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Current at: 9 September 2003
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Updated: 14 August 2003
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SUMMARY
The Croatian authorities attach a high priority to protecting visitors. However, British nationals visiting Croatia are advised to take sensible precautions. We are unaware of any terrorist threat to western interests in Croatia and the vast majority of visits to Croatia are trouble-free.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
There is no recent history of terrorism in Croatia. We are unaware of any evidence of a threat to western interests from terrorism in Croatia. But UK nationals should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, in all countries of the world, against civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites.
Crime
Sensible precautions should be taken when carrying money in busy tourist areas.
Local Travel
If you are planning to travel outside the normal tourist resorts you should be aware that there are areas affected by the war, which ended in 1995, where unexploded mines remain. These areas include the Danube region (Eastern Slavonia) and the former Krajina. Mine clearance work often leads to the closure of major roads, including roads to the coast.
You should be wary about leaving cultivated land or marked paths. If in doubt seek local advice.
If you are wishing to use the Debeli Brijeg and Konfin border crossing points into Montenegro you should note that you are no longer required to obtain a visa or a tourist pass for entry and stays of up to 90 days in Serbia and Montenegro. The visa requirement was abolished for citizens of the UK and most European countries.
Please not that the Serbia and Montenegro government does not recognise border crossings with Kosovo and those between Kosovo and Albania or Macedonia.
For more information contact the nearest Serbia and Montenegro Embassy or see the Serbia and Montenegro travel advice.
If travelling by car you should ensure, before setting out, that your green card covers Croatia. Insurance can normally be purchased at the main border crossings, however some of the smaller crossings may not have this facility or have limited hours when the service is available.
Road Safety
Road conditions in and around Zagreb and the larger towns are of a generally good standard. However, drivers should take care when overtaking and use caution around other road users who may unexpectedly overtake repeatedly in slower traffic. Minor roads are usually unlit at night.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Carry your passport at all times. You must be able to show some form of identification if required. Keep a photocopy of the biographical details page in a safe location.
Foot and Mouth Disease
Until further notice, the import of meat, meat products and dairy products will not be allowed.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
British citizens visiting Croatia for periods of less than three months do not require a visa for tourist or business trips. However, a visa may be required for other types of visit or stay. Unless you are staying at a hotel or official tourist accommodation, all foreign citizens are required to register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival (in Zagreb you should register at the Police Station at Petrinjska 30. If outside Zagreb, you should register at the nearest main Police Station). Failure to do so may result in a fine or possible removal from Croatia. Additional information on entry and registration requirements may be obtained from the Consular section of the Croatian Embassy; Croatian representation in the UK.
HEALTH
You should seek medical advice before travelling about immunisations, in particular against tick-borne encephalitis.
GENERAL
All travellers abroad should take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
Personal and valuable items should not be left unattended, particularly on the beach. Many hotels have safe deposit boxes. If travelling by train, special care should be taken to guard valuables, especially at night.
British nationals who intend staying in Croatia for an extended period of time should register their presence with the Consular Section of the British Embassy in Zagreb.
Amex, Mastercard and Diners Card are accepted in most banks and hotels. Visa is becoming more widely accepted. A few banks will cash cheques (mainly those issued by the largest UK banks) but only on production of a guarantee card. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are easily exchanged for local currency. There are plenty of cashpoints in Zagreb, but visitors should check that their bank card carries the Maestro, Cirrus or Visa endorsements.
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