Croatia Opens Borders for International Tourists – Quarantine/Test Results Required

Based on the recommendations and instructions of the Croatian Institute of Public Health for persons crossing the state border, the Croatian government has decided to open borders to an extended list of third-country citizens, including tourists, starting from July 11.

The new rules for non-Croatians entering the territory of Croatia, exempt from the obligation of presenting COVID-19 negative test results or going through a fortnight of quarantine all Schengen and EU citizens, regardless of the place of residence, as well as their family members.

The same applies to third-country nationals who are long-term residents under Council Directive 2003/109 / EC of November 25, 2003, on the status of third-country nationals with long-term residence and persons entitled to reside under other EU directives or national law or who have long-term national visas.

At the same time, Croatian authorities have given the green light to all third-country nationals who fall in whichever of the categories listed below:

1. health professionals, health researchers and associates, care professionals for the elderly and persons requiring emergency medical treatment
2. cross-border workers
3. carriers of goods and other transport staff to the extent necessary
4. diplomats, police officers in performing their duties jobs, services and teams of Civil Protection, personnel of international organizations and international military personnel in performing their functions
5. passengers in transit
6. persons travelling for tourist or other business reasons or who have other economic interests, and persons travelling for education
7. persons travelling for urgent personal reasons (i.e. they own real estate in the Republic of Croatia) or have any other urgent personal reason

“For all persons entering the Republic of Croatia from third countries, on the basis of the exemption from the prohibition on crossing the border referred to in point g. health surveillance with 14-day quarantine/self-isolation is mandatory,” a press release of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains.

It also points out that quarantine/self-isolation can be shortened if the travellers decide at their own expense seven days after entering Croatia and receive a negative PCR test for SARS-CoV-2.

And while the obligation of self-isolation for persons entering the Republic of Croatia from third countries remains applicable for categories a, b, c, and d, persons travelling for tourist or other business reasons or who have other economic interests, and persons travelling for education may avoid quarantine by presenting negative test results.

“These persons can enter Croatia without the obligation of self-isolation with the presentation of a negative PCR test of nasal and pharyngeal swabs on SARS-CoV-2, which is not older than 48 hours (counting from the time of swab to arrival at the border crossing), or with the obligation 14- daily quarantine/self-isolation if they do not have a negative PCR test result,” the Ministry explains.

Those under the obligation of self-isolation must respect the rules of isolation during the first two weeks in Croatia. When going outside for essential needs, the person in isolation must use a mask or cover for the nose and mouth, maintain physical distance from other people (minimum 1.5 meters) and carry out hand hygiene.

Last Friday, SchengenVisaInfo.com reported that Croatian authorities have decided to open their borders for all third-country citizens that intend to enter Croatia for business, tourism, or other personal reasons, including Americans.