Current entry requirements for Croatia, payment of tourism tax and boat registration
May 2022
Especially in times of a global pandemic, there is probably no safer and more relaxing holiday than on your own yacht. With its picturesque coastline and crystal blue waters, Croatia has always been considered one of the most popular destinations for nautical enthusiasts.
Currently, it is possible to travel to Croatia from Germany, Austria and all EU countries and third countries without pandemic-related restrictions.
Mouth-nose protection only has to be used in medical facilities. First-hand information is provided on the website of the Croatian government.
Tourism fee and boat registration
For yacht owners and nautical tourists, boat registration at the Port Authority is mandatory. Previously, boat owners had to go directly to the harbor office to pay the tourism fee. From now on, the nautical tourist tax must be paid exclusively through the online portal of the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.
The portal is available in English, German and Italian and supports payments by the most popular international credit card brands. After successful payment of the tourist tax, a confirmation of payment is sent to the e-mail address provided. This must be kept on the boat during the entire stay.
These are the fees yacht owners have to pay
Basically, the tourism fee for boat owners is calculated based on the length of the boat. At this point, we would like to remind you that since 2020 the fee is based on the number of people, or, in a case of a shorter stay, on the number of nights.
For nautical tourists this regulation is much more advantageous than before, because from now on you really only pay when you are on the boat. For example, for a stay between 3 and 15 days, the following tourist taxes will be charged:
For boats and yachts between
- 7-9 meters are 20 to 30 HRK due
- 9-12 meters are between 40 and 50 HRK
- 12-15 meters are charged between 47 and 70 HRK
- for 15-20 meters the local tax is 53 to 80 HRK
- for vessels longer than 20 meters the amount is 80 to 100 HRK
Advantages of the online system
The local tax is charged per overnight stay in a Croatian port. In principle, the amount decreases the longer the stay. The tourist tax can be paid up to one year in advance.
The advantage is that yacht owners can register in advance and change the start and end dates later. The detailed price list can be found on the portal.
One more way to the Harbor Office
One way to the harbor office a year still remains mandatory for yacht- and boat owners nevertheless. In order to acquire or extend the boat permit, one must still present oneself at the responsible harbor captain.
The boat permit, also called the “Notice of Arrival for Yachts or Boats in the Territorial Waters of the Republic of Croatia”, is obligatory and allows you to sail in Croatian territorial waters until the end of the respective calendar year. The price of the boat registration in Croatia is the same regardless of when it is purchased. However, the expiry date is always December 31.
The arrival notification for a yacht or boat includes a navigation safety fee and a marine pollution protection fee. When you go to the Croatian port offices, you should not forget the necessary cash, as the harbor offices will let you pay with Croatian kunas only.
ATTENTION:
The tourist tax is not included in the fee for the boat vignette. This must be paid online, as already mentioned.
App recommendation for Croatian waters
NIS – Nautical Information Service Croatia
This app serves all water sports enthusiasts who are in Croatia with their boat. The app was launched by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure. It contains useful information about navigation rules, weather, ports and anchorages, as well as a weather forecast.
There is an overview of all marinas and buoys. Owners are also listed and contact details are given. The overview is not only in listed form, but also integrated in a map. A directory of gas stations is another useful function of the app.
A good safety feature for boaters who may not have a radio on board is the distress call button. With this, a call for help can be made to the Croatian MRCCs. The prerequisite, of course, is cell phone reception.
The app is available for free download in the Google Play Store and Apple Store.
The most relaxing yachting experience with Merk & Merk
Do you need assistance in planning your stay, have questions about administrative matters or need help operating your yacht?
To make your adventures at sea as safe and relaxing as possible, our yachting experts at Merk & Merk have your back. From choosing the right crew, to the right spare parts, to planning your route.