Foreign Office issues new warning to holidaymakers visiting popular European destination
Although there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Croatia, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is warning Brits that there is currently a high threat of terrorist attacks globally affecting UK interests and British nationals in the country.
This includes from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.
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The FCDO is warning that attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.
Crime
Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare.
Protecting yourself and your belongings
Tourists have been overcharged at certain ‘gentlemen’s clubs’, sometimes by thousands of euros, and threatened with violence if they refuse to pay.
Pickpockets operate in tourist areas. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, do not leave valuables unattended and use hotel safes if possible.
Attacks and sexual assaults in taxis
There have been reports of sexual assaults in taxis in Croatia. To reduce risk and help prevent potential assaults:
take a photo of the inside, where the number of the taxi is visible, and send it to a friend or someone else
share your ride status on the taxi app
make a call while in the taxi telling someone which taxi it is and where you are going
Laws and cultural differences
Personal ID
Always carry your passport or, if you’re a resident, your Croatian ID card. Keep a copy of your passport’s photo page in a safe place.
Antisocial behaviour
In some Croatian town centres, including tourist destinations like Split and Dubrovnik, you can get on-the-spot fines for behaviour seen as inappropriate, including:
drinking alcohol or using drugs in public spaces
sleeping in public spaces
urinating or vomiting in public spaces
walking through towns shirtless or in swimwear
wearing clothing that promotes drug use
climbing on monuments
You can also be fined up to 4,000 euros for public order disturbances, including:
fighting
verbal abuse such as shouting or arguing
drunken behaviour
belittling or insulting police officers or other public officials
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Drug offences are punished with fines and prison sentences.
Unexploded mines
If you travel outside the tourist resorts, beware of unexploded mines in previously war-affected areas, including:
Eastern Slavonia
Brod-Posavina County
Karlovac County
areas around Zadar County
more remote areas of the Plitvice Lakes National Park
For more information about mine-affected areas, visit the Civil Protection website (in Croatian) or contact the Civil Protection offices.
If you’re travelling in these areas, do not walk on uncultivated land or step off the marked paths. If in doubt, get local advice.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Hiking and mountaineering
If you’re hiking in the mountains, get expert advice from local guides, however tame the mountain might seem. Weather in the Croatian mountains can change quickly, even in summer. Temperatures can get very low overnight.
There is a risk of getting lost in the mountains when out hiking alone and using unmarked paths. Read the Croatian Mountain Rescue tips on mountaineering, follow their X at Hrvatska GSS and see their maps. If you get into trouble, call the emergency number 112 for help from the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service.