May 11, 2020 – Information regarding entering Croatia for non-Croatian citizens (official Koronavirus website)
Recommendations and instructions of the Croatian Institute of Public Health.
Croatian and foreign nationals entering the Republic of Croatia must comply with these recommendations and instructions in the period of 14 days following their crossing of the state border, as follows:
- During the first 14 days following the entry into the Republic of Croatia, accommodation may be left only in absolutely necessary situations: carrying out business activities if business was the purpose of entry into the Republic of Croatia, carrying out necessary activities with continuous increased hygiene measures in place.
- When leaving accommodation in absolutely necessary situations, it is recommended to wear a mask or a covering for the nose and mouth, to keep a physical distance from others (a minimum of 1.5 meters) and to practice hand hygiene.
- Hands should be washed as often as possible with warm water and soap and/or a hand disinfectant should be used that needs to be well rubbed on the palms. Touching one’s face, mouth, nose and eyes should be avoided.
- Using public transport should be avoided. In the means of transport, a person should preferably be alone or exclusively with persons with whom he/she shares accommodation.
- Grouping and public gatherings should be consistently avoided.
- During business meetings, it is necessary to meet with as few persons as possible, to ensure a physical distance of 1.5 meters and availability of disinfectants, to avoid unnecessary meetings.
- During their stay in the accommodation, the persons concerned prepare the food themselves or use food and beverage delivery services.
- Payments are made by using non-cash card payments or online services.
- Body temperature should be measured every morning. If it exceeds 37.2 degrees, it should be taken again after 10 minutes. If the temperature again exceeds 37.2 degrees, the person should stay at home/one’s accommodation and contact the chosen general practitioner, if any (Croatian nationals), or a competent local epidemiologist.
- In case of any symptoms of acute respiratory infection (cough, sore throat, high temperature, short breath/difficulty in breathing, loss of smell and taste), it is necessary to stay at home/your accommodation and contact the chosen general practitioner, if any (Croatian nationals), or a competent local epidemiologist.
- In case of sudden onset of severe, life-threatening symptoms, the person should contact the emergency medical services.
In case of respiratory disease symptoms. If you develop respiratory disease symptoms (high temperature, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, sore throat, weakness), you should contact your chosen doctor by phone who will, based on your medical condition, assess the need for you to be tested for the new coronavirus. If you require medical assistance for reasons other than a respiratory disease, you should phone your chosen doctor or one of the members of your household can contact the doctor for consultations and arranging a house call. Do not visit healthcare facilities without having previously contacted them by phone. You can find more information on the coronavirus disease and measures for reducing the risk of spreading the disease on the website of the Croatian Institute of Public Health at https://www.hzjz.hr/sluzba-epidemiologija-zarazne-bolesti/koronavirus-najnovije-preporuke/, or from your chosen general practitioner and a competent local epidemiologist.
Croatian and foreign nationals may request additional information and clarifications by calling 112 or 113.
List of telephone numbers of epidemiologists on standby:
ZZJZ “Dr. Andrija Štampar”, Zagreb 091 46 96 444
ZZJZ Krapina-Zagorje County 099 245 55 45; 091 730 79 13; 091 510 31 65
ZZJZ Sisak-Moslavina County 098 29 35 78; 098 293576; 098 29 35 72; 098 981 32 73
Karlovac County Public Health Institute 098 247 630
Varaždin County Public Health Institute 099 211 98 02
ZZJZ Koprivnica-Križevci County 098 59 22 15
ZZJZ Bjelovarsko bilogorske županije 098 49 20 24
ZZJZ Primorsko goranske županije 091 125 72 10
ZZJZ Lika-Senj County 091 504 49 17
ZZJZ Virovitica-Podravina County 098 46 59 45; 098 46 59 44
ZZJZ Požega-Slavonia County 098 98 29 204
ZZJZ Brod-Posavina County 091 51 70 426
Zadar County Public Health Institute 098 33 27 65
ZZJZ Osječko baranjske županije 031 225 717
ZZJZ Šibenik-Knin County 091 43 41 201
ZZJZ Vukovarsko srijemske županije 091 37 04 290
ZZJZ Splitsko dalmatinske županije 091 15 12 003
Istria County Public Health Institute 099 529 44 55
ZZJZ Dubrovačko neretvanske županije 098 24 34 54
Međimurje County Public Health Institute 098 55 88 11
Zagreb County Public Health Institute 099 736 87 84
Croatian Institute of Public Health 098 22 77 53
Since 18 April 2020 the Decision on amending the Decision on the temporary ban on crossing the Border Crossing of the Republic of Croatia is in force. Read more at the link.
CURRENT EUROPEAN BORDER MEASURES
Austria – Entry to Austria is only permitted at certain border crossings and is subject to certain conditions ( e.g. medical certificate). To limit the spread of the Corona virus, internal border controls on Italy were introduced on March 11, 2020, Switzerland and Liechtenstein on March 14, and Germany on March 19. Border controls with Slovenia and Hungary were also increased from March 19, 2020, and from April 10 with the Czech Republic and Slovakia. An entry to Austria from these countries is only permitted at certain border crossings. Austrian citizens or persons who have their main or secondary residence or habitual residence in Austria are permitted to commit themselves to a 14-day self-monitored home quarantine immediately to be commenced. For details, see more on the link.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Until further notice, all foreign nationals, including Croatian citizens, can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina only with a valid passport. As of Thursday 2 April, following an agreement between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, 20 border crossings between these two countries will be temporarily closed for traffic: Svilaj, Gejkovac, Pašin Potok, Bogovolja, Kordunski Ljeskovac, Lička Kaldrma, Bili Brig, Aržano Pazar, Dvorine, Cera, Jovića Most, Sebišina, Slivno, Podprolog, Unka, Vukov Klanac, Imotica, Slano, Hrvatska Dubica, Gabela Polje. The Council of Ministers took the Ministry of Security-proposed Decision on Temporary Closing of International Border Crossings in Air traffic for Passenger Travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under the Decision, border crossings at airports are to be closed for passengers, with open border crossings for cargo transport only. The decision takes effect on March 30, at 6.00 hrs. The Council of Ministers of BIH took the Ministry of Security-proposed Decision on defining border crossings for goods transport in road traffic in transit through Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Decision defines border crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro for transport of goods in transit and communications by which cargo motor vehicles registered in other states are allowed to transit through BIH, as a measure of prevention and containing of the contagious disease caused by new corona virus. See more details on the link.
Czech Republic – As of Monday, April 27, the rules for crossing state borders change – the government has expanded the circle of foreigners who can enter the Czech Republic. For Czech citizens and foreigners with permanent residence, it now applies that when they return to the Czech Republic, they will either submit a confirmation of a negative test for covid-19 or they will go to quarantine. See more on the link.
Denmark – All unnecessary travel is not advised until and including 31 May 2020. The Danish Government is in contact with Denmark’s neighbouring countries and will decide on the temporary border control and entry bans and travel advice by 1 June 2020. See more on the link.
Germany – Germany has introduced travel restrictions for entries from outside the Schengen area on March 17, 2020 which have been prolonged on April 15. All corresponding entries from non-EU-citizens and citizens of non-Schengen states by plane or ship will be affected. Entry will be possible for German citizens. Also, citizens of EU member states and their families, as well as citizens of the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are allowed to travel through Germany to reach their home country if no other travel connection is possible. They will also be allowed to enter if their home or legal residence is in Germany. Other people may be rejected entry, if they cannot provide proof of urgent reasons for their entry. Checks at the borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark and for passengers arriving by air from Italy and Spain remain in effect until 4 May 2020. The cross-border flow of goods will continue to be permitted. Cross-border commuters will also continue to be allowed to enter and leave the country. Travelers on any non-essential travels may be refused entry. The Federal Government and the Länder have agreed that all German citizens, EU citizens, citizens of countries that signed agreements in association with the Schengen Agreement or individuals living in Germany will be required to pass a two-weeks mandatory quarantine when they return to their residence in Germany after having been abroad for several days. For more details see the link.
Greece – By decision of the Greek Government, there is a restriction on travel to and from Albania, Italy, Northern Macedonia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, as well as the Netherlands and Germany. As for the Netherlands and Germany, the above restrictions were extended until May 15, 2020. According to a decision of the Greek Government, Greeks and EU foreigners may enter the country, but must – without exception – remain in compulsory self-restraint (quarantine) for 14 days from the date of entry into the country. Citizens of countries outside the EU are not allowed to enter Greece, except for a completely necessary condition related exclusively to emergency work or family until May 15, 2020. For more details see the link.
Hungary – All border crossings on the Hungarian-Austrian border and the Balassagyarmat crossing between Slovakia and Hungary have been re-opened to commuters with jobs on either side of the border. Pursuant to the decision of the Government, Hungarian authorities closed the borders of Hungary from passenger traffic 17 March 2020. Only Hungarian citizens are allowed to enter the country. The restriction relates to all road, railway, water and air borders.See more on the link.
Montenegro – Compulsory self-isolation for all Montenegrin citizens, as well as for foreigners who have permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro, who come from abroad, based on the decision of the health and sanitary inspection. Self-isolation means staying in family household, while the health status of this person, as well as all members of the household is monitored by the competent hygienic and epidemiological service, for 14 days. The measure is valid until 18 May 2020. Tightened border control will be carried over passengers in international traffic arriving from countries with detected cases, without the widely established local COVID-19 transmission.The measure is valid as long as there is a risk of import or spread of an infectious disease. Ban on all cruisers and yachts from entering nautical tourism ports – marinas and commercial ports open to international traffic: Bar, Budva, Kotor, Kumbor-Portonovi port and Tivat (Gat I and Gat II), except for organised reception and management of foreign vessels and their vessels crews, respecting self-isolation measures. Self-isolation of a foreign vessel, with crew, implies a berth in the port for 28 days, with health and sanitary supervision by the competent health institution, in accordance with the recommendations of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro, based on the decision of the health and sanitary inspection. For more details see the link.
Portugal – On 17th April Government has extended, for 30 days, the ban on air traffic on all flights to and from countries outside the European Union, with some exceptions. The exceptions are those already provided for in the previous order: countries associated with the Schengen Area (Liechenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, Portuguese speaking countries; from Brazil, however, only flights from and to São Paulo and to and from Rio de Janeiro will be admitted; the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Venezuela, Canada and South Africa, given the presence of important Portuguese communities. See more on the link.
Slovakia – All persons traveling to Slovakia, i.e. both Slovak and foreign nationals are obliged to be isolated in state quarantine centers. This measure is effective as of 1 May 2020. Read more on the link.
Slovenia – Air traffic in Slovenia is stopped. All passengers crossing the border with Slovenia will be informed via SMS notification of the safeguards in force in our country regarding the coronavirus. The borders with neighboring countries are – with some exceptions – closed. From April 12, 2020, a decree stipulating a 7-day quarantine and exceptions applies. See more on the link.
Switzerland – As of 11 May, gradual easing is envisaged: applications submitted before 25 March by workers from the EU/EFTA area and from third countries will be processed. For Swiss and EU citizens, family reunification in Switzerland will become possible again from 11 May. Border controls will however remain in place. In consultation with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, the Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA defines countries or areas designated high-risk countries or areas. Under the Ordinance of 25 March 2020, all countries are currently considered to be high-risk countries or areas, with the exception of the Principality of Liechtenstein. All persons with the exception of those from the Principality of Liechtenstein will be refused entry to Switzerland. Exceptions are possible, for example for persons who live or work in Switzerland. See more details on the link.*All citizens are recommended to postpone their travel to all countries and regions affected by the new coronavirus, if not essential.
At the video conference on Tuesday, EU leaders agreed on a 30-day entry restriction to non-EU citizens on their external borders and on the establishment of high-speed lanes at internal borders to ensure normal flow of goods.
The decision is the responsibility of the Member States and the governments of the Member States should implement it. The decision should be valid for the next 30 days. The European Commission also recommends lifting the blockade at internal borders.
On Monday, the Commission proposed temporary restrictions on travelling not obliging non-EU citizens and their families who work legally in the EU and EU citizens returning home from non-EU countries. Doctors, scientists and cross-border workers are also excluded from this decision.
Restrictions on entering EU should remove controls at internal borders between Member States themselves. Numerous states have introduced such controls in an attempt to minimize the spread of the coronavirus epidemic.
Heads of Member States also supported measures to help the economy, joint public procurement of protective medical equipment and flexibility in implementing state aid rules, which the Commission proposed on Monday.
