CROATIA & USA - 1996 AND BEYOND Consular Affairs Why travel to Croatia?             All over Croatia, peace has broken out, and there are unmistakable signs that tourists are returning. From Zagreb in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, conditions are normal, despite an erroneous perception that the country is not safe. Croatia is an affordable and welcoming country, especially the Dalmatian coast along the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands, with no fewer than 1,185 islands, isles and reefs. Is Croatia safe?             Lasting peace and security was established 1995. From Zagreb in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, conditions are safe and tourists are returning. Dalmatian cities which were heavily shelled during the war, are again charming and fascinating tourists towns, absolutely safe, with hardly noticeable minor scars. The latest U.S. Department of State travel advisory provided to U.S. citizens confirms that Croatia is entirely safe for travel and tourism. How to get to Croatia?             Zagreb is Croatia's gateway airport for foreign travelers. Although there is no direct air flight from the U.S. to Croatia, it is possible to travel via major European airports, such as Frankfurt, London or Paris. From there, direct flights may be taken on "Croatia Air Lines" to Zagreb.   ENTRY-EXIT VISA REQUIREMENTS for the Republic of Croatia On May 16, 1997, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia confirmed that effective June 1, 1997, citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel will not require a visa to travel to the Republic of Croatia for a stay of under 90 days. Citizens of these countries who plan to stay in Croatia longer than 90 days for any reason, including specifically employment, education, specialization, scientific research, professional duties, medical treatment, and tourism, will need to obtain a visa from an Embassy of the Republic of Croatia or a Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia before entering Croatia. Citizens of all other countries should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia or a Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia to determine their country's visa requirements. In accordance with the Law on Issuance of Travelling Certificates, Visas and Special Identification Cards to Foreign Nationals (published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia no: 32/92), the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia to the United States of America is issuing visas to enter the Republic of Croatia.   All applicants can present their applications in person at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, Washington, D.C., Monday through Friday (except holidays), 10 am to 12 pm (noon) and 2 pm to 4 pm or otherwise apply by mail. The proper procedure to apply for a visa to enter the Republic of Croatia is as follows: submit a completed and signed visa application form (the application must be signed by both parents or guardians for applicants under 18 years of age); a valid travelling document - passport (no photocopies accepted); two passport size photographs of the applicant a personal check or money order in the amount of $ 29.00 for the visa application fee (no cash accepted) a personal check or money order in the amount of $ 15.00 for the return postage - Federal Express (no cash accepted). Fed.Ex. does not deliver to P.O. Boxes Please make checks payable to the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia Applicants should allow two working days for their visa application to be processed. Please note that citizens of specific countries must come for a personal interview at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia and allow approximateliy one month for their visa application to be processed. If you have any questions regarding these requirements, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia at 202-588-5906, fax:202-588-8936, the Consular department. In the United States visas may be issued in the following places: Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Washington, DC or General Consulates in New York, Cleveland and Los Angeles. Lost or stolen passports Croatian citizens who loose their Croatian passport must immediately lodge a claim with the local police station and contact either the Embassy or one of the General Consulates. A Croatian citizen who must return to the Republic of Croatia who is without a passport, may do so if they obtain a travel certificate. Accrediting foreign journalists If a foreign journalist wishes to be placed on the register of international reporters in Croatia, they must obtain an entry visa for the purpose of conducting business in Croatia. The registration of foreign journalists in the Republic of Croatia is the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon completing the registration procedure, foreign journalists will receive a press card which is valid for one year. (Information about press cards can be obtained by calling the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 011-385-1-4569-820). Customs Exemption Who is entitled to receive customs exemption? Customs exemption is the privilege of being exempt from paying customs for those individuals who are permanently returning to the Republic of Croatia and want to import their household belongings. According to Croatian customs law, the following individuals are entitled to customs exemption: * Croatian citizens who have been working abroad for a period of two years continuously, or working at least 24 months in the past four consecutive years, or have been living abroad for a period of seven consecutive years. * Foreign citizen who have acquired Croatian citizenship, in other words, residents who have an approved permanent residence. Customs exemption can also be issued in order to import items for economic furnishing so long as upon returning to the Republic of Croatia the individual intends to engage in related business activities. Validity of Customs Exemption Working and residing Croatian citizens who are returning permanently to Croatia have up to six months to use their customs exemption from the time they return to the Republic of Croatia. In the event that the individual may not for some reason use their customs exemption within the six month time period, they may obtain from the official customs personnel of their respective town an extension of validity for the customs exemption. Holders of the customs exemption from overseas countries may obtain an extension of up to three years. For foreign citizens, the time of validity begins from the day they acquire Croatian citizenship or an approved permanent residence.   Return of Property On October 25, 1996 Croatian President Dr. Franjo Tudjman assented the law passed by the Parliament declaring reparation for property taken under the Yugoslav Communist government. With this law, the conditions for reparations for property taken were regulated. Who is entitled to reparations and for what property? Those entitled to reparation for property are the original owners or their legal successor. The legal successor must be the next of kin and must have Croatian citizenship as of October 11, 1996. Procedure for reparations The procedure for obtaining reparations for taken property is effective from the time of request from the original owner. Requests go through the regional office where the property is located. The six month time period for applying begins January 1, 1997 and expires on June 30, 1997. The procedure comes to an end with an endorsement of a certificate of reparation for property. Appeals may be followed through the Ministry of Justice. Other Information Useful numbers for calling Croatia: 011 international / 385 country code 1 city code for Zagreb City codes for some major cities: 020 Dubrovnik / 047 Karlovac / 031 Osijek/ 051 Rijeka / 021 Split