Croatia
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Get alerted when this changesLawLert pings you if Croatia's laws change. Free.Get the free appDrugs
Possessing, using, or trafficking illicit drugs is illegal in Croatia; police actively patrol music festivals and drug arrests are common.
Penalties include imprisonment.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — CroatiaMedications
Some medicines may be illegal in Croatia even if prescribed at home; verify legality, carry enough for the trip, and bring a prescription plus a doctor's letter.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — CroatiaCustoms & Cash
Travel to/from any non-EU country with cash or instruments over EUR 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared; no declaration needed between EU countries.
Failure to declare brings fines and possible confiscation.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — CroatiaAlcohol
Drinking alcohol in public outside bars and restaurants is prohibited in tourist cities including Split and Dubrovnik; on-the-spot fines apply for drunken or disorderly behavior.
On-the-spot fines.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — CroatiaDriving
Driving in Croatia requires both a valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit; driving without one can void insurance, and a fluorescent vest must be carried and worn during a roadside breakdown.
On-the-spot fines; police may detain you or hold your passport.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — CroatiaLGBTQ+ Safety
Same-sex relationships are legal in Croatia, though attitudes vary outside tourist areas and discretion is advised in public.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — CroatiaPublic Conduct
Police can fine you on the spot for being shirtless or in swimwear in Croatian tourist towns with posted signs banning it.
On-the-spot fine
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — Croatia