Travel to Croatia

Croatia: Various travel information

Formalities, visas

A valid passport or ID card is required to enter Croatia. A temporary identity card will not be recognized. There is no visa requirement for stays of up to 90 days (unless you are employed). However, all foreign nationals are required to register with the local police within 24 hours of entry. This is usually arranged by the hotel, the landlord, the campsite manager or the travel agency. If you change location, you must register again.

The German child ID is recognized. Even if a photo is not always required in practice, according to the current Croatian regulations, an ID with photo is also required for children. The entry of children in a parent’s passport is sufficient for entry. Minors traveling alone require a declaration of consent from a parent or legal guardian. The entry document (ID card/passport/child ID) must be valid for the duration of the stay.

National currency

The national currency of Croatia is the kuna.

1 kuna (K) = 100 lipa.

Foreign currency is exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices, most travel agencies, hotels and even numerous campsites.

The foreign exchange regulations of the Republic of Croatia have been brought into line with the standards of the countries of the European Union. Foreign currency to the value of 3,000 euros and local currency up to 15,000 kuna can be freely imported and exported.

Souvenirs, import and export regulations

Shopping

In Croatia there is a relatively stable price level. Of course, the prices here also rise from year to year. However, this to a tolerable extent. What many tourists from the euro countries reported after the currency changeover could not be observed in Croatia. You will find very reasonable prices for many local products, which often do not have to hide behind German items. One should preferably buy in small shops. In Croatia, supermarket doesn’t always mean “cheap”! The prices in the hinterland are usually a third to half cheaper than in Germany. On the coast and especially on the island, however, the prices are almost at the German level. You should pay particular attention to local products.

In the many small shops in particular, visitors will often find high-quality clothing, jewelry, etc., which are offered at very favorable conditions. Here you can still get real bargains. But of course it is always worth making a comparison between the competitors. For lovers of handicrafts, the wonderful Croatian lace, especially that of the island of Pag, is a worthwhile souvenir. This can definitely be compared with the Plauen or Brussels lace. You can get fruit and vegetables at the many small markets in the holiday resorts as well. But imported goods are quite expensive. Haggling over prices is only possible to a limited extent, but it is observed again and again. Other farmers’ products are also offered here. Here you can often get home-made wine and schnapps, as well as ham and cheese. All of these products are highly recommended. The sheep cheese and the Dalmatian air-dried ham are particularly recommended. The wine from Croatia should also be tried in the various flavors. From dry, heavy country wine to dessert wine, there is something for every taste.

Shop opening times

The shops are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.

A smaller number of shops are open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Many shops are open until 10 p.m. and also on Sundays, especially in summer.

In larger cities there are shops that are open around the clock.

Companies and the public service work mostly from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Post and telecommunications

The post offices are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays until 1:00 p.m. Post offices on duty in larger cities and tourist centers are open until 10 p.m. in summer. Postage stamps are sold in post offices and at newsstands.

Telephone booths only use phone cards that can be purchased in post offices, newsagents, hotels, etc.

Customs regulations

For the import of food from Germany to Croatia, similar quantity restrictions apply as for imports to Germany from countries outside the EU area, i.e. per person 2 l of wine, 1 l of higher percentage alcohol, 8 cans/bottles of beer, 1 l of long-life milk, 1 kg of cheese, 1 carton of cigarettes. More valuable professional and technical equipment must be declared at the border.

The import of up to 1 kg of fresh fish is possible, but is subject to a fee-based veterinary inspection at the border. It is therefore advisable to only take meat that has been thermally treated (boiled, fried, smoked or grilled) and processed. The value of the goods to be imported must not exceed 300 kuna per person.

A provisional ordinance on the import of animal products has existed since April 2001: Due to the risk of BSE and foot and mouth disease, the import (and transit) of meat and meat products from cattle, sheep, goats and pigs and wild ungulates is prohibited (e.g. sausages, Ham, vacuum-packed meat products). Canned meat that has been processed at high temperatures may be imported.

There is an obligation to register for the import of hunting or sporting rifles (by entering it in the travel document). According to the Croatian Aliens Act of 01.06.2004, foreigners must be able to prove that they have sufficient financial resources.

How to get to Croatia

The quickest way to Croatia is to take an airplane, especially since the airfares are often extremely cheap. But many visitors also use their cars, not least because of the excellent road network on the way there and in the country itself.

Travel in the country

International airports

  • Zagreb
  • Split
  • Dubrovnik
  • Pula
  • Rijeka
  • Zadar
  • Osijek
  • Brac Island (can only be approached by smaller planes)
  • Losinj Island (can only be approached by smaller planes)

CROATIA AIRLINES is a modern airline with one of the youngest fleets in Europe. The machines are maintained by Deutsche Lufthansa, with which Croatia Airlines is also a partner (code sharing). The so-called low-cost airlines such as Germanwings and Hapag-Lloyd Express also fly. Departure airports in Germany are Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover and Leipzig.

Railway

The railway network covers approx. 2,726 km.

Croatia has direct rail connections with Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, France, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro as well as indirect connections with almost all European countries. Through the transit country Croatia, railway lines lead from Zagreb to Osijek, Vinkovci, Rijeka and Split as well as to Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

Roads

The road network covers around 28,275 km, of which 23,920 km are paved.

The most common way of getting here is by car. But there is also the option of arriving by plane or train. If you arrive with your own car, you have a choice of different routes. The fastest and most frequently driven route (therefore also very prone to traffic jams) leads from Munich via Salzburg. From Salzburg the route leads in the direction of Villach via the Tauern motorway and the Tauern tunnel, which is subject to a toll, and through the Karawanken tunnel, which is also subject to charges, to Slovenia. This is where travelers to Istria separate from those who want to go to Dalmatia. You absolutely need the green insurance card in Croatia! If you do not have this proof of insurance with you, you have to take out Croatian insurance at the border for the duration of your stay.

Caution is advised on the Adriatic motorway at Bora. These downwinds from the mountains often have enough power to blow a car off the road. However, these winds mostly occur in the winter months.

The A1 motorway (Zagreb – Split) – the Dalmatina – the longest Croatian motorway, has been largely completed. The most important structure is the Sveti Rok road tunnel (5,670 m). The extension to Ploce was completed in the course of 2008. A continuation to Dubrownik is under construction and partly still in planning. And meanwhile all northern connections (to Slovenia) have been developed by motorway connections and Hungary is connected to the Croatian motorway network via the A4.

The connection from Slovenia to Zagreb was completed on May 29, 2007.

The highway A3 is the second longest motorway in the country and connects Slovenia’s A2 motorway (Bregana border crossing) via Zagreb with Serbia (Belgrade). The border crossing to Serbia is Lipovac, there it continues on the Serbian side on the A1.

The motorway A4 links the Hungarian M7 motorway at the border crossing Gorican with Zagreb and the local Croatian motorway network. The route is around 97 km long.

The motorway A5 combines Beli Manastir to the border with Hungary with Svilaj on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It lies in the east of the country and leads at a length of around 87 km from the north to the south and strikes the A3 (Zagreb – Belgrade)

The highway A6connects the Croatian town of Bosiljevo with the port city of Rijeka over a length of around 81 km. their final completion was the end of 2008.

The motorway A7 connects to a length of around 104 kilometers from the place Rupa on the border with Slovenia via Rijeka with Zuta Lokva, where it meets the A1.

The motorway A8 is located in the west of the country and connects on a length of 64 km Rovinj Matulji near Rijeka, where it meets the A7.

The A9 motorway connects Kastel on the border with Slovenia with Pula. It meets the A8 roughly in the middle of the autobahn.

In Croatia, motorway construction is seen as a symbol of unity and cohesion and is systematically promoted. The rapid realization of numerous motorway projects can be equated with the rapid economic and political rise of this country.

Fuel

You can get fuel anywhere, including the islands. The gas stations along the main routes are usually open around the clock. You can get the fuel types normal unleaded, super unleaded (Eurosuper), super leaded and diesel, at some petrol stations also super plus unleaded. Petrol is much cheaper in Croatia than in Germany! Refueling is now also worthwhile in Austria and Slovenia, as lower fuel prices are charged here. The unleaded petrol marked with a green symbol is available at all petrol stations.

Arriving by bus

Regular international bus lines connect Croatia with neighboring countries and Western European countries.

Rental cars

The following companies offer rental cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz Sixt, DERTour, Sunnycars, Holidayautos, AutoEurope etc.

Ferry connections

The main seaports are:

  • Dubrovnik
  • Rijeka
  • Split.

Inland navigation is possible on 785 km of rivers and canals.

International ferry connections:

  • Zadar – Ancona (Italy)
  • Korčula – Split – Ancona (Italy)
  • Dubrovnik – Bari (Italy)
  • Pula – Venice (Italy)

Ferry connections along the coast:

Rijeka-Zadar-Split-Stari Grad/Hvar-Korčula-Sobra/Mljet-Dubrovnik-Bari

Ferry connections from the mainland to the following islands:

Cres, Lošinj, Rab, Pag, Ugljan, Pašman, Dugi Otok, Iz, Šolta, Brač, Hvar, Vis, peninsula: Pelješac, Korčula, Lastovo, Mljet

Jadrolinija – the largest Croatian company for passenger shipping maintains most of the regular international and domestic ferry, boat and express boat lines www.jadrolinija.hr.

Traffic rules, emergency calls

Basically, the same traffic regulations apply in Croatia as in Germany, including the requirement to wear seat belts.

Unless otherwise limited by signs, the maximum permitted speed for cars is 130 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on long-distance roads (e.g. coastal roads), 80 km/h on regional roads and 50 km/h in built-up areas. You should comply with the applicable maximum speed, as radar controls are increasingly being carried out with laser pistols.

The penalties for exceeding the limit are considerable – for example, if the maximum permitted speed is exceeded by 50 km/h, a penalty of € 670 or more is charged.

Promillegrenze

The maximum value of blood alcohol content is 0.5 parts per thousand. However, the 0.0 alcohol limit applies to professional drivers and drivers under the age of 24.

Intensive alcohol tests are carried out, especially on the weekends.

The smartest thing, however, is to drive with zero alcohol levels – this may save you a lot of trouble and high costs

Note

Always drive with the lights on!

Emergency

In case of an accident or other problems with the car or motorbike to reach information and assistance at the following numbers:

Tel.: 01 344 06 66

Mobile: 0038-51344 06 66

The ADAC can be reached 24 hours in Munich on the following number:

0049 – (0) 89 – 22 22 22

International license plate

According to Abbreviationfinder, the international license plate of Croatia is:

MR

Tourist offices

Croatian National Tourist Board in Frankfurt

Stephanstraße13

60313 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: 0049 – (0) 69 – 2385350

Fax: 0049 – (0) 69 – 23853520

E-mail: info@visitkroatien.de

www. croatia.hr

Croatian National Tourist Board in Vienna

Am Hof 13

1010 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 585 38 84

Fax: 0043 – (0) 1 – 585 38 84 20

E-mail: office@kroatien.at

Web: http://at.croatia.hr

Croatian National Tourist Board in Zurich

Badenerstraße 332

8004 Zürichtakt

Tel: 0041 – (0) 43 – 336 2030

Fax: 0041 – (0) 43 – 336 2039

E-mail: info@kroatien-tourismus.ch

Web: http: // ch.croatia.hr

Croatia: Travel Medicine and Warnings

Medical emergency service in Croatia

There are hospitals and clinics in all major cities, ambulances and pharmacies in all places. Foreign tourists do not pay medical expenses if a health protection agreement has been signed between Croatia and the country from which they come. The costs of medical treatment for people who come from countries with which there is no such agreement must be paid directly by the patient according to a price list. For patients who are in mortal danger, there is the possibility of transportation by rescue helicopter and glider boat. Croatia has a good network of veterinary clinics and practices.

Information: www.veterinarstvo.hr

Email: veterinarstvo@zg.tel.hr

Infectious Diseases

In Croatia, no typical diseases are to be expected in Germany or in other Western and Northern Europe. However, it should be noted that there is an increased risk of tick bites in the forests of Northern Croatia.

The Federal Foreign Office’s health service recommends the following as sensible vaccination protection: protection against tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A, and also against hepatitis against B for long-term stays over three months and early summer meningo encephalitis (TBE) can be useful. There is also an increased risk of tick bites in the forests of northern Croatia.

Croatia: embassies, consulates

Visit Countryaah for a full list of Croatia embassies and consulates in each country around the world.

Representations of Croatia in Germany

The building of the Croatian embassy is located on Ahornstrasse in Berlin’s Tempelhof-Schöneberg district.

The Ahornstraße is a street that is only approx. 100 m long and starts off from Einestraße. From the corner of Ahornstrasse and Einestrasse it is around 100 m to the Nollendorfplatz underground station. The underground lines U1, U2, U3 and U4 run here. It should be mentioned that the visitor will find numerous clubs, cafes and restaurants around Nollendorfplatz.

Embassy in Berlin

Ahornstrasse 4

10787 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 21 91 55 14

Email: info@kroatische-botschaft.de

Consulate General in Düsseldorf

Corneliusstrasse 53

40215 Düsseldorf

Tel: 0049 – (0) 211-3 36 80 62

Consulate General in Frankfurt

Am Weingarten 25

60487 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: 0049 – (0) 69-7 07 10 12

Consulate General in Hamburg

Hermannstrasse 16

20095 Hamburg

Tel: 0049 – (0) 40-317 40 39, 317 41 39

Consulate General in Munich

Oberföhringer Strasse 6

81679 Munich

Tel: 0049 – (0) 89-90 90 165-0

Consulate General in Stuttgart

Liebenzeller Strasse 5

70372 Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt

Tel: 0049 – (0) 711-95 57 10

German representations in Croatia

Embassy in Zagreb

Ulica grada Vukovara 64

10000 Zagreb

Tel: 00385 – (0) 1 – 6300 100

Email: info@zagreb.diplo.de

Web: www.zagreb.diplo.de

Honorary Consul in Split

Obala hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 10/1

HR-21000 Split

Tel: +385 (0) 21 362 995

Email: deutscherhonorarkonsul-split@st.htnet.hr

Honorary Consul in Osijek

Ulica Borova 1

31000 Osijek

Tel: 00385 – (0) 31 – 22 00 06

Email: honorarkonsul-osijek@skojo.hr

Honorary Consul in Rijeka

Riva 20

51000 Rijeka

Tel: 00385 – (0) 51 – 32 10 44

Email: Robert.jezic@honorarkonsulrijeka.hr

Austrian representations in Croatia

Embassy in Zagreb

Radnicka cesta 80

10000 Zagreb

Tel: 00385 – (0) 1 – 488 10 50

E-Mail: agram-ob@bmeia.gv.at

Web: www.aussenministerium.at/zagreb

Honorary Consulate in Rijeka

Stipana Istranina Konzula 2

51000 Rijeka

Tel: 00385 – (0) 51 – 338 554

Honorary Consulate in Split

Klaiceva poljana 1

21000 Split

Tel: 00385 – (0) 21 – 322 535

E-Mail: marin.mrklic.consulate@email.htnet.hr

Representations of Croatia in Austria

Embassy in Vienna

Heuberggasse 10

1170 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 480 20 83

E-Mail: croemb.bec@mvpei.hr

Honorary Consulate in Telfs

Obermarktstraße 48

Postfach 48, 6410 Telfs

Tel: 0043 – (0) 5262 – 690 32 03

Email: thoeni@thoeni.com

Honorary Consulate in Graz

Joanneumring 18/3

8010 Graz

Tel: 0043 – (0) 316 – 33 82 50

Swiss representations in Croatia

Embassy in Zagreb

Bogoviceva 3

10000 Zagreb

Tel: 00385 – 1 – 487 88 00

E-Mail: zag.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Web: www.eda.admin.ch/zagreb

Representations of Croatia in Switzerland

Embassy in Bern

Thunstrasse 45

3005 Bern

Tel: 0041 – (0) 31 – 352 02 75

Email: croemb.bern@mvpei.hr

Consulate General in Zurich

Bellerivestrasse 5

8008 Zurich

Tel: 0041 – (0) 44 – 422 83 18

Email: crocons.zurich@mvp.hr

Travel to Croatia