Croatia is a safe country to travel in as a tourist. Street crime is low, but as in all major cities, one should also take precautions in Zagreb and follow the general travel advice for the area. Very strict entry and exit regulations have been introduced in connection with the outbreak of coronavirus. For more information, see Health.
Safety
Croatia is a safe country to travel in as a tourist. Street crime is low, and with common sense there is little risk of being exposed to unwanted incidents. According to countryaah, Croatia is one of countries starting with letter C.
Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance on trips to / in Croatia.
Travel registration is an offer to Norwegian travelers who wish to register their contact information with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will make it easier for the Foreign Service to contact you in case something serious should happen where you are. In a crisis situation, the Foreign Service will have the opportunity to contact you via email, sms or phone. Norwegian citizens staying in Croatia for a shorter or longer period are therefore encouraged to register at: www.reiseregistrering.no
In summer, the weather conditions are usually stable with sun and warm weather. However, along the coast there may be strong winds at times. This sometimes causes boat routes to be canceled and/or some roads and bridges temporarily closed. The dry summer weather means that there is a risk of forest fires. In the summer of 2017, the area around Split was hit by this. Although the fires were extensive, no one was injured.
Some very few areas are still not cleared for land mines. These areas are well marked with danger signs. If you are going on a hike in desolate and uninhabited areas and are in doubt, maps, local authorities and locals can assist. For more information on mines in Croatia see the Croatian Mine Action Center’s websites.
The risk of terrorist incidents in Croatia is considered low. So far, no terrorist attacks have occurred in Croatia, and there are no publicly known threats of attacks.
Common emergency number for all agencies in Croatia (also English speaking): +385 112.
Country code for Croatia: +385
Police: +385 192
Fire: +385 193
First aid: +385 194
Norway is represented in Croatia at the Zagreb Embassy. In emergencies, the public can contact the embassy:
Royal Norwegian Embassy in Zagreb
Hektorovićeva 2, 10000 Zagreb
Tel: +385 (0) 1 6273 800
Fax: +385 (0) 1 6273 899
Email: emb.zagreb@mfa.no
Outside of office hours, the public is transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ operational center. In addition, Norway has three consulates in Croatia who can also assist Norwegians with consular matters.
Consulate of Norway in Dubrovnik
Email: royal_norwegian_consulate_dubrovnik@email.t-com.hr
Uz Giman 7A, 20000 Dubrovnik
Tel: +385 (0) 2035 7943
Mob: +385 (0) 993 357 943
Fax: +385 (0) 2035 7945
Consulate of Norway in Rijeka
E-mail: royal.norwegian.consulate@hi.t-com.hr
Zrtava Fasizma 2/II, 51000 Rijeka
Tel: +385 (0) 5133 5827, +385 (0) 5133 5831
Fax: +385 (0) 5121 3549
Consulate of Norway in Split
E-mail: hconsul.no.st@marinasare.com.hr
Domovinskog rata 21, 21 000 Split
Tel: +385 (0) 2178 6881
Fax: +385 (0) 2178 6881
Mob: +385 (0) 9849 7381
Both consulates can assist Norwegian tourists with consular matters.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Croatia is not a member of Schengen, and there is passport control at all airports and border crossings. Norwegian citizens do not need a visa to stay in Croatia, but passports are the only valid entry document. Minors over the age of 14 can travel to Croatia on their own.
EU/EEA citizens must ensure that the travel documents (passports) are valid throughout the stay. For citizens outside the EU/EEA, it is a requirement that the travel documents are valid for three months after returning home. For more information see the website of the Croatian Foreign Ministry.
Foreigners in Croatia must be able to identify themselves on request and therefore passports should be brought at all times (possibly copy).
For the latest updated information on entry rules to Croatia, travelers are encouraged to check with the Croatian Embassy in Oslo at: croemb.oslo@mvep.hr or on tel: 0047 22 44 22 33.
Work and residence permit: According to EU/EEA rules, Norwegian citizens are free to work in Croatia, and thus do not have to apply for a work permit. However, there are some guidelines that foreign workers must adhere to. More information on Croatian websites.
If you, as an EU/EEA citizen, wish to settle or stay in Croatia for more than three months, you must register with the police no later than eight days before the three-month period has expired.
A temporary residence permit is granted for up to five years. We recommend everyone to visit the website of the Croatian Foreign Ministry. Here you can find more detailed information about and the requirements for a residence permit (temporary or permanent).
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): In Croatia, very strict travel restrictions have been introduced for people who come from or have recently visited areas where there is widespread spread of coronaviruses. This includes Norway. Restrictions on freedom of movement have also been introduced for anyone staying in Croatia. See the website of Croatian health authorities (in English and Croatian) for more details.
- English: Coronavirus protection measures
- Croatian: Koronavirus – najnoviji podatci
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The National Insurance Scheme’s European Health Insurance Card (EEA Card) is valid in Croatia. Everyone who travels to Croatia should therefore ensure that they have a valid health card on their journey. European health insurance card can be ordered on Helfo’s website. If you are traveling without a card, you can contact Helfo’s service phone (815 70 030 or (00 47) 33 51 22 80) for help.
The health insurance card shows that you are a member of the National Insurance Scheme, which guarantees you treatment in the public health system in line with other citizens in EEA countries and Switzerland. However, what citizens in the different countries are entitled to, and what they may have to pay in deductibles, varies from place to place. It is therefore recommended to take out travel insurance as well.
There are no special requirements for vaccines for traveling to Croatia.
Croatia has a public health system like in Norway, but the standard in hospitals is somewhat lower. There are currently no private hospitals in Croatia, but there are several larger private clinics that have international standards.
For more detailed information on health services and standards in Croatia, the public is encouraged to visit the World Health Organization’s websites or the websites of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund.
The supply of medicines is good. Most cities have many pharmacies, in the larger cities there are also 24-hour pharmacies.
The climate is warm in July-August. One should take care to use the sun factor and drink enough water in the summer. The tap water can be easily drunk in most places, but it is calcareous.
Croatia has many beautiful seaside resorts, but most consist of pebbles and rarely sand. Beach shoes are recommended.
The public is encouraged to visit the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s websites for official health travel advice and health professional guidance for Norwegians abroad.
Practical information
National Country Code: +385. (allcitycodes)
Time zone: GMT + 1 (as in Norway)
Current: 220V (as in Norway)
Plug Standard European 230 V (as in Norway)
Currency: Kuna (HRK). See updated exchange rate
National Holidays: 1 January, 6 January, 1 Easter Sunday, 2 Easter Sunday, 1 May, Corpus Christi (60 days after Easter), 22 June, 25 June, 5 August, 15 August, 8. October, November 1st, and 1st and 2nd Christmas Day.
Language: In Croatia one speaks Croatian, a Slavic language very similar to Serbian and Bosnian. In the major cities and along the coast, it is common for service industry staff to speak English. This is also widespread among the younger population. However, many of the older people speak German rather than English. Italian is known to many in Istria and along the coast of Dalmatia.
Payment: Most credit cards can be used, but the use of cash is much more widespread than in Norway. Cash is usually used in smaller restaurants, shops and private accommodation.
Please note that some cafes, restaurants, hairdressers, shops etc. are closed on Sundays, and that several restaurants inland stay closed during the summer season.
If you are satisfied with the service, it is usual in Croatia to round up the amount. The percentage varies, but is usually somewhere between five to ten percent. Restaurants, bars, and taxis are common tips. Several locals also often give a small symbolic amount (enough for a coffee) in tips for the hairdresser or masseur/masseuse, the local guide etc.
Public transport: The main form of local transport in Croatia is bus. In Zagreb and Osijek you can also use the tram. Tickets are sold in kiosks called iNovine, and on board most buses/trams.
- Bus times and information
- Bus Croatia
- Tram
There is an extensive network of long-distance buses between Croatia’s largest cities, and from Croatia to the other countries in the region. If possible, long-distance bus tickets should be purchased in advance.
To reach the islands along the coast you usually use boat and/or car ferries.
The railway network in Croatia is largely centered around the capital Zagreb. From here, trains go to surrounding towns, and among other things. to Croatia’s second largest city Split. From Zagreb there are also trains to other countries. Train tickets are purchased at the train station. Information and timetable can be found on the railway’s website.
The Croatian tourist information also has several useful travel tips.
Traveling by car: The EEA model (bank card format) of driver’s licenses is valid in all EU and EEA countries. For more information, see the website of the Road Administration.
Facts and driving tips for Croatia can be found on NAF’s websites.
The traffic culture can be perceived as somewhat more aggressive than in Norway. Use pedestrian lanes and pay extra attention to traffic.
The permissible limit is 0.5, and a ban on talking on a mobile phone has been introduced while driving. If you need road and traffic information or need help on the road, you can call (+385 1) 1987, or visit the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) website.
If you are going to carry passengers with a Norwegian-registered vehicle in Croatia, you must investigate the applicable tax rules. For registration and more information on tax and value added tax see information on the website of the Croatian Ministry of Finance.
For import and Croatian customs regulations, see Customs – Croatian Customs.