From next Saturday, just in time for the start of the Easter vacations, Croatia will lift all Corona restrictions. “EU citizens will be able to enter the country from next Saturday without the previously required proof of vaccination, convalescence or testing,” Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic announced through the media. There will also be no more restrictions for restaurants and nightclubs. Also the mask obligation is to be dropped, as further reported.
The regulations for entering Croatia under the impact of the Corona pandemic, the different prices for gasoline and diesel, but also the regulations on the ground keep raising questions among vacationers who want to catch the first warming rays of sunshine of the season at Easter. Which forms still need to be filled out? Where do I fill up at particularly low cost? What measures apply locally in Croatia? We strive to answer these questions, however, it may still be possible that changes are decided at short notice, which rather entail relaxations.
Barely any border controls
But first, unofficially: holidaymakers who have traveled from Germany via Austria, Italy and Slovenia to Croatia in recent days report a smooth journey without any border controls. Whether one can rely on it however also with the beginning of the Easter travel wave to Croatia, is questionable. In particular from Slovenia difficulties, or “service by the book” are to be expected from time to time. Therefore, holidaymakers who make Easter on the way to Croatia, should also adhere to the relevant regulations, which we have linked for deeper questions as always.
Corona numbers move into background
As for the pandemic situation in general, we advise, for once, to ignore the 7-day incidences merely as a guide, because especially with the outbreak of the Omicron variant, many infected persons obviously did not register at all, but let common sense prevail and isolated themselves independently, so that these figures did not enter the statistics in Germany, Austria, or Croatia.
Entering Austria
Those wishing to enter Austria from Germany should not expect any difficulties in transit through Austria. However, in indoor areas accessible to the public, such as gas stations, the FFP2 mask has been mandatory since March 24, 2022. Under certain conditions, operators can also make use of their domiciliary rights and demand 3-G proof as an alternative to the mask. During a stop-over in Vienna, 2-G applies in catering establishments, among other places.
Refueling in Austria is always cheaper than in Germany, but it is recommended not to choose the highway rest stops, but to switch to gas stations off the highways. If you can make it, however, you should plan a fuel stop in Slovenia at least until shortly before Easter. Gasoline and diesel are cheaper here than in Germany, Austria, Italy or Croatia.
Those returning to Austria from Croatia or Slovenia should have proof of 3-G.
Enter Slovenia
Since February 19, 2022, no restrictions apply to entry and transit to Croatia through Slovenia, meaning “free travel” for Croatia vacationers.
Whoever makes it, should make a fuel stop in Slovenia, until shortly before Easter, the prices for gasoline diesel should be particularly favorable here, as SeaHelp reported. There is currently no word on how the situation will develop over the holidays.
Entering Croatia
For entry into Croatia, a valid EU COVID certificate is still required. Whether this will change before Easter, even the Croatian Center for Tourism in Frankfurt could not confirm on SeaHelp request. Also, registration via EnterCroatia should still be completed as things stand. Currently, the mask requirement still applies in certain public spaces. The extent to which this will be implemented in practice, however, remains to be seen.
The gasoline prices in Croatia have currently dropped somewhat, but still remain at a high level of about 12.5 kuna per liter of diesel and about 12 kuna per liter of gasoline.
Entry Italy
In Italy, effective March 31, 2022, the Corona emergency declared over two years ago has been ended. Nonetheless, mandatory masking indoors is in effect until April 30, 2022, and 3-G proof of entry is required, as is the Italian Ministry of Health calls for. In addition, the European Digital Passenger Localization Form dPLF is mandatory. The rules do not apply to transit only.
Petrol and diesel are Italy quite expensive compared to Austria or Slovenia, again for transit it is recommended to fill up better in Slovenia.
Entering Germany
With the entry into force of the “Third Amendment Ordinance to the Coronavirus Entry Ordinance“, no states are considered high-risk areas anymore. As a result, the “Digital Entry Registration” formerly required for Germany is no longer applicable.
Normality in travel at Easter?
So with the start of the Easter vacations, especially in Germany and Austria, there should be a little more normality in the travel traffic as far as the Corona situation is concerned. Regarding fuel prices in vacation and transit countries, there is currently a lot of movement due to volatility in the energy market. We recommend checking the gasoline prices in the individual countries again here shortly before starting your trip, as this can save you a lot of money.
