With Covid restrictions across England set to be lifted on July 19 – on what’s become known as ‘Freedom Day’ – people are still wondering what this means for foreign travel this summer.
Although measures such as masks and social distancing are set to move from being law to guidance come that date, there will still be some restrictions in place around going abroad, with countries subject to a ‘traffic light’ system depending on their levels of Covid cases.
With that in mind, just what are the current rules around Croatia – which has become a popular holiday destination in recent years?
Here’s what you need to know…
Can I travel to Croatia this summer?
Like most other countries in Europe, Croatia is currently on the amber travel list – meaning that people arriving in England from there have to self-isolate at home for 10 days (unless you pay for a private Covid test on day five under the Government’s Test To Release scheme).
However, that’s set to change from Monday July 19, when Croatia moves to the ‘green watchlist’.
That means it will be subject to the rules of ‘green list’ countries, and travellers arriving in England from there will not need to self-isolate, but will need to take a test before departure and another one two days after arrival.
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However being on the ‘watchlist’ means it could move back to amber at any time – and those rules would once again apply.
It’s also worth noting however that from July 19, fully vaccinated travellers coming to England from amber list countries will not have to self-isolate on arrival, but will be subject to the same rules as if they were coming in from green list countries – namely taking a test before departure, and another one two days after they arrive.
This also applies to children under the age of 18.
The exemption applies to passengers who have had their second dose of a Covid vaccine more than two weeks before they travel – and they will need to show proof of vaccination via the NHS Covid pass.
If you do plan a trip to Croatia, be aware that the travel list is being updated regularly and it could move back to the amber list at any time, and that if you are not fully jabbed then self-isolation rules will apply on your return to England.
You should also note with any travel that countries can also be moved to the red list at short notice.
Arrivals from red list countries need to quarantine in a government-mandated hotel for 10 days at a cost of £1,750 which travellers must pay for themselves – and there are no exemptions for fully vaccinated people.
What are the entry requirements for Croatia?
Arrivals in Croatia from the UK must present one of the following:
- Proof of a negative Covid antigen taken no longer than 48 hours before arrival, or a negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before
- An official certificate of vaccination
- An official certificate of recovery from Covid-19
If you have none of the above, you can take a rapid antigen or PCR test on arrival in Croatia, but you will have to self-isolate until a negative result is received.
Children under 12 are exempt from having to test or self-isolate as long as their parent or guardian has a negative test result, a vaccination certificate or proof of recovery from a Covid infection.
If you took a rapid test and are staying in Croatia for longer than 10 days, you will need to take another test within 10 days of the first one.
Arrivals from Brazil, South Africa, India and Zanzibar currently need to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival in Croatia, as well as producing a negative test result on arrival.
MORE : Can I travel to Greece this summer?
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