Croatia Travel Guide

• Visit an unspoilt and exciting corner of Europe that was for many years closed off from the tourist trail
• Go sun-seeking in the Croatian summer months and take a dip in the warm, turquoise seas
• An incredible location for sailing, especially around the idyllic islands along the Adriatic Coast
• Learn about recent history as you discover the legacy of the Yugoslav War in the 1990s and how Croatia has rebuilt itself like a phoenix from the ashes
• A great stop-off on a European tour – head into neighbouring countries such as Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia or hop across to Italy

The culinary influences in Croatia are varied, with influences of both the Mediterranean food of countries such as Italy and the heavier food of Eastern Europe. If you visit the Adriatic Coast you are likely to find a wide variety of seafood dishes, as well as Italian-style pizzas. You should try some tasty local cured ham, served alongside a hard parmesan-style cheese called Paški sir, from Pag Island. Pork, lamb and veal are popular meats, and you can stock up on carbs with potatoes, gnocchi and pasta all making regular appearances on Croatian menus. Soup and goulash also feature, as a nod to Eastern European cuisine. Try a štrukli, a cheese and pastry delicacy which makes a tasty snack.

The best time to visit Croatia is between April and September. May, June and September are great months to visit if you want warm weather without the crowds. The Adriatic Coast has a Mediterranean climate, with cold winters and hot summers, with the average summer temperature being 26 to 30°C.

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.

To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Croatia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Croatian Embassy in the UK. 

Passport validity requirements 

Croatia follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. 

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been lost or stolen. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements 

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Croatia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Croatia are different.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

At Croatian border control, you may also need to: 

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period 

To stay longer, you must meet the Croatian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Croatian Embassy in the UK. See the Croatian Ministry of the Interior’s guidance on work permits.

If you’re in Croatia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit. 

Read about entry processes if you live in Croatia.

Croatia-Slovenia border crossings 

There are checks at Slovenia’s borders with Croatia. If you are travelling from Croatia to Slovenia, check travel advice for Slovenia. 

Vaccine requirements 

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Croatia guide.

Registering with the police 

Your accommodation provider must register your arrival in Croatia with the police within 48 hours. Your hotel will normally register you. If your accommodation provider is unable to do this for you, fill in and print form obrazac 16a (PDF). You must hand in the completed form at a police station. Alternatively, you should go to the nearest police station with the owner of the accommodation to register your address in Croatia. 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Croatia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking food into Croatia 

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Croatia

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Croatia is predominantly a Catholic country, and you should dress modestly if you are visiting Catholic sites or churches. You should also be sensitive to Croatia’s troubled history and avoid discussing the Yugoslav War.

Health

You should visit your GP at least 8 weeks before travel for health advice.

Safety

The crime levels in Croatia are low and violent crime is rare, although you should take the usual precautions, especially in larger cities, where pickpockets operate.

You should carry your passport with you at all times in Croatia.

Some remote regions of Croatia still have some unexploded mines, a legacy of the Yugoslav Wars. Seek advice if heading far off the tourist trail.

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.