Visa regulations and different legal provisions
TOURIST HEALTH CARE
There are hospitals and clinics in all major towns, and ambulance and pharmacies
in all towns. Foreign tourists do not pay for medical services if the Health Care Convention has been signed between Croatia
and the country they come from. Health services are charged directly to tourists coming from a country which has not signed
the Convention, according to a standardized price list. Emergency transport by air (helicopter) and sea (speedboat) is provided
for patients whose life is in danger.
There are also private physicians and dentists where a full price is charged for medical
services.
A pharmacy that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is located in Pula, Giardini 14, T. +385 (0)52 222551.
REGISTRATION
When you check in a hotel, hostel, campsite or an apartment, you will automatically
be registered with the police, a matter required by law. If you are staying with friends please do it yourself. In a 24 hour
period, check with your nearest police station and be sure to bring your passport. You will be kindly asked to complete some
paperwork, a procedure necessary for your own safety, helping you overcome any inconvenience that may occur while you are
on a holiday.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
Passport or some other internationally recognized identification document.
Tourists may remain in Croatia for up to three months.
LUGGAGE
Foreign citizens may carry in their personal luggage without any limits. Foreign currency
is freely brought in and taken out of the country (up to a value of 3.000 euros); up to a value of 15.000 kn for domestic
currency. More expensive professional and technical equipment should be registered at the border.
VISAS
Citizens from EU, Switzerland, Australia, North and South America and many other countries
are allowed into Croatia without a visa. You can find basic information about the visa regime between the Republic of Croatia
and all other countries on www.mvp.hr
Everybody who
needs a visa must obtaine it before entering. You can not do this at any Croatian land border.
PETS
Dogs and cats, accompanied by their owner, need to have an International certificate from a
registered veterinarian stating that at least 15 days and not more than six months have passed since their vaccination against
rabies.
CURRENCY
The only currency used in Istria/Croatia is Kuna (1 Kuna = 100 Lipa). There are 1, 2, 5,
10, 20, 50 Lipa coins; 1, 2, 5 and 25 Kuna coins and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1.000 Kuna banknotes.
Cash dispensing
machines are ubiquitous. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard/Mastercard,
Visa).
Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices, travel agencies, hotels, camps, marinas;
cheques can be cashed in banks.
CUSTOMS
Customs regulations of the Republic of Croatia are in line with the standards of European
Union countries.
More on www.carina.hr
TAX REFUND
Keep receipts for purchase you buy in Croatia and ask for a tax-free form for bills over
500 Kn (apart from petroleum derivatives); you qualify for a tax refund when you get home. Ask for a stamp at the border!
If you intend to buy works of art, ask for export approval before you buy.
TIME ZONE
GMT plus one hour in winter and GMT plus two hours in summer.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage on city power grids is 220 V / 50 Hz, so visitors from the U.S. will need to
use a transformer and visitors from G.B. will have to use an adopter for European electricity grid to run their electrical
appliances.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS:
January 1, New Year’s day
January 6, Epiphany
Easter Monday,
The second day of Easter
May 1, Labour Day
40 days from Easter, Corpus Christi
June 22, Anti-Fascist Resistance
Day
June 25, Statehood Day
August 5, Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day
August 15, Assumption
October 8, Independence Day
November 1, All Saints’ Day
December 25 and 26, Christmas Holidays
During the national holidays all public institutions are closed!