Croatia

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

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

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

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

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

Security services have stopped some planned attacks.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

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

Report any suspicious behaviour or items to the police.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

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

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

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

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

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

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Public protests and events that draw large crowds can turn violent, including at sporting events. 

Be aware that rivalries at some high-profile soccer matches can result in potential violence and crowd unrest.

These matches often require increased police presence and security measures, at stadiums and in the city, to manage crowd behaviour. 

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

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

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Partying

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information:

• Partying safely

Cliff jumping

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

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

Your travel insurance may not cover you if you:

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

Trekking or rock climbing

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

If you intend to trek or rock climb:

• never do so alone, and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you're properly equipped and well-informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out, and do not venture off marked trails

More information: 

• Croatian Mountain Rescue 

Croatia experiences natural disasters and severe weather.

The country is in an active earthquake zone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insect-borne diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested areas.

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

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

To protect yourself from illness:

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

To reduce your risk of tick-borne disease:

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

Hantavirus

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

To reduce the risk of mouse fever:

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

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Croatia for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

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

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

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

Dubrovnik, Split, Rijeka and Pula have decompression chambers.

You'll be evacuated to a regional centre for treatment if you're injured or become seriously ill on an island or remote area.

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

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

Possessing, using or trafficking illicit drugs is illegal.

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

Penalties include imprisonment.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

On-the-spot fines

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

• challenge the offence
• can't pay the fine

Property laws

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

Other laws

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

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

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

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

Court holidays

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

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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

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

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

If you're a male dual Australian-Croatian national, you need to report to the defence authorities of Croatia and may be subject to military service. Failure to do so is an offence.

Check your obligations regarding compulsory military service with the Ministry of Defence or the nearest Croatian diplomatic or consular mission before you travel.

More information:

• Ministry of Defence

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

More information:

•  Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas

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

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

Border with Slovenia

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

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

The new European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports. ​

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues when the new system starts.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to 

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements .

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Croatia's currency is the euro (EUR).

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

If you fail to declare it or give wrong information, you'll be fined and the funds may be confiscated.

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

Delays at borders

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

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

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

Unexploded landmines

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

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

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

Driving permit

To drive a vehicle, you'll need both:

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

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

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

Road travel

Driving can be hazardous, and traffic accidents are common.

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

According to local road rules, you must:

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

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

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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

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

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and authorised car services.

Avoid flagging down taxis in the street.

Public transport

Bus and rail services operate throughout Croatia.

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

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Several accidents and serious injuries have occurred on party boats.

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

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

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

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Travelling by boat

Air travel

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

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

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

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Zagreb.

Australian Embassy, Zagreb

Grand Centar
Fifth Floor, Hektoroviceva 2
10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Phone: +385 1 489 1200
Email: austemb.zagreb@dfat.gov.au, consular.zagreb@dfat.gov.au
Website: https://croatia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Croatia
X: AusAmbCroatia

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

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

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

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