Croatia is flouting the EU travel ban on U.S. residents and has opened its borders to American tourists and business travelers. In doing so it has become the first European Union member to openly snub the recommendation on lifting travel bans to several countries outside of the bloc, though not the U.S.
Croatia lifted border restrictions to all EU/Schengen nationals on July 1,“freely, without restrictions,” notes the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb. Then it states more surprisingly: “All other foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, may enter Croatia for business, tourism, or other pressing personal reasons, if they provide relevant proof.”
Note: As of July 10, American and other travelers must present a negative PCR Covid-19 test no older than 48 hours or self-isolate for 14 days.
Other than that, you must provide proof of paid accommodation says Mark Thomas editor at The Dubrovnik Times. “We are seeing U.S. tourists in Croatia already, however not so many in Dubrovnik after American Airlines cut all summer flights here (AA flights continue to Zagreb). But U.S. tourists must have paid for accommodation before entering the country, and show proof of the reservation.”
The EU recommended the lifting of travel restrictions on third country nationals from some 15 countries from July 1. The U.S., together with Brazil and Russia were not on that list, and remain banned from the Schengen zone. Croatia belongs to the EU, not Schengen.
The Croatian Interior Ministry confirms all foreigners from beyond the EU/Schengen zone, “may enter the Republic of Croatia”, by presenting proof of their reason for travel on arrival.
So the country has effectively opened its borders to American tourists, and other third country nationals tourists–even from banned countries. (The EU Reopen Europe app has updated Croatia information accordingly).
Licensed tour guide in the Dubrovnik area, Ivan Vukovic, (a co-host for National Geographic), is currently working with several American clients. “There have already been American tourists in Croatia cruising on their chartered yachts in the Adriatic,” he says. “But now as of a couple of days ago, Croatia officially opened the borders to Americans.”
Vukovic believes the virus will still keep most American travelers at home. “I am not sure is it going to be a big number as they have lot of problems caused by the Covid crisis. I have had 200 American groups cancelled, so I tour only with individuals from the U.S. lately.”
Paul Bradbury is the owner and editor of Total Croatia News. “Croatia is open to tourists from North America,” he says, “and paperwork and persistence will see you board the plane.”
Already in June, it became known among travelers that Croatia–due to more relaxed border policy–was a possible meeting place for estranged American-European couples. Many in the U.S. however were denied boarding Bradbury says. Because America was not listed on the EU “safe list” of travel countries, “they were told that they were not allowed to travel to Croatia.”
Not all however. According to Bradbury over 1,850 Americans entered Croatia last month. “Americans have actually been free to enter as tourists since May 11, as has anyone else on the planet who could get to a Croatian border and have proof of paid accommodation.”
Now, with new border rules spelt out clearly, the risk of being turned back has been diminished. An American can transit through a Schengen airport and come to Croatia, provided they have the necessary paperwork in hand. “The more documentation the better,” says Bradbury. He’s faced lots of criticism for helping Americans with travel advice “on how to come to Croatia during corona times.”
“Croatia clearly has a different policy than its neighbours and tourism competitors,” he replies. It’s not for him to be the judge on that, he adds, or on people’s decision to travel during a pandemic. Just to inform them clearly of the rules.
Bradbury believes there’s a 100% guarantee American travelers can now land in Croatia. (Though now that is contingent on the negative testing results).
I urge you to look closely at the entry rules. Among a series of scenarios the interior ministry provides, it still rules out, for example, visits to see friends. (Yet tourists are allowed. So in theory, you could be a tourist visiting a friend.)
At least there is now a process firmly in place, by which you can apply for entry, and then have a clear idea of travel plans. Here are the main valid reasons the government lists for visits from third country nationals, (and the proof required):
The best way of being sure that you qualify to visit is to fill out the Croatian travel registration form, which announces “Dear travelers, Croatia welcomes you”.
I am still waiting for my “announcement certificate” after doing so. It’s intended to “facilitate the border crossing” says the Croatian National Tourist Board. Not to substitute as travel documents.
Among those who’ve just received the official nod is Federica Cecchini. “We registered on the Enter Croatia website–one Italian and one American citizen– and all went well,” she says. “We received our confirmation from the U.S. Embassy in Croatia. Then we’ve talked to the Croatia embassy in Rome, who said the confirmation means we are now allowed to enter. You must just provide a proof of your holiday accommodation booking if you go for tourism.”
And note, all other EU members are observing the travel ban on Americans. So for those U.S. residents who choose to disregard the travel advisory, there will be no onward travel possible into say France or Germany. To other non-Schengen countries maybe, depending on the individual rules.
Update: This story was updated on July 12, to take into account the new government rules on Covid tests and self-isolation.
I have three decades of experience as a journalist, foreign correspondent and travel writer-photographer. Working for print, digital and radio outlets on four continents,
I have three decades of experience as a journalist, foreign correspondent and travel writer-photographer. Working for print, digital and radio outlets on four continents, I am also a veteran hotel industry reporter and author of travel guides and cultural histories to Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Borneo. Very often on the road between my Paris and Australian bases, I write for Forbes with a globetrotters perspective and newsy edge on travel, culture, hotels, art and architecture. My passion is capturing the distinctive people, places and events I encounter along the way, both in words and pictures. I hold a degree in Professional Writing from Canberra University, an MA in European Journalism from the Université Robert Schuman Strasbourg, and am a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. A love for my wild home-island of Tasmania fuels my commitment to sustainable travel and conservation.