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Croatia Elevates Travel Safety Standards with Updated Advisory for Tourists, Offering Essential Tips for Festival-Goers and Large Gatherings

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Monday, June 9, 2025

As Croatia continues to attract tourists from around the world, the country has implemented significant updates to its travel advisory, focusing on enhancing the safety and well-being of visitors. The new guidance offers vital information for those planning to attend music festivals, large public gatherings, and other events. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting local laws and customs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. With advice on everything from safeguarding personal belongings to adhering to public behavior norms, this updated advisory is designed to help travelers navigate Croatia’s vibrant yet safe environment with confidence.

As Croatia continues to attract tourists from across the globe, including thousands of Brits, the Foreign Office has issued an updated travel advisory, providing new insights and recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. With Croatia’s stunning landscapes, vibrant festivals, and cultural richness, British travelers are urged to review the updated guidance before embarking on their holiday. Released on June 9, this update includes important safety measures, particularly for those attending large gatherings such as music festivals and football matches.

Large Gatherings and Events: Exercise Caution

One of the key updates to the Croatia travel advisory pertains to large gatherings. Croatia is well-known for its lively music festivals, open-air events, and bustling football stadiums. While these events are a significant draw for visitors, the Foreign Office advises travelers to exercise caution when attending such gatherings, particularly around football stadiums.

The guidance suggests that individuals should remain vigilant in crowded areas, especially on match days. Football stadiums can often become tense environments, particularly during high-profile games. If travelers feel uncomfortable in these situations, it is recommended that they leave the area promptly. Additionally, maintaining awareness of your surroundings during festivals and large gatherings is crucial to avoid any unexpected safety issues.

While Croatia offers some of the best live music festivals and sporting events in Europe, it’s important to stay informed about potential risks and follow all safety protocols recommended by event organizers and local authorities. Music fans, for example, should ensure they plan their festival experience well, focusing on personal safety and emergency preparedness.

Essential Safety Measures for Festival-Goers

For those planning to attend festivals in Croatia, the travel advisory provides an important checklist. This includes practical tips to ensure that festival-goers are prepared for emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.

  • Emergency Contact Information: One of the top recommendations for all travelers is to complete the emergency contact section of their passport. This simple step could prove vital if anything goes wrong during the trip. Having emergency contacts readily available ensures swift communication in case of a medical or safety emergency.
  • Backup Travel Plan: It’s also advisable for travelers to have a backup plan in case they need to access critical information, such as flight details, accommodation addresses, or event schedules. This could involve having offline access to important documents or storing them securely in a cloud-based service.
  • Sufficient Funds: The advisory emphasizes the importance of carrying extra funds, particularly in the event that your primary payment method fails. Travelers should always be prepared for unexpected costs, from emergency medical expenses to unplanned travel changes.

By taking these steps, festival-goers can reduce the likelihood of facing a stressful situation and ensure a smooth experience while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Croatia’s top events.

Understanding Local Laws and Customs

Croatia is a beautiful country with a rich history and diverse culture, but it’s essential for visitors to be mindful of local laws and customs. One of the most notable points from the updated advisory is the reminder that some behaviors can result in on-the-spot fines, particularly in popular town centers. Tourists are advised to familiarize themselves with these rules to avoid inadvertently breaking the law.

The following actions are considered inappropriate and may lead to fines:

  • Drinking Alcohol in Public: While Croatia has a well-known café culture, consuming alcohol in public spaces such as streets and parks can attract penalties. Travelers are advised to enjoy alcohol in licensed venues or private spaces rather than in open public areas.
  • Use of Drugs in Public Spaces: The use of drugs, including cannabis, remains illegal in public places across Croatia. Tourists caught using or in possession of drugs may face serious legal consequences, including fines and detention.
  • Public Sleeping: Sleeping in public spaces, such as parks or sidewalks, is discouraged and may result in fines. For those planning to rest or sleep outdoors, it’s important to use designated areas or private accommodations.
  • Inappropriate Dress: Croatia, like many other countries, has cultural norms regarding public behavior. Wearing swimwear or walking around shirtless in town centers is considered inappropriate and may result in a fine. Additionally, wearing clothing that promotes drug use or offensive messages can also attract penalties.
  • Climbing Monuments: Croatia is home to numerous historical landmarks, many of which are protected by law. Climbing or damaging monuments is illegal, and individuals caught doing so may face hefty fines or even criminal charges.

Dealing with Public Order Violations

In Croatia, the rules governing public order violations are strict. Behaviors such as public fighting, disruptive drunkenness, and insulting law enforcement officers can result in fines. The Foreign Office warns that disturbances may lead to fines of up to 4,000 euros, underscoring the importance of respecting local law enforcement and maintaining appropriate conduct while in public spaces.

The guidance encourages all tourists to remain respectful and courteous, especially when interacting with police officers or local authorities. Travelers should be aware that Croatia is a relatively safe destination, but public disturbances are not tolerated.

Croatia has updated its travel advisory to enhance traveler safety, providing essential guidance on attending festivals, large events, and following local customs for a secure visit.

General Travel Tips for a Safe Trip to Croatia

Aside from attending large events and gatherings, tourists visiting Croatia should also take note of general safety tips. These include being cautious when using transportation, safeguarding personal belongings, and being aware of any risks associated with outdoor activities.

  • Personal Belongings: The safety and security section of the travel advisory advises travelers to be mindful of their personal belongings, particularly in crowded areas. Pickpocketing is a concern in tourist-heavy areas, and travelers should take precautions to keep their valuables secure.
  • Transport Safety: Croatia has an excellent transportation system, but tourists should still be cautious when using public transport or taxis. It is recommended to use registered taxis and avoid unofficial transport options. Additionally, travelers should always double-check their travel arrangements and ensure they are heading to their correct destinations.
  • Outdoor Activities: Croatia’s stunning natural landscapes provide numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking, cycling, and water sports. However, the Foreign Office advises visitors to be cautious and aware of any risks associated with such activities. It’s always a good idea to check weather conditions and ensure that you have proper equipment, especially for hiking in remote areas.



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Headed To Bali, Jakarta, Or Lombok? Read These Advisories Before Your Next Trip To Indonesia

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Following a series of recent incidents, tourists should be aware of relevant safety advisories for traveling and navigating Indonesia, particularly in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

According to the Bali Sun, Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, has advised tourists to seriously consider the climbing risks that come with journeying up the country’s mountains and volcanoes. Reportedly, Antoni shared the advisory after Indonesian search and rescue authorities found 26-year-old Juliana Marins, a Brazilian tourist, dead. Tragically, she fell nearly 2,000 feet down Mount Rinjani. The latter is an active, over 12,000-foot volcano on Indonesia’s Lombok island.

“Climbing the mountain is not the same as going to the mall,” warned Antoni. “[It] requires physical, mental, and adequate equipment. Don’t just follow the trend, because safety should not be at stake.”

“Our imagination about climbing a mountain should not be equated with going to the office, on vacation,” said the forestry minister. “This requires physical exercise, complete equipment, and mental readiness.”

What Else Should I Know About Staying Safe In Indonesia?

In late April, the United States’ State Department issued a “Level 2” advisory instructing travelers to “exercise increased caution” if traveling to Indonesia. The U.S. government’s safety guide noted the potential of terrorism or natural disasters in Indonesia.

In December 2024, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism shared safety tips on social media for traveling the country. The authority advised remaining informed by its key natural disaster and health agencies regarding important and timely updates. The post also shared the numbers to call for the country’s various emergency services. The post also noted that if there is a crisis tourists should “stay calm,” follow local authorities’ directives, and avoid dangerous or restricted areas.

What Incidents Have Recently Occurred?

Volcanic eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki within the past month have caused disruptions in Bali’s airspace, including the cancellation of dozens of flights. In addition to that, recent major incidents have involved tourists in and around Bali, a popular Indonesian island and province.

An Australian male collapsed at the island’s Denpasar International Airport shortly after arriving via a July 6 Jetstar flight. The Bali Sun alleged that the man suffered a severe head and neck injury while heading to the arrivals area. Airport police spokesperson I Gusti Ngurah Rai Ipda I Gede Suka Artana, further detailed that “the victim had a seizure and fainted at the scene.”

“After receiving initial medical treatment, the victim was then evacuated to BIMC Kuta Hospital for further treatment,” added Artana.

Separately, Indonesian search and rescue teams have yet to locate a 29-year-old Saudi Arabian man who went missing earlier this month while swimming at Bali’s Batu Belig Beach.

Moreover, on July 14, Reuters reported that Indonesian authorities have reduced their search efforts for the 17 ferry passengers still missing after the vessel sank in early July. The ferry reportedly went down shortly after it started sailing Bali’s nearby waters. Ribut Eko Suyatno, an official working at Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, allegedly disclosed that the ferry incident had 30 survivors, and 18 deceased victims.

When the vessel set sail, 65 people were on board.





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6 tips to keep your money safe on vacation

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When planning a trip, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of booking flights, accommodations, and excursions. But some travelers may overlook the financial side of pre-trip preparations.

Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or relaxing at a beach resort, the last thing you want on vacation is to lose your money. Traveling can make you an easy target for scams, theft, or financial mishaps, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the local customs, currency, and language. But a few smart precautions can go a long way in keeping your money safe.

So before you jet off, learn how to protect yourself and your finances while traveling.

According to a report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, the travel industry is one of the sectors most susceptible to fraud. The study found that fraud in popular tourist destinations spikes up to 28% during peak seasons.

When you’ve put time and money into planning a trip, the last thing you want is for a financial mishap to spoil your vacation. If you want to keep your money safe, here are a few best practices to keep in mind.

Before you leave, take the time to inform your bank, credit union, and/or credit card companies that you’ll be traveling. For one, this will ensure legitimate transactions aren’t flagged for fraud, which can be a major hassle to clear up while traveling.

Additionally, notifying your financial institutions of your travel details (including where you’re going and the dates of your trip) can also help detect fraudulent activity that may occur once you’re back home. For instance, if your debit or credit card information is stolen while you’re traveling, the scammer may not try to use it until weeks later. However, your bank will know that you’re back in the U.S. and can stop suspicious transactions from going through.

Read more: 6 important security features to look for in a bank

Though many banks have fraud detection services in place, they’re not foolproof. You can add another layer of security by setting up bank alerts that help you spot suspicious activity right away.

For example, you can enable text or email alerts for transactions over a certain dollar amount or when your account balance falls below a certain threshold.

When you need cash in a pinch, you may be tempted to use the first ATM you can find. However, pulling money out of a privately owned ATM, especially a standalone machine in a dark or low-traffic area, puts you at higher risk of ATM skimming.

Instead, plan ahead and withdraw cash from ATMs located inside reputable banks, airports, and other well-lit, high-traffic areas. You can also consider purchasing foreign currency before you set off for your trip (but don’t carry the full amount on you once you reach your destination).

Read more: Guide to ATM safety: Tips for protecting yourself and your money

If you’re out and about, keep your wallet close to you and secured at all times. Don’t walk around with your wallet in your back pocket or in an unzipped purse, especially if you’ll be walking through crowded areas or tourist attractions.

You should also avoid carrying around large amounts of cash. Consider keeping enough cash in your wallet to cover your expenses for that day and storing the rest in your hotel safe.

Read more: Lost your wallet? Here’s what to do.

Public Wi-Fi networks may be unsecured, allowing hackers to intercept unencrypted data between your device and the Wi-Fi router. Plus, scammers can set up a rogue Wi-Fi network with a name similar to a legitimate one (like “Hotel_WiFi_Free” vs. “Hotel_WiFi”) so that when you connect, they can monitor everything you do.

So, when you use a public network to log into online banking platforms, you’re putting your sensitive information at risk of falling into the wrong hands. If you absolutely need to log on to your account while abroad, it’s best to rely on your mobile data or a VPN to keep your information secure.

Read more: Is mobile banking safe? How to keep your personal data secure.

If your primary payment method is compromised while traveling, carrying a second credit card or extra cash can ensure you always have access to your money. If possible, carry your backup card or cash in a separate, hidden area from your primary payment method.



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AAA offers wet-weather driving tips for safe travel during storms

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AAA urges drivers to be alert and turn around whenever facing flooded roadways and harsh weather conditions. Continuous waves of fast-moving storms, loaded with tremendous amounts of soaking rain, have caused flash flood warnings to surge in communities across Virginia. Ditches and creeks are also swelling as their banks overflow with water onto roadways and low-lying areas.

Harsh weather has pushed AAA to urge drivers to remain off roadways or alter their routes as a safety precaution. In Petersburg, overnight crews were pulling people from flooded cars and blocking off water-flooded roads. The Tri-Cities area of Richmond is also at risk of flooding and other bouts of heavy rain. More rain will be expected, and AAA wants drivers and pedestrians alike to remain vigilant.

  • Turn around, don’t drown: As little as six inches of water can cause drivers to lose control of vehicles and potentially stall engines. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Turn around, find another way, or find a safe location.

  • Standing water may be hiding hazards: Standing water can be deceiving, and motorists should avoid it. No matter how shallow it may appear, water may be concealing downed power lines or storm debris, potholes, or a washed-out roadway that can disable your vehicle and put you in a life-threatening situation.

  • Slow down: Drivers are more likely to lose control of the vehicle when roads are wet. Drivers should reduce their speed to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. At speeds as low as 35 mph, new tires can still lose some contact with the roadway.

  • Increase following distance: This is even more important when driving near vans, recreational vehicles, and cars pulling trailers that may be adversely affected by the wind.

  • Avoid cruise control: This feature works great in dry conditions, but when used in wet conditions, the chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase. To prevent loss of traction, the driver may need to reduce the car’s speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be accomplished when cruise control is engaged. Avoiding cruise control will also allow the driver more options to choose from when responding to a potential loss-of-traction situation, thus maximizing your safety. Cruise control can also cause hydroplaning.

  • Watch for hydroplaning: No car is immune from hydroplaning on wet surfaces, including four-wheel-drive vehicles. With as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road.

  • Brake early: Braking early, but not hard, will allow the time needed to slow the car. Even if brakes work under normal conditions, that doesn’t mean they will react the same on slippery roads where tires roll with less traction. To reduce chances of hydroplaning, drivers should slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply, and drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.

  • Drive with greater caution and alertness: The key to driving safely in rainy weather is to concentrate on every aspect of driving. Avoiding distractions is essential.

  • Check your wipers: Before leaving the house, make sure your windshield wipers are working properly.

  • Make yourself visible: If you are forced to stop due to poor visibility, turn on emergency flashers immediately.

  • Slow down, move over: A reminder, drivers need to slow down and move over for roadside workers, including emergency roadside service crews, first responders, and law enforcement officers displaying red, blue, or amber emergency lights. As of July 2023, Virginia’s Move Over law now also includes all stationary vehicles on the side of the road, displaying hazard lights, flares, or warning signs. Give them the space to be safe.

  • Seek higher ground: If the vehicle stalls or is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately.

  • Take the nearest exit: If conditions worsen to the point where there are any safety concerns, exit the roadway. Don’t just stop on the shoulder or under a bridge unless it is unsafe to proceed otherwise. If your visibility is compromised, other drivers may be struggling too.

  • AAA also advises that drivers create a warm emergency kit that they can keep in their car in case of weather emergencies. The kit should include nonperishable food/snacks and water, tool kit, flashlight, hand-crank or battery-powered radio, extra batteries, cell phone and charger, first-aid supplies, flares or reflectors, raincoat or poncho, a towel or blanket and rain boots or an extra pair of shoes.



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