CROATIA DESTINATION WEDDINGS IN THE TIME OF CORONA
Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today……..to bring you some really good news!
In the global pandemic that is the Corona virus, Croatia has had some really great results in figthing this disease. The total number of active cases as of the 12th of June is under 20.
Wearing masks and gloves is not currently required in public and due to the positive results in fighting the virus, the Croatian government has allowed for many businesses to reopen, as well as allowing weddings and gatherings to take place.
This means that your destination wedding in Croatia can happen this year, but currently depending which country you are from. Read on for more information regarding travel, accommodation and restrictions for weddings in Croatia 2020!
BORDER CROSSING
When entering the Republic of Croatia, nationals of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Republic of Austria, Republic of Estonia, Republic of Latvia, Republic of Lithuania, Republic of Poland, Republic of Slovenia, Federal Republic of Germany and the Slovak Republic are not required to provide any special reason for their entry (business, economic, tourist, etc.). They can enter the country under the same conditions as the ones prior to COVID-19 outbreak.
Citizens of other EU/EEA member countries are also able to enter Republic of Croatia, but are required to provide proof of booked accommodation, or other documentation, depending on the purpose of their visit. Travellers are currently not required to remain in quarantine upon entering our country, however, there may be exceptions for people coming from certain countries.
In order to ensure smoother border crossings, Croatian authorities have created a website where you can fill in a form to reduce waiting times. Should you require more information, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has published a section with FAQ on their website.
AIR, LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
Currently, many international flight to and from Croatia remain out of operation, however more airlines are expected to start operating flights closer to the beginning of July. Within the country, Croatia Airlines is currently connecting Zagreb with Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik.
Local public transport, as well as intercity buses and trains have continued operating, while boats and ferries to islands have been allowed to resume their regular schedules. Permits to travel between counties are no longer required.
LOCAL BUSINESSES
The majority of local businesses, including restaurants, cafes and shopping malls have been allowed to re-open their doors and welcome customers. Restrictions regarding the number of people in a closed space at any given time are in place.
Hotels and other types of accommodation are re-opening as well and accepting guests, following strict rules and anti-infection guidelines. Guidelines include but are not limited to use of hadn sanitizers when entering closed spaces, limiting the number of people in the room, not using A/C units but rather draft ventilation, etc.
WEDDINGS AND GATHERINGS
Weddings and gatherings have been allowed as of the 27th of May with restrictions regarding the number of guests attending. Currently and until June the 15th the maximum number of guests indoors is limited to 100 people and 300 people outdoors. These numbers will go up after the 15th of June to 200 guests indoors and 500 outdoors, with limits being rased to 350 indoors and 1000 outdoors, starting from July the 1st.
Furthermore, tables need to be set at least 1,5m apart and the guests should keep a distance of 1,5m amongst themselves, unless they are from the same household. Distance between guests should be kept at the dancefloor as well and the maximum number of people dancing will be determined by the size of the dancefloor. Buffets both on weddings and in hotels are modified in a way that self-service is no longer allowed, but rather a waiter will be serving food to the guests behind a protective glass surface.
It is recommended to keep a detailed list of guests attending an event in the instance of virus outbreak. More recommendations for weddings and gatherings have been published and we would warmly recommend consulting your wedding planner for more details on how to comply.
Since these regulations have been published, we were delighted to see our local wedding professionals go back to work and are excited to see the return of weddings in the gorgeous setting that is our country. If you are just starting to plan, check out our Venues&Vendors section of the blog for inspiration!
Welcome back to Croatia and happy planning!
Chantal
Ever since Chantal was a little girl, she knew all she wanted to do was to plan weddings. Fast forward to today, she has worked as an event planner & coordinator both in Ireland and Croatia, and is currently busy writing her blog Destination Weddings Croatia aimed to help brides that are looking to get married in her lovely homeland. Brides like you!
