Croatia customs

Do you know what you can take with you to and from Croatia? Below you will find import duties and export duties for, among other things, alcohol, tobacco, money and foodstuffs.

Imports of alcohol

Travelers aged 17 and over are allowed to import alcoholic drinks in Croatia. The quantities mentioned apply per person.

Imports from an EU country

• 10 liters of liquor with an alcohol content of more than 22% and
• 20 liters of liquor with an alcohol content of no more than 22% and
• 90 liters of wine (of which a maximum of 60 liters of sparkling wine) and
• 110 liters of beer.

Imports from a non-EU country

• 1 liter of beverage with an alcoholic strength of more than 22% or
• 2 liters of alcohol with a maximum alcohol content of 22%

and, in addition,:

• 4 liters of non-sparkling wine and
• 16 liters of beer.

Particularities

• The minimum age for the consumption and / or purchase of alcoholic beverages may deviate in the country itself from the minimum age for the import of alcoholic beverages.
• We recommend to also check the quantities in the countries you visit/ drive through before you arrive in Croatia.

Import and export of cash and checks

Import

• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely imported from an EU country.
• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely imported from a non-EU country to the equivalent of € 10,000 (including checks and bank drafts). Amounts above the equivalent of € 10,000 must be reported.

Export

• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely exported to an EU country.
• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely transferred to a non-EU country up to the equivalent of € 10,000 (including checks and bank drafts). Amounts above the equivalent of € 10,000 must be reported.

Imports of tobacco

Travelers aged 17 and over are allowed to import tobacco into Croatia. The quantities mentioned apply per person.

Imports from an EU country

• 800 cigarettes and
• 400 cigarillos (maximum 3 g each) and
• 200 cigars and
• 1 kg of tobacco.

Imports from a non-EU country

• 200 cigarettes or
• 50 cigars or
• 100 cigarillos (maximum 3 g each) or
• 250 g of tobacco or
• a proportional distribution of the above products.

Import of pets (dogs and cats)

• Croatia is a dog-friendly country. There are numerous guest houses, holiday homes and hotels where you can stay with a dog. A dog is also welcome on most campsites and in nature parks, provided that it is kept on a leash to prevent any inconvenience to fellow visitors.
• On the somewhat secluded beaches your dog can run around freely and swim, on private beaches he may not join. It is advisable to avoid crowded beaches in high season.
• In the forests, there are often no signs for unleashedg areas, so it is recommended to always carry a line and muzzle with you and to use it when requested.
• There are many restaurants where you are welcome with a dog.

Identification – cat or dog EU pet passport

• A dog or cat needs an EU pet passport, available at the vet. This passport contains a description of the animal, the name and address of the owner, the registration number of the chip (standard is the ISO microchip 11784/11785 inserted) and the proof of vaccination against rabies. There is also room in the passport for a health certificate and other treatments or vaccinations.

Health

• Dogs and cats must have been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before the trip (rabies vaccination). The validity period depends on the guidelines of the manufacturer of the vaccine (1-3 years).
  Note: The chip must have been inserted against rabies before the vaccination (on the same day).
• No mandatory additional treatments are required in Croatia.
• Dogs and cats do not have to quarantine in Croatia.
• Croatia is a risk area, a dog or cat may become ill during the holidays as a result of tick or insect bites. There are sufficient preventive measures. Please contact the vet at least 4 weeks before departure.
• The temperature in Croatia can increase significantly in the summer. A dog can therefore quickly overheat. Always ensure sufficient water and cooling.

Forbidden dogs

• Pit bulls that are not included in the register of the International Dog Organization (fci.be), or cross breeds of pit bulls, are not admitted.

Pets and transport

• In the train you can only travel 2nd class with a dog. He must be on a leash and muzzled. In the bus, the driver determines whether he allows dogs.
• In Croatia, a dog or cat can be checked in the plane or on the boat as hand luggage or in a special cargo area.
• A dog may not be transported on the front seat of the car.
• The Croatian government has no specific rules for the transport of a dog or cat in the car. However, as a general rule, you are not allowed to transport a pet in the car in such a way that it leads or can lead to dangerous situations or traffic nuisance.

Young animals

• All puppies and kittens taken to Croatia must be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination is only possible from 12 weeks. The statutory waiting time after vaccination is 21 days, so that animals under the age of 15 weeks are no longer allowed to enter.

Particularities

• There is a leash requirement almost everywhere in Croatia.
• The following dog breeds must be muzzled in public places: Dobermann, American Staffordshire terrier, Bull terrier, Rottweiler, Dog, German and Belgian shepherd, Mastiff, Japanese fighting dogs, Great Japanese striker, Sarplaninac and their crossings.
• Exceptions to this rule are the Bordeaux Dog and the Neapolitan Mastiff, they only have to be on a leash.
• A maximum of 5 dogs are allowed.
• Pets may only enter Croatia in the company of the owner, or a companion designated for this purpose by the owner.
• Also remember to look at the rules of the countries you are traveling through to Croatia.

Miscellaneous customs rules

Foods

Imports from an EU country

• Food, fruit and flowers may be imported without restrictions, provided they are intended for personal use.

Imports from a non-EU country

• A limited quantity of foodstuffs may be freely imported for 1 to 2 days.
• Animal products may not be imported with the exception of products from Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland. To a limited extent, these may be imported if they originate from the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland, provided they are intended for personal use.

Other goods

Imports from an EU country

• Other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, may be imported without restriction, provided they are intended for personal use.

Imports from a non-EU country

• Other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, may be freely imported up to a value of € 430 if you enter the country via an air or sea port, persons under 15 years up to € 150 and other travelers up to a value of € 300.

Export

• For carrying out antiques, works of art and archaeological or historical objects, a permit from the relevant authorities is required.

Medicines

• It is advisable to bring a medical passport. The European Medical Passport contains information about medication use, diseases or disorders. It is available for a small fee, at general practitioners and pharmacies.

Medical statement

• To take medicines that fall under the Opium Act (such as certain sleeping pills, ADD drugs and strong painkillers), you must have a so-called Schengen declaration (legalized medical certificate) for such medicines.
• Traveling with these medicines without explanation is punishable.
• The declaration is valid for 30 days after the specified commencement date.
• It is recommended to request the declaration at least 4 weeks before departure, but please check your local country’s timeliness.

Here you will find more information about Croatia.