Croatia - Documents

Necessary Documents for Croatia

• Yacht Registration Papers
• Proof of ownership or permission to use the craft
• If an EU registered the boat, evidence of its VAT status, is required (see Customs)
• 3rd party insurance
• Passports

Also:

Proof of Competence

• Even though it may not be required by the cruiser's flag state, Croatian officials still expect to see a certificate of sailing competency/recognized certificate.
• See Recognized certificates for operating boats and yachts.
• For full details about the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) see this Noonsite report.
• Another useful report from 2015 reported by a US boat is Croatia Boat Driver's License: Make sure you have your ICC.

Crew/Passenger Information

• Crew list: Foreign registered yachts must declare a crew list on entry including crew and passengers. If any changes are made to the crew list, these must be submitted to the authorities every time crew depart/arrive.
• List of Persons: In addition to the crew list, a list of persons on board must be declared by foreign registered yachts when changing crew or passengers. The maximum number of people on the list must not exceed 230% of the registered maximum for that vessel. It does not need to include children under 12. There is no limit to the number of changes.

Navigation Safety Fee

To cruise Croatian waters in your own boat, you are obliged to purchase an annual permit. This used to be called a vignette, but is now called a fee for the safety of navigation and protection of the sea from pollution, or Navigation Fee for short. It comprises a navigation and security fee, light dues, maritime information chart fee and an administrative tax.

It permits you to sail in Croatian territorial waters up until the end of the calendar year (i.e. it's always valid till end of year 31.12.YYYY) and covers any number of exits and entries. It allows a yacht to cruise along the entire coast including the islands, except for certain prohibited areas. This is a one-off fee and is the same whether you pay it in January, April or September. It always expires year end.

It should be noted that this fee is also payable for dinghies longer than 2.5 meters or over 6Hp. Dinghies are only allowed to travel within 500m of the mother ship and must be insured.

The eNautika website helps you calculate what fee you will have to pay based on boat length and engine power.

Payment of the Navigation Fee:

The permit is issued on arrival at the port of entry at the Harbor Master's office, in the form of an A4 invoice, or, can be arranged prior to arrival via an agent. Paying the Navigation Fee yourself at the Harbor Master's office can be a lengthy process: wait in line to receive payment instructions (cash not accepted); go to the bank or post office to pay the fee; return to the Harbor Master's office with proof of payment; wait in line to receive the Navigation Fee Document. This must be done during working hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-13:00, during high season offices are open on Saturdays.

Renewal of the Navigation Fee:

When the permit expires at year end, another annual permit can again be purchased at the Harbor Master's office, via an agent, or renewed via the e-Nautics website if you are an EU or EEA citizen, as well as citizens of the Republic of Croatia. Go to: https://enautika.pomorstvo.hr/#/public/dashboard and also see e-Nautics user manual.

If the owner is out of the country at year end when the Navigation Fee expires, but the boat is still parked/laid up in Croatia, this Fee does not have to be paid for the following year until the boat actually goes sailing. The Navigation Fee can therefore be paid at the Harbor Master's office when you return. Bear in mind, however, that as the season approaches there is larger pressure on the Harbor Master's offices, therefore buying it in the off-season will be easier.

An agent can assist with payment of this and other fees. See Clearance Agents.

Last updated: April 2025