Croatia: Authorities tightens domestic COVID-19 countermeasures as of Jan. 11 /update 37

Croatia tightens domestic COVID-19 countermeasures as of Jan. 11; international restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities have tightened COVID-19-related domestic restrictions as of Jan. 11. Public gatherings and outdoor events may not exceed 50 participants. Indoor gatherings may not exceed 25 participants. Employers are required to allow employees to work from home where possible. The use of facemasks is now mandatory at public and cultural gatherings in addition to all indoor spaces and outdoor spaces where social distancing cannot be observed.

Domestic Measures
Most businesses and facilities are permitted to operate subject to capacity and social distancing requirements. COVID certificates confirming the holder is vaccinated against, recovered from, or recently tested negative for COVID-19 are required to access certain facilities, attend large events, and use public services.

International Travel Restrictions
Nonessential travel to Croatia is permitted for EU and Schengen Area countries and for travelers from Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Kuwait, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the UAE, and Uruguay. Travel from other locations is currently only permitted for limited purposes, though these include tourist travel with pre-paid accommodation and business reasons.

Permitted arrivals must present either an EU Digital COVID Certificate or proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than 72 or 48 hours before arrival respectively. Otherwise, individuals must self-isolate in Croatia until they are tested. Persons who possess certificates of vaccination or evidence of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months, as well as 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.

Authorities prohibit travel for anyone who has visited several southern African countries or Hong Kong in the preceding 14 days due to concerns regarding the Omicron variant of COVID-19 detected in the region. The impacted countries are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong. Exceptions are in place for Croatian nationals and residents only; permitted arrivals must isolate for 14 days on entry.

Regardless of vaccination or recovery status, permitted travelers from Brazil must possess a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to travel or an antigen test taken in the 48 hours prior to travel. Also, regardless of vaccination or recovery status, permitted travelers from Tanzania must possess a negative result from a PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to arrival and self-isolate for 14 days; isolation can be ended early following a negative test taken on day seven of isolation. Additional details on entry requirements, including exemptions, can be found here.

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.