Foreign Office issues new warning to holidaymakers visiting popular European destination

The rooftops of Zadar, Croatia
-Credit:Publicity Picture


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:

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  • 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

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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.