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Croatia’s COVID-19 Vaccine Response
The last twelve months have been a year to forget for travel as the global pandemic took away the ability to create memories and experience new cultures, taste new food and wine, and indulge in some well-earned wanderlust.
Sadly, the pandemic isn’t over just yet with some countries still feeling the effects of stubborn community transmission. But hope is here. A global vaccination program is blunting the risk of not only serious illness but also transmission, while therapeutics and antibody treatments are in the pipeline.
Take Croatia, for instance.
One of the most coveted travel destinations in the world, it too has felt the effects of COVID-19. But thanks to its rapid response and implementation of restrictions at the onset of the pandemic last year, and now a successful roll-out of its vaccination program, restrictions are beginning to ease and the locals are – whisper it – beginning to get back to normality.
And that’s GREAT NEWS for travelers.
Soon, the country’s pristine beaches and national parks, its rich culture and millennia-old history, plus its famed restaurants serving regional food and world-class wines, will be open for business to travelers once again.
But we here at Adventures Croatia recognize that questions still remain, chiefly: is it safe to travel to Croatia?
Let’s explore what we know.
How’s the vaccination roll-out going?
There’s positive news when it comes to the roll-out of the vaccine.
At the time of writing, Croatia hopes to have a quarter of the entire population vaccinated by the end of March 2021. Croatian Health Minister, Vili Beroš, recently commented on the situation.
“There is a lot of interest, and more vaccines are needed. Citizens have given their faith to science, profession, medicine. We need to reach a vaccination rate of more than 70 per cent, and I believe we will achieve that.”
Croatian Health Minister, Vili Beroš – The Dubrovnik Times
Using three different brands of vaccine – Pfizer, Moderna and the Oxford-AstraZeneca – the government hopes that the roll-out will increase. There is also talk of the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine arriving in Croatia at the beginning of April which will certainly help in speeding up the population’s immunity to the virus.
Is Croatia still at risk from COVID?
Like all nations around the world, the virus still lingers. However, Croatia continues to position itself in a positive light with optimistic news coming from the country.
In February, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković commented on the situation stating that
“The current number of new infections was 10 percent of the number registered on 10 December and that with the current average of 75 weekly infections per million population, Croatia ranked third in the EU, after Finland and Denmark, in terms of the lowest weekly average.”
Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenković
Are there still restrictions in Croatia?
On February 15, Croatia began to ease restrictions around the country.
The government had been very proactive in introducing social distancing and sanitizing measures during the first lockdown, as well as introducing effective guidelines for travelers upon entering the country. Now, Prime Minister Plenković has told reporters that bars and restaurants will be allowed to open for outdoor service, while gyms, fitness centers, casinos and other gambling venues will also be allowed to open.
A special ‘Stay Safe In Croatia’ initiative has been launched to give businesses and tourists alike guidelines on how to stay safe, and enjoy the country’s many treasures. Social distancing measures and the requirement of face coverings still currently stands throughout the country at the time of writing.
How easy is it to get into Croatia?
The picture is rosy when it comes to the gradual re-opening of the country, but the government is still taking COVID very seriously.
Restrictions are still in place for travelers, who have to present a mandatory negative PCR test within two calendar days of travel. The US Embassy says: “Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.”
Air ticket prices present a unique opportunity…
But there’s more good news: airlines are beginning to open more routes again, and we recommend booking early in order to secure some great bargains.
Typically, you would expect round trip flights to Croatia to sit at around $800-$1500 in Economy and around $5000-$8000 for Business Class. Right now we are seeing direct, round-trip flights from the US cost from as little as $500 in Economy and $2,500 for Business Class. So it’s worth doing your homework and you might be able to upgrade for less than you think!
Another factor to consider is the low load factor that airlines are currently experiencing. With less people traveling, the airport and aircraft experience is less cramped and provides a wonderful opportunity to travel in a more relaxed environment.
More often than not, the earlier you book your flights, the more affordable they become. Check out online price comparison sites like Skyscanner as well as look directly at airline websites like Virgin Atlantic, Delta, American Airlines and United to see if they are offering any promotional offers at the moment.
And, when you get there, you can be safe in the knowledge that every precaution is taken to make sure you’re looked after – both from the authorities and from us.
Our Book With Confidence policy means that you get the reassurance you and your personal safety deserve. From our unrivaled knowledge of the country – which includes staff on the ground in Croatia that can be called on at any time if you need assistance – to our customizable, personalized trips, we’re here to help you create memories that last a lifetime.Get in touch today with our expert team who can give you all of the information you need as you prepare for a trip of a lifetime!
