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General Information for Tourists in Croatia

Language

[translate:Hrvatski] (Croatian) is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, marinas, and coastal destinations.

Time Zone

Central European Time (CET): GMT+1 in winter, GMT+2 in summer (daylight saving observed).

Currency

The official currency is the Euro (€), adopted January 1, 2023. ATMs are widely available throughout the country.

Tax

Standard VAT: 25%. Reduced rates of 13% and 5% apply to hotel accommodation, certain food products, and catering services.

Electricity & Plugs

230 volts at 50 Hz. Socket types C and F (European standard with two round pins). Bring an appropriate adapter for your devices.

Telephone Code

+385 (0385)

Emergency Numbers

  • General Emergency: 112
  • Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 194
  • Fire Department: 193
  • Police: 192
  • Maritime Search & Rescue: 195
  • Emergency Roadside Assistance: 1987

For maritime emergencies, contact the National Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Rijeka (MRCC Rijeka) at 195 or use marine VHF radio channel 16.

Fishing Regulations

Recreational fishing is permitted in Croatia but requires a mandatory fishing license for all persons aged 14 and older, whether fishing from shore or boat.

Fishing License Requirements

Licenses can be purchased online (www.mps.hr/ribarstvo) or from authorized dealers:

  • Daily licenses (1 day)
  • Multi-day licenses (3, 7, or 30 days)
  • Annual licenses (Croatian citizens/residents only)
  • Big Game licenses (for bluefin tuna, swordfish, Mediterranean spearfish)

Daily Catch Limits

  • 5 kg of fish per person per day
  • 2 kg of shellfish and cephalopods per person per day

Prohibited Fishing Methods

  • All types of nets
  • Explosives or electricity
  • Oxygen tanks or breathing gas
  • Commercial equipment (trawl nets)
  • Artificial lighting from vessels (except oar-powered boats)

Permitted Equipment

  • Maximum of two fishing lines with up to 3 hooks each
  • Rods and hand lines only
  • Speargun fishing requires a separate sport fishing license

Special Species Restrictions

  • Bluefin Tuna: Only June 16 - October 14, catch-and-release only, special license required
  • Swordfish: Prohibited March 1-31 and October 1 - November 30, catch-and-release only, special license required
  • Mediterranean Spearfish: Special permit required, catch-and-release only

Prohibited Fishing Areas

  • Within ports (except where locally permitted)
  • Within 200m of fish farms and 100m of shellfish farms
  • Marine protected areas and national parks (Brijuni, Krka, Mljet, Kornati) without special authorization
  • River mouths (Dragonja, Mirna, Rječina, Zrmanja, Jadro, Žrnovnica, Cetina, Neretva, Rijeka Dubrovačka)

All undersized fish must be released immediately and unharmed.

Recreational Diving Regulations

Recreational diving is permitted but requires proper certification and authorization.

Required Documents

  • Valid diving card from the Croatian Diving Federation or recognized international diving organization (€14 annually)
  • Individual authorization permit from the harbor master's office (€335 annually)

Diving Restrictions

  • Maximum depth: 40 meters
  • Diving prohibited from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise (unless special permission granted)
  • Solo diving prohibited; buddy diving mandatory
  • Shipwrecks older than 50 years require licensed diving provider supervision

Prohibited Diving Areas

  • Ports, harbor approaches, and areas of heavy maritime traffic
  • Within 100m of naval ships or military installations
  • Areas with underwater cables or public utility systems
  • National Parks: Brijuni, Krka, Mljet (except organized groups with permits)
  • Nature Parks: Telašćica, Kornati, and other protected reserves
  • Special protected zones: Mali Ston Bay, Lim Gorge
  • Archaeological zones: Vis, Biševo, Svetac, Brusnik, Sušac, Kopište, Lastovo, Donji Škoji, Vrhovnjaci, Palagruža (special Ministry of Culture authorization required)

Safety Requirements

All diving operations must display:

  • Orange or red buoy (minimum 30cm diameter) in the diving area, OR
  • Diving flag on vessel (orange rectangle with white diagonal line or International Signal Code flag "A")
  • At night: illuminated buoy with yellow or white strobe light visible at 300m

Diver Obligations

Must:

  • Report archaeological discoveries to police and Port Authority
  • Display diving flag on vessel
  • Carry diver's buoy if moving more than 50m from boat

Must Not:

  • Spearfish or use fishing tools while diving
  • Collect, disturb, or damage marine life
  • Carry fishing gear on dive vessel
  • Retrieve, photograph, or move archaeological artifacts
  • Take photos/videos in restricted areas without written approval

Recommendation: Contact a local certified diving center to ensure compliance with regulations, obtain permits, and access guided diving tours.

Drone Regulations

Drone operations in Croatia follow European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.

General Flight Rules

  • Maximum altitude: 120 meters (394 feet) above ground level
  • Maximum distance: 500 meters from operator (visual line of sight only)
  • Fly only during daylight hours and in good weather conditions
  • Do not fly over people or large public gatherings
  • Maintain 50m minimum distance from buildings, vehicles, and uninvolved individuals

Registration and Weight Requirements

  • Drones over 250g with sensors (cameras/microphones) must be registered with the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency
  • Drones over 900g require additional training and certification for flying near people
  • Drones under 25kg operate in the "Open" category with minimal restrictions

Prohibited Flight Zones

  • Within 5 km of airports (5-8 km requires automated clearance via AMC Portal)
  • Within 3 km of heliports
  • Over military zones and government facilities
  • Over archaeological sites and protected cultural heritage areas
  • Over public/private property without permission
  • In densely populated areas

Commercial Operations

Commercial drone work requires:

  • Valid remote pilot license/permit (75% minimum exam score)
  • Compulsory third-party liability insurance for drones up to 20 kg

Penalties

Violations result in fines from €700 to €26,520, warnings, or license revocation.

Resources: Check the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency AMC Portal before flying to verify real-time airspace restrictions and obtain necessary clearances.

Additional Sailing Information

Charter Requirements

Bareboat yacht charters require a valid sailing license and proof of experience. Boats with professional captains are available for those without licenses. Trip insurance covering yachting activities is recommended.

Best Sailing Season

Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer warm weather, fewer tourists, and optimal sailing conditions.

Safety Tips

  • Check local weather forecasts and maritime advisories before departure
  • Respect marine protected areas and nature reserves
  • Carry appropriate communication devices and identification
  • Obtain all necessary permits and licenses before activities
  • Engage with authorized providers and licensed facilities