As Novac writes on the 31st of July, 2020, according to all strategies for the development of Croatian tourism's offer, health tourism has a priority role, but this segment has also suffered a heavy blow due to the coronavirus pandemic. On the other hand, The appearance of the new coronavirus has forced us to become much more aware of the importance of health on a global scale, which could be a great advantage in the development of Croatia as a leading destination for health tourism in the future.

Marcel Medak, president of the Health Tourism Association of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) and director of Sunčane toplice, agrees. He believes that in the future, the demand of patients for certain services, such as for the rehabilitation of chronic diseases, will fall, but he also sees this as a great chance for institutions that are ready to turn more strongly towards the health tourism market.

"I'd especially like to emphasise thallasotherapy, it uses marine natural healing factors that have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system, which is especially important in these pandemic times. This is an opportunity to use all our of potential and put a lot of hotels along the coast into the function of health tourism, which would significantly extend the existing tourist season. However, one of the key preconditions for that is the privatisation of special hospitals and health resorts, which is stated in the Action Plan for the Development of Health Tourism in the Republic of Croatia prepared by the Institute for Tourism,'' Medak points out, adding that it is crucial to connect all stakeholders, and that the HGK's Health Tourism Community should play a key role.

Terme Tuhelj Management Board Advisor Ivana Kolar believes that the Law which enables the registration of economic activity in health tourism brings great benefits with it, primarily for special hospitals and health centres that have not operated as companies and were as such not in the VAT system.

"Private entities operating on the open market and financing their business exclusively from sales activities depend on the quality of their services, communication with the market and their innovation, which motivates them to go forward with vcontinuous development and is the only long-term sustainable business model. It's necessary to soften the borders between special hospitals, rehabilitation and wellness centres in order to get closer to European standards of health tourism and provide guests with a richer service,'' said Kolar, and Medak agrees that such regulations bring about much more transparent business, simpler tax policies and a simpler employee recruitment procedure.

Krešimir Škof, deputy director of the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation Stubičke Toplice, which is also registered for health tourism, emphasises that the new legislative framework is good because there is no need to establish a subsidiary, but everything is done "under the same hat". However, he says that the registration of the activity itself means nothing if it isn't accompanied by an adequate offer.

"If the facilities are old and of poor quality, if the service doesn't meet the criteria of a demanding market and if there's no evidence of quality, then there can be no progress in the market. We've invested in our workers, services and facilities for years - over 80 million kuna has been invested in the last ten years,'' said Škof.

Another great strength of health tourism for Croatian tourism is that most of the facilities are located in the interior of Croatia and provide great potential for the development of continental tourism, and good examples of such development can be seen in Croatia's neighbouring countries. Strengthening continental tourism capacities would bring about more balanced economic development and reduce seasonality, but the precondition for all this is a quality and well-educated workforce. All our interlocutors agree with this, so they're paying special attention to their employees and their education.

In addition to the existing educational institutions, the Regional Centre of Competence in Tourism and Hospitality in Zabok will soon be established. The centre should contribute to the education of future staff needed in this sector, adult education and the monitoring of new technologies and trends across the rest of Europe and the world, and this is especially welcomed in the already popular Terme Tuhelj.

"Terme Tuhelj has always actively cooperated with the hospitality school in Zabok, which is the foundation of the development of the competence centre, and we'll be very happy to involve all those who actively participate in the development of tourism in its work and activities. It's difficult when it comes to staff working in tourism in the whole of Croatia, and Zagorje is no exception, so Terme has developed internal protocols for training, education and the further development of its employees, from the point of their employment to their entire career. There have been cases of hiring foreign staff, but in small numbers, so for now the team is managing to fill up with staff from Croatia, mostly from Zagorje and the surrounding areas,'' said Horvat, and Medak thinks similarly, pointing out that in Sunčane toplice they had no problems finding workers, as well as other employers in health tourism.

"The biggest staffing problem is the chronic shortage of specialist doctors that we had in Sunčane toplice, so we imported two doctors from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia," explaind Medak, concluding that currently, the biggest challenge is the promotion of health tourism, especially through the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), for which it is necessary to significantly increase funds.

For more on Croatian tourism in the coronavirus era, follow our travel page.

Not everyone in the world will be able to be vaccinated at the same time, and as Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 30th of July, 2020, Krunoslav Capak commented on Wednesday night on the news that Croatia has booked a million and a half doses of the coronavirus vaccine so far.

"Croatia will definitely buy that vaccine and pay the price in the end. This is very similar to procuring a pandemic flu vaccine. In the event of a pandemic, Croatia pays a reservation. Then, when the virus is isolated and the vaccine is produced, we'll quickly get our turn because we're paying for the reservation. Those who don't pay for the reservation will come later and will not be able to vaccinate their population in time,'' explained Krunoslav Capak for Nova TV.

"The European Union is doing it, we're not doing it. We only report to the EU on the quantity we're interested in having, and they conduct a public tender, agree on the price and agree on the order,'' he said when asked which company the vaccine was reserved for.

When asked who the 1.5 million doses are intended for, he explained that these are intended for risk groups: ''These are people over the age of 50 and are people with chronic diseases. It's also important that healthcare workers get vaccinated,'' announced Krunoslav Capak.

"I think there will certainly be an interest, but it won't be mandatory," he announced, adding that the vaccine would certainly not be developed this year because a large number of people had to be tested and then registered. Only then does production follow.

"Not even six months will be long enough produce enough doses for the whole world, but it will take about a year or a year and a half. Not everyone in the world will be able to be vaccinated at the same time. But given that we have this mechanism of joint procurement with the European Union and EU countries, I think we'll be among the first,'' said Capak.

He recommended that citizens download the application for monitoring coronavirus, saying that he doesn't believe that it will be obligatory, but also that it is harmless and that it does not violate anyone's rights. He told lawmakers who refuse to wear masks that it is recommended to put them on because although it doesn't protect them at the level of 100 percent, it does reduce the risk of contracting the infection.

"Of course, it's impossible to fill the [Zagreb] Arena for 5,000 people in these conditions. I'll remind you that the last such concert was held at the beginning of the epidemic and that it was a concert held by Nina Badrić.

Under these conditions, it's simply impossible to do that and it would be very bad to do so. We gave the musicians the opportunity to organize concerts under the new normal conditions. However, there is a possibility of expanding that number. We have limited [gatherings of people] to 1000. But it's possible to submit a request to the [national civil protection] headquarters to increase the number,'' replied the head of the CNIPH to the complaints of the entertainment industry that their work was denied.

For more on coronavirus in Croatia, follow our dedicated section.

Update, August 12: For the latest developments regarding the UK's coronavirus travel restrictions, please follow this article, which is being regularly updated. 

July the 30th, 2020 - When it comes to Croatia's most important tourist markets, Western European nations such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany are of enormous significance. Nationals of these rich European countries have been coming to spend their holidays in Croatia in their droves for many years and often have deep pockets. Coronavirus, however, has flipped all of that on its head.

The appearance of the new coronavirus has wreaked havoc in the travel and tourism industry across the globe. For countries like Croatia, which relies heavily on tourism as it makes up as much as 20 percent of the country's GDP, 2020 has been somewhat of an economic disaster so far, with some fearing that the worst is yet to come. With lockdown over and with travel restrictions easing all the time, the disease has begun to take hold again, and now the United Kingdom, one of the most powerful countries in Europe, is looking at the possibility of reintroducing mandatory self-isolation measures for British tourists returning to the UK from Croatia.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 29th of July, 2020, there is now a possibility that mandatory quarantine measures could be reintroduced for travellers returning to the United Kingdom from nearby Belgium, Luxembourg and the Republic of Croatia. It is a decision that will be made over the next two days by the British authorities, according to a report from The Guardian.

As stated, British authorities are currently keeping a very close eye on the jump in the number of infected people in Belgium, Luxembourg and Croatia, which is an extremely popular destination for British tourists. This could deliver a major shock to the Croatian economy which was hanging onto making up for as much losses as possible during August, and with the British market being among the most important in all of Europe.

Knowing its level of significance, the Croatian National Tourist Board threw itself at the British market, but for Croatia, the biggest problem is still the decisions of other European countries.

A mandatory fourteen-day quarantine was rapidly introduced last weekend for British tourists returning to the United Kingdom from Spain, which is perhaps traditionally the most popular destination for British tourists on the hunt for some summer sunshine, and which, much like the UK, was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

A decision on whether the British will need quarantine upon return from Croatia could be made on Thursday the 30th of July when a government committee dealing with issues surrounding the new coronavirus is due to meet.

For more on travel to, from and within Croatia during the coronavirus pandemic, follow our travel section.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

July 30, 2020 - The head of the National Civil Protection Headquarters and Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said on Wednesday that they were considering adopting new measures daily and called on event organizers to adhere to existing measures because that was the only way to decrease the number of cases.

"Every day, the Headquarters considers and takes into account all relevant data. We call on the organizers of events to adhere to the measures prescribed by the CNIPH; we call for responsibility," said Bozinovic, as reported by Slobodna Dalmacija.

Commenting on President Milanovic's repeated accusations that the National Headquarters is unconstitutional, Bozinovic reminded that the Headquarters was established in 2015, during the government of Prime Minister Milanovic.

“The only changes that have taken place are given this situation with the pandemic, which no one could have foreseen, neither then nor in 2019 when the law underwent certain amendments, and thus the headquarters was given the authority to make decisions related to the implementation of measures determined in cooperation with the CNIPH and the Ministry of Health, all under the supervision of the Government," the Minister pointed out.

He added that they had spoken with Education Minister Radovan Fuchs about the start of the school year in the autumn.

"We have agreed that within the Ministry of Education, there will be a special working group that will propose, and in some way support, the epidemiological service, and which will itself have an expert epidemiologist, given the whole range of issues and situations that should be anticipated given the risk of spreading the virus in school institutions," announced Bozinovic.

He added that there was no repression or tendency in the activities of the headquarters to diminish anyone's rights.

"This is a body that deals, based on knowledge and epidemiological recommendations and science, with finding a balance to maintain these activities, so that the economy and tourism do not stop," Bozinovic said.

He believes that the Parliament could not make a good decision, primarily due to lengthy debates, and change the same decision in less than 24 hours.

When asked by a journalist that the Association of Music Managers complained that they were unable to work and that they received a decision from only one county headquarters to allow gatherings of more than 1,000 people, the Minister said that there were already recommendations that cultural events and concerts could be organized in these circumstances, but with strict adherence to epidemiological measures.

"Some things are not possible in such epidemic conditions; concerts are not possible where a large number of people would gather as it used to be, and which would not maintain a physical distance between them. Concerts for 2020 and 2021 were practically canceled more or less throughout Europe, and in the USA until 2022. We must all find ways to organize ourselves in order for this activity to survive, and we can only do that through conversation, a rational approach," Bozinovic emphasized.

Minister of Health Vili Beros said that he had signed a pre-agreement for a million and a half doses of vaccine and that we had not paid anything yet because the signed contracts and agreements only regulate the procurement of vaccines in the future, emphasizing that Croatia is part of the European Commission initiative.

He added that the EU Commission is considering the modality of financing and the possibility for funding from EU structural and investment funds.

The director of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, Krunoslav Capak, emphasized that the numbers in Croatia these days vary due to hotspots in Split-Dalmatia County and are related to new patients from weddings in Hrvace, and funerals in Imotski. In Vukovar-Srijem County, new patients are associated with a bachelor party in Cerna and a wedding that moved to Nasice.

He added that large numbers are associated with large gatherings and that this is the main source of infection at the moment. He confirmed that several people were infected at the Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs.

"In one organizational unit of the ministry, it is true that there are four sick people, none of the officials or close associates of Minister Grlic Radman is in self-isolation. Four sick people and several people from one organizational unit are in self-isolation," Capak said.

Asked if the opposition was once again calling for his removal because of the case of HSLS president Dari Hrebak, Capak stressed that he did not think a mistake had been made in the case.

"Hrebak, before receiving the prescribed measure of self-isolation, requested a test at his own expense, and after that when he received a negative test, he asked for an interpretation. The epidemiological opinion I wrote states that he is non-infectious in the next 36-48 hours because of the negative swab. In medicine, situations are not black or white, and it would be very good to let epidemiologists decide whether someone needs self-isolation or not," Capak concluded.

Ministers Beros and Bozinovic and Director Capak confirmed to reporters that they had installed a new application for monitoring infected "Stop COVID-19" on their mobile phones.

The Interior Minister and head of the National Civil Protection Headquarters also wrote several posts on Twitter after the press conference:

"From 0 to 24, the Headquarters monitors the situation and the epidemiological picture every day. This means quick decision-making and involvement of all departments that need to say something about it. 

We are constantly trying to find a balance between economic activities and recommendations for curbing the epidemic and we are communicating all this with Croatian citizens. That is why Croatia is the champion of tourism in Europe."

To read more about news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

July 29, 2020 - The situation regarding travel to Croatia is changing at what feels like a daily rate, and to help us answer some of the frequently asked questions, the Total Croatia Travel Info Viber Community has enlisted a modern kind of assistant: a chatbot

The team behind the Total Croatia Travel Info Viber community is working hard to help all of our members with answers to any of their questions, but obviously, as can be expected, some of the questions keep getting repeated. Some of the tactics we use are frequently repeating some of the most informative articles, our Biggest Travel Update, Answers to FAQ article, Where to get tested in Croatia, and other articles that get updated daily. 

But, now we have additional help: a chatbot. You can easily access it by clicking the very friendly-looking robot icon when you're in the community (see screenshot below), or by clicking on this link.

That will wake the bot up, and it's there to answer (almost) any and all questions you might have regarding the possibility of entry into Croatia during the corona summer season of 2020. You will be able to ask about the required forms, latest updates, flights to Croatia, and general COVID-19 situation in Croatia. If you click on the COVID-19 button, you will be given the latest COVID-19 numbers in Croatia, the overview of the epidemiological measures valid in Croatia, as well as the location of the closest epidemiologist, should you need one - based on your phone's location!

If you, for instance, select that you want the information about traveling to Croatia (which is, obviously, something most of our user are interested about), you will get to choose your specific situation: 

and you will be given a brief and informative answer, as well as a link to an article where you will be able to read more details. 

If you, however, still need more help, after checking with our friendly and tireless bot and after reading our key articles on the topic, the community members will be more than happy to assist you with any additional questions you might have! 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages!

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

Last updated on September 1, 2020 - Nothing beats current information on travel to Croatia more than real experiences. Some feedback from recent travellers in the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community. 

Travel to Croatia is possible for non-EU citizens, but it became a lot more complicated after July 10 when new measures were introduced. PCR tests no older than 48 hours old or 14 days of self-isolation became the new normal. With the rest of the EU and Schengen closed to all but 12 non-EU countries, our Viber community was filled with panicked questions about getting a test in transit, whether or not Schengen countries would permit transit to Croatia, and 100 other questions. We answer most of the frequently asked questions in our FAQ article, click here to find the answers! 

But, nothing beats real-life experiences of travelers who have managed to get to Croatia. A selection of experiences from Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community members on how they made it to Croatia. 

August 31: 

Hi! I traveled Air France through CDG last week on my way to Dubrovnik. I’m a Brazilian citizen. Everything was pretty smooth. Just had to fill in a contact trace form and had a temperature check whilst disembarking in Paris. If it weren’t for the masks I would say it looked like a (not so busy) normal day.

August 26: San Francisco - Munich - Split

We flew from SFO to Munich to Split. We left on Monday and arrived Tuesday. At SFO, they asked only for the MUP form. The airport was empty and the flight was also virtually empty. We flew Lufthansa and felt very safe with distancing and everyone wearing masks.

In Munich, the transfer was very easy. The connecting flight to Split was in the same terminal/gate area. Munich was also dead. No shops open and very few people - masks required at all times.

We landed in Split without having the results of our expedited PCR tests that we took on Monday. We did have results from the Pixel PCR test - but those were swabbed on Friday - outside of the 48-hour requirement. We presented the Pixel results to customs in Split and they accepted it. We were surprised and prepared to quarantine until our other PCR results arrived. Funny enough, those results (negative) came about 2 hours after arriving in Split.

We are now on Brač. It feels very safe. No masks outside, but required inside. Weather is beautiful- there is no better place on earth!

Hope this helps - safe travels.

August 22: 

Hi - just wanted to share my travel story after a wonderful trip to Croatia - took test at NYU received results about 36 hours later, plenty of time to show at customs. Flew through Dublin had no issues at all as I was considered a transfer flight. Only had to show negative PCR test at customs in Dubrovnik, they didn’t ask for any other documentation. All went very smooth! Dubrovnik was fantastic, waiters wearing masks, some social distancing, felt very safe! Drove from split to Dubrovnik with rental car (make sure you book in advance not many available in Dubrovnik if you are taking this route). No issues passing through Bosnian border. Split was very crowded, no precautions being taken from what I could see. Ferry from split to hvar was crowded with half people wearing masks even though you have to remain inside the ferry throughout the journey. Hvar was amazing! Waiters wearing masks, antibacterial at every restaurant, shop. Couldn’t recommend this island more. Journey from hvar to Dubrovnik was great as there is outdoor area on ferry. Flight back from Dubrovnik was a breeze with transfer in Dublin - Ryanair seemed pretty good about making sure everyone keeps mask on entire flight. Overall was a great trip!

August 20: 

Just entered Croatia in Zagreb! The border guard only asked for test. I showed him the expired result and told him I have another result from a test Friday that should arrive today. He told me to self-isolate at hotel and then call the epidemiologist (he gave me a phone no) when the result arrives to be taken off self-isolation list. FYI I received my PCR results this evening after arriving in Croatia and was taken off the self-isolation list. I called the epidemiologist as explained by the border guard. He wasn’t too familiar with the rules and at first, told me I didn’t have to self isolate before even getting my info. I explained everything again, he made a call to the public health dept (ZZJZ), and then did ask me to send the results. Sent the results and 5 mins later received an email from ZZJZ confirming I no longer need to self-isolate.

August 14: Newark - Frankfurt - Dubrovnik

I am an American who just traveled to Croatia (Dubrovnik via United and Croatia airlines) for tourism on 8/14 and would like to share my experience. The feedback on this article really made me confident about taking the trip so I would like to share.

I traveled from Newark NJ (EWR ) to Frankfurt (FRA). Originally I was supposed to connect in Paris, however, a few days before the flight I received a form that was being requested for anyone flying/transiting in Paris. The form noted that Third Country nationals cannot connect in Paris unless they are returning to the country to origin. So it is fine to connect in France when flying back to US from Croatia, but not when going to Croatia. Upon receiving this notice, I switched my flight to connect in Frankfurt, which was no problem whatsoever. Upon landing in Germany, my connecting flight was in the same terminal and I did not even go through customs.

Upon landing in Croatia I showed the custom agent a screenshot of a negative covid test (that was about 50 hours old) on my phone. She had me email the image to her and stamped me through. She hardly looked or cared about what I was showing her and did not ask for any other documentation.

Tourism in Dubrovnik is live and well, with not much social distancing. Everything is open. If you are not high risk for COVID-19, this is an amazing time to come see a must-see gem of a city! 

August 10

We are about a week since getting back to the states from our trip to Croatia. Such a huge thank you to the moderators and previous traveler updates on this board. Without all the help, I would not have been able to get engaged to my fiancé in Croatia which I had been planning for months!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you all!!!

August 5 - Minneapolis - Chicago - Frankfurt - Zagreb

Hey all - first off, THANK YOU so much for the info - it helped me so much! I am a US citizen and just arrived in Zagreb with no problems (related to me going to Croatia) - even though my test results haven't come in yet!
I started at MSP, planning to go MSP - Washington DC - Munich - Zagreb - the gate agent asked if I knew my Munich to Zagreb flight had been cancelled - um, no! Thanks a lot, Skybooker! The lady was so awesome and worked really hard to get me on new flights through Frankfurt instead (this was with United). During this process she looked up the travel rules and confirmed that I could go to Croatia (which I knew I could but I understand her wanting to double check). I get booked on the new flights (which took almost 30 minutes - arrive early!) and then sit down only to realize my flight to DC had been delayed which would make me miss my other flights. Again, United was awesome and booked me in a flight to Chicago - the other two flights stayed the same. Gate agent in Chicago looked at my proof if accommodation and that was it.
My flight from Chicago to Frankfurt was CROWDED - no distancing! I was stuck in a middle seat in a full row but grateful to be on my way. Then Frankfurt to Zagreb was easy!
The customs agent told me to self-isolate until I get the results and gave me a list of phone numbers to call when they do to remove me from self-isolation.
So if you want to go to Croatia, give yourself extra time, bring your forms, and do it! So happy I made it.

August 1 - Seattle - Amsterdam - Zagreb - Zürich

Update on my travels...I’m a US citizen. Flew from Seattle to Zagreb (via Amsterdam) with zero issues on July 16th. Stayed in Croatia for 15 days. This morning I flew from Zagreb to Zürich and by some miracle got in! Border control asked lots of questions, wasn’t thrilled that I was American. Made a phone call and got confirmation that I was allowed to enter after being in Croatia 15 days. I was sweating. So it’s possible!
Didn’t have to have a negative test or quarantine ??

July 30 - São Paulo - Amsterdam - Split

Successfully arrived in Split!

I took the plane last night, from São Paulo-AMS-Split with KLM.
Did the PCR test the day before, at Fleury laboratory.
In the check-in, they asked me only passport and Enter Croatia form.
The flight was calm, and not crowded. I could access the WiFi during the flight, and see my negative result!
In AMS, I did not leave the transit area, so didn’t talk to anyone.
The flight to Split was totally full, and big lines at the immigration. It took me 40 minutes there.
When arrived my turn, I just had to show passport and send the test result by email.
Simple as that and now I’m free to enjoy Croatia!

July 30 - New York - Paris - Zagreb

I want to write a quick update of my boyfriend's travel today to Zagreb from JFK. At JFK while boarding he was told that he can't travel as an American so he pulled out all the paperwork and they didn't even bother to look at it and just let him go through. He transited in CDG, no problem there at all. He had that transit CDG paper filled out.

He got all the paperwork ready, paid booking confirmation, etc and he did a PCR test on Monday and the negative result came in yesterday. He was ready for self-isolation and new testing in Zagreb because his test was older than 48 hours.

But the border police in Zagreb just had a quick look at the paperwork, went away for one minute, came back, and said he is good to go. They just wrote down his phone number, with no words of self-isolation or new PCR testing.

I guess it all depends on how lucky you are with the person checking your paperwork.

July 27 - Chicago - Warsaw - Zagreb

Hi Everyone, here is a quick update of our experience (myself Croatian citizen with my American family from Chicago via Warsaw to Zagreb). 

1) at check in the Lot airlines we had the most friction with the check in agent who didn’t know the laws in Croatia and almost didn’t let us board. But we had all documentation and also printed the croatian laws to prove to them ( there was still a 45 min negotiation - but we got on)

2) Lot was a great flight (do keep in mind carryon bags were 8kg (and they did weigh with some leniency - not a lot). They did not weigh our backpack.3) arrival in Warsaw - there was a relatively easy transfer through Warsaw. Many people en route to Croatia almost exited through customs (as it was slightly confusing) just make sure to not go through customs - rather straight through to the non-Schengen/Schengen transfers. You will need to go through security one more time .Overall there was a good coffee shop to sit in and enough selection for food during your transfer. Overall positive experience on the flight and transfer airport.

3) Arrival in Zagreb - easy entry. With all of the documentation at the border we were fine to enter as Croatians and Croatian family members. We did see that they enforced and requested the Covid test for all people (and those that came from 3rd party countries without the test to show were asked to go to quarantine).

Hope this helps!

July 27 - Minneapolis - Paris Dubrovnik

Flying back to Croatia was a huge risk, but one that I was willing to take as my travel was essential.
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As most of you know, Europe is closed to most U.S. citizens due to Covid-19. However, Croatia DOES allow Americans to enter for business, personal reasons, or tourism with proper documentation (proof of accommodation or home ownership, business letter, etc).
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You’re also allowed to TRANSIT through many places in Europe (Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, etc), as long as you don’t leave the international area.
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Two caveats:
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There’s a risk you can be denied boarding in the U.S., even with proper documents. Airlines are scrambling to keep up with the daily changing rules, and it’s a risk for them to allow boarding to passengers that could potentially be sent back.
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Croatia also just introduced that you must enter with a negative PCR covid-19 test no older than 48 hours, or go into isolation for 2 weeks.
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I was so nervous I would be denied boarding, AND was super stressed at the last minute trying to find somewhere in Minneapolis that does a 24 hour turn around time for PCR nasal swabs. (Check out valley wellness in Burnsville if you’re looking).
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I luckily had no problems checking into Minneapolis, but in Boston, I had to go through an additional document check. I had to plead my case with the gate agent, and firmly explain that I was legally allowed to enter Croatia.
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Unfortunately our flight was delayed two hours to Paris, so I had 15 minutes to catch my connection to Dubrovnik. I ran through the airport with all my luggage, because if I didn’t make it, I would have been stuck in the international terminal in Paris for God knows how long.
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Barely anyone checked my documents in CDG.
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Once landing in Dubrovnik, it took some time for them to look through my documentation and look over my negative covid-19 results, but then it was in! That was honestly the easiest part.
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I definitely won’t be traveling for awhile after this entire experience, but so glad my journey ended with this view!
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Here’s to hoping we can all travel safely and smoothly soon ????

July 26 - Phoenix - Chicago - Frankfurt - Dubrovnik

Hi all. Travel update. US citizen with dual citizenship ship from an EU country. Left from Phoenix and had issues with the checkin agent (not unexpected - not many ppl traveling internationally from Phx) but got around that cos we had all the right paperwork filled out to show and after a check with a supervisor we were all good - as many have said, bring your documentation and be prepared - we know more than they do right now. Not their fault. So be nice to the gate agents). I Used my Irish passport when traveling (brought my US passport for getting back into the States in return).

My wife and I went to Dubrovnik. She is a US citizen only. She travelled on her US passport. We brought our marriage cert just in case. All the info says EU citizens and family members can travel freely regardless of residence. I contacted the Croatian border police using the form provided here (actually this whole trip was planned based on all the brilliant info provided here so thank you to the moderators especially Paul for setting it up and Kresimir for his personal time answering so many questions). They said yes this was the case - EU citizens and family members are allowed enter freely regardless of where you arrive from.

No Covid test required as also mentioned on the guidelines posted here (note - we got a Covid test anyway before we went because we want to be responsible especially if Croatia are allowing us is. Also we are conscious of how bad AZ is now. We got our results before we arrived and were both negative - nextcare on Dobson in Chandler for those interested - tell the. You need the PCR. They told us it could be 7 days but we had results online within 36 hours.). So based on the above we flew from Phx to Chicago and took Lufthansa through Frankfurt to Dubrovnik. We chose Lufthansa and Frankfurt as that was touted on here as the easiest way and it is. No questions. No nothing. Just had to recheck in at Chicago to get a new boarding pass. Once we go to Dubrovnik we lined up in the EU passport line. I handed my Irish passport and my wife’s US passport over along with our marriage very and the border control form that we had filled online prior to traveling (also recommended on here multiple times).

The border guard stamped my wife’s passport and handed our docs back and said ‘have fun guys’ and off we went. No test results or questions asked. So when it says EU citizens and their family members can enter without a test - they mean it. Just travel on your EU passport to be sure. Thanks to al. Safe travels. Jet lagged this morning but looking at heaven on earth over Dubrovnik castle walls and feeling very very fortunate to have Croatia and it’s people on our lives. Good luck to all. Hope the Info helps somebody.

July 23 - USA - Munich - Croatia

I flew through Munich July 1 (sfo Munich Zagreb) No issues. The international area is very large, and with few people we were always by ourselves. Obviously we didn’t have to go through passport control. There was even a Lufthansa lounge open. Nice big windows and a thunderstorm moved through, it was quite beautiful...

July 23,  - JFK - Paris - Croatia

Just an update for anyone flying Delta operated by Air France via JFK:

We were able to check in fine with the delta app with boarding pass however security required us to to go Air France check in and show documents. I pulled out my binder with anything they could ask for (I’m in clinical research so I believe that over documentation is normal documentation) and she didn’t even look through it. They did require us to fill out an international travel certificate and statement of Covid absence form. Didn’t take more than 10 minutes and with the minimal travel at JFK it was nothing but a hiccup but if it were busy at security it would have caused quite a mess. Just an FYI!

July 23 - UK - Split - Brac

I have been asking a few questions over last few weeks . Thought I would share how it went well getting to Milna Brac from Uk during pandemic . We had to wear face masks in the airport and did wear it on shuttle bus to downtown . We arrived early - flight arrived 20 mins earlier than scheduled and downtown took about 45 mins with no huge traffic until nearer Split . The Jadrolinija ferry was busy and people weren’t asked to wear face masks. Car hire at Supetar worked fine and now relaxing in Milna with lovely view . ( see photo ) Have to wear mask in food shops but others don’t enforce it regards Helen

July 23

Successful entry and release from quarantine: my husband arrived on 22nd in Split, had the test on 21st but no results yet. Was told to quarantine and we were given all epidemiologists numbers. the test results arrived today, 23rd, epidemiologists for Splitsko-dalmatinska picked up first time we rang, gave us email address to forward results to, and said that’s it!

July 23 - New York - Croatia

I successfully arrived in Croatia and received entry. I traveled from NYC on my US passport. I provided my negative PCR test NYU Langone. They made a copy and briefly checked over my reservation and entry form.

It went through very smoothly.

July 19 - Minneapolis - Boston - Paris - Dubrovnik

I arrived successfully to Dubrovnik from the USA as a tourist! My experience was a bit bumpy but not impossible.

Flew delta/Air France from Minneapolis-Boston-CDG (Paris)- Dubrovnik

I took a PCR test at a place called valley wellness in the twin cities and had results 24 hours later, before my flight out.

In Minneapolis check in was simple: I showed the MUP printout confirmation and transit form for CDG. He did ask me about return ticket but I just said I don’t have it yet since I want to avoid cancellation too far in advance.

In Boston I had to go out and recheck in through another terminal. Air France did a document check and gate agent really had no idea what was going on. She asked for a government ID for destination country. I told her I didn’t need it. She wasn’t buying the MUP form that Croatia sends out, but she was more convinced by the email they sent it to me with. Good to have any additional docs that show government giving you permission, like email. Flight was completely empty.

Unfortunately flight was delayed 1.5 hours so I was sprinting through CDG to try to catch my flight. There was no additional document screening in Paris and I made it onto the flight at the last minute. Flight was pretty packed.

In Dubrovnik, I handed my MUP enter Croatia form, accommodation confirmation, and asked if I could email them my results. They said yes, it took a few minutes, and I was in.

Air France did lose my bag because of the tight connection I almost missed in Paris. The bag will come tomorrow. At least I don’t have to quarantine!

July 18

Success story: I got my negative result by email right as I walked up to passport control, he had me email him the PDF, I got in. Zagreb here we come!

July 18, Newark - Amsterdam - Zagreb

Another success story: I flew in from Newark to Zagreb via AMS on Tuesday, check-in desk called and asked about entry rules for Croatia. Was asked for my entry reason letter (business) at both gates. First leg was virtually empty (maybe 30 people total on a Dreamliner), second leg was full, but everyone was masked up. Entry to Zagreb no problem. I’m working from quarantine, looking to get a PCR test inside of the 7-day period, but not sure how to go about it. Does anyone know if you can just roll up to a testing center?

July 18 - Evansville - Atlanta - Paris - Dubrovnik

I feel compelled to post my success story since this group helped me so much. I am a USA citizen with zero family ties or property in Croatia. Please read and abide by all rules I did. I want this to benefit you while slowing the spread of covid19. I left Evansville yesterday and when they scanned my passport it said “conditional” which meant they would check my pcr test and enter Croatia form on arrival. I checked my bag all the way to Dubrovnik from there. I then flew to Atlanta, Paris and finally Dubrovnik. I was momentarily held in Atlanta bc the flight attendant thought I needed a Croatian visa(you don’t need one as a USA citizen), but was let on the plane after about 5 seconds followed by a temperature check. In paris they actually let me outside and I had to come back in through security. I was surprised by this bc I thought security would have been tighter for me. In Croatia, they didn’t even ask for proof of accommodation or enter Croatia form, but please make sure you print out the COVID test if you can. I was held up for a few extra minutes because I had to email them a screen shot. Hope this helps and please respect all mask wearing and social distancing rules! We can return to a somewhat normal life if we are smart about it!

July 18, JFK - Paris - Zagreb

My travel experience. (I am a US citizen traveling for tourist purposes).

Departing from JFK: The gate agent at JFK did not know entry regulations and was attempting to deny all US tourists entry onto the plane, until I showed her the “rules” on embassy site. She kept saying “it’s up to my boss”, and finally “boss” came and said we were all okay to board. I suggest educating yourself on entry regulations in case you get someone who does not know.

Plane was 75% empty. We each had our own row to lay down in like a bed. Delta definitely respecting social distancing protocols. Felt very safe.

Arriving in and departing from CDG: Not one person even spoke to us upon arrival or departure from Paris. Transiting through there was as easy as could be. Health Declaration was not asked for.

Plane packed. AirFrance not respecting social distancing protocols. They made us wear their masks, not our own - and they were shitty. I explained mine was better but they didn’t care. Had to be theirs.

Arriving in Zagreb: Border Patrol agent first asked where I was staying. I said “numerous places, road trip, etc.”, he said “I just need the first one”. I showed him Booking confirmation on my phone. He then said “you know you have to quarantine?” I told him that I had negative test results. Showed him. He took them away, with passports (I assume to make copies). He came back and said “enjoy Croatia”.

That’s it. Couldn’t have been more simple.
Advice:
1. know the entry regulations
2. have test (if possible)
3. have an accommodation

Good luck everyone!

July 17, Spain - Split

Good morning everybody,

Herewith a report of our trip: maybe it is helpful to somebody...

My husband & I are Belgian nationals, permanent residents in Spain, owners of a small motorboat with Croatian registry: you will note that all of the above is within the European Union.

We flew into Split. Before starting our trip (at home), we looked up all requirements and had the paperwork ready before boarding the flight.

We carried the following:

1. A filled in form from the WHO allowing contact tracing

2. A proof of online "entry registry" from the Croatian government, so that police know how to contact us.

3. Proof of ownership of a boat in Croatia (in our case Croatian registry)

4. Copy of marina contract in Croatia.

On the last flight (into Split), the cabin crew were handing our blank forms from WHO to all passengers to be filled in. We had ours ready! Before landing in Split, they collected all forms and handed them over to border police.

We were then allowed to disembark, and presented ourselves to EU passport control with the "proof of registry". The police officer said he did not need the proof because he had all our data in his computer and even confirmed which marina we were going to.

Within minutes we were outside! Everything ran extremely smoothly and we were happy to come prepared.

PS: We had our face mask on during the whole trip, kept social distance & frequently disinfected our hands.

The evening of our arrival, we each received a text message on our phones in which the Croatian police informs us that they have our contact details!

WE HOPE THIS MAY BE OF USE TO SOMEBODY!

WISHING EVERYBODY A SAFE JOURNEY!

July 17, Belgrade - Croatia

Just want to say this in English too. I arrived to Croatia today from Belgrade, with my husband who is Swedish. I am Serb with permanent Swedish residence. We entered Croatia without problems or requirements for PCR test or isolation.

July 17, Seattle - Amsterdam - Zagreb

Hi everyone! VERY IMPORTANT I share my incredible experience. I’m a US citizen. Flew yesterday Seattle-Amsterdam-Zagreb. I was so nervous about anything going wrong. I had all documentation printed with me(hotel, entry form, etc.). Zero problems! I got to Croatian passport control after landing. Gave lady my passport, and she only asked what my travel purpose was(tourism), and if I had my Covid test results. I had 2 things with me: 1) a 1-day old negative rapid viral swab test, and 2)just a confirmation of my NAA viral test that was still pending results (in Oregon I was only able to do an NAA test which is exact method as PCR, and I had proof of that from LabCorp). She said ok, made copies of those 2 documents. Didn’t ask to see anything else (no accommodation proof, no entry form, nothing else). Just said...”ok you’re good to go, enjoy your time here!” I was literally sweating expecting quarantine or something. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. Maybe it would have been the opposite with a different MUP police officer. It was just meant to be that I get to enjoy 2 weeks in Croatia! Definitely not taking it for granted! Hopefully peace of mind with anyone in same situation. Enjoying my evening in Zagreb now?

July 17, Newark - Copernhagen - Split

Hello All , my USA fiancee arrived today in Split...all the stars aligned in the full experience ( SAs Newark, Copenhagen, split) went very smooth. (I am a dual citizen and arrived a month ago) ... I will share a few highlights in case it may help NonEu travelers --

1: - prepare - bring documentation organized - so you can confidently say you have the documentation necessary to enter Croatia ( Each case is a little different there’s plenty of information available about the types of and documentation that is helpful such as property ownership marriage licenses , Paid accommodations, Covid tests etc.

2 - Def do the Entercroatia form , It appears that when you give your passport at the Criatua border all that information pops up on the computer

3- after scrambling around trying to gets covid test, my fiancé called his regular general doctor and requested the PCR test on Wednesday in New Jersey. They told him that it typically takes 2 to 5 days to Receive results because they send it out to the laboratory. He received the documentation that he had taken the test. They told him he would they would try to expedite) the following day which is Thursday (yesterday) he was traveling and departing Newark.. .While at the airport he received notice that he was negative. He did a screenshot of the test results.

4- when he arrived in split the border police asked him to confirm where he was staying. They also asked him whether he had taken the test. He confirmed yes. They asked him if he received the results yet. He replied yes and he showed them his phone. They then asked him to send it to them via email it then on the spot.

5 - As we were contingency planning my friend here in Croatia identified options to take the test locally , they also said it takes typically 2 to 5 days and you need to pay in advance in order to get scheduled but that is always that option. I think it works out much better if you can get the test taken and results back real time but there’s always an option to get tested in country.
Happy summer everyone do you have any questions just let me know. K

July 17 - San Francisco - Chicago - Zagreb

Upon arrival in Chicago from San Francisco, Lufthansa took a closer look at our documentation. My Croatian wife supplied a photocopy of her Birth certificate.

In Zagreb they stamped her Domovnica copy and recorded that along with her United States passport. I was admitted with a photocopy of our American marriage license.

We're on the A3 autoputa on way to Slavonija.

It worked and thanks for this wonderful group.

July 17 - Chicago - Vienna - Split

Hi! Just letting everyone know my cousin and aunt arrived yesterday (July 16) from Chicago! Chicago - Vienna-Split. Originally booked on Lufthansa but they cancelled their flight and rebooked them on Austria airlines. At Chicago they asked no questions and didn’t request any paperwork. They already saw the MUP form in the system somehow. No questions at Vienna nor at Split. Said everything went smoothly as if nothing was going on. They did covid test in Chicago and will self isolate for a few days while they await test results and forward in to MUP.

July 16

Just entered dubrovnik airport on new zealand passport with a 2 year residence permit for UK. No questions, not even a word ? (as the admins of this group said so) thanks for all the help and advice

July 14, Barcelona - Split

Hi everyone. I’m American and living and working in Spain for 3 years with a work visa. I entered split today from Barcelona and had no issues and I had no test and no quarantine needed. I showed my American passport and residence card in Spain and said I am an American citizen and living and working in Spain. The only thing officer asked me was to take off my mask so she could see my face ?. Hope it helps.

July 14 - Ukraine - Split

People, just stay cool when you come over here and the border controller will be nice to you as well.

My girlfriend arrived yesterday (at Dubrovnik airport flying from Belgrade) and she has Ukrainian passport. Normally automatic 14 days self isolation. She said (at the border control) “my husband is Czech” and the border controller asked me to come over to the security area, she checked all the reservation papers and put “visiting EU citizen/ daily reunion” (for her) in the system and NO quarantine!!! Croats are VERY commercial and need tourists. They don’t want to spoil anyone’s holidays

So again, stay cool and all of you with no EU passports will get in without being forced to quarantine.

July 14, Orlando - Amsterdam - Split

Greetings from Split! Yes, I’m an American who successfully arrived into Croatia today. While the USA may be my homeland, Croatia is my heartland—so I am deeply relieved and still a bit stunned to finally be back. Here’s what happened:

Route was ORD-AMS-SPU on KLM. That airline deserves 11 stars for exceptional customer service on the ground and in the air!

At O’Hare, I had all my docs in order in a sunshine-bright yellow folder, secured with a yellow binder clip with a smiley face. Yes, adding some brightness to the airline agent’s day was part of my strategy to make this work! Our conversation went like this...Him: Do you have a Croatian passport? Me: No, I have a US passport, along with all the necessary documentation to show that

I am legally allowed entry into Croatia. Him: Great! Let’s have a look. Me (flipping through each page): Here is the Enter Croatia Registration confirmation, negative PCR test result, and proof of 2 paid accommodations. That’s all I need to enter the country, but I have plenty more backup documentation if you’d like to see it. Him: Wow! You are very organized. Me: Yup. Him: Then you are all set to go! That literally took one minute—no checking/reading anything in detail.

The airport was wonderfully empty—no lines anywhere, and sanitization everywhere. The flight to AMS was one of the best I’ve ever had. After all the stress and last-minute scrambling, I decided to upgrade to Economy Comfort, and it was the best possible decision—an entire comfort row to myself, and very few people in that section at all.

The only thing I had to do at AMS airport—aside from walk from one gate to the next—was stop and enjoy an espresso. No transfer desk, nothing—just like any typical non-international layover.

The flight to Split was pretty full, but thankfully short. Border control did ask for the test result and checked to see that it was PCR and within the proper time frame. They did not care to see my accom receipts. It seemed obvious that there’s still plenty of confusion, as a lot of the agents were asking one another questions and helping one another clarify situations. That was that—and now I am sipping a lovely Plavac Mali and finally relaxing! Can’t even begin to express my gratitude to the moderators of this group for your diligence in keeping us all informed during these ever-changing times! Good luck to everyone else. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Do you have an experience you would like to share and add to this resource? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Travel experience

If you want to read our last article with the collection of experiences (written in late June), please follow this link. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

Last update on August 15, 2020 - PCR & Croatia. The test requirement no more than 48 hours before entry to Croatia on July 10 has caused much confusion. So where to get tested in the USA, and are there options to get the test in transit?

One of the most interesting aspects of TCN's new venture into the Viber community Total Croatia Travel INFO has been the community feedback, both in terms of real-life experiences and questions on things that they do not understand. 

By providing up-to-date information on real experiences, we have been able to report on current events in real-time in a fast-changing environment. And by understanding what the areas of confusion are, we can then address those issues by providing more information. 

The current areas of confusion concern the PCR test requirement 48 hours before departure for non-EU/EEA/UK citizens and residents, and what options, if any, exist to get the test while in transit. 

Let's start with clarifying who needs a test and what the procedures are for entering Croatia without a test, and with a test with no results back yet. 

1. Can I enter Croatia and do I need a test?

All EU/EEA/UK citizens and non-EU citizens with an EU residence permit (and members of their families, with documents which prove the kinship) can enter without restriction and NO TEST required. All other nationals can enter with proof of at least one night's paid accommodation or business reason, as well as a PCR test not more than 48 hours old (counting from the time of taking the swab to arriving at the border crossing point), or 7-14 days self-isolation at their accommodation (one location only) on arrival. For more details read the comprehensive TCN Croatia Travel Update.

2. Does it have to be a PCR test?

Yes. However, if you arrive in Croatia with a different kind of a negative test, you will be allowed to enter and do a PCR test in Croatia after 24 hours. If that PCR test done in Croatia is also negative, your self-isolation measure will be removed. 

3. What if I cannot get the test in time before I leave?

Those whose test is older than 48 hours will be allowed to enter Croatia, but they will be issued a self-isolation order and will have to be tested again locally, at their own expense. Having an expired PCR test upon arrival will allow for a shortened period of time in self-isolation pending a negative result of a local PCR test.

Those who do not provide a negative PCR test upon arrival will be ordered to quarantine/self-isolate for at least 7 days prior to taking a local PCR test.

Croatian Border Police will provide you with contacts of an epidemiologist in charge, to whom you will send results once you receive them. The epidemiologist will then remove you from the self-isolation list, and you are free to travel. Croatian Border Police will accept your results via e-mail too, not just hardcopy. They'll provide the exact e-mail address for you to use at a border crossing. They'll insist on hardcopy if the test is from Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina because of many forgeries.

5. Can I get tested in transit at a European airport?

Testing facilities exist at several European airports, but there's only one European airport where you don't have to physically enter the terminal, which means entering the country. With the exception of Croatia, Americans, for example, cannot enter other EU countries. So, the option of getting a test in Europe while in transit is currently only available at the Amsterdam Schipol Airport.

There is, however, another option, an airport which has got itself VERY organised, has a global flight network, and can process 40,000 tests a day, with results emailed within 2 hours, at a cost of just $16. 

Istanbul. 

You can read more about it here.

And with Turkish Airlines connecting Croatia to the world, this may be a very smooth option, one that many have not considered. 

6. COVID-19 testing locations North America (USA & Canada)

We have had lots of requests asking where to get tested in the USA, so we thought we would try and build a database with the help of the Viber community.  We have made a start below with clinics used by members of our Viber community. Please note that while quick test results may have been possible until very recently, there are now severe backlogs in some places. You can take the test and travel, then either wait in self-isolation in Croatia until the results come through, or take another test on arrival, with results (and freedom) the next day. If you have anything to add, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject USA PCR and we will add to the list. 

• Northwell Health Williamsburg
  https://www.gohealthuc.com/
  NorthwellHealth-GoHealth Urgent Care
  145 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
  +1 347-801-2136
  
  
• NYU Langone Urgent Care (multiple locations-view link)
  https://nyulangone.org/locations/covid-19-testing
  
  
• The Stanford Clinical Virology Laboratory
  450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
  +1 650-723-2300
  http://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2020/03/stanford-provides-covid-19-testing-to-bay-area-hospitals.html
  
  
• Miami-Dade County (multiple locations-view link)
  https://www.miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/testing-locations.page
  
  
• Signature Care Emergency center Houston (multiple locations-view link)
  https://ercare24.com/covid-19-test/
  
  
• CVSHealth- 1847 open locations in USA
  https://cvshealth.com/covid-19/testing-locations
  
• Access Medical Labs
  5151 Corporate way
  Jupiter, FL 33458
  https://accessmedlab.com/
  
  
• ARCPoint Labs of Orland Park
  11006 W 179th St, Orland Park, IL 60467, USA
  708-963-1200
  http://www.arcpointlabs.com/orland-park/contact/
  
  
• Jefferson Health-Navy Yard
  3 Crescent Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19112
  Main Phone: 215-503-3300Fax: 215-503-3321
  Appointment Phone:800-JEFF-NOW (800-533-3669)
  
  
• My Concierge MD 
  two locations, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles
  open Mon–Fri 9AM – 6PM, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 310-299-8959, 877-760-3570
  https://www.myconciergemd.com/rapid-covid-19-testing/
  
  
• Suite401 Medical Office
  5901 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036​​
  https://www.covidtestla.com/nasal-swab-test
  
  
• Vitality Sciences
  In Atlanta, GA and Palm Beach Gardens, FL
  https://vitality-sciences.com/covid-19-testing-atlanta/
  
  
• Buckhead Medicine
  Atlanta, GA, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 404-257-5585
  https://buckheadmedicine.com/covid-19-screen-onboarding/
  
  
• Inspire Health
  5575 Warren Pkwy, Frisco, TX, Phone: 469-200-6100
  https://www.inspire-texas.com/covid-19
  
  
• UHN Toronto Western COVID-19 Assessment Centre
  347 Bathurst St., Toronto, Canada
  Open 7 days a week, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  https://www.uhn.ca/covid19#
  

A member of our Viber community informed us that the French Embassy and the consulate network in the United States have created (and keep updated) a list of testing sites in the US where it's possible to get tested before arriving in France. Please find the website with the list here, click on your region/state on the map and look for a testing center where it's possible to get results within 48 hours, which is what you'll need to get approved to enter Croatia without limitations. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

ZAGREB, July 28, 2020 - Slovenian and Croatian foreign ministers Anze Logar and Gordan Grlic Radman met in Ljubljana on Tuesday, discussing further cooperation in efforts to contain the coronavirus epidemic and cooperation within the European Union.

Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, Logar said he had learned from Slovenian epidemiologists that the number of new coronavirus cases was on the decline in some areas of Croatia and that he was glad about it.

"I think that Slovenia and Croatia should continue to cooperate closely and take coordinated action to curb the epidemic," Logar said.

Responding to questions from the press, Logar said that he and Grlic Radman had also discussed epidemiological risks in Croatia and the possibility of Slovenian tourists bringing the virus into Slovenia after returning from their holidays in Croatia.

Logar raised the issue of open nightclubs and bars in Croatia, saying that there had been several cases of the virus being imported from Croatia. He also cited cases of people entering Slovenia from Croatia after previously visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is on Slovenia's red list of unsafe countries. He said that those people stop over in Croatia for two days to get a certificate so that they would not have to go into quarantine in Slovenia.

Logar said that Slovenia was closely monitoring the epidemiological situation in its neighbourhood, including Croatia where a lot of Slovenian tourists are spending their summer holidays. He denied media reports that the Slovenian government was thinking of closing the border with Croatia in mid-August to prevent the possibility of children becoming infected while on holidays in Croatia and then returning to Slovenia before the start of the new school year.

Logar said that he and Grlic Radman had not discussed tighter border controls because of the COVID-19 outbreak. "It all depends on the epidemiological situation in both countries and the number of possible virus imports from Croatia," the Slovenian foreign minister said.

Logar said that he had presented his Croatian counterpart with Slovenia's views on cooperation within the Three Seas Initiative, which is due to hold a summit in Tallinn in October, and that he was interested in Croatian projects within this initiative and possible cooperation between the two countries in this regard.

Grlic Radman chose Ljubljana as his first foreign destination after the new Croatian government was confirmed and he retained his portfolio in the new cabinet. He said that this showed the importance Croatia attached to the cooperation with Slovenia.

He recalled that he had met with Logar on May 22, after which Slovenia opened small border crossings which had been closed because of the epidemic. He announced further successful cooperation in all areas, especially in the coordination of efforts to contain the epidemic.

Grlic Radman also pointed a recent successful meeting between Croatian and Slovenian prime ministers Andrej Plenkovic and Janez Jansa in the Slovenian border town of Otocec ob Krki, which had also focused on overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak.

July 28, 2020 - The head of the Istria County Civil Protection Headquarters, Dino Kozlevac, said on Monday in Pazin that there are almost 200,000 tourists in Istria, a total of almost 400,000 people, so there is a high probability of a stronger spread of the coronavirus, but that the system works flawlessly.

"There are almost 400,000 people in Istria currently. There is a high probability that the virus may spread even more strongly, but for now, the system is functioning flawlessly," Kozlevac said at a session of the Istrian County Assembly, as reported by Glas Istre.

He added that the situation is changing from day to day, which is why certain decisions were made on easing measures for the economy and tourism to the satisfaction of citizens, and that, given the new dynamics of the pandemic, preparations for autumn and winter have begun.

"All decisions of the County Civil Protection Headquarters are evaluated and made in agreement and cooperation with the prefect, mayors and chiefs. Although such information was leaked to the public, there were no breakthroughs in the health system. We are ready for worse situations because our system is complex," said Kozlevac.

The director of the Institute of Public Health of Istria County, Aleksandar Stojanovic, informed the county councilors that there are currently 110 people positive for the coronavirus in Istria and that 316 people are under self-isolation measures.

"Due to the milder clinical picture of patients, not all COVID-positive people are currently hospitalized. Asymptomatic people are treated at home, i.e., at-home treatment," said Stojanovic, adding that the system has recently been opened and that, accordingly, a large number of people, local and foreign, are moving through Istria County, which increases the risk of spreading the infection.

"Currently, the largest number of newly infected people come from the area of Umag, Buzet and Labin, and large gatherings are still our biggest problem. Based on daily reports, it can be seen that Istria County conducts a wide number of tests, i.e., that every fifth person tested in Croatia is from Istria. The tourism sector has calmed because, as far as new patients are concerned, a small number of infected tourists have been identified," Stojanovic concluded.

To read more about news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

July 28, 2020 - Krunoslav Capak, director of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, was a guest on HTV's Dnevnik and said that intensive efforts were being made to limit gatherings from the autumn.

"We hope that the trend will be downward, we have already announced that the last week was downward, although we had a few peaks that bounced back from the average figure. We expect this trend to continue downward. This does not mean that we will have 10 cases tomorrow, but the trend will, in any case, be downward according to our research and model," said Krunoslav Capak on 24 Sata.

Capak says this is a continuation of the first wave or tail of the epidemic.

"We have relaxed measures. Quarantine is excellent because it drastically reduces the transmission of coronavirus infection. However, when we started to relax the measures, the corona was economically and psychologically unsustainable, and with the relaxation of the measures it happened to us that the tail of the epidemic returned and that we have a larger number of infected," said Krunoslav Capak.

"Intensive consideration is being given to limiting gatherings from the autumn"

Krunsolav Capak points out that we have to get used to coexisting with the virus.

"We think that these figures are not excessive; we would like them to be less. We have to get used to the coronavirus being here. We need to learn the new normal; we need to work intensively on reduction. We do not intend to return the quarantine, nor anyone in the world," said Capak.

"Intensive thinking is being done to limit gatherings from the fall. Slovenia has a limit of 50. We had an excellent situation and we wanted to liberate the economy and social circumstances. We will not reduce that number now, but by prescribing stricter measures, by reporting gatherings where there are more than 100 people to the Civil Protection, which are then subject to the supervision of civil protection inspectors, we tried to put things in order," he added.

Measures for the Operation Storm Celebration

"We are in contact with the organizers and there was a meeting today. Definite decisions, figures and ways of maintaining it have not been made, but we have a framework. According to the measures we have prescribed, we hope that this will be a low-risk event. There will be far fewer people and side events, food and drink consumption," Capak said.

Self-isolation and politicians

"When determining self-isolation, it is important for a person to assess the situation. Assess what the nature of the contact was and whether or not there is a risk of transmitting the infection. There are certain circumstances in which a person who is in self-isolation can be allowed to perform a certain activity. Hrebak asked for testing and that finding needs to be analyzed; he got the opinion. I did not tell him to go to the session, but that he was not contagious," said Krunoslav Capak.

Criticism of President Zoran Milanovic on the decisions of the Headquarters

"I'm not a legal expert or a doctor. In the past, whenever there was a danger of infecting other people, we made decisions based on the laws passed by the Parliament. This is also the case with this Law on the Protection of the Population from Infectious Diseases, which was passed in the Parliament, and we are guided by it in making decisions," said Capak.

"The goal of our decisions that we make is to protect the lives of citizens," concluded Capak.

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