Is Croatia safe to visit? Advice, scams and health

Croatia is safe for tourists. The country has low rates of violent crime, and most visits pass without incident. The main things that go wrong are petty theft in crowded places, overcharging in tourist areas, and occasional scams aimed at visitors. The biggest practical risks are summer heat, crowded old towns, and driving on narrow coastal roads.

Use the same street smarts you would at home: keep valuables out of sight, watch your bag on beaches and in markets, agree on taxi fares before you get in, and check your government's travel advisory before you book. The emergency number 112 works across Croatia.

All major English-speaking governments rate Croatia as a low-risk destination. The US State Department, UK Foreign Office, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland all advise normal precautions, with no blanket warnings against travel. The UK and US advisories mention petty crime and the risk of wildfires in summer, and advise checking local conditions.

Advisories can change quickly, especially after natural events or security incidents. Always check the latest advice from your own government before you travel, and sign up for alerts if available.

The most common scams in Croatia target tourists in busy coastal towns. Restaurant overcharging happens when a menu shows one price and the bill shows another, or when a cover charge or service fee appears without warning. Check the menu for 'service included' and ask about any extra charges before you order. Taxi overcharging is also common; agree on a price or insist the meter runs, and use official taxi stands or ride-hailing apps.

Fake police officers sometimes approach tourists and ask to check money or passports; real Croatian police do not ask for your wallet. Distraction thefts, where someone bumps into you or spills something on you while an accomplice takes your bag, happen in crowds. Timeshare and 'free gift' pitches are common in tourist areas; a firm no works best.

On beaches, never leave valuables unattended while you swim. In old towns, keep your bag zipped and in front of you in crowds.

Croatia has a good public health system, and EU/EEA citizens can use it with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. Travellers from outside the EU should have travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Pharmacies are widely available in towns and cities.

The main health risks are sunburn and heatstroke in summer, and tick-borne encephalitis in forested areas in spring and summer. Use sunscreen, drink water, and consider tick precautions if hiking. Mosquitoes are common in summer; use repellent if you are bothered.

For emergencies, call 112. This works for police, fire and ambulance. The coast guard can be reached on 195 for sea rescue. If you need a doctor, ask your hotel or look for a 'liječnik' (doctor) or 'apoteka' (pharmacy).

Driving in Croatia is on the right-hand side, and dipped headlights are required in winter (October to March). Coastal roads are narrow and winding, and in summer they get busy with tourists and local traffic. Be patient, use passing places, and watch for cyclists and scooters. Drink-driving limits are strict; the limit is 0.05% (0.00% for new drivers and professional drivers).

Wildfires are a risk in summer, especially on the coast and islands. If you see smoke, call 112 and move away. When hiking, stick to marked trails, carry water, and tell someone your route. The sea can have strong currents; swim only at lifeguarded beaches when possible.

This page was last checked on 2026-09. Government travel advisories change; always verify with your own government before travel.