US travelers can go to Croatia - but not the rest of the EU

It may be surprising to American travelers to learn that they are permitted to enter Croatia at present, even though the US is not on the list of countries for which the European Union recommends lifting travel restrictions caused by COVID-19.

The EU published a list of countries whose citizens are permitted to travel to Europe from 1 July, but it did not include the US as the coronavirus outbreak is not under control there yet. However, the list is not legally binding, and Croatia has chosen to open up its borders to all international travelers. Travelers from the EU and Schengen zone can enter Croatia without restrictions, but those from third countries must present proof of their reason for travel on arrival. Visitors traveling for tourism reasons may enter, provided they hold evidence of paid accommodation in Croatia.

They are also permitted to enter for urgent personal reasons, such as attending a funeral or medical treatment, but must provide proof of same. This also goes for those with business or economic interests in Croatia, or those entering for education purposes. One condition is third-country travelers, including those from the US, must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours of arriving in Croatia. If they don't have that, they must undergo a mandatory quarantine/self-isolation period of 14 days upon arrival in the country.

Travelers should note that while Croatia is part of the EU, it is not part of the Schengen area, so it is not possible to cross Croatia’s borders into other European countries without passing through border controls. Further information can be obtained from the Croatian Ministry of the Interior's website here.

Lockdowns are easing globally as the planet adjusts to a new normal. Find out how COVID-19 is changing travel.

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