Croatia: Authorities maintain coronavirus disease-related restrictions as of Feb. 1 /update 18

Croatia maintains coronavirus disease-related measures as of Feb. 1; significant domestic and international travel restrictions continue.

Event

Authorities in Croatia are maintaining restrictions introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Feb. 1. All previously imposed restrictions will remain in place until at least Feb. 15. Only travelers arriving from regions designated as "green" by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) may enter Croatia without restriction. As of Jan. 28, only Iceland and Crete, the Ionian Islands, and the South Aegean Islands in Greece are designated as green regions within the EEA; travelers from Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and China may also enter Croatia without restriction.

Travelers arriving from all other parts of the EU and Schengen Area must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival or self-isolate in Croatia until they are tested. Seafarers and transport workers, diplomats, staff of international organizations, persons traveling for urgent reasons, passengers in transit, and patients traveling for necessary health reasons may enter without a PCR test. Border workers, health workers, and students who travel to Croatia daily are also exempt from producing PCR test results, provided they spend no more than 12 hours in the country. EU citizens and permanent residents may enter Croatia from any third country as long as they possess a negative PCR test. Individuals from all other countries remain barred from entry except for those traveling for personal, family, or business reasons, as well as diplomats and students; such travelers must also comply with the PCR test result requirement.

Tougher entry requirements are in place for travelers arriving from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil due to variants of COVID-19 active in those countries. Permitted travelers from these countries must undergo a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period on arrival in addition to possessing proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. The isolation period can be shortened by taking a test confirming a negative result on day seven of self-isolation or later.

Domestic Restrictions
Public gatherings are limited to 25 people, while private gatherings are limited to 10 people. However, weddings and funerals are limited to 15 and 25 attendees, respectively. Catering establishments can only provide takeaway services; alcohol may not be served 2200-0600. Entertainment venues such as bars, nightclubs, and casinos must remain completely closed. All businesses and establishments permitted to remain open must adhere to social distancing requirements. Employers must introduce work-from-home policies where possible. Facemasks remain mandatory indoors and in all outdoor spaces where social distancing cannot be observed.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.