With its exceptional coastline, its national parks and its rich architectural heritage, Croatia is an essential destination in the Mediterranean. Do you want to go on holiday to Croatia this summer 2021? Borders, PCR test, vaccine, open places, we take stock of the situation and the entry conditions.
For all the countries on the planet, the summer of 2020 has been rather calm in terms of tourism. The coronavirus health crisis has had a significant impact in Croatia. After a relatively calm first wave and a much more severe second epidemic phase, health conditions in the country now seem to have stabilized. While the situation is now under control, the borders are partially reopening to travellers, which will allow many tourists to go on vacation to Croatia this summer 2021. Borders, in the country, PCR test, vaccine, open places, beaches, we take stock of the conditions for entering Croatia during the summer period.
For the summer of 2021, Croatia is presented as a preferred destination. Indeed, the authorities have eased border controls, facilitating entry into the country for French-speaking travellers. Two main measures have been announced by the Croatian National Tourist Board:
To date, no quarantine is planned on arrival in Croatia. However, if the traveler cannot provide a negative PCR (or antigen) test, or vaccination certificate upon entering the country, they are quarantined on site pending their test results.
A form, available on the official Croatian customs website, must be completed prior to travel. This allows you to declare the reason for the trip. It must be provided upon arrival in the country. To reassure travellers, Croatia has set up a Safe Stay label which lists the best professionals, likely to welcome travelers in good hygienic conditions. If your means of transport, your accommodation or your Croatian restaurant has this label, it means that it fully complies with the standards related to the pandemic.
Since June 9, 2021, France has entered the third phase of its deconfinement and reopened its borders to travellers. Croatia is currently considered a “green” country, that is to say with low circulation of the virus, and with no worrying variant identified. Upon return from Croatia, France no longer asks for compelling reasons for a visit or screening tests for vaccinated travellers. Unvaccinated tourists, on the other hand, must present a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old at the time of boarding (or antigenic less than 48 hours old). The map listing the conditions for opening the borders of France to its other neighbors in the European Union is regularly updated. This evolves according to the health conditions of each country. It is therefore advisable to update your data before each departure on a trip.
No curfew is currently in effect in Croatia. However, public gatherings must end at 11 p.m. The sale of alcohol, meanwhile, is absolutely prohibited between midnight and 6 am.
Regardless of the time of day or night, gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited. Catering establishments, bars and cafes are currently open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and only on the terrace. Cinemas, theaters and museums are subject to very strict hygiene rules and can only accommodate a limited number of people. They are also scheduled to close at 10 p.m.
Means of public transport are limited in Croatia. However, movement and traffic remain free within the country, even when it comes to taking the boat to the Croatian islands. Likewise, domestic flights have resumed throughout Croatia. They mainly connect the capital to other cities such as Split, Dubrovnik, Pula or Zadar.
It is also possible to transit through Croatia to go to another country, provided that you take the shortest route and do not stay more than 12 hours on Croatian soil. Access to Croatia is possible by car, bus, train, boat and plane, regardless of the origin of travelers within the countries of the European Union.
Culture lovers will be delighted: many museums and cultural establishments are already open in Croatia. Masks are still necessary inside these structures, as in all enclosed spaces. Outside, wearing a mask is only compulsory when it is not possible to respect social distancing measures. Cinemas and theaters are open, but must close at 10 p.m.
Bars and restaurants offer take-out and can accommodate the public on the terrace. Non-essential businesses are open, although there are limitations on the number of people and constraints on opening hours.
While bars, restaurants, swimming pools, gyms and parks have reopened in Croatia, tourists will also be happy to learn that they can now put their towel down on the most beautiful Croatian beaches! On the idleness side, there are almost no restrictions imposed in Croatia, apart from the obligation to respect a distance of 1.5 m between each holidaymaker present on the beach.
Croatia is accessible from France in just 2h30 flight. Several companies already serve the country: Croatia Airlines, Volotea, Air France or EasyJet have already made it possible for several years to reach Croatian territory. However, new airlines have recently been set up, such as Paris / Zadar, Paris / Dubrovnik or Split and Nantes / Dubrovnik or Split with Transavia. Ryanair has also announced the establishment of flights between Beauvais and Zagreb.
