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(CNN) — If you’re planning to travel to Croatia, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic
The basics
Croatia has had one of the highest death rates in Europe from Covid-19, but has reopened to tourists for the 2021 summer season.
What’s on offer
Its coastline and myriad islands have helped make Croatia the perfect summer escape for travelers keen on something a bit less obvious than Greece, Italy or Spain. Dubrovnik, with its historic old town and ancient walls, is a key stop off for cruise liners, but the whole coast is a joy, from Roman remains in Pula and Split to picture perfect islands such as Korčula.
Who can go
The borders are now open, although travelers need either an EU Digital Covid Certificate, or proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or a negative test. Arrivals from some destinations are subject to quarantine — see below — and anyone coming from a non-European destination will need a confirmed accommodation booking.
What are the restrictions?
Otherwise, you can opt to get a test on arrival and then self-isolate until you get a negative result, or for 10 days. The same rules apply for third-country nationals resident in the EU, or EU nationals resident abroad.
However, if the country or area you are arriving from is listed as “red” or “dark red” by the European Center for Disease Control, there are extra restrictions — see below.
The borders are officially closed to third-country nationals, but tourism is a valid exception. You must bring a certificate of paid accommodation (in a hotel, private rental, campsite or rented boat), in addition to the paperwork above.
There are additional measures for arrivals from the countries listed as high risk by the Croatian Institute of Public Health, regardless of vaccination status. Those from South Africa, Zanzibar, Tanzania and Brazil must produce a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival, and then must self-isolate for 14 days.
Arrivals from Great Britain, Cyprus, Russia and India must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or an antigen test taken within 48 hours.
What’s the Covid situation?
Croatia has seen Europe’s eighth highest death rate per capita, just below Italy. The country missed its goal of vaccinating half all adults with a single dose by July 1 — as of August 10, just over 37% have been vaccinated. As a result, it is seeing a growing number of cases linked to the Delta variant, and officials have warned of further restrictions being imposed from autumn. As of August 10 there had been over 365,000 cases and 8,273 deaths to date.
What can visitors expect?
While Croatia has reopened, many restrictions remain in place. Masks are mandatory indoors and in all enclosed spaces, as well as outside where social distancing of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained.
Cafes, clubs and restaurants are open but are subject to curfews and capacity rules, while events are capped at 100 people.
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Julia Buckley and Joe Minihane contributed to this report.