Croatia

Recommended Vaccinations For Croatia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Croatia

There are no recommendations for Croatia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Croatia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Croatia.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Croatia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

**There is a risk of exposure during outdoor activities in areas of vegetation. Ticks are usually most active between early spring and late autumn. The main affected areas are the counties of Koprivnicko-krizevacka, Medimurska, and Bjelovarsko-bilogorska.**

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Croatia

Personal Safety

Croatia ranks 15th on the Global Peace Index 2024, placing it among Europe’s safest countries. Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing happens mainly in crowded tourist areas like Dubrovnik Old Town, Split ferry terminals, and Zagreb during peak summer months. Tourists have been severely overcharged at certain gentlemen’s clubs, sometimes by thousands of euros, and threatened with violence if they refuse to pay. Reports indicate sexual assaults have occurred in taxis. Taking photos of taxi details and sharing them with someone before the ride reduces risk. Avoid these clubs entirely and use official taxi apps like Uber or Bolt which operate in Croatia. Some owners and taxi drivers attempt to overcharge tourists for basic services. Request receipts as Croatian law requires them. Owners often overcharge for simple items like coffee or drinks. Scams involving complimentary drinks and drink spiking with substances like Rohypnol have been reported in bars and restaurants frequented by foreigners. Never leave drinks unattended and watch as beverages are prepared. Avoid venues near football stadiums during match times, especially derby matches, as violence between rival fans occurs periodically. Local drivers can be aggressive and frequently overtake even on blind corners or narrow roads.

Extreme Violence

The terrorism threat in Croatia is virtually nonexistent. There is no known terror threat to Croatia at present according to reports from Croatia’s Security and Intelligence Agency. The country has no recent history of terrorism, though attacks cannot be ruled out entirely. In 2022, a spate of bomb threats targeted public institutions and shopping malls, but all threats were proven to be hoaxes. Croatia is not an interesting target for terrorists due to its limited role in global politics and lack of involvement in international conflicts. There is very low risk of gun violence. Acquiring a weapon requires multiple steps including medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and background checks. Those charged with violent crimes are automatically barred from permits. Murders are very rare. Violent crime rates are among the lowest in Europe. Violent crime against tourists is almost unheard of. Kidnappings are uncommon and kidnappers target locals rather than foreigners. The most likely types would be opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom or express kidnapping, with victims usually released unharmed quickly. Violent confrontations between rival criminal groups can involve bomb and gun attacks, but these target members of organized crime rather than the general public.

Political Unrest

Civil unrest in Croatia is relatively rare and demonstrations are generally peaceful. In February 2024, thousands gathered in Zagreb protesting government appointments and corruption, with opposition parties demanding elections. The mobilization drew several thousand people by local standards. Protests have also occurred around femicide issues and gender-based violence. Occasional demonstrations by war veterans have taken place. Ethnic tensions between the majority Croat and minority Serb communities persist and periodically escalate into unrest. Football celebrations have a propensity to turn violent, particularly during derby matches. Most large gatherings and public events are overwhelmingly safe and peaceful, including sporting events. Visitors should avoid demonstrations and political gatherings as they can occasionally turn violent. Follow instructions from local authorities if an event is taking place nearby. Protests are generally well-policed and pose minimal direct threat to tourists who stay clear of the areas involved.

Areas To Avoid

Karlovac and Lika-Senj counties require increased caution due to landmines. According to the Croatian government, approximately 24.5 square kilometers could contain landmines. As of late 2023, four counties and 21 municipalities remained contaminated with approximately 10,000 unexploded mines. Affected areas include Eastern Slavonia, Brodsko-Posavska County, Karlovac County, Zadar County, and remote areas of Plitvice Lakes National Park. These areas are mostly dense forests, rough terrain, woodlands, agricultural land, meadows, and pastures. Mines were laid along front lines during the 1991-1995 war. More than 4,000 warning signs mark suspected areas using the international landmine symbol featuring a skull and crossbones in a red upside-down triangle. Signs are rectangular and white with Croatian text. Demining efforts are ongoing with a national goal of complete clearance by the end of 2026. Do not walk on uncultivated land or step off marked paths in these regions. For most travelers, the risk is minimal as dangerous areas tend to be far from main tourist attractions. In Zagreb, the bus terminal and surrounding areas pose higher risks of petty crime. Avoid Ribnjak Park and King Tomislav Square after dark. The old cities of Split and Dubrovnik have maze-like narrow streets and alleyways that are not always well lit at night.