Croatia: Authorities to ease domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from May 28 /update 26

Croatia to ease some domestic COVID-19 restrictions from May 28. Travel and business disruptions likely.

Event

Authorities plan to ease some of the nation's COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from May 28. From this date, the limit on public gatherings will be increased to 100 from 25 people. In addition, from this date catering establishments will be allowed to reopen their indoor areas. Furthermore, authorities will allow public transport to resume normal operations without capacity restrictions. Authorities will also allow outdoor business fairs to resume operations.

Entertainment venues such as bars and nightclubs remain closed. All businesses and establishments permitted to operate 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.

International Entry Restrictions
Only persons arriving from regions designated as "green" by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) may officially enter Croatia without restrictions. As of May 26, only Iceland, parts of Norway, and parts of Finland are designated as green regions within the EEA; however, travelers from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and China may also enter Croatia without restrictions.

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 or rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or must self-isolate in Croatia until they are tested. Persons who possess certificates of vaccination, 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 test. Border workers, health sector employees, and students who travel to Croatia daily are also exempt from submitting 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.

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

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.