Kashlee KucheranLast Updated
Article originally published Nov 28, new updates Dec 4:
Dec 4: More changes to Croatia have happened since publishing this article last week.
- Croatia is now requiring PCR tests from all EU visitors that are not ‘green' nations, which is basically all of them at this time.
- Croatia has removed the entry for tourists from third-party nations (non-EU) from their official sites, suggesting travelers from places like the USA and Canada can no longer enter, until at least Dec 15, 2020.
Croatia has been a world leader in pandemic-era travel, with one of the best rebounding tourism industries in Europe, partially due to its relaxed entry requirements and allowing tourists from all nations to enter, with testing and proof of accommodation.
However, due to a recent surge in cases throughout the month of November, Croatia has enacted some new rules and regulations that could impact tourists.
While not nearly as strict as some of Croatia’s neighboring EU nations, there are many new restrictions coming into effect on November 28th that will change the experience travellers have while visiting the country.
These rules and restrictions are expected to be temporary, lasting until December 21st, but there is the possibility of renewal if the epidemiological situation does not improve.
Croatia's Restrictions as of November 28
Restaurants and Cafes
All to close for dine-in service.
Restaurants and cafes will only be permitted to offer take-away or delivery services.
The exception to this rule applies to restaurants inside hotels or resorts, which are permitted to offer dine-in services to guests staying on the premises only.
Nightclubs, Bars and Casinos
Closed.
Gyms, Fitness Centres, Recreation Facilities
Closed.
Live Theatre or Plays with Choirs or Orchestras
Closed/Suspended
Cinemas, Museums, or Plays without Choirs or Orchestras
Permitted with limits:
25 people with social distancing, masks, without food/drink consumption and until 10:00pm
Fairs and Tourist Markets
Closed.
Sale of Alcohol
Prohibited between 10:00pm and 6:00am
Malls, Shopping Centres and Retail Stores
Permitted to stay open, but with additional capacity restrictions and mandatory mask-wearing
Public Transportation
Permitted to stay in service, but with 40% capacity limits and mandatory mask wearing
Fines For Not Wearing Masks
Croatia’s chief epidemiologist says that fines of 100 to 200 euros could soon come into effect for non-compliance of masks
The Good News For Tourists Traveling Soon to Croatia:
No Change to Entry Requirements
While there may be additional restrictions for businesses and services inside Croatia, we have not seen any changes to the entry requirements for crossing the border into the country, which have remained virtually unchanged since July.
If you are coming from a non-EU nation (like the USA or Canada for example) you will still need to bring a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 48 hours prior to arrival, as well as proof fo accommodation.
Hotel Stays Permitted
Unlike some other EU nations that have entered partial or ‘soft’ lockdowns, hotel stays for the purpose of leisure travel is still permitted in Croatia, keeping the nation a very viable option for holiday vacations.
No restrictions are expected to be made for hotel stays, as the nation is still very confident in their ability to safely host tourists without contributing to case numbers.
All in all, the temporary restrictions throughout Croatia do not create a make-or-break type of reality for most travelers, albeit trips might not be as fulfilling as originally planned.
For now, Croatia still remains one of the top places in the world to travel to during the pandemic and is only expected to gain more popularity with the announcement of their new long-stay digital nomad visa.
Sources: Osac.gov / Total-Croatia-News /
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories