Many (especially in the US) are excited to plan post-vaccination trips. While I know many people are hoping to travel to Europe, we have no reason to believe that the most popular tourist destinations in Europe will open, like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
However, there is one often overlooked European Union country that’s already open to visitors, and which could be worth considering. This country is so easily able to make its own rules in this regard because it doesn’t belong to the Schengen zone yet.
Croatia open to those who are vaccinated or test
Croatia is already open to visitors from around the world, with just a few requirements. For those coming from the US, you’re eligible to enter without having to quarantine if:
- You’re fully vaccinated, meaning it has been at least two weeks since your last recommended dose
- You present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Croatia, and if your test is older than 48 hours, you can get tested upon arrival and just quarantine until you get a negative result; if you stay in Croatia for an extended period of time, you’ll have to get tested again on your tenth day
- You present proof of having recovered from coronavirus, in the form of a positive PCR or rapid antigen test, performed between 11 and 180 days ago
All tourists also have to provide “a certificate of paid accommodation.” In other words, you just need to be prepared to show proof you have a hotel or other accommodation booked.
Is it time to plan a trip to Croatia?
I’d love to hear from OMAAT readers who have are more familiar with travel to Croatia, both because I’m considering a trip there this summer, and because I’m sure other readers are as well.
While I flew through Croatia a couple of years ago, I’ve only visited the country once before, and I don’t even remember it much. I must have been 10 years old, or something, and was on a cruise with my mom. We spent a day in Dubrovnik, but again, that was a couple of decades ago, and I really don’t remember a whole lot, other than walking through the old town.
But yeah, Croatia seems pretty tempting, no? I’ve always found Croatians to be friendly in my travels, and the coastline along the Adriatic Sea is gorgeous.
The three most popular cities in Croatia for people to visit are Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. I haven’t done that much research yet, but my initial thoughts are:
- Dubrovnik seems like the obvious choice and could be awesome, especially since there probably won’t be cruise ship passengers this year
- Split is also on the water, so if anyone has thoughts on Dubrovnik vs. Split, I’d love to hear them
- Is Zagreb worth visiting compared to the other two cities, given that it’s inland, which on the surface has less appeal to me
It seems like the best potential hotel options would be Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties, which participate in the World of Hyatt partnership, allowing you to earn and redeem points.
For example, Hotel Excelsior seems like it might be one of the best hotels in Dubrovnik, and that participates in the partnership. Tiffany also had a good stay at the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera several years ago.
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
There are some other cool-looking properties, like Hotel Vestibul Palace, though looking at the property more closely, it seems like the cool design may be limited to the exterior.
Hotel Vestibul Palace Split
Bottom line
If you’re looking to travel to a European Union country this summer and want to be realistic, Croatia could be worth considering. The country is already open to visitors from around the world in conjunction with testing or proof of vaccination.
I only briefly visited Croatia as a kid while on a cruise, though I’m seriously considering a trip here this summer.
I’d love to hear from anyone who has been to Croatia more recently, and would welcome any tips on where to go, where to stay, and what to see (and I’m sure I’m not alone, because many OMAAT readers are presumably considering something similar).
Anyone considering a trip to Croatia anytime soon?
