The historic town and pristine nature are some of Croatia’s main attractions. The vibrant capital of Zagreb is home to some of the country’s best museums, galleries, restaurants, and shopping. Along the coast, centuries-old port towns are dotted with Venetian stone buildings. You can also enjoy scuba diving, water skiing, and windsurfing on the numerous pebble beaches.
The blissful islands of Croatia in the Adriatic Sea are a paradise for sailors and those who want to relax in the Mediterranean sun. To get the most out of your travel experience in one beautiful Eastern European countries, you should know about driving eligibility as a foreigner in Croatia.
What is the difference between an International Driving Permit and an International Driving Licence?
An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.
On the other hand, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.
How do you apply for an IDP?
You can apply for an International Driving Permit through our website.
Benefits of Carrying an IDP in Croatia
Function as an identity
The IDP is a handy travel document as it acts like an identity document. This is useful if you want to keep your passport in a secure location for security reasons. An IDP can be used in place of a national identity card, especially if your national identity card is in a language not used internationally.
Making traffic authorities stop faster
Some countries allow you to use a foreign license for a specific period of time. This is aimed at promoting tourism and reducing inconvenience for tourists. However, it can be difficult for the traffic police to decipher the driver information on your license when stopping. Having a Croatian International Driving Permit ensures that the police can quickly record your details and send you on your way. This is especially useful in emergencies and road accidents.
Renting a car
Car rental companies may hesitate to lease vehicles to foreigners without an International Driving License. An IDP is a legal document recognized by the United Nations, most domestic and international car rental companies recognize it as a valid driver’s license. It can also save you precious vacation time and unnecessary delays when dealing with rental companies.
United Nations Agreements on Road Traffic
An IDP is issued by an agency authorized by the United Nations. They comply with the United Nations Road Traffic Convention. Three international motor traffic treaties were held – in 1926 (Paris), 1949 (Geneva) and 1968 (Vienna). Many countries are contractually required by any treaty to recognize internally displaced persons as valid documents. Specific automobile associations and agencies are empowered to act on the national government’s behalf in issuing the IDP’s validity.
Driving Requirements for Non-Citizens in Croatia
When you’re about to explore Croatia for the first time, you may be asking yourself many questions. Rest your mind, this guide contains every detail you need to know to drive.
Croatia can easily be explored by driving. It is small, roads are generally in good condition and there are many things you can see even if you intend on visiting Croatia for one week or less.
The most basic requirement to get the license to drive is that the driver is competent in driving. Hitting the roads without a driving license is an extreme crime that results in severe penalties. The car rental firm will have problems and may even refuse a rental if they cannot decipher your documents due to a language barrier.
You must keep your driver’s license on your person for a smooth driving journey in the Croatian countryside. Tourists looking at renting a car should first find out which rental car is required in Croatia and obtain an International Driving Permit.
Renewal of your domestic driver’s license or IDP while in Croatia
Renewing your International Drving Permit
If all you need is to renew you IDP, you can do it quickly and painlessly. All you have to do is fill out the aplication on our website for an extension. You will receive the IDP in your inbox within two hours or 20 minutes, depending on your chosen delivery method.
Renewing your original/domestic driver’s license
Since an IDP is not a standalone document for driving in any country, you must have a valid, unexpired driver’s license to present if required. If your license expires while you are abroad, you will need to renew it to continue driving in that country.
License renewal procedures vary considerably from country to country. License renewals may include a vision test that cannot be completed online, which means you must return to your home country to renew your license. Most governments offer an online license renewal service for foreigners.
Car rental in Croatia
The convenience of having your own transportation makes a world of difference when traveling in Croatia. You will feel mWee feeling of having to rely on others. Good thing is there if you choose Express Order are many agencies you can book a car from.
To rent a car in Croatia, you need a valid driver’s license from your home country and an IDP if the driver’s license is not written in Latin. You must be 18 years old (age may vary depending on vehicle type) and have a valid driver’s license for one year. Drivers under the age of 25 may be subject to pay additional charges for young drivers.
Car rental insurance varies greatly, so please read the information on the car rental company before making a reservation. During the rental cars period, the regulations of the country in which the rental car is rented apply.
It’s best not try to book just before the high season in Croatia (June-September). You may not be able to find a car to rent. When you make a reservation, the price will increase significantly due to the high demand. WhMostf your travel budget is spent on fuel. when you go on a road tripCurrently, expect about 10 kunas (US $ 1.40) per liter. Be sure to include these costs in your budget and regular stops to the gas station. A deposit may be required (that is, if you do not have full insurance).
Driving and Safety in Croatia
The ideal option for travelling is hiring a car. As in all countries, regulations must be followed to make sure you are responsible for driving on foreign roads. The minimum legal age in Croatia to drive is 17 and to rent a car is 21. Rent for children under 21 will be refunded.
Keep your driving licenses with you
Driving without a driving license is an extreme crime, and so you should carry yours on your person at all times. Tourists looking at renting a car should first find out which rental car is required in Croatia and obtain a foreign driver’s license. You are highly advised to only use valid licenses to drive.
Drive on the right side of the road
Almost everyone uses the right side of the highway for driving. Similar in Croatia local drivers tend to drive rightward. TheMost Americans have not adopted these regulationsut they often confuse them with other nationalities.
Driving intoxicated is strictly prohibited
In Croatia, there is strict alcohol tolerance against drivers drinking less than 18 hours a month. The permitted blood alcohol limit is 0% for young drivers. Licensed adult drivers should limit their alcohol consumption by at least 0.5%. If someone were driving drunk, they would be subject to severe penalties. The Police Department will require foreigners who are intoxicated to undergo BAC testing. Avoid traveling drunk at all cost.
Follow the speed limit on the road
Croatia enforces speed restrictions for the region. All drivers must adhere to the prescribed speed limits. In cities, the speed limit cannot exceed 50 km/h. In open road traffic, the driver cannot exceed 80 kph. On the motorway, speeds can be as low as 130 mph.
The use of a mobile phone
Using a mobile phone is strictly prohibited as it divides your attention from being on the road. Handheld devices are entirely banned, if there’s a reason for the call, try a hands-free system instead.
Winter tires
All vehicles must have winter tires during the winter months. This is because this road is ice, and it is slippery. By using heavy-duty traction tires you are assured of a safe ride when mounted on this slippery path.
Mandatory seat belt law
The driver and passenger must always wear their seat belt during travel.
Use proper headlights
Between October and March, dipped headlights use mandatory at night. Headlamps are necessary at night, even when visibility is less than 100 m.
Child car seat
Children under 5 years old are required to sit in a children’s car seat.
For road assistance, dial 112, and English-speaking operators will join you.
Drivers in Croatia
In Croatia, there are different kinds of drivers: local or tourist. However, they are both extremely dangerous on the roads. Croatian drivers, particularly Dalmatians, tend to have fast and impatient driving habits and don’t shy away from cutting, overtaking (often in corners), pressing their horns and swearing when they see they have stopped them. Croatians sometimes use the loudest horns when greeting friends or acquaintances who meet them. Tourists however often lose themselves and tend to turn suddenly whenever they see a new attraction on the road.
Roads in Croatia
Croatian roads are generally well maintained and are pretty smooth. The majority of parts have pavement surfaces and no potholes. However, certain highways can also be narrow, windy with fewer guardrails, and have little or no protection fence. The Croatian National Development Fund invests heavily in improving roads and highway infrastructure. The multi-lane motorways road runs north to south, east to west except for few exceptions.
Driving in the countryside
All of the villages in Croatia have very lovely streets. Even when the tourist season is busier, the roads remain enjoyable. It’s hard for road users to find out that the beaten path is short and twisting, and has no white line. When driving through rural areas, keep an eye on large wild animals you might encounter (rabbits, deer, pheasants, hedgehogs, and even birds). Those minor highways have tractors and other agricultural equipment available. On these smaller highways, you may encounter bicycles even more so, electronic bikes are increasingly accessible and popular, especially for younger populations.
Driving in cities and towns
The drive around towns and cities during summertime seems wild. In the coastal areas, everyone appears to drive around on rainy days. You should never do that. Large cities like Zagreb, Rijeka, and Split have a high traffic rate, particularly the city of Zagreb. During regular rush hour the rest of the day has less than a routine traffic congestion. In August Zagreb can easily travel since its population has disappeared and it has very poor facilities. However, in large cities, most people have fewer cars. In all major towns, there is excellent transportation.
Top destinations in Croatia
Croatia lies on the Balkans. It is a top European tourist destination and a popular location for a wide variety of foreign visitors. Ancient buildings and impressive castles form this country.
The town of Korcula
Korcula is surrounded by a medieval wall and tower and is located within a small peninsula in south Dalmatia. Known as a historical gem, the palace contains many noble stone structures dating back to Venetian times. Another important landmark in the area is Marco Polo House, famous for its birthplace for explorers of the 13th century. All the while, it will be great to see moreska sword dancing. This is an ancient dance aimed at tourists. For the experience to be unique, we recommend visiting Korcula on all the days you are out of Dubrovnik. It is a perfect time to visit this city in the summer.
Diocletian’s Palace
This is a second crucial Croatian city, located on the majestic Diocletian Palace and the fantastic Roman walls. He created it for Emperor Diocletian, who departed after AD 305. The wonderful palace looks less like an abode than a castle. The stunning Peri-style walls surround the beautiful courtyard. You can even visit Saint Dominus’ Caveral. A fun way to discover this place is to visit at night because the illuminated buildings are fascinating. At night, it’s possible to see concerts. Old Town has been designated pedestrian-friendly zones.
Pula
History lovers usually dominate this popular tourist destination in the country. Pula is an arena in which enthusiasts of gladiator combat gather for intense battles. The town was under the control of several government officials during the last centuries and the country now controls its own ownership. This magnificent site is famous for its abundance of Roman ruins and diverse culture. The historical arena is well-known and a world-famous amphitheater. Similarly, there are film festivals in Pula. Pula is best visited in July.
Zlatni Rat Beach
Looking at this breathtaking photograph will make it clear what its unique terrain is. It is the most photographed beach in Croatia in Zlatni Rat. This beautiful spot lies within a stunning south Brac area and offers 500 km of coastline. The swimming on these beaches is most pleasant between July and September. A further benefit will be to use the site in the summer months of June and November.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Croatia?
It is highly recommended to carry an IDP amongst your other legal documents when travelling to Croatia.
How do I get an International Driving Permit in Croatia?
You can apply for an International Drivers Permit through our website easily.
Does Croatia require an International Driving Permit?
International Driving Permit is a must-have when travelling to any foreign country.
How long will it take to get my IDP?
A Digital IDP takes up to 2 hours to land in your email. We will process your application within 20 minutes if you choose Express Order. A Printed IDP will be sent to your postal address, and delivery will vary based on the selected delivery method (2-30 working days).
What side of the road do you drive in Croatia?
You must drive on the right side of the road in Croatia.
Who to dial in case of emergency?
Call 112
Can I drive in Croatia with a US driver’s license?
U.S. citizens with Croatia visas can use a valid U.S. driver’s license to drive a ca,, provided a certified translation isn available (an IDP).