster's office on the coast.
Tourists in Croatia can be certified at harbormasters' offices in Pula, Rijeka, Senj, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Ploce and Dubrovnik,
as well as at the Ministry in Zagreb. Candidates should contact the harbormaster's office or the Ministry to schedule the
test. Please note that the test will be administered only to groups, so individuals may need to wait until there are a sufficient
number of interested applicants. The certification costs 850 KN (roughly $170) and is valid indefinitely. A study guide is
available and the test can be taken in Croatian, English, German, and Italian.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Croatian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in Croatia is a crime, prosecutable also in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see the Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Croatia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Croatia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb is located at 2 Thomas Jefferson Street, 10010 Zagreb, tel. + 385 (1) 661-2200. The Embassy is located in the southern outskirts of Zagreb near the airport. For emergencies on weekends, holidays and after hours, the embassy duty officer can be reached at tel. + 385 (1) 661-2400.
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This replaces Country Specific Information dated January 16, 2008, to update sections: Entry/Exit Requirements, Traffic Safety
and Road Conditions and Aviation Safety Oversight.
