Foreign Office issue new warning to Brits heading to Croatia this summer
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for holidaymakers heading to Croatia this summer.
Brits planning a jaunt to Croatia have been issued with updated guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The fresh advice touches on safety at large events such as football matches and music festivals.
Croatia, with its breathtaking landscapes and dynamic cultural scene, remains a top pick for holidaymakers and city break enthusiasts. Historic cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar, along with a plethora of islands, offer travellers a wealth of exploration opportunities.
Regarding safety and security in crowded settings, the Foreign Office has stated: "Large gatherings and public events are overwhelmingly safe and peaceful in Croatia, including sporting events."
It also warned: "However, there are periodic cases of violence between football fans around matches. Care should be taken near football stadiums around match times."
The FCDO has advised tourists to steer clear of large crowds, stay tuned to local media for updates, and heed any directions given by the police. If you find yourself feeling uneasy, the best course of action is to exit the vicinity posthaste, reports the Liverpool Echo.
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Additional safety concerns for those venturing to Croatia include crime and assaults. While the crime rate is generally low and violent crime uncommon, it's still wise to remain vigilant about personal safety and securing your possessions.
According to Gov.uk, visitors should be wary as: "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."
Reports have emerged of sexual assaults occurring in taxis in Croatia. To mitigate risk and prevent potential assaults, the Foreign Office recommends taking a photo of the inside of your taxi, ensuring the vehicle's number is visible - and sending it to a friend or someone you trust.
To maximise safety whilst in a taxi, you might be able to share your ride status on the taxi app and make a phone call whilst in the vehicle, informing someone of your destination and the taxi you are travelling in.
In certain Croatian town centres, including popular tourist spots like Split and Dubrovnik, on-the-spot fines can be issued for behaviour deemed inappropriate, including:
- Drinking alcohol or using drugs in public spaces
- Slseeping 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
Public order disturbances can also result in fines up to 4,000 euros, including:
- Fighting
- Verbal abuse such as shouting or arguing
- Drunken behaviour
- Belittling or insulting police officers or other public officials
Croatia adheres to Schengen area regulations. This means your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport prior to 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that exceeds 10 years.
It must also have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to depart the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue).
