Croatia has been a member of the European Union since 2013 and joined the Schengen area on January 1, 2023. Border controls at land crossings with Slovenia and Hungary were abolished on that date, and at airport crossings on March 26, 2023.

All travelers must carry a valid identity document — passport or ID card, valid for a minimum of 90 days from the date of crossing the border. This applies to both adults and children.

Important: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia are not Schengen members — standard document controls apply at their borders.

We recommend bringing your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which confirms the right to free treatment in any EU or EFTA country. The card is issued individually — there is no shared family card.

For more comprehensive protection, we also recommend taking out a private travel health insurance policy.

Peak season runs from June to September with the warmest weather and busiest beaches. For a more relaxed experience, May, early June, September, and October are ideal — fewer crowds, lower prices, and pleasant weather for sightseeing.

Zadar has an international airport (ZAD) with seasonal flights from many European cities. You can also reach Zadar by bus from Zagreb (3.5h), Split (2h), or Dubrovnik (7h). Ferries serve the nearby islands from Zadar's two ports — Gaženica and the Old Town harbor.

Absolutely! Regular ferries and catamarans connect Zadar to over 15 islands including Ugljan, Pašman, Dugi Otok, Silba, and Molat. Many visitors also join organized boat excursions to Kornati National Park, Telašćica Nature Park, and other island destinations. See our tours.

Yes, Croatia is considered very safe for tourists and consistently ranks among Europe's safest countries. Standard travel precautions apply — keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in busy tourist areas.