Page 266 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Croatia

264  SUR VIV AL GUIDE
PRACTICAL INFORMATION

In Croatia, tourism is an important source have been rebuilt and modernized,
of revenue (account ing for approximately and road and maritime links have been
15 per cent of the GDP in 2014) and every improved, both internally and with
effort is being made to foster the growth neigh bouring countries. The country
and development of the industry. Since has reaffirmed itself as a popular holiday
independence in 1991, a number of destination, able to offer tourist facilities
measures have been taken to encourage of international standard at competitive
visitors, including simplifying border prices. Croatia joined the European Union
formalities and introducing tax reductions in 2013, though many of its pre-existing
on items destined for export. Hotels and regulations and practices already fell
historic buildings damaged in the war in line with EU standards.

relaxation (see pp216–17) with an International Pet Passport as
visits to cities and towns well as all the documents veri-
with their rich historical and fying that their pets’ vaccinations
artistic heritage. are complete and up to date,
Unlike nearby Slovenia, particularly with regard to rabies.
Croatia’s facilities for winter
tourism are not yet well- Travel Safety Advice
developed, although there are a
few ski slopes, such as in Platak, Visitors can get up-to-date travel
the Medvednica and the safety information from the
Bjelolasica mountains. Foreign and Commonwealth
Zagreb, the capital, offers many Office in the UK, the State
attractions and is a great desti- Department in the US and the
nation throughout the year. Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade in Australia.
Visas and Passports
Customs Information
To enter Croatia, visitors need to
Tourist asking for help and directions have a valid passport. People There are no restrictions on
from countries in the European personal effects brought into
When to Go
Union, the US, Canada, Australia Croatia by travellers and customs
The most popular time to visit and New Zealand do not need a regulations are as for all EU
the Croatian coastline are the visa and may stay for up to 90 member states. It is permitted
summer months of July and days. Croatian authorities have to carry into or out of Croatia,
August. With its crystal clear seas, signed a bilateral agreement with 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1
combined with thousands of EU countries, according to which litre of spirits, 4 litres of wine,
islands and bays for exploring EU citizens need only carry an and 50 millilitres (one bottle)
and swimming, the coast is a identity card to enter Croatia. of perfume or essence.
major attraction. The summer To check if you require a visa, On entering the country,
weather is reliably sunny, another visit the website of the Croatian high-value items such as radio
important aspect for many. Ministry of Foreign and European equipment, computers,
In the peak season, hotels and Affairs (www.mvep.hr). If you photographic equipment, video
resorts are at their busiest, so if a do need one, seek advice from cameras and other recording
quieter holiday is preferred, it the Croatian Embassy in your equipment and portable
would be better to travel during home country. televisions must be declared.
May, June or September, when All foreign citizens must Arrival in the country by boat
the weather is still fine but register with the local police must be reported to the
resorts are not so crowded. within 48 hours of arrival in the Harbour Master’s Office along
Another advantage of travelling country. Failure to do so may with the number of people on
out of peak season are the low result in a fine or even expulsion board and all equipment.
prices. Spring and autumn are from the country. In practice, if Foreign and local currency
the best months for hiking, you are staying in a hotel, the and cheques may be freely
climbing and mountain biking. reception staff will take care of taken in and out of the country
Inland Croatia is home to a this procedure for you. by both foreign and Croatian
number of thermal spas, and it People travelling with pets citizens with foreign residence,
is possible to combine a few must ensure that their pets have but transfers of 10,000 euros or
days of therapeutic treatment or been microchipped and carry more must be declared.
A sweeping Adriatic coastal road, Senj

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