ZAGREB, Aug 8, 2020 - A reform of the Croatian police force is about to be launched and it will cover the entire system, with emphasis on digitalisation and faster work, Minister of the Interior Davor Bozinovic has said in an interview with Hina at the start of his second term in office.

"The reform will primarily put emphasis on the use of funds, digitalisation building on the potential shown by the Ministry of the Interior during the coronavirus crisis, and consequently faster work procedures and defining of operational procedures for police officers," said Bozinovic.

He added that the reform would connect the existing information systems with new European information systems, which, he said, would, among other things, increase internal border security.

The system of civil protection is also expected to be upgraded and a new law on civil protection is to be adopted, while staff will be rejuvenated and the issue of pensions and severance packages for police officers who meet retirement conditions will be regulated, said Bozinovic.

The purpose of the reform is to cut red tape as much as possible, enable the use of modern equipment and enabling police to focus on dealing with crime, making them more visible in the streets, in city neighbourhoods, said Bozinovic.

Asked if police would in the future film their work, Bozinovic said that that would be one of the reform moves, primarily for the sake of removing what are most often unsubstantiated accusations about police conduct towards citizens or foreigners on the state border.

Bozinovic went on to say that a reform of the Police Directorate was aimed at increasing the number of staff in police stations, with emphasis on operative staff.

The minister also announced a reform of the Ministry of the Interior's administrative affairs, to shift some of the administrative duties performed by the ministry onto local government bodies or legal entities with public authorities.

He said that he believed the Ministry of the Interior should only stay in charge of issuing citizenship certificates, weapon licences and regulating the stay of foreign nationals.

Asked if the reform would contirbute to border protection considering that entry into the Schengen area is one of the national priorities, Bozinovic said that considering migration trends, equipping border police would be one of the priorities of Croatian police as well as the entire EU in the years to come.

We will additionally enhance the technical protection of the border and in that process we count on considerable money to be absorbed from EU funds, he said.

Asked about the current situation with migrations, Bozinovic said that after a lull caused by the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, migrations had started again following the relaxation of epidemiological restrictions and restrictions on the movement of migrants outside camps in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The number of illegal entries into Croatia today is 14% higher than in the same period last year, the minister said, noting that Croatia did not expect the pressure on its borders to cease but that every day it was technically and personnel-wise better prepared to protect its borders and prevent illegal entries.

June the 13th, 2020 - the Croatian Interior Ministry (MUP) has provided answers to the most commonly asked questions by those wishing to cross Croatia's borders in the confusing coronavirus era.

Earlier this week I went on a truly fascinating tour of the Croatian border control system, after the Interior Ministry granted my media request to do a feature story on the whole border procedure, especially how the new entercroatia.mup.hr form was speeding up the system. It was a fascinating tour, which you can read about in full here.

I was particularly interested to meet the team answering all the tourist emails at the official email address provided, and I was more than a little surprised to learn that in a tourism county with a national tourist board, 20 regional tourist board, 319 local tourist boards, a Ministry of Tourism and a tourism sector of the Chamber of Economy, all the questions are being answered by...

... the Croatian police. 

The team answering the emails are incredibly dedicated. With some 28,000 emails to answer at the time of my visit, they pulled in police departments all over the country, so it is quite possible that your email asking about flights to Split might be answered by the police in Osijek. A crazy situation, and I offered TCN help if the police were interested. 

Firstly I showed the team the TCN travel update, and invited them to either send the link or paste the relevant info. 

They were having trouble with foreign language enquiries, so I showed the travel update in 24 languages.

And finally, we compared notes on FAQs when I showed them the Viber community, Total Croatia Travel INFO.

I suggested that they send me the top 10 most-asked questions with answers, and then we would translate and share, in the hope this would reduce the email flow. Am grateful to Lauren Simmonds for the translation - you can see the questions and answers below. 

Here are few other things I learned and would recommend. 

1. If your questions is tourism-related and not regarding procedures to enter the country, you should contact the Croatian National Tourist Board instead - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They are generally very responsive. 

2. If you want your question answered quicker, make it as easy as possible for the police to answer it. People are sending their questions in Hungarian, Portuguese and many other languages. The police can comfortably deal with queries in English, German and Croatian. Anything else will lead to a delay. 

3. EVERY foreigner entering Croatia is advised to fill in the entercroatia.mup.hr form. The reason is that the border crossing experience is then reduced to just 30 seconds (one scan of the passport). If not, a lot of the accommodation and contact details need to be filled in manually. I saw the system in action close up - it works superbly. 

4. Please read the comprehensive FAQ provided by the Interior Ministry before sending your email request. Apart from not overburdening the system, you will probably find your answer quicker.

Here are the questions and their answers in full:

1. I'm a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, can I transit through the Republic of Croatia? I'm arriving by plane which will land at the Franjo Tuđman International Airport in Zagreb and I'd then travel by bus to Bosnia and Herzegovina. May I do that? Or can my friend from Banja Luka come for me?

Transit through the Republic of Croatia when returning to your home country is allowed, however, your friend will not be allowed to enter the Republic of Croatia because he isn't allowed to enter for the stated purpose.

2. I'm a German citizen, can I enter the Republic of Croatia as a tourist, and if so, what documents do I need to show?

Citizens of 10 member states of the European Union (Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Germany and Slovakia) don't have to provide any reason for their entry when entering the Republic of Croatia, they can enter the country under the same conditions as before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but still with epidemiological controls in place, and with the obligation to comply with the general and special recommendations of the Croatian Institute of Public Health. Foreigners who have an authorised stay (legal residence) in these countries can also enter the Republic of Croatia without proving their reason for entry, but they must show their residence permits.

To reduce congestion at border crossings and shorten the waiting times when crossing borders, we recommend foreign nationals who intend to stay in the Republic of Croatia to submit their data in advance via the website entercroatia.mup.hr. People who don't submit their details in advance via this application will still be able to do all this at the border crossing when entering Croatia, but that will imply a longer waiting time and in a separate lane.

3. Do I need a COVID 19 test for entry/transit into the Republic of Croatia and do I need to go into self-isolation when in the Republic of Croatia?

A COVID-19 test is not required to enter the Republic of Croatia. When entering the Republic of Croatia, there is no need for self-isolation now, but persons must adhere to the general and special recommendations and instructions issued by the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

4. I'm a foreigner, but I would be visiting my parents/brother, etc. Can I do that?

For family members of a Croatian citizen who don't hold Croatian citizenship (meaning they hold the citizenship of a EU/EEA country or that of a third country), entry is allowed with proof of kinship (a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, or a certified declaration of cohabitation).

5. I'm a foreigner, but I'm in an relationship with a Croatian citizen (engaged to one), can I enter the Republic of Croatia to visit him or her?

You will be allowed to enter the Republic of Croatia if you show a certified statement at the Croatian border that you're in this type of relationship with a Croatian national and that you intend to get married.

6. I'm coming to Croatia on business, what do I need to enter, and can my wife come as well?

You will be allowed to enter if you have an invitation letter from an economic operator from Croatia or another type of confirmation of your economic interest in the Republic of Croatia, or if you're the owner of an economic entity in the Republic of Croatia. Your wife can come with you if she is also listed in the invitation letter, and if you're the owner of an economic entity, entry is allowed but you must present a marriage certificate.

7. In Croatia, I have a scheduled check-up/medical procedure/operation, and I'm a citizen of a third country. What do I need to provide in order to enter?

You will be allowed to enter the Republic of Croatia if you show a certificate at the border that you have an appointment for a check-up, medical procedure, etc in a healthcare institution in the Republic of Croatia.

8. I live in Switzerland, I paid for a holiday on Korcula. What do I need to enter Croatia?

Foreign nationals who have proof of paid accommodation or a reservation for an apartment/hotel, a lease agreement for a camp, the reservation of a plot in a camp, the rental of a tourist boat or sailboat, or paid or arranged tours in the Republic of Croatia, as well as in the entire other spectrum of tourist activities, are allowed to enter the Republic of Croatia.

When entering the country, it is necessary to show the confirmation of you having booked tourist accommodation. To reduce congestion at border crossings and shorten the waiting times, we recommend foreign citizens who intend to stay in the Republic of Croatia to submit their data in advance via the website entercroatia.mup.hr.

Passengers who don't submit their details in advance through the aforementioned application will still be able to do all of this at the border when entering the Republic of Croatia, but it will take longer and they'll need to wait in a separate lane.

9. I need to transit through Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, but along the way I'd be stopping at a friend's house in Rijeka. Is that allowed?

After entering the Republic of Croatia, you must leave the territory of the Republic of Croatia by the shortest route without unnecessary hanging around and performing other tasks because you have no justifiable reason to enter the Republic of Croatia, you're only allowed transit.

10. I come from the United Kingdom and have a house in Zadar. I'd be bringing two friends with me, will they be allowed to enter?

Foreigners who own property in the Republic of Croatia and their immediate family members are allowed to enter with proof of ownership of property and proof of kinship. Friends will not be allowed to enter because they are not eligible to enter for this purpose. They will be allowed to enter if they have a confirmation of having booked tourist accommodation in Croatia.

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.

Translation by Lauren Simmonds.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 1st of June, 2020, the Croatian Interior Ministry (MUP) is buying specialist equipment for members of the Lučko Anti-Terrorist Unit for a price tag of 9.3 million kuna. The ministry estimated that the purchase of this equipment would cost a little more than eight million kuna including VAT, but the tender reached a price that is one million and 300 thousand kuna higher.

Although only one bidder applied for some groups of equipment, and the price was higher than estimated, the Croatian Interior Ministry readily accepted the bids with the explanation that they had secured financial resources for their purchase.

The Croatian Interior Ministry received bids in the tender for an IC monocular device for night surveillance, a target system for tasks undertaken during the night, for manual thermal imaging, an optical sight for tactical rapid fire for long weapons and a target system for night tasks, Jutarnji list writes.

For the needs of the anti-terrorist police force, among other things, eight hand-held thermal imaging cameras worth a massive 1.1 million kuna are currently being purchased. The technical specification required that thermal imagers must have a built-in CCTV camera with a 36-time-zoom. These are cameras that connect to computer databases that contain biometric data of persons and allow the identity of a person to be determined in a short time based on facial features.

Since the Croatian Interior Ministry is in the process of procuring software for recognising facial features, these thermal imagers will enable members of the anti-terrorist unit to quickly search the database and identify persons.

After the tender, it was decided that 100 pieces of IC monocular devices for night monitoring would be purchased from the company MA-RA from Zagreb for a whopping 4.6 million kuna.

These are devices that are used at night or in conditions where there has been significant reduction in visibility, and can be placed on a weapon, helmet or held in the hand and used for observation. A contract will be signed with the same company for the purchase of eight optical sights for shooting from long weapons for 1.3 million kuna. This sight allows the user to shoot tactically with both eyes open.

250 pieces for target systems for night tasks worth 2.2 million kuna will also be purchased from a company called Mi-Star. These are tactical laser target markers that are placed on long weapons for precise direction.

For more, follow our lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, May 22, 2020 - The Centre for Peace Studies (CMS) and the Welcome Initiative for migration rights staged a rally on Friday in front of the Interior Ministry's (MUP) building, calling on the ministry to conduct effective investigations into allegations of violence against refugees.

"Two weeks have passed since photographs were released showing refugees being marked with orange spray paint all over their heads, which the refugees say happened during unlawful pushbacks from Croatia," said Sara Kekus of the CMS.

During the rally, the activists held a banner saying "Humanity, not torture! Investigation, not denial!" and photographs of marked refugees.

We expect the ministry to produce concrete results following the investigation, instead of desperate attempts to defame the media and organisations dedicated to human rights' protection, said the protesters.

Activists criticised the Interior Ministry for their incomplete response to the inquiries about the unlawful treatment and the investigation. The Ministry had sent them a link to the press release initially directed at the British Guardian newspaper and the No Name Kitchen NGO.

This is not the first time the NGOs are calling for an investigation, they underscore, because for more than four years they have been witnessing that a lot of evidence has been submitted and the public still does not have the results of a single concrete investigation.

"It is up to us to show humanity, prevent further torture and violence and we demand investigations,  instead of your denial of responsibility" Kekus said.

May 21, 2020 - TCN recently sent MUP (the Ministry of the Interior) a set of questions regarding the current coronavirus-induced circumstances in which we all find ourselves, as well as a few other things. Here are those questions and MUP's response in full:

1. Who can enter Croatia at the moment?

Croatian citizens are allowed to enter the Republic of Croatia, while dual citizens at the Croatian border are treated as Croatian citizens and should be identified as such at the border crossing.

The amended Decision on the temporary ban on crossing the border crossings of the Republic of Croatia allows foreign citizens to enter the Republic of Croatia in the case of:

 - business reasons or other economic interest for the Republic of Croatia,
 
- urgent personal reasons.

2. New measures have been announced which state that people can come if they have a holiday home here, hold legal residence, or if they have some economic reasons for entering. This is all a bit vague. Can you explain exactly what the new rules are and when they come into effect?
 
In the case of a business visit, EU/EEA citizens must present documentation at the Croatian border showing their economic interest in the Republic of Croatia or proof of the economic operator's interest in that person entering, or an invitation to a business meeting. This category also includes proof of paid accommodation or the reservation of an apartment/hotel, a contract on the lease of space in a camp, the reservation of a plot in a camp, the rent of a tourist boat or sailboat, paid or previously agreed tourist tours of the Republic of Croatia and other things which fall onto the spectrum of tourist activities, the co-ownership shares in companies registered in the Republic of Croatia, visits to dental clinics, etc.
 
In the case of urgent personal reasons, foreign citizens must have documentation proving the possession of property located in the Republic of Croatia, or the ownership of a vessel, documentation from which it is evident that the arrival is for the purpose of burying/attending the funeral of a family member. Under this category, a possible reason may be the the care of family members, especially those who are older, coming to participate in court hearings or taking the state exam, coming to financial institutions if foreigners receive a salary or pension from a Croatian employer, the wedding of a family member, etc.
 
This covers most of the current requests of foreigners to enter the Republic of Croatia, while in all other cases not listed above, and we cannot assume them at this time, foreigners can send their inquiry to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and they will receive an answer as to whether or not they meet the conditions for the granting of entry into the Republic of Croatia.
 
These categories of persons will not be assigned a measure of self-isolation, since then they would not be able to fulfill the purpose of their visit if they undertake it, but they must follow the recommendations and instructions of the CNIPH that they will receive at the border crossing.

3. Will Croatia's borders be open to nationals from every country? Will the borders be opened at the same time? There was talk of the Slovenian border opening first for Slovenians only, then Austrians. A definitive list of which borders when and for whom would clear up a lot of confusion...

We'd like to further inform people that all international border crossings in the Republic of Croatia are now open.

4. What is the procedure regarding testing and self-isolation? Are tourists required to take a test? If yes, who pays and how much?

Testing for COVID-19 is not required for Croatian or foreign citizens, nor is a quarantine/self-isolation measure prescribed.

Persons coming to the Republic of Croatia are obliged to follow the recommendations and instructions of the CNIPH that they will receive at the border crossing, in which it is recommended to limit contacts with other persons and to perform only the most necessary and urgent tasks outside their home within 14 days of entry into the Republic of Croatia. All instructions and recommendations of the Croatian Institute of Public Health are published on their website.

A note from TCN - Foreign nationals with legal residence (the possession of a temporary or permanent residence card) are free to enter Croatia under the same rules as Croatian nationals.

5. Are UK nationals still covered by EU health cover (European Health Insurance Card/EHIC) until 2020?

Regarding health insurance during your stay in the Republic of Croatia, we would like to inform you that the answering of this question is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and we advise you to contact the competent ministry for an answer.

6. Does ''borders are now open to EU citizens'' include people from the UK?

In regard to British citizens, we would like to inform you that the above rules which apply to EU citizens continue to apply to British citizens until the 31st of December 2020. We'd like to inform you that the Decision on the temporary prohibition of crossing the border of the Republic of Croatia prescribes exceptions when crossing the border, and they refer to emergency medical cases, the crossing of medical staff, diplomatic staff, police officers, family reunification cases and the like. Foreign citizens who hold regulated (legal/valid) permanent or temporary residence in the Republic of Croatia may enter the Republic of Croatia without the need to meet any preconditions.

7. Is there any news on when flights from outside the EU (apart from the UK) are scheduled to resume?

In regard to the question regarding the re-establishment of flights with countries outside the EU, we currently don't have any information on when they will be back in operation. You might contact airport operators for more information on that matter.

8. What are the procedures for people sailing and arriving in Croatia from other countries on the Adriatic?

Regarding the entry of ships, we'd like to inform you that the last Decision of the National Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia of the 18th of May, 2020, repealed [previous] Decisions prohibiting ships in international navigation which had the obligation to enter into self-isolation or quarantine upon entering seaports and inland ports Of the Republic of Croatia. The same Decision enacted the necessary measure prohibiting the entry of passenger ships and international cruises carrying more than forty passengers into seaports and inland ports in Croatia. Since there are now no restrictions (except those for cruise ships), ships, boats and yachts can enter the Republic of Croatia, after which they're required to enter a port which is open to international maritime traffic for border control.

All information from the competent institutions and other stakeholders regarding the situation caused by the spread of the COVID-19 virus is regularly published and updated on the official website Koronavirus.hr, while all Decisions taken by the National Civil Protection Headquarters can be found by clicking this link.

9. What about tourists already in Croatia, whose visas have expired?

Regarding your question about foreign citizens in Croatia who aren't able to leave the Republic of Croatia for objective reasons within the period prescribed by the Schengen Borders Code, the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia issued a statement on the 30th of March, 2020, in both Croatian and English, which can be accessed by clicking here.

In addition, on April the 16th, 2020, the Croatian Government adopted amendments relating to foreigners and third-country nationals (who do not hold residence in Croatia) during the epidemic, about which we also informed the public. You can read more here.

10. What if I or someone I'm travelling with develops symptoms while on holiday in Croatia?

Regarding the issue of the procedure in case of the development of symptoms during a stay in Croatia, what needs to be done is described in the recommendations and instructions of the Croatian Institute of Public Health for Croatian and foreign citizens when crossing the border and entering the Republic of Croatia.

Upon entering the Republic of Croatia, if someone develops symptoms of the new coronavirus, they must stay in their accommodation and call their host, ie the organiser of their arrival, who then must inform the epidemiologist responsible for their area, or contact their local physician for further advice. If the symptoms develop outside of the working hours of the competent primary care physician, the host can contact the emergency medical services or the nearest coronavirus clinic by phone if the person in question has developed more pronounced symptoms of the new coronavirus.

11. The situation can change rapidly. Do travellers have to worry a spike in new infections in their home country means that Croatia could prevent them from entering?

Regarding your question regarding measures, ie restrictions during the tourist season, we'd like to inform you that the European Commission has issued several documents related to the reactivation of tourism as one of the most important branches of the economy in Europe, and agreements and talks are underway. This is something that will be agreed both with neighbouring countries and at the level of the European Union.

Regarding the issue of the potential for further changes in the measures, ie, restrictions related to the COVID-19 epidemic, we would like to inform you that they depend on the further development of the epidemiological situation and that it isn't possible to predict them.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 14th of May, 2020, and as we reported recently, the appearance of Croatian ID cards is set to alter - on the front it will contain the two-letter insignia of the Republic of Croatia (RH), printed in negative in a blue rectangle surrounded by twelve yellow stars, which will symbolise the EU. Interior Minister Bozinovic revealed more details on the matter.

In the future, Croatian ID cards will have a special chip that will contain biometric identifiers of the ID card holder, ie a display of the ID card holder's face and two fingerprints in interoperable digital formats.

This has been proposed by the Croatian Government in the amendments to the Law on Identity Cards (EU), which it sent to urgent parliamentary procedure from Thursday's session, based on the Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on strengthening the security of identity cards of citizens of the Union and their family members' residence documents which prescribe the right to free movement.

The regulation came into force on August the 1st last year, and will be directly applicable in all EU member states from August the 2nd, 2021, according to Minister Bozinovic.

In accordance with the provisions of the Decree, the draft law also changed the age limit for the issuing of permanent identity cards, and raised it from the age of 65 to the age of 70.

For citizens up to the age of 70, ID cards will be issued with a validity period of five years, as is the case now, Minister Bozinovic said.

The proposed amendments also stipulate the obligation to withdraw identity cards issued without a validity period that don't meet the minimum security standards defined by the new EU regulation.

It is prescribed that such identity cards cease to be valid upon their expiration or on the aforementioned date in August, whichever occurs first.

As stated, this law is scheduled to take effect on August the 2nd, 2021.

It hasn't been confirmed, but we will make sure to ask, if this will also apply to the ID cards owned by British citizens who are legal residents of Croatia and who become so before the end of the UK's transition period, which is set to occur on the 31st od December, 2020, should an extension not be sought. 

It is important to note that British citizens who are legal residents before the end of December this year will have their rights protected in full regardless of the outcome of the negotiations (deal or no deal), and will be covered either be the Withdrawal Agreement in the case of a deal, and by a special Croatian law which will come into force in the case of a no deal Brexit.

As such, it is expected that resident Brits will also need to alter their residence permits, be they temporary or permanent residents, which also serve in Croatia as valid ID cards. As soon as we get an official response to that question, we will update this article.

For more, follow our lifestyle page.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 12th of May, 2020, as of the 11th of May, which marks the third phase of Croatia's gradual releasing of its formerly stringent anti-epidemic measures, changes are in effect when it comes to applying for obtaining new government-issued documents such as Croatian ID cards, new passports, driving licenses and various other items, according to MUP.

As of Monday, May the 11th, 2020, MUP has announced that all Croatian police administrations and police stations that also deal with particular administrative affairs are back to working normally and in full scope, but with measures to ensure safety firmly in place for both employees and those needing new documents.

The administrative activities stated in the announcement from the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) relate to the issuance of travel documents/passports, Croatian ID cards and driving licenses, the registration and deregistration of residence and stay, the changing of address, and activities related to the acquisition and legal registration of weapons, status regulation and the issuing of documents and ID cards for legal foreign residents.

In order to follow the epidemiological instructions which remain in place across Croatia in the best way possible, MUP has organised the performance of these administrative tasks in two shifts in accordance with specific circumstances with the fulfillment of all of the prescribed measures implied, and, if necessary, with pre-agreed arrival dates and times between administration employees and people requiring new documents.

''People can be informed about way things are operating in a specific competent police administration or police station and arrange for their arrival or another way of performing that task via e-mail or by calling the publicly available telephone numbers of police administrations and stations,'' states the aforementioned MUP announcement.

For more on MUP, ID cards, gaining residence in Croatia as a foreigner, obtaining citizenship and much more, make sure to stay up to date with our dedicated lifestyle page.

Coronavirus has wreaked havoc with international travel, and an official answer to the question on the lips of many foreigners, particularly non-EU nationals who have no EU laws to fall back on to allow them to stay in Croatia, has come from MUP.

As Index writes on the 30th of March, 2020, because of the epidemic situation, no measures will be taken against non-EU nationals overstaying their three months of tourist/short stay in the Republic of Croatia under the Aliens Act, the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) said in a statement.

"Due to the current situation caused by the coronavirus outbreak, a certain number of [non-EU] foreigners on a short stay (a stay of up to a maximum of ninety days in a 180 day period) are unable to leave the Republic of Croatia for objective reasons within the period prescribed by the Schengen Borders Code.

In accordance with the recommendations of epidemiologists, we instruct all foreign nationals who find themselves in such a situation to submit their information for the purpose of recording it, primarily by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling the number on the website of the competent police department (which means the administrative police station responsible for your area of stay), and to avoid possible problems at the border crossing point when leaving the Republic of Croatia.

Please do not come to the police stations or administrations personally, but do so only when called upon by an official when speaking with them on the telephone.

Because of the above [situation], no measures will be taken against such foreigners [who are overstaying their ninety days of short/tourist stay] as prescribed by the Aliens Act,'' the Ministry of the Interior's statement said.

A note from TCN: This means you do not need to engage a lawyer, and you do not require any sort of legal assistance.

Make sure to follow our dedicated section for all you need to know about coronavirus in Croatia.

March 25, 2020 - Are you a tourist in Croatia wondering if you’ll be sanctioned for overstaying your allowed 90 days? The Ministry of Interior’s (MUP) Office has an answer for all of you unsure of what to do during the coronavirus crisis. 

If you’re on a 90-day tourist visa in Croatia that is soon to run out, chances are, you’re a bit worried, especially considering you have nowhere to go with the coronavirus pandemic currently ruling the world. 

Fortunately, we have some answers, thanks to a TCN’s readers exchange with the Ministry of Interior’s office in Zagreb. 

You can find the conversation below:

TCN reader: 

“To Whom It May Concern, 

Considering the spread of COVID-19, I am interested in the current status of third-country nationals who are on a tourist visa in the Republic of Croatia and also those who are currently in the process of applying for a residence and work permit, using tourist days.

The day before yesterday, 03/23/2020, I called the Division for Administrative Affairs and Citizenship on the phone number: 00 385 1 3788 193 whose contact is listed on your site and a kind woman told me that the status of the persons concerned was frozen at the moment, i.e., that their tourist days are not currently added up until a different solution is reached.

However, today an article was posted on www.expatincroatia.com which reads:

"We spoke to the ministries that handled immigration and they confirmed that no one was allowed to stay past their tourist visas, despite COVID-19. Staying past your tourist visa could result in fines ranging from 500 kuna 7,000 kuna, depending on the circumstances. Another risk is that you may get kicked out with nowhere to go, as they are doing in other countries. "

(source: Original article)

I would like to kindly ask you to send me an official reply on the current status of the people concerned, as well as instructions on the procedure and anything they are obliged to submit to MUP, if any, to avoid further misinformation and possible panic.”

The MUP Office replied:

“Dear,

If a foreigner on a short stay (up to 90 days for a period of 180 days) cannot leave the Republic of Croatia promptly due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the short term residence time is exceeded, the foreigner will therefore not be sanctioned by the Foreigners Act.

We advise that the foreigner report to the police station according to the address of his / her accommodation, where the police officer will take down information about the accommodation address and contact information and instruct him / her to contact the police station before leaving the address of accommodation or leaving the Republic of Croatia so that he / she will not have any problems at the border crossing when leaving the Republic of Croatia.

Also, under Article 48, paragraph 4 of the Foreigners Act, third-country nationals who applied for a temporary residence permit or residence and work permit before the expiry of their short-term stay may remain in the Republic of Croatia until the decision on the application has been enforced.”

We hope this clears anything up for those of you currently stuck here during the corona era. 

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

The situation on the Greek-Turkish border, not all that far from Croatian territory, is gradually becoming worse and worse after Turkey opened its border to allow migrants to head towards Greece, and thus towards the EU. Frontex has now stepped up its game and the Croatian Interior Ministry has made itself available.

With numerous pieces of footage being released every now and then showing violent clashes between the authorities on the border and migrants seeking to enter the EU, it's difficult to remain neutral.

Owing to the escalating situation, Frontex has asked the Croatian Interior Ministry (MUP) to send another border patrol vessel down to the Aegean sea to attempt to prevent the entry of illegal migrants into the European Union (EU).

As Morski writes on the 7th of March, 2020, Croatia has responded to Frontex' request for another vessel to be deployed in the Aegean sea will soon send eight police officers, vehicles and equipment to the Greek-Turkish land border at their request, according to a recent report from Jutarnji list.

The officers, vehicles and other equipment from the Croatian Interior Ministry will be deployed as part of a Frontex force tasked with preventing illegal migrants from entering the territory of the European Union. In addition to manpower, Croatia has reported to Frontex the possibility of it sending another police ship complete with eight crew members into the Aegean sea to join in with Operation Poseidon.

This all regards a large Frontex operation to protect Greece's maritime border with that of Turkey, which is not an EU member state. At the moment, one Croatian police ship is already located down in Greece. Immediately after the seemingly provocative Turkish decision to open their border towards Greece for the illegal migrants, Frontex stepped up its forces along Greek borders in an attempt to protect EU territory.

The organisation boasts a rapid intervention force of 1,500 people, and all EU member states are required to declare forces for the unit. Croatia has declared about seventy of its police officers, and Frontex has so far requested eight people from the country, Jutarnji writes.

Make sure to follow our dedicated politics page for more.