Travel Info

Everything You Need to Know About Croatia

Practical information for travelling to Split and Croatia — visas, currency, transport, health, and everything you need for a smooth trip.
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UK & EU travellers — no visa needed · Schengen Area since January 2023

UK passport holders may visit Croatia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Croatia joined the Schengen Area on 1 January 2023 and adopted the Euro on the same date. EHIC / GHIC cards are not accepted in Croatia — ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.

Essential Information

Before You Go

Entry & Visas

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EU / EEA citizens: No visa — valid ID card or passport required
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UK citizens: No visa — up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Passport must be valid for the duration of stay.
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Other nationalities: Check official Croatian government requirements at mvep.gov.hr
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Schengen: Croatia joined on 1 Jan 2023 — counts towards your 90-day Schengen allowance

Money & Currency

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Currency: Euro (€) — adopted 1 January 2023
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ATMs: Widely available throughout Split — use your bank's ATMs to avoid fees
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Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere. Amex less widely accepted.
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Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated — 10% in restaurants, round up in bars and taxis

Health & Insurance

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Healthcare: Split has KBC Split hospital — good standard of care. Private clinics also available.
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EHIC/GHIC: NOT accepted in Croatia — travel insurance with medical cover is essential
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Pharmacies (Ljekarna): Widespread — most can advise in English. 24hr pharmacies available.
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Emergency: 112 (general) · 194 (ambulance) · 192 (police) · 193 (fire)

Useful Facts

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Language: Croatian — English widely spoken in tourist areas
Time zone: CET (UTC+1) · CEST (UTC+2) in summer
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Electricity: 230V / 50Hz · European two-pin plugs (Type C/F)
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Mobile roaming: EU roaming rules apply for EU/UK SIM cards. Local SIMs available cheaply.
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Smoking: Prohibited in all indoor public spaces. Common on terraces and outdoor areas.
Getting Here & Around

Transport

Split is one of the best-connected cities in the Adriatic — served by an international airport, regular ferry routes, bus connections and, in summer, cruise ship services.

>Split Airport terminal building
By Air

Split Airport (SPU)

25 km west of the city. Direct flights from the UK (easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways), Germany, Netherlands and major European cities. Airport bus to city centre takes ~35 mins.

>Ferry leaving Split port for the islands
By Ferry

Jadrolinija Ferries

Split's central ferry port connects to all main Dalmatian islands — Brač (50 min), Hvar (1 hr), Vis (2.25 hrs), Korčula (3 hrs). Also overnight ferry to Ancona, Italy. Book at jadrolinija.hr

>Long-distance bus station Split
By Bus

Split Bus Station

Extensive national and international bus connections. Regular services to Dubrovnik (3.5 hrs), Zagreb (5 hrs), Zadar (1.5 hrs), Sarajevo (5 hrs). International routes to Germany, Austria and beyond via FlixBus.

>Car driving on the coastal road towards Split
By Car

Motorway & Coastal Road

Split is connected to Zagreb via the A1 motorway (4.5 hrs). The coastal Magistrala road is stunning but slower. Note: parking in Split city centre is limited and expensive — consider staying outside and walking in.

🚶 Getting around Split

Split's historic centre is entirely walkable — the main sights are within 15 minutes of the palace on foot. City buses (tram-style) connect the wider city. Taxis and Uber are available and affordable. For islands and day trips, ferries and catamarans depart from the central ferry terminal adjacent to the Riva.

Tips & Etiquette

Good to Know

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Summer heat

July and August temperatures regularly exceed 33°C. Carry water, wear sun protection, and avoid strenuous sightseeing in the midday heat (12–4pm). Mornings and evenings are ideal.

Dress codes

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches and the cathedral. Swimwear is not appropriate on the Riva or in the Old Town — bring a cover-up when walking from the beach.

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Shopping hours

Most shops open 8am–8pm weekdays; shorter hours on Saturday; many closed Sunday. Restaurants typically serve from noon and open again from 6pm. The green market (Pazar) runs 7am–1pm daily.

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Tap water

Tap water in Split is perfectly safe to drink — Croatia has excellent water quality. Save money and plastic by refilling a reusable bottle.

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WiFi & connectivity

WiFi is excellent and free in almost all cafés, restaurants and accommodation. 4G mobile coverage is good throughout the city and on all major islands.

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Respect the residents

People live and work inside Diocletian's Palace. The peristyle area is a UNESCO site but also a residential neighbourhood — be mindful of noise, especially late at night, and treat it with the respect it deserves.