Published: May 12, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Croatia Travel Advisory and Croatia Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Zagreb
Thomasa Jeffersona 2, 10010 Zagreb
Regular hours: 0800 – 1700
Telephone: +385-1-661-2200 (24/7)
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Croatia currently does not have an active OSAC chapter.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Croatia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Croatia.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Zagreb as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Croatia.
The general emergency line in Croatia is 112. The nationwide police emergency service number is 192.
Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Zagreb is a safe city by U.S. and European standards. There are no specific security or safety concerns for U.S. businesses or U.S. nationals living in or visiting the city. The popular Adriatic beach cities and other tourist destinations are generally safe, but during the summer tourist season, they experience a rise in petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching.
Crime statistics from early 2025 (the most recently updated government statistics) show an increase in overall crime by 8.7% increase from 2024. Croatia’s homicide rate is less than 1 per 100,000, and the most common forms of crime in 2025 were petty thefts, sexual harassment of females, and narcotics sale and possession. Violent crime is rare, but isolated attacks targeting specific persons or property can occur and may be racially motivated or prompted by lingering ethnic tensions from Croatia’s war for independence. Generally, thieves are looking for cash, jewelry, and other non-traceable small items. Safeguard your belongings, especially when using public transportation. Don’t outwardly display signs of wealth. Report incidents of theft to the local police and file a police report if your passport is stolen.
It is largely safe to use credit/debit cards throughout the country.
Crime: Areas of Concern
There are no areas of concern or “off limits” locations in Croatia. Avoid "gentlemen's clubs." In the past, travelers have reported that these establishments have presented foreign customers with inflated bills and threatened those who refuse to pay with violence.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Croatia.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Zagreb as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Croatia.
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking soft targets and may attack with little or no warning. They may target high-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.); hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists; places of worship; schools; parks; tourism infrastructure; shopping malls and markets; and public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights).
Croatia is not a major source country for foreign fighters traveling to the conflict areas of the Middle East. The Interior Ministry reports only a few (non-fighting) Croatian spouses of Bosnian fighters who have traveled to conflict areas in the Middle East. However, terrorists may use Croatia as a transit country.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Zagreb as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Croatia. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Croatia has a stable democratic system where it elects its members of parliament and its president. In April and December 2024, Croatia held parliamentary and presidential elections, respectively. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) found that elections were free and fair amid an environment of “hardened polarization” that was “preceded by cabinet reshuffles, anti-government protests, and the subsequent dissolution of the parliament.” Presidential elections in December failed to garner a candidate with more than 50% of the vote, sending Croatia to run-off elections on January 12, which the incumbent president won.
Croatia’s next parliamentary elections will be held in 2028.
Protests & Demonstrations
The constitution and law provide for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, and the government generally respects these rights.
While civil disorder is rare, U.S. citizens should monitor local media coverage, review their personal security practices, and always remain aware of their surroundings. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent with little or no notice. Security messages about demonstrations can be found here on the U.S. Embassy in Croatia’s website.
In late 2025, thousands marched across four major cities (Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar, and Pula) in a movement dubbed "United against fascism". Right wing counter-protestors responded, and there were isolated bouts of violence. In April 2026, thousands of people gathered in Zagreb for a rally titled "Croatia Together for Higher Wages and Pensions". This demonstration was held in tandem with union strikes that called for higher wages and government action on rising inflation; while these gatherings remained peaceful, transit delays in Zagreb were reported.
Soccer Matches: The possibility exists for targeted violence and unrest related to soccer matches between teams with heated rivalries, and Croatia does have an established “ultra” culture that can cause hooliganism. Law enforcement agencies generally pre-position officers and warn the public prior to such games, and police coverage is generally good.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There is no significant anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment in Croatia.
Law Enforcement
Croatia has a national police service that falls under the Interior Ministry, with Uniformed Police, Riot Police, Criminal Investigation, Special Police, General, Crime, Terrorism, and War Crimes units. The national police have primary responsibility for domestic security. In times of disorder, the prime minister and the president may call upon the armed forces to provide security. The armed forces report to the Defense Ministry and to the president as commander in chief. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces.
Police Response
The police have adequate resources and typically respond to calls for service. English-speaking operators are on duty at the Zagreb emergency center, but that may not be the case in all regions.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Streets are often narrow and crowded, and parking is often tight, making a mid- to compact-sized vehicle more practical. The number of cars has been growing steadily over the last decade, so rush hour traffic can be congested. Roads are in fair shape and undergo regular maintenance and cleaning. Current information about traffic and road conditions is available in English from the Croatian Automobile Association (HAK) or by calling +385 1 464-0800 (English-speaking operators available 24 hours) or +385 1 661-1999.
During the winter, authorities plow the main roads often, but secondary and side roads are not always clear of snow and ice. The twisting roads in the hills outside of Zagreb are often treacherous in bad weather. During summer, roads along and leading to the coast may be congested, especially on weekends.
Croatia has a well-developed highway network that provides good connections throughout the country. Construction work continues on the highway extension south from Split to Dubrovnik. Primary roads are generally adequate but may have only one narrow lane in each direction. Vehicles drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. Speed limits range from 110 to 130 km/h (68 to 80 mph) on highways and motorways and 50 to 90 km/h (30 to 55 mph) on urban thoroughfares. On highways, be aware of aggressive drivers passing on curves on in oncoming lanes. Highway tolls are higher than in the U.S. and can be paid in cash or by credit card.
Pay attention to trams (streetcars) in Zagreb, which travel at high speeds through the narrow streets. Drivers must stop for pedestrians, who have the right of way when crossing in designated, white-striped crosswalks.
Drivers who stay longer than twelve months must have a Croatian driver's license. Seat belts for drivers and passengers are mandatory. Infants must travel in child-safety seats. Children shorter than 150cm in height and younger than three years may not ride in the front seat. Turning right on red at traffic lights is illegal unless allowed by an additional green arrow. Headlight use is mandatory from the start of November until the end of March, as well as during fog and other inclement weather. It is illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving unless using a hands-free device.
The maximum legal blood-alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05% (0.00% for drivers with less than two years of experience, drivers under 24 years of age, and truck or bus drivers). Police routinely spot-check for drunk driving and administer breath-analyzer tests at the scene of all accidents. Refusal to take a breath test is a de facto admission of driving while intoxicated. Penalties may include fines up to 2,500€ and/or prison sentences.
For traffic accidents involving a foreign-registered vehicle, the responding police officer must issue a vehicle damage certificate to the owner of the foreign-registered vehicle; this is necessary to cross the border out of Croatia. Upon written request, the police station in the area where the accident occurred will issue a traffic accident investigation record.
Within Croatia, emergency roadside assistance is available by calling 1987 or, if calling internationally, +385 1 1987. Dial 112 or 192 to speak to the police and dial 194 for an ambulance. Dial 112 for emergency services and they will automatically forward your call to either the police, ambulance, fire department, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, or all of the above.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Zagreb Public Transit: Zagreb boasts an efficient, extensive public transportation system that is inexpensive, reliable, convenient, and safe. Purchase tickets individually or in booklets at most kiosks and newspaper stands or buy a ticket on-board the tram/bus (single ticket costs €1.99). Tickets are good for 90 minutes of travel in one direction regardless of the number of transfers, but you must validate them upon entry. Plainclothes inspectors randomly check passengers, and fines for riding without a validated ticket are steep (€ 66.36 – € 106.81 depending of the Bus/Tram line).
Train Service: Trains are generally not the most efficient method of travel, because some routes may cross national borders multiple times. Other rail routes are infrequent, slow, or more expensive than comparable bus service. Domestic bus service is more frequent and far less expensive than rail service.
Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are available at taxi stands throughout Zagreb or reachable by phone. Taxis and rideshares are safe and plentiful. The most well-known are Uber, Bolt, Radio Taxi Zagreb, Cammeo, and Eko Taxi. Average meter rates are €1.5 to start and an additional €1.00 per kilometer. Rates are 20% higher from 2000 to 0500 hours, and on Sundays or holidays. Most taxi companies do not charge an additional fee for luggage.
Ferry Service: Passenger and car ferry services serve Croatia's coastal towns frequently. A "coast-hopper" ferry runs regularly along the coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik, and there are links to Croatia's 66 inhabited islands, though inter-island links are few. During the summer tourist season (late May – late September), ferry sailings are much more frequent and include fast hydrofoil services. The largest passenger ferry terminals are in Rijeka, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik. International lines include connections to Ancona, Pescara, Bari, Trieste (Italy), and Igoumenitsa (Greece).
Aviation Concerns
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Croatia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Croatia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
The Croatian government requires all recreational captains chartering Croatian-flagged vessels to have a certificate of competence. Croatia recognizes certain certificates issued by the U.S. Sailing Association and licenses issued by the national authorities of other countries. Tourists in Croatia can be certified by passing a test at harbormasters’ offices in Pula, Rijeka, Senj, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Ploce, Dubrovnik, or at the Ministry of Zagreb. Details on classes of licenses recognized by country can be found on the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure’s webpage. Travelers arriving by private marine craft should refer to the Ministry’s website for information on nautical regulations.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Croatia, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Croatia.
If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Health Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Croatia. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
The general emergency line in Croatia is 112. The nationwide medical emergency service number is 194. Adequate medical care is readily available in Zagreb and other major cities, but the condition of hospital facilities and facilities in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. Shortages of medical staff throughout the country produce long waiting lists for exams, imaging, surgeries, etc. at public healthcare centers. Occasionally, shortages of special medications may occur. Medical staff may speak little or no English.
Public medical clinics may lack advanced resources and specialized medical supplies. Generally, only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards in public hospitals. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.
Ambulance services are widely available, and standards of care and equipment are similar to U.S. standards. During the high tourist season, ambulances may sometimes take longer to respond due to the high number of calls and traffic.
Patients bear all transfer costs to or between hospitals. Private hospitals may require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Credit card payment is not always accepted, and some hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. Travelers should make efforts to obtain information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ticks: Those in Croatia for more than three months, especially hiking, camping, or participating in other outdoor activities in forested areas, should get a vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). TBE vaccine is not available in the United States but is available from local doctors in much of the region. Use insect repellent and inspect your body for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
There are pharmacies in almost all Zagreb neighborhoods, which carry reliable medication. Pharmacies are also common across the country, though they may be less well stocked in smaller locations.
If traveling with prescription medication, please check with the government of Croatia and its Customs Administration to make sure the medication is legal in Croatia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Visit the U.S. Embassy’s website for information on bringing medical drugs for personal use when traveling to Croatia. Note that Croatian law prohibits the importation of drugs via postal mail.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Croatia has an abundance of fresh water and the public drinking water systems cover around 87% of the population. Authorities test water quality daily throughout the country according to internationally accepted standards. Water in Croatia is of high quality, with potable tap water available in most places. Some rural areas rely on private wells that may not be subject to quality testing standards. Some older buildings in major cities may have lead-laced piping leading to increased levels of lead in the drinking water.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Croatia.
Earthquakes: Croatia is seismically active; the State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations rates Zagreb as high (3) on its seismic risk scale. Three earthquakes measuring over 4.0 on the Richter scale were reported in Croatia in 2025, with 11 earthquakes recorded in total.
Air Pollution: Cities in Croatia have air pollution levels slightly higher than those in major U.S. cities, with higher levels measured in winter. Visit the European Environment Agency’s website for information on air quality in Croatia.
Mountain Safety: If you intend to hike or climb in the mountains, seek local guides’ expert advice. For emergencies, call 112. Rock climbers in Paklenica National Park should consult a local guide or contact Paklenica National Park prior to their visit.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
Croatia is an emerging regional cybersecurity leader that excels in detection and response capabilities, especially as cyberattacks increase throughout Europe. Cybercrime is not as prevalent as in other parts of the region. However, spear phishing, social engineering, and other internet scams do exist.
Croatia is formalizing the Security and Intelligence Agency (SOA) as its detection and response lead, will require all critical infrastructure companies to report breaches, and is establishing an expanded National Center for Cyber Security. SOA built a Cyber Technologies Center in 2019 to protect national cyberspace from state-sponsored cyberattacks and advanced persistent threat (APT) campaigns, and its SK@UT program, a distributed network of sensors that protects over 60 key government and critical infrastructure-related entities, ranks among the top three in the EU.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
Croatia is a target of interest to countries that perceive it as a security, political, or economic rival because of its EU and NATO membership. In 2022 the Croatian Security and Intelligence Agency (SOA) noted the increase in organized cyber groups with connections to state intelligence services using sophisticated cyberattacks to facilitate espionage and data theft. In response, Croatia prioritized technological modernization, including the 2023 establishment of a dedicated Cyber Command under the Military Security and Intelligence Agency (VSOA) to safeguard energy and critical networks.
Import/Export Restrictions
Exercise due diligence when considering purchasing real estate in Croatia. Consult with an attorney before undertaking a real estate purchase and be careful to understand the implications of all parts of a real estate contract. Hiring a translator can help protect your rights. There is little the U.S. Embassy can do to assist U.S. citizens who enter into private land or business disputes, which may end up in local courts. Review U.S. Embassy webpage on real estate in Croatia.
The are no restrictions on the import and use of satellite phones or other satellite devices in Croatia.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
