Is it Safe to Visit Croatia?

Croatia – a small but stunning country at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe has been one of the popular tourist destinations for many years. It’s no wonder that travelers around the world fold away to the region to bless themselves with its unique culture, spectacular beaches, crystal clear water, and vibrant nature. However, as with many other concerns, many consider whether visiting Croatia is safe.

Things were a bit different before the corona pandemic appeared, but the country has settled economically with time. Croatia is a remarkably safe country to visit, with the lowest crime rates than in other parts of Europe. This blog post will help you explore everything you should know before traveling to Croatia. We’ve compiled a complete guide, including the safety situations in Croatia and some safe travel tips. So, let’s begin.

Covid-19 Situations in Croatia

Croatia was among the first European countries to catch covid-19 and experienced a lockdown in early 2020. The ratio of morbidity and mortality was much higher than in the nearby countries, such as Spain, France, and Greece. However, as a responsible government runs the country and they knew the importance of their land for tourists, they made way.

The citizens were given vaccination doses to stay safe from the deadly coronavirus. Moreover, no one from outside the country could enter without proof of their excellent health. Even now, if you travel to Croatia alone or with family, you should provide a PCR test indicating you’re not infected. Since May 2021, the government had good control over the pandemic, and the lockdown was released.

Anyone planning to visit Croatia can happily book tickets as everything is fully operational there, including the restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, beaches, and much more.

How is the Health System in Croatia?

Croatia is among the cheapest European countries with a strong healthcare system. If you’re traveling to the country for the first time, there is nothing to worry about when it comes to health and diseases. They have reliable medical care accessible anywhere in the country. However, avoid going to remote areas or where there are low communication sources, especially if you’re traveling alone. Moreover, it is suggested to get travel insurance to avoid any mishap during medical emergencies within the country.

Talking about diseases or infections, yes, it has tick-borne encephalitis that can easily be caught. Tourists are advised to wear full-sleeved shirts or cover themselves such that no body part is exposed to infection. This way, you can also prevent mosquito bites that might be the cause of malaria later on. But overall, it is among the safe countries concerning health conditions.

What is the Crime and Terrorism Condition in Croatia?

Croatia is generally considered a safe country when it comes to crime. The crime rate is relatively low, and violent crimes are rare. However, like any other tourist destination, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft can occur, especially in crowded areas such as markets, beaches, and other public places. It is always advisable to be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings while traveling in Croatia. We will discuss safety tips when traveling to the country later in this article.

Everyone knows terrorism is a global concern, and this Southeastern country is similarly not immune to it. However, it’s worth noting that Croatia didn’t experience any terrorist incidents in recent years, making it a safe destination to visit. The government has implied several measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and tourists. The entire police crew is fully trained to handle any terrorist threat, and higher security in public places is well-equipped.

Are Roads in Croatia Safe?

Road safety should always be an essential concern when traveling to another state with friends and family, and we are happy to mention that driving on the roads of Croatia is safe. It has smooth motorways from north to south. The country has a good network of roads and highways; however, a few rural areas have narrow streets. Every country has some standard traffic rules; the same goes for Croatia. It is advisable to wear a seatbelt, not use your phone while driving, and avoid overtaking on busy roads if you’re driving yourself. Moreover, never drive under the influence of alcohol, or you will face the worst consequences.

Apart from safe driving to avoid accidents, Croatia’s roads are built with good accessibility to petrol stations, food places, and public toilets. Most petrol stations are open throughout the day till late at night, and some are even 24/7 on motorways. If you plan to go on a road trip to Croatia, filling the petrol in your car is suitable, but do not worry if it’s finished on the way. There are ways to overcome this situation.

Does Croatia Get Bad Weather and Earthquakes?

Croatia is one of the seismically active regions. It has gone through natural disasters and severe weather conditions, so anyone planning to visit the country should check its weather forecast first. The country is typically distributed into two climatic conditions, including the Mediterranean climate and the extreme continental climate. The former is said to have dry summers and mild winters, whereas you’ll experience extreme summers or heavy snowfall in the latter.

Not just that, but the country is prone to flooding throughout the year. It is why the Croatian government takes steps to ensure the safety of visitors and citizens in such times. The disastrous flood can ruin buildings, trigger land sliding, and block roads, but the country has a well-developed emergency response system.

People are told to take precautions and follow the guidelines to stay safe in an emergency. Tourists should always keep in touch with their friends or family so they know about troubles. Besides, always keep yourself up-to-date with the media and other online sources. The best time to visit the country is between May and June or September and October. Other months either have the hottest temperatures or the coldest.

Nightlife Safety in the Country: Is Walking Around Croatia at Night Safe?

Croatia is safer, with lower crime rates than other nearby countries. Regarding nightlife, the country has many more vibrant places to show you, such as several bars and clubs in cities like Split and Zagreb. Moreover, it has restaurants that cater to your taste. The streets are well-lit, especially in busy areas, so you can plan a night walk with your girlfriend.

However, as with any night destination, taking precautionary steps and being aware of your surroundings is essential. It is recommended to take a busy area route. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the roads. The government always suggests safety measures, so you’re advised to travel in groups according to the guidelines. It will add to the safety if you leave your valuables at a safer place, probably in the hotel room you’re residing in.

How Safe is Croatia for Travelers?

Because of the stunning coastlines, attractive history, and beautiful beaches, Croatia remains the most popular tourist attraction yearly. But safety should always be the priority over enjoyment, and it is benign to say that one can happily visit Croatia to soak in its beauty. But is the country safe for both families and solo travelers? Let’s get into it below:

Is Croatia Family Friendly?

Families, especially with kids, should not worry about going to Croatia as the crime rate is relatively low, and the natives of the country are very welcoming. The government has arranged the state so you’ll always find well-maintained and organized public transport. You should research before visiting the country because it has many attractive options! But the best of all is its beaches.

You can take your family and friends to the country’s beautiful beaches, such as Zlatni Rat in Brac, Punta Rata in Brela, Sunj Beach in Lopud, etc. All these spots are clean and safe, with clear water perfect for swimming. However, always be aware of the risks associated with water activities. Parents should supervise their children while playing near the coastal shores or swimming. Overall, Croatia is family-friendly.

Is Croatia Safe for Solo Female Tourists?

Yes, Croatia is an excellent country for solo female travelers because of the low crime rate and well-organized public transportation. Most people there speak English, so it gets easy for women worldwide to communicate. Women have been experiencing harassment wherever they go, so the biggest concern when talking about solo female travelers is harassment. But this is a minor issue if you travel alone to Croatia.

However, taking good care of yourself is still necessary when alone in another country. Avoid solo walking at night, book a hotel in well-lit areas, and keep your family updated on your present. Some men might approach you, seeing you sitting alone, but the first step to dealing with such people is to be confident. Just firmly yet politely refuse them if you’re not interested in talking. Similarly, always stay alert for pickpockets, as these people might be roaming even on busy roads.

Croatia Travel Tips You Should Know

As a first-time traveler, or even if you’ve traveled multiple times, it is still essential to do your homework regarding the destination to stay safe. We have compiled a list of top travel tips below, so before you visit Croatia, glance at them.

Check Advance Accommodations: The country might get crowded during peak season, so getting the most out of your trip through advance booking is recommended.

Be Mindful of the Weather: As we already have discussed the weather of Croatia before, we vouch for you to plan your trip during the pleasant months, i.e., between May and June or September and October.

Learn Common Croatian Phrases: English is a widely spoken language, but it’d be great if you learn some common Croatian phrases before going. It can help you deal with emergencies, especially if you’re stuck alone. For example, they say “molim,” which means “please.” Similarly, the Croatian word for “thankyou” is “hvala vam.”

Always Stay Alert of Burglars: Your belongings are your responsibility, so stay observant of street burglars or pickpockets. These minor crimes can happen in any country, but it’s you who has to stay active throughout your visit.

Use Registered Taxis: Public transport are the best when traveling to Croatia, but if you ever need a taxi to go somewhere, always make sure to use a registered one. Unlicensed or unregistered taxis might loot you through overcharging or taking longer routes.

Keep the Updated Currency: If you think the country still uses Croatian kuna, you’re misunderstood! Since January 2023, the euro has been considered the national currency of Croatia. You can exchange it through any Croatian bank until 2023 and get euros for easy traveling.

Keep a Copy of Official Documents: It’s always a good idea to carry a copy of your passport, ID, and other important documents when traveling. Keep them safe, separate from the originals, so you can immediately show them at the right time.

So, Is Croatia Safe to Visit? – Final Takeaway

Croatia is, without a doubt, among the most beautiful countries to be visited for a vacation. Although the Covid-19 pandemic affected the country like many others, its government took significant measures to control the spread, so tourists can now safely visit and enjoy their time. Croatia falls in the safest states if you plan to go there with your family, friends, or even alone. But, it is necessary to be extra vigilant to avoid misadventures during your stay.