As tourism resumes in Croatia, it becomes the first EU nation to allow US citizens to enter its borders despite the travel ban still in place. By Smrithi Suresh
The Croatian authorities have decided to open their borders for all third-country citizens that intend to enter Croatia for business, tourism, or other personal reasons, including Americans.https://t.co/qV51ndDaCb via @schengen_info
— SchengenVisaInfo (@schengen_info) July 10, 2020
In a first since the European Union banned American travellers from entering any of its nations, Croatia has become the only EU country to reopen its borders for the people of the United States.
“As of July 10, 2020, US citizens arriving in Croatia for tourism, business, urgent personal reasons, or educational purposes must present a negative PCR test not older than 48 hours (starting from the time of taking the swab until arrival at the border crossing). If you have a test that is older than 48 hours, you will be allowed to enter Croatia, but will be issued a self-isolation order and will have to be tested again locally, at your own expense,” US Embassy in Croatia mentioned on its website.
“US citizens who want to stay in Croatia beyond the permitted 90 days of visa-free status should contact their local police station and apply for a temporary residence permit in order to avoid overstay penalties,” it added.
Calling all our Scottish fans! We're happy to announce that as of today you can visit Croatia with no quarantine restrictions on your return, unless you have travelled through a destination which is not exempt.
Don't forget to complete the checklist before enjoying our shores: pic.twitter.com/R9qrvu6qOe— Croatia Full of life (@Croatia_hr) July 10, 2020
The country had on July 1, permitted all EU/EEA nationals and permanent residence holders to enter its territories without any restrictions. “As of July 1, 2020, all EU/EEA nationals and individuals holding permanent residence in the EU/EEA countries can enter Croatia freely, without restrictions. All other foreign nationals, including US citizens, may enter Croatia for business, tourism, or other pressing personal reasons if they provide the relevant proof and meet the requirements set forth by the Government of Croatia,” it had earlier said.
The European Union had last month released a list of 15 countries that are allowed to enter its nations even for non-essential travel, and the US was not included in it due to its rising cases of Coronavirus, and lack of prompt action to curb the spread.
As we welcome tourists back, we want to reiterate that the health and safety of our visitors continues to be a top priority in Croatia. The government is monitoring the epidemiological situation on a daily basis and distributing regularly updated recommendations to maintain pic.twitter.com/sz1zx1fxjO
— Croatia Full of life (@Croatia_hr) July 7, 2020
However, now that Croatia has allowed American nationals to enter its territory despite the ban, it comes with a set of rules that the travellers will have to follow. Some of the highlights include:
- All tourists are required to provide documents related to their stay such as hotel receipt. If the person is residing in a residential property, then they must share their address for future references.
2. Individuals must submit a negative COVID-19 test report undertaken not more than two days prior to the departure, or else face 14 days of self-isolation upon reaching the country.
3. The Croatian government has also issued an online form that every traveller needs to fill out so as to generate an announcement certificate for travelling to Croatia. However, it will not act as an entry permit into the country.
4. Lastly, all travellers need to follow the social distancing guidelines and wear masks all the time.
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, Croatia has already started preparations to reopen restaurants, hotels, public transports and places of tourist attraction. The accommodation and flights have been partially booked for safety purpose. So, if you wish to have a short vacation amid the pandemic, this could be the right choice.
Related: #SomeGoodNews: Here Are 10 Countries That Are COVID-19 Free