Published: January 14, 2025
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
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.
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.
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.
There are no areas of concern or “off limits” locations in Croatia. Avoid "gentlemen's clubs." In the past, such establishments have presented foreign customers with inflated bills and threatened those who refuse to pay with violence.
Crime statistics from January to November 2024 (most recent) show an increase in overall crime by 7.3% from 2023. Of the 44,730 reported crimes, economic crime and aggravated theft made up most crimes (11,195). 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.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Croatia.
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.
Protests & Demonstrations
The constitution and law provide for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, and the government generally respects these rights. Protests against government corruption in February 2024 contributed to the dissolution of Croatia’s parliament and early elections.
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. The possibility exists for targeted violence and unrest related to soccer matches between teams with heated rivalries. Law enforcement agencies generally pre-position officers and warn the public prior to such games, and police coverage is generally good.
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.
The general emergency line in Croatia is 112. The nationwide police emergency service number is 192.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Croatia, review the local laws and circumstances on the 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.
For additional information concerning corruption in the country, please see the Department of State’s Investment Climate Statement for Croatia and the Department of State’s International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, which includes information on financial crimes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
