After a number of sailing crews were sentenced to heavy fines in 2004 due to allegedly incorrect clearance procedures, the Croatian government has now published a new list of port of entries at the request of the Mediterranean Information Centre of the Cruiser Department of the German Sailing Association.
The border crossings for the entry of foreign ships and boats into Croatia are open all year round: Pula,
Umag, Porec, Rovinj, Rasa, Rijeka, Mali Losinj, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Dubrovnik, Ploce, Korcula, Vela Luka and Ubli.
Seasonally open border crossings (in the summer season, usually from 1 April to 31 October): ACI-Umag, Novigrad, Sali, Bozava, Primosten, Hvar, Stari Grad (Hvar), Vis, Komiza and Cavtat.
Very important for all crews: When entering the country, the nearest harbour must be called at immediately. This applies in particular to the "island harbours" such as Sali or Bozava, where you have to clear in before heading for a mainland port. Only if the offices there are not manned (which, according to Captain Zaniç, can also be the case on individual days during the season) is it permitted to continue to the mainland. In such cases, it is advisable to obtain confirmation that the office was not open.
The Croatian authorities also point out another offence that regularly causes a lot of trouble: as the port of Mali Losinj is often extremely busy during the season, some yachts anchor in the southern part of the harbour basin time and again. Last season, this led to individual crews being prosecuted and fined for obstructing traffic.
The authorities emphasise that it is essential to ensure that the passages and turning circles of the ferries in the ports are kept clear so that the ships can manoeuvre unhindered.
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
