Beautiful Croatia Still Welcomes American Travelers — If You Follow These Strict Rules

Yes, Croatia is one of the few countries that still welcomes American travelers, but there are strict precautions to follow if you want to enjoy the beauty of Dubrovnik and the coast, Zagreb and the Plitvice lakes.

To get to Croatia from the United States non-stop from most major U.S. airports, with common layover destinations including Dublin, London, Paris, Munich, Istanbul and Vienna.

Public Health Guidelines

The country’s response to the pandemic has been swift and robust. Croatia’s Institute of Public Health issued guidelines from as early as January 2020. The government then issued health checks at border crossings, and arrivals from some countries had to quarantine and self-isolate.

A nation-wide lock down came towards the end of March, with people confined to their neighborhoods. These restrictions all helped to suppress the virus but were eased in the summer.

While lock down restrictions have been lifted in the country, the government is exercising caution – face coverings are mandatory on public transportation (including taxis), and in stores, malls, salons and in other commercial premises where face-to-face contact is necessary.

Unlike some European countries, there is no curfew in place and there are no restrictions for interstate travel. The Croatian authorities ask that visitors use common sense – for example, if there’s a crowded nightclub or bar, it’s best to stay away.

Rules Before Entry

Strict rules must be followed before entry. As of July 2020, US citizens arriving in Croatia for tourism, business, urgent personal reasons, or educational purposes must present a negative PCR test not older than 48 hours (starting from the time of taking the swab until arrival at the border crossing).

Travelers whose test is older than 48 hours will be allowed to enter the country, but they will be issued a self-isolation order and will have to be tested again locally, at their own expense. Having an expired PCR test upon arrival will allow for a shortened period of time in self-isolation pending a negative result of a local PCR test.

Those who do not provide a negative PCR test upon arrival will be ordered to quarantine/self-isolate for at least 7 days prior to taking a local PCR test.

Travelers who fail to present a PCR test upon arrival and refuse to take a test locally will be ordered to self-isolate or quarantine for 14 days. A local test cost ranges from $130 to $300 or more, depending upon the location, and the result can be expected between 24-48 hours. Here’s a list of local testing sites.

The Croatian government has introduced a new online entry form to speed up the entry of foreign visitors. You are advised to carry a copy of your accommodation booking when you arrive in Croatia.

Many travelers are cautious about booking with the ongoing COVID situation. Croatia’s “book with confidence guarantee”ensures any booking made with can be amended or moved should any problems arise, and covers you with on-the-ground support from a Croatian-based team if you need any assistance.

To find out more about restrictions and guidelines, visit the US Embassy of Croatia’s website. Alternatively, you can visit the Croatian government’s coronavirus website.