- by croatiaweek
- March 6, 2026
- in
Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has responded after Serbia issued a travel recommendation advising its citizens not to visit Croatia unless absolutely necessary.
Belgrade’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs placed Croatia in the “orange” category within its travel risk assessment system.
The classification recommends travel only in cases of urgent necessity.
According to Serbian authorities, the advisory was introduced due to what they described as recent developments in Croatia, including an increase in incidents, tensions and what they labelled unfavourable security conditions.
In the risk assessment list, countries around the world are divided into four categories, ranging from green to red. Croatia is currently among 28 countries listed in the orange group and is the only European country included in that category.
Serbian citizens who still choose to travel to Croatia have been advised to avoid large public gatherings and places where provocations could occur. They were also urged to exercise caution in communication and remain mindful of their personal and property safety.
Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs responded by emphasising that the country remains a safe and welcoming destination for visitors.
In a statement, the ministry pointed out that Croatia is a member of the European Union, NATO and the Schengen Area and consistently ranks among the safest countries in Europe according to Eurostat data.
The ministry also highlighted Croatia’s strong tourism record, noting that the country welcomes millions of visitors each year and continues to enjoy successful tourist seasons.
‘The biggest tension is choosing between the coast and wine routes’
Responding to the advisory, officials in Zagreb used a lighter tone, suggesting that the only real dilemma currently facing visitors in Croatia is deciding where to travel.
“For now, the greatest ‘tension’ in Croatia seems to be choosing between the Adriatic coast and the country’s continental wine routes,” the ministry said.
Officials also noted that travel warnings can sometimes have the opposite effect.
“Experience shows that whenever travel warnings are raised, we often see an even greater number of visitors from those same countries, the classic ‘forbidden fruit’ effect,” the ministry added.
Croatia 🇭🇷, an #EU, #NATO and Schengen member and one of the safest countries in Europe according to @EU_Eurostat, welcomes millions of visitors every year and continues to record consistently strong tourist seasons.
Yet it has been labelled on a travel advice “orange” due to… pic.twitter.com/ZgvtoFCKWO
— MFA Croatia (MVEP) (@MFA_Croatia) March 5, 2026
Croatia remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, particularly during the summer season, attracting millions of international visitors to its Adriatic coastline, historic cities and growing inland tourism regions.