Croatia Updates Entry Requirements; Negative PCR Test Needed

Although Croatia is a member of the European Union (E.U.), it has reopened to travelers from the United States, who are otherwise not recommended to be exempted from the list of countries banned from entering the bloc, as recommended by the E.U.

As of July 1, 2020, all E.U./European Economic Area (E.E.A.) nationals and individuals holding permanent residence in E.U./E.E.A. countries have been able to enter Croatia freely, without restrictions. All other foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, from the same date, were allowed to enter the Croatia for business, tourism or other pressing personal reasons if they provide relevant proof.

Previously, tourists were required to present a confirmation of the reservation or paid accommodation in one of the accommodation facilities. In a quiet update on July 10, Croatia updated the requirements to now include a negative PCR test not older than 48 hours, starting from the time of taking the swab until arrival at the border crossing. This is also valid for passengers and crews traveling by yacht, according to the U.S. Embassy in Croatia.

Travelers whose test is older than 48 hours will be allowed to enter Croatia, but they will be issued a self-isolation order and will have to be tested again locally, at their own expense (approximately $230). 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 seven 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. After receiving a negative test locally, travelers will need to contact a local epidemiologist to clear them from self-isolation.

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