GoCroatia Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

China will join the Schengen Agreement on January 1, 2023. Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports must obtain a Schengen visa in advance when traveling to Croatia, diplomatic passports are exempt from visa requirements when traveling to Croatia, official passports are exempt from visa requirements when transferring to non Schengen countries, and Schengen visas must be obtained in advance when transferring to Croatia from Schengen countries. To apply for a visa to Croatia, please log in to the Croatia visa website https://crovisa.mvep.hr/ Apply online and currently have visa application centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou (shared with other EU member states). Please visit the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa application requirements and procedures（ https://mvep.gov.hr/en ）Or consult the Embassy of Croatia in China (phone: 010-65326242).

Those who travel to Croatia, engage in business activities, or handle personal affairs can apply for a C (short-term) Schengen visa. The duration of stay for a C-type visa usually does not exceed 90 days, and the number of entries is divided into one, two, and multiple. The validity period of the visa depends on the specific circumstances of the applicant, but it cannot exceed 5 years.

Special Reminder:

1、 According to Schengen visa regulations, a C-type short-term Schengen visa can only stay in the Schengen area for a cumulative total of 90 days every 180 days. Even if you hold a C-type multiple entry visa with a validity period of 1 or even 5 years and a stay period of 90 days, when you re-enter K, border police will check your stay in K and the Schengen area within the past 180 days. If it has reached 90 days, it will be unconditionally refused entry.

2、 If there is no valid Schengen visa (C visa) or Croatian national visa (Schengen D visa), third country nationals holding visas and residence permits for Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania will not be able to enter Croatian territory.

3、 Due to the lack of direct flights between China and Croatia, please confirm in advance whether a visa is required for the transit location.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 As a member state of the European Union, the customs regulations are consistent with those of other EU member states. The customs allow the import and export of 1 liter of strong liquor with an alcohol content exceeding 22 degrees or 2 liters of wine and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content below 22 degrees, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, drugs for personal use only, etc. Carrying cash of 10000 euros or more should be declared to customs. Valuable professional and technical equipment must be declared upon entry. If prohibited items are carried without declaration, the customs has the right to confiscate the items and impose fines depending on the situation.

For more detailed information, please consult the Embassy of Croatia in China at 010-65326242.

2、 Animal and plant inspection and quarantine

Pet dogs and cats must have an international quarantine certificate and be implanted with a chip when entering the country. Without obtaining special approval in advance, no plants are allowed to be brought into the country.

3、 Financial regulatory regulations

Individuals are not allowed to carry cash exceeding 10000 euros when entering or leaving the country. Otherwise, the customs may detain the funds, investigate the source of the cash and the purpose of carrying it out of the country, and ultimately confiscate or impose a certain amount of fine.

4、 Common contact information

The contact phone number for Ke Customs is 00385-1-6211300.

Residency and Naturalization

Any foreigner who comes to work in Keke shall apply for a residence permit.

Croatian nationality can be obtained through methods such as origin, birth in Croatian territory, immigration, and international agreements, or lost through methods such as withdrawal, renunciation, and international agreements. Foreign citizens who meet the following conditions can apply for citizenship: 1. They must be at least 18 years old; 2. Submit proof that obtaining Croatian nationality will result in the revocation of the original nationality; 3. Prior to submitting the application, have resided continuously in the territory of Croatia for at least 8 years; 4. Understand Croatian language, culture and society; 5. Comply with the judicial system and customs.

Croatia's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

The political situation is stable, the overall social security situation is good, citizens have strong legal awareness, a high level of cultural education, and a relatively low crime rate. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in pickpocketing cases targeting tourists. Crimes such as theft and robbery usually occur on buses, train stations, and other public transportation locations. During the peak tourist season, scenic spots, beaches, restaurants, bars, and other places are also places for pickpockets to steal. Exposing money often becomes a target for pickpockets and robbers.

Special reminder: When traveling, do not carry valuable items or large amounts of cash with you to avoid becoming a target for theft or robbery. Especially when sightseeing near tourist attractions, one should raise awareness of prevention and pay attention to personal and property safety. In case of emergency such as loss or theft of documents, money or property, or personal injury, the police should be reported to the local authorities as soon as possible, and if necessary, the Chinese Embassy in Croatia can be contacted. Prepare a copy of your passport, photos, and other materials before traveling, in order to apply for travel documents at the Chinese Embassy in Croatia in case of accidental loss of your passport.

natural disaster

Located in the northern temperate zone, Ke has distinct four seasons, with no scorching heat in summer, no severe cold in winter, and cool and comfortable temperatures in spring and autumn. The climate is divided into Mediterranean climate, mountainous climate, and temperate continental climate.

Forest fires occur annually along the Adriatic coast. In some areas, there are occasional floods in spring and summer, and blizzards in winter.

For weather conditions, please refer to the www.meteo.hr website.

FDA

The food safety and hygiene standards are implemented in accordance with EU standards, and no major food safety accidents have occurred. The calcium content in the water is slightly high. It is recommended to drink boiled water or mineral water.

Urgent Help

Emergency assistance: 112; First aid: 194; Fire alarm: 193; Alarm: 192; Road rescue: 1987; Taxi: 1212, 1414 or 1717; Zagreb International Airport inquiry: Dial 060320320 for domestic telecommunications network in Zagreb; Dial 00385-1-4562170 from the overseas telecommunications network.

Emergency contact information for consular protection at the Chinese Embassy in Croatia: 00385-1-4693019.

air traffic

There are 9 international airports in Croatia, with the busiest being the airports in the capital city of Zagreb, the southern city of Split, and the southernmost tourist city of Dubrovnik. There are currently no direct flights from China to Croatia, and transfers are required through Vienna, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Istanbul, and other places..

The main modes of transportation from Zagreb city center to the airport are taxis and airport buses, which are approximately 15 kilometers away. The airport bus runs between Zagreb Airport and the bus terminal, departing every 30 minutes during the day, with a fare of 8 euros. The taxi fare is slightly higher, and the price from the airport to the city center is about 35 to 40 euros. To use a taxi, a phone reservation is required.

land transport

The overall road transportation system in Zagreb is relatively developed, with roads leading to various parts of the country and surrounding European countries in the capital city of Zagreb. The total length of Ke Highway is 29960 kilometers, of which 1313 kilometers are expressways. During the peak tourist season every year, the number of tourists increases significantly and there are many vehicles, often exceeding the capacity of highways, which can easily cause traffic congestion.

The railway system connects major cities across the country and many European capitals with Zagreb as its hub. The total length of the Ke Railway is 2605 kilometers, including 980 kilometers of electrified railway.

The occupancy of private cars is relatively high, and the rental car industry is not developed enough. Renting vehicles (including taxis) requires advance booking.

The Chinese driver's license can be used for 6 months, but it needs to be notarized in English or Chinese in advance and used together with the Chinese driver's license. Late application for a driver's license is required. The Chinese driver's license is valid for 6 months starting from the time the holder enters the country. The vehicle is left-hand drive and drives on the right.

water communication

Croatia has six seaports that can accommodate large ocean going vessels, among which Rijeka Port is the most important, providing access to Croatia and other European countries.

Urban transportation

There is no subway in the city of Zagreb, but the tram network in Zagreb is well-developed and there are sufficient buses. Passengers can purchase tickets in advance at various newsstands or actively purchase tickets from the driver after boarding public transportation, but the ticket prices for purchasing tickets at newsstands and buses are different. Ticket purchase at newsstands: The one-way ticket prices are 0.53 euros, 0.93 euros, and 1.33 euros, respectively, and are valid for half an hour, one hour, and one and a half hours. In car ticket purchase: The one-way ticket prices are 0.8 euros, 1.33 euros, and 1.99 euros, respectively, valid for half an hour, one hour, and one and a half hours. In addition, tourists can also purchase daily necessities

Main city tickets: One day ticket costs 3.98 euros, 3-day ticket costs 9.29 euros, and 7-day ticket costs 19.91 euros.

major city

There are three cities in Croatia with a population of over 100000, namely the capital Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka. Among them, Zagreb is an inland city, while Split and Rijeka are coastal cities.

The popular tourist cities include:

Zagreb: Zagreb is located in the north of Croatia, with an area of 641 square kilometers and a population of approximately 760000. Zagreb has a temperate continental climate with an average annual temperature of 9.3 ℃ and an average annual precipitation of approximately 871 millimeters. The climate is pleasant, with ample sunshine and good ecology and vegetation. Zagreb gathers the highest level universities, research institutes, medical institutions, and art groups in the country. It is the political, economic, technological, cultural, and artistic center of Zagreb, with a long history and rich cultural heritage.

Dubrovnik: located at the southern end of Croatia, the capital of Dubrovnik Neretva province, it is an important tourist and shipping city in Croatia, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic Sea" and the most prestigious tourist city in Croatia. The area is 21.35 square kilometers and the population is 30000. The average annual temperature is 17 ℃, with an average winter temperature of 10 ℃ and an average summer temperature of 26 ℃. The average annual precipitation is about 1271.3 millimeters, and the annual sunshine duration is about 250 days.

Plitvice Lake Group National Park: located in the karst mountainous area of central Croatia, about a 2-hour drive from the capital Zagreb. Established in 1949, it is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe. Due to its main 16 lakes, it is also known as the "Sixteen Lakes". It was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Now it is one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Ke.

Pula: Located at the southern end of the Istrian Peninsula, it is the seat of the Istrian provincial government, with an area of approximately 52 square kilometers and a population of 59000. It belongs to the Mediterranean climate, with an average annual temperature of 14 ℃, an average temperature of 5 ℃ in January, an average temperature of 26 ℃ in August, and an average annual precipitation of about 900 millimeters. There are well preserved scenic spots such as the Colosseum.

Split: a historic city, the second largest city, the capital of Split Dalmatia province, the largest seaport in the Dalmatia region, a shipbuilding and shipping center, and one of the most famous tourist destinations in Southeast Europe. It has a population of 176000 and a typical Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and humid winters. The annual average rainfall exceeds 860 millimeters, and August is the hottest month with an average temperature of around 30 ℃. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of around 4 ℃, and there are over 2700 hours of sunshine throughout the year. There are well-known scenic spots such as the Diocletian Palace, a world cultural heritage site.

Rijeka: located in the southwest of K, it is the capital of Haishan Province, an important port in K, with a city area of 44 square kilometers and a population of 140000. It belongs to the Mediterranean climate, with an average annual temperature of 14.2 degrees, an average temperature of 5.7 degrees in January, and an average temperature of 24 degrees in July.

Commodity prices

As for the whole country, there is sufficient supply of various materials, complete daily consumer goods, and convenient living. However, a large number of industrial products, agricultural products, energy, and daily consumer goods rely on imports, and the price level is relatively high.

Beef costs about 11 euros per kilogram; Pork (lean meat) costs approximately 7.5 euros per kilogram; Each egg costs about 25 cents; Milk costs approximately 1.02 euros per liter.

The lighting conditions are good, and it produces red and white wine as well as olive oil. Truffles are also a specialty and widely popular.

The local currency is Euro, with 1 Euro equaling 7.67 RMB (as of November 2023).

According to different types of goods and services, there are three main value-added tax rates: 5%, 13%, and 25%.

Generally, tourist cities can use credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, Mastro, etc. UnionPay has not yet entered the market. Ke mainly uses euros, and some tourist attractions accept US dollars.

Insurance Medical

The medical conditions and facilities in Croatia have basically reached the level of Western countries. There are 57 hospitals nationwide with 23000 beds and a total of nearly 73000 medical staff, including 55781 medical staff. There are hospitals and clinics in major towns across the country, and medical centers and pharmacies in all small towns. Helicopter and sea speedboat services can be provided for critically ill patients. However, overall, the national healthcare industry is facing severe pressure from insufficient budget funds. There are many privately-owned doctors nationwide, and private pharmacies have ample supply of drugs.

It is recommended to consult the relevant medical insurance company in detail before traveling to Croatia to confirm whether their insurance is applicable to medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and other projects that occur abroad, and whether their claims can be directly paid to foreign medical institutions or paid by the insured first and then returned by them.

The main hospitals in the capital city of Zagreb include:

University Hospital Centre Zagreb（KBC）， Address: kispaticeva12, Phone: 00385 1 2388 888;

Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice, Address: Vinogradska cesta 29, Phone: 00385 1 3787111;

Hospital Sveti Duh, Address: Sveti duh 64, Phone: 00385 1 3712111;

Hospital for Traumatology, Address: Draskoviceva 19, Phone: 00385 1 4697000;

Hospital Merkur, Address: Zajceva 19, Phone: 00385 1 2431390;

Hospital for Children Disease, Address: Klaiceva 16, Phone: 00385 1 4600111.

Customs taboos

The main ethnic groups in Croatia are Croats (accounting for 90.42% of the total population), with others including Serbs, Hungarians, Italians, Albanians, Czechs, etc. The official language is Croatian. The main religion is Catholicism. The customs and habits are basically the same as those of other Catholic and Christian countries in the world.

The main festivals in Croatia include New Year's Day (January 1), Epiphany Day (January 6), Easter (the first Sunday after the full moon of the Spring Equinox), International Labour Day (May 1), National Day (May 30), Corpus Christi Day (June 3), Anti Fascist War Day (June 22), Victory Day (August 5), Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Day (August 15), Halloween (November 1), Remembrance Day (November 18), Christmas Day (December 25), and St. Stephen's Day (December 26).

Communications Power

The Internet is easy to use. Generally, hotels and restaurants have their own networks, which can be used for free or pay a small amount of Internet access fees.

The household AC power supply is 16A/230 volts, and the power socket used is a German standard two-phase circular socket.

Mobile phone dialing within the country: direct dialing of mobile phone numbers.

Mobile phone dialing landline: city code+landline number.

Dialing from landline to mobile phone: Directly dial the mobile phone number.

Dial China phone: 0086+(excluding 0) area code+phone number.

Dial Chinese mobile phone: 0086+mobile phone number.

Dial Ke's mobile phone number 00385+(excluding 0) in China.

Dialing Zagreb landline in China: 00385+1+landline number.

The international long-distance call cost is about 1.5 euros per minute (about 11 yuan RMB, and the cost is relatively low when using an international long-distance call card).

contact information