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Travel Insurance Croatia

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Croatia Country Guide

  1. CountryFacts
  2. Health
  3. Media
  1. Intro
  2. Geography
  3. People
  4. Travel
  5. Embassies & Visas
  6. Finance
  7. Cities/Regions

Quick Facts

Region: Europe
Full Name: Republic of Croatia
Capital City: Zagreb
Language Spoken: Croatian 96.1%, Serbian 1%, other and undesignated 2.9% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German) (2001 census)

Croatia Travel Insurance

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Geographic data

45 10 N, 15 30 E

Elevation Extremes

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Dinara 1,830 m

Land boundaries

total: 2,197 km border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km, Serbia 241 km, Montenegro 25 km, Slovenia 670 km

Natural hazards

destructive earthquakes

Natural resources

oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, gypsum, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, hydropower

Land use

arable land: 25.82% permanent crops: 2.19% other: 71.99% (2005)

Environmental current issues

air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid rain is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; landmine removal and reconstruction of infrastructure consequent to 1992-95 civil strife

Climate

Croatia has a varied climate, with continental climate conditions in the north and Mediterranean ones on the Adriatic coast. Required clothing Lightweights with rainwear for summer. Mediumweights for winter with heavier clothing for inland areas.

Time difference

time difference: UTC+1 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Population

4,494,749 (July 2006 est.)

Age structure

0-14 years: 16.2% (male 373,638/female 354,261) 15-64 years: 67% (male 1,497,958/female 1,515,314) 65 years and over: 16.8% (male 288,480/female 465,098) (2006 est.)

Median age

total: 40.3 years male: 38.3 years female: 42.1 years (2006 est.)

Population growth rate

-0.03% (2006 est.)

Birth rate

9.61 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Death rate

11.48 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Net migration rate

1.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2006 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 74.68 years male: 71.03 years female: 78.53 years (2006 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.4 children born/woman (2006 est.)

Business Practices

Business meetings in Croatia follow formal business protocols, but the image of Western-style efficiency is often overlooks the fact that things go very slowly through the cumbersome bureaucracy. English and German are widely used as second languages. Business cards including professional or academic titles should be exchanged just after formal introductions. There are also a large number of local agents, advisers, consultants and, to a lesser extent, lawyers, willing to act for foreign companies, but none should be engaged before being thoroughly checked in advance. Croatia has created a more liberal framework for foreign investments so that foreign investors are guaranteed special rights and incentives for investing in Croatia. Office hours are usually 0800-1600 Monday to Friday.

Crime

Croatia has a relatively low crime rate. Foreigners do not appear to be singled out; however, displays of wealth increase chances of becoming the victim of a pickpocket or mugger. Such crimes often occur in bus or railroad stations. Violent crime is rare. The emergency police number is 92. Response time is generally good, though long waits may occur.

Hotels

Once a major European tourism destination, Croatia has some very good hotels on its Adriatic coast, although the war effectively closed all but those on the Istrian peninsula (Rijeka-Pula). Elsewhere, deluxe hotels are available in Zagreb and the Plitvice Lakes tourist area on the border with Bosnia-Herzegovina near Bihac.

Communications

IDD is available. Country code: 385. Outgoing international code: 00. All services, including facsimile, are generally available for communications to and from Western Europe. Apart from a limited telex service, all telephone communications between Zagreb and Belgrade have been indefinitely cut. Internal communications are generally satisfactory.

Electricity

is at 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Plug Types

C,F

Food And Dining


National specialties:
? Much Croatian food contains cheese and oil, often mixed with other ingredients in pies or 'donuts'.
? The Adriatic coast is renowned for its variety of seafood dishes, including scampi, prstaci (shellfish) and brodet (mixed fish stewed with rice), all cooked in olive oil and served with vegetables.
? In the interior, visitors should sample manistra od bobica (beans and fresh maize soup). National drinks:
? The regional wines are good.
? Italian espresso is also popular and cheap. Tipping : 10 per cent is expected in hotels, restaurants and taxis.

 

Entry departure requirements

Restricted entry and transit Croatia does not recognize passports issued by Chinese Taipei, Palestine and the Turkish Republic of Cyprus.

Visa immigration information

Passports

Passport valid for at least the length of stay required by all, except:
1. nationals of EU countries, and nationals of Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican City, with valid national photo ID cards.

Visas

Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) nationals listed in the chart above (including the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, although such passport holders may not enter Croatia with national ID cards);
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Serbia & Montenegro, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay, the Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) nationals of Russian Federation, if they have a letter of invitation from a Croatian resident or a valid tourist voucher;
(d) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours, provided holding confirmed onward and return documentation and not leaving the airport. Note: nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Democratic Republic of), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka do require airport transit visas unless they have a permit for staying in the EU, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland or the USA.

Types of visa and cost

Travel/Transit: US$26 (single-entry); US$33 (double-entry); US$52 (multiple-entry).

Validity

Travel: Valid for a one-year period, with continuous stay or the overall duration of repeated entries not exceeding 90 days, during a six-month period starting from day of entry. Business: Valid for one year; can be issued to members of a foreign company provided it is registered in Croatia. For further information on company registration, contact the Croatian Chamber of Economy. Transit: Valid for a six-month period for up to five days maximum; can sometimes be multiple-entry. Airport Transit: One or more transit through the Airport International Transit area over a period not exceeding 24 hours. Group: Five to 50 persons based on submission of group travel documents, for one entry or transit not exceeding a 30-day period.

Application to

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.

Application requirements

(a) Valid passport. (b) Completed application form. (c) Passport-size photo (30 x 35mm and in color). (d) Proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay (minimum of ?100 per day). (e) Proof of accommodation within Croatia or documentation regarding the purpose and means of travel (such as business/invitation letter, return or onward ticket, holiday arrangements).

Working days required

Five days to four weeks, depending on nationality and type of visa required. Multiple-entry visas: Four to six weeks.

HIV entry requirements

No Test Required

Departure tax

None

Embassies

Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the UK

21 Conway Street, London W1T 6BN, UK
Tel: (020) 7387 2022 or 1144 (consular section).
Website: http://uk.mvp.hr
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Mon-Thurs 1100-1400, Fri 1000-1200 (visa section).

Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the USA

2343 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 588 5899.
Website: www.croatiaemb.org



Most visits to Croatia are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Unexploded land mines are still a danger. Highly populated areas and major routes are now clear of mines and are safe to visit. However, isolated areas in the mountains and countryside have not all been cleared. Travelers should therefore be careful not to stray from roads and paved areas without an experienced guide.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

US Department of State

Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Currency

Kuna (HRK) = 100 Lipa. Notes are in denominations of HRK1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of HRK25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lipa.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is limited to K15, 000 (in banknotes up to K500). The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited but it is compulsory to declare in writing the amounts that exceed the value equivalent to K40, 000.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0700-1900, Sat 0700-1300. Some banks may open on Sundays in larger cities.

Currency exchange

Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, by authorized dealers and post offices. ATMs are widespread.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.

Travellers cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros.

City/RegionCity/Area codeFollowed by
Bjelovar(0)43+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Cakovec(0)40+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Dubrovnik(0)20+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Gospic(0)53+ 6 digit subscriber nr
?ibenik(0)22+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Karlovac(0)47+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Koprivnica(0)48+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Krapina(0)49+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Osijek(0)31+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Pazin(0)52+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Po?ega(0)34+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Rijeka(0)51+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Sisak(0)44+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Slavonski Brod(0)35+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Split(0)21+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Vara?din(0)42+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Vinkovci(0)32+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Virovitica(0)33+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Zadar(0)23+ 6 digit subscriber nr
Zagreb(0)1+ 7 digit subscriber nr
  1. Health Information
  2. Recent Disease Outbreak
  3. Hospital Database

Dental care

Dental care in the private sector is of a good standard in Croatia

Medication Availability

Private pharmacies stock a reasonable selection of medications and pharmacists are licensed in Croatia. There are often shortages of medication in the public sector.

Blood supplies

Although the testing of blood products generally follow international standards, it is recommended blood transfusions are avoided in Croatia

Medical facilities

Health facilities in Croatia, although generally of Western caliber, are under severe budgetary strains. Croatian citizens using these services find that some medicines are in short supply in public hospitals and clinics. The number of private medical and dental practitioners is substantial, and private pharmacies stock a variety of medicines not readily available through public health facilities.

General caution

Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.

Specific concerns

AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured. Hikers should take protective measures against ticks.

Immunization

Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available. Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.

Disease risk summary

Insect-borne illness: Encephalitis (tick-borne) - occurs Hemorrhagic fever - occurs Lyme disease - occurs Typhus (Murine and tick-borne) - occurs Food-borne and water-borne illness: bacillary dysentery and other diarrheas and typhoid fever are more common in the summer and autumn. Other hazards: High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Polio is still considered a possible risk, although cases have rarely been reported in recent years. Influenza risk extends from November to April. Rabies - occurs in animals

Entry requirements

None

Recent disease outbreaks

No recent disease outbreaks

NameAddress
Clinical Hospital SplitSpinciceva 1 Split 21 000
Klinicka Bolnica OsijekJ. Huttlera 4 Osijek 31000
Klinicki Bolnicki Centar ZagrebSalata 2 Zagreb 10000
Orthopedic Hospital of BiogradZadar
Poliklinika Za Dijagnostiku (Poliklinica Nemetova)Nemetova 2 Zagreb 10 000
University Hospital DubravaKlinicka bolnica Dubrava Avenija Gojka Suska 6 Zagreb 10000
University Hospital KBC (Rebro & Salata)Klinicki Bolnicki Centar Zagreb Kispaticeva 12 (Rebro Center) Salata 2 (Salata Center) Zagreb 100 00
Zadar General HospitalOpvca Bolnica Zadar Boze Pericica 5 Zadar 23 000

Media

Croatia's media operate in a climate of relative freedom following the restrictions of President Tudjman's era. The constitution bans censorship and guarantees press freedom. Croatian Radio-Television, HRT, is a national state-owned public broadcaster and is financed by a mixture of advertising and license-fee revenues. The frequencies of HRT's third national TV network were allocated to a private bidder in September 2003. Public TV is the main source of news and information. National commercial networks and dozens of private local TV stations compete for viewers.
Press: There are no English-language newspapers at present. The main daily local newspapers are Novi List (Rijeka), Slobodna Dalmacija (Split) and Vecernji List (Zagreb). The weekly press includes Feral Tribune and Nacional.
TV: Croatian TV is public and operates national networks; RTL Televizije and Nova TV are national, private channels.
Radio: Croatian Radio is public and operates three national networks; Radio 101, Otvoreni Radio and Narodni Radio are commercial stations.