Croatia - checking out procedure.....

[Caladh]

Since our bad experience in Cavtat (see an earlier thread) we are now enjoying Croatian sailing. However we wonder whether as EU citizens we'll need to actually check out when returning to Greece, now they are in the EU (but not signed to Schengen). Any thoughts ?

 

[Mad Pad]

Why bother the Greeks won't!

 

[BrianH]

Depends on if you ever want to go back; they have a comprehensive computerised system and you are in there with your entry declaration waiting to be matched up with a clearance. Theoretically, unpaid Sejour tax could run on ... and on ...

They do not join the Schengen Accord until 2015 so intend to maintain the present procedures at least until then. How else can they hit all visitors with the Sejour tax if they don't have to officially enter? They introduced that in 2010 in preparation to compensate for the yearly vignette, which has been said to end 1st January, 2014.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Back in 2010 when I didn't know any better, I cruised from Croatia to Italy without bothering to check out of the country. 6 weeks later after some maintenance work, I cruised back into Croatia and because I then had been told what to do, checked into Croatia in Novigrad. The customs man didn't seem remotely bothered even though he knew I already had a vignette from my previous visit. So much for their computer system! Smile, look dumb, wave a British passport and if necessary, get your SWMBO and daughter to start crying is my personal rule for every border crossing and encounter with officialdom

 

[blueglass]

Sounds like they studied maritime regulation enforcement at a Greek university, Mike

 

[Caladh]

Well, thanks for those useful insights !! We are going home by plane for a short trip in August som well see what happens when we re-enter Croatia.

 

[Palarran]

I think they are really doing an accurate job of keeping track of the boats clearing in and out. I would not suggest leaving without clearing out. I'm going to look for your previous post about Cavtat because we didn't like the port police and port authority at all. They are really, really, into being official. One point they did make is that there is no charge to anchor in the Cavtat harbor or the adjacent harbor and if approached, don't pay. We were and the guys insisted we pay. I told them to call the police and we would work it out, then they left.

 

[jimbaerselman]

Their new regulations replacing sejour tax etc were passed by government 25th July. Immigration check out and check in are still compulsory, and much of the paperwork required on entry remains the same - but now qualified as "as required by flag country". Circulation taxes are mentioned, but not defined. There's an interesting note about proving seaworthiness though . . .

 

[Caladh]

Jim - not sure what "as required by flag country" means either...

I don't have to check out of the UK when I leave to go to France - I know passports are checked to get on the ferry or plane but on my boat ......

Anyway I think checkout prcedure for non-EU citizens will be different anyway and I'm not suggesting Pallarran avoid doing so. The point I was trying to make was that Croatia is part of the EU club now ...

Palarran - see you either en-route or back in Messolonghi.

 

[BrianH]

I don't have to check out of the UK when I leave to go to France

Because, I presume, you are a UK-registered boat. Departing Croatia, a Croatian-registered boat should not need to clear before leaving either.

The point I was trying to make was that Croatia is part of the EU club now ...

But until they sign the Schengen Accord in 2015 they can insist that all foreign visitors, even EU ones, submit to immigration controls.

I keep my UK-registered boat in Italy with no controls, restrictions, fees or requirements whatsoever while there or departing/arriving their waters. I think it may be a long time before Croatia reaches that stage, if ever.

 

[jimbaerselman]

Border checks - to find out whether the entrant is EU or not - may always be applied. Exceptions are when you're traveling between Schengen countries through land borders, or by "approved means of transport" (ferries and airlines). So any entry by leisure boat, where you may have come from anywhere, can be liable to passport control, plus customs inspection to ensure you're not smuggling. The passport bit is what's behind the UK attempts to introduce border controls for all leisure boats crossing the channel.

The "flag country" reference is to allow that if a boat's equipment and design meets flag country seaworthiness standards, it's acceptable in Croatia. But there's a rider I'm not sure about which allows "seaworthiness inspections". They also accept that flag country crew qualifications are valid, but with another rider; "If the flag country does not require crew qualifications, the captain must carry proof of competence . . ."

 

[Niall1975]

Just use an agent. We checked in at Cavtat with no issues at all. The agent met us, took our paperwork and we had a coffee and left 20 mins later. I will be using the same at check out. Okay it costs but it keeps life simple !!!

 

[Caladh]

Just use an agent. We checked in at Cavtat with no issues at all. The agent met us, took our paperwork and we had a coffee and left 20 mins later. I will be using the same at check out. Okay it costs but it keeps life simple !!!

Our intention is to go to Cavtat early in the morning to complete the checkout procedures and then crack on south to Montenegro. As indicated earlier we were trying to avoid going to Cavtat due to nasty issues when visiting last time. I don't want to get into an argument with the harbour master !

 

[Niall1975]

Hi
When we checked in using the agents we never met the harbour master. The agents took our paperwork and did everything. We sat in a cafe and had a coffee. 2 of his guys met us at the customs quay and helped us tie up and did the lot

We used a guy called Lovoroko

Phone 020385455020

Our intention is to go to Cavtat early in the morning to complete the checkout procedures and then crack on south to Montenegro. As indicated earlier we were trying to avoid going to Cavtat due to nasty issues when visiting last time. I don't want to get into an argument with the harbour master !

 

[tudorsailor]

What did it cost to use an agent in Cavtat?

TudorSailor

 

[alexsailor]

Come on.. .do not use an agent. You do not need it.
Ok, I guess Cavtat authorities are crazy but so it is in Croatia. Believe me, I am sailing here since I was born.

My experience with check in and out procedures this year are -I left Croatia for Greece on 20th of June this year and have just returned-and now they are part of EU:
1.) No customs, just police check
2.) For "vinjeta" (permit to navigate Croatian waters) you do not need the list of persons traveling on board (so called "popis osoba"). But you do need Crew list. And you'll get it in Kapetanija (Harbor master).

So my advice when checking in or out of Croatian waters is to go to Police pier (till 1.July it was also Custom's) and do the check in/out. Than go to Kapetanija (Harbor master) and buy permit (vinjeta). That is it.
It is true that you should not moor or anchor before you do not complete the procedure, so if there are a lot of Italians in the line, then get in the line and wait (motoring around...).

Yes I have read the thread about Cavtat but so it is. It is abnormal here in Croatia for cruisers. You HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING. Sometimes you cannot even moor at the waterfront to go to Harbor master when you have to. It has happened to me on island Vis. The custom/police small pier was taken by the sailing boats who should not be there but they were, since locals collect money form mooring in Vis harbor. So they also "sold" the custom pier...

I alway do the check in/out procedures on island Lastovo. It is on my way to Greece and back. In the very small harbour of Ubli you have everything there. It can get busy in August since Italians are here but nevertheless, I had no bad experience. Now they have employed a young policeman who does it all by the book and it is funny since he goes onboard and looks hatches etc... But I do not mind.
You can also take water (100 liters for 30 croatian kuna aprox. 4 eur - like in Kioni, Ithaca) and there is also fuel station.

But wherever in Croatia you should remember:
.) it is expensive
.) buoys that have to be paid are laid in the beautiful and protected bays
.) Croatians are great nationalists so do not argue with them about politics
.) since their war a lot of "mafia" moved from Bosnia or inland Croatia to the islands and are now running the restaurants (such as on Smokvica on Kornati islands etc...)- so the prices and the customers are what "fits in" (it is common to see "no neck" guys sitting by the table and drinking- being loud and not bothering about other guests)
.) sea food is crazy expensive and you can hardly find fresh fish since most of the fishes are frozen from Morrocco etc..

...and that is to be written in another thread.


But they have beautiful islands/nature... Worth a visit outside the main season...

 

[Steve C Cronin]

Come on.. .do not use an agent. You do not need it.
Ok, I guess Cavtat authorities are crazy but so it is in Croatia. Believe me, I am sailing here since I was born.

My experience with check in and out procedures this year are -I left Croatia for Greece on 20th of June this year and have just returned-and now they are part of EU:
1.) No customs, just police check
2.) For "vinjeta" (permit to navigate Croatian waters) you do not need the list of persons traveling on board (so called "popis osoba"). But you do need Crew list. And you'll get it in Kapetanija (Harbor master).

So my advice when checking in or out of Croatian waters is to go to Police pier (till 1.July it was also Custom's) and do the check in/out. Than go to Kapetanija (Harbor master) and buy permit (vinjeta). That is it.
It is true that you should not moor or anchor before you do not complete the procedure, so if there are a lot of Italians in the line, then get in the line and wait (motoring around...).

Yes I have read the thread about Cavtat but so it is. It is abnormal here in Croatia for cruisers. You HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING. Sometimes you cannot even moor at the waterfront to go to Harbor master when you have to. It has happened to me on island Vis. The custom/police small pier was taken by the sailing boats who should not be there but they were, since locals collect money form mooring in Vis harbor. So they also "sold" the custom pier...

I alway do the check in/out procedures on island Lastovo. It is on my way to Greece and back. In the very small harbour of Ubli you have everything there. It can get busy in August since Italians are here but nevertheless, I had no bad experience. Now they have employed a young policeman who does it all by the book and it is funny since he goes onboard and looks hatches etc... But I do not mind.
You can also take water (100 liters for 30 croatian kuna aprox. 4 eur - like in Kioni, Ithaca) and there is also fuel station.

But wherever in Croatia you should remember:
.) it is expensive
.) buoys that have to be paid are laid in the beautiful and protected bays
.) Croatians are great nationalists so do not argue with them about politics
.) since their war a lot of "mafia" moved from Bosnia or inland Croatia to the islands and are now running the restaurants (such as on Smokvica on Kornati islands etc...)- so the prices and the customers are what "fits in" (it is common to see "no neck" guys sitting by the table and drinking- being loud and not bothering about other guests)
.) sea food is crazy expensive and you can hardly find fresh fish since most of the fishes are frozen from Morrocco etc..

...and that is to be written in another thread.


But they have beautiful islands/nature... Worth a visit outside the main season...

You think so? Always struck me as one of the communist block countries that regrets the fall of the iron curtain/berlin wall yet wants the wealth and lifestyle of the west but on it's own terms. NO as far as I'm concerned, they can stuff it. Looks far too "manicured" to me as I fly home from Greece to be real, although, pre Balkans war, my parents spent many enjoyable and well priced holidays there. For me? No thanks.

 

[Niall1975]

We paid €535 with vignette tourist tax etc on arrival but not sure how that broke down.

We have had a great time in Croatia and would recommend it to anyone. Very friendly and helpful people and we only paid in the national park which was Kn 175 including your ticket to use the ferries etc that are laid on. Otherwise we anchored in free bays, or went stern to a restaurant which were no more expensive than Greece.

The Marina's were more expensive but then it's a marina and not a town key.

Places like Hvar you just go to anchor on the small island across from it. Walk to the small marina and get the water taxi over. No need to pay extortionate prices unless you really have too.

We were just going to do the one summer however given there's so many places we haven't made it to we are now looking to return and see the rest of what we have missed.

Haven't seen any no neck looking types and prices are advertised on the menu so if your not happy move on.

Niall

 

[tudorsailor]

You think so? Always struck me as one of the communist block countries that regrets the fall of the iron curtain/berlin wall yet wants the wealth and lifestyle of the west but on it's own terms. NO as far as I'm concerned, they can stuff it. Looks far too "manicured" to me as I fly home from Greece to be real, although, pre Balkans war, my parents spent many enjoyable and well priced holidays there. For me? No thanks.

One wonders how long it is since you have been to Croatia. I have just spent 2 months cruising the Adriatic. It was fabulous. We have decided to keep the yacht in Dubrovnik for the 12 months as there are so many more places to visit.

TS

 

[alexsailor]

Everyone has his own experience.
I keep my boat in Croatia for years since it is close to where I live, so I know the region well.

I can for sure say that it is MORE expensive than Greece (also town berths, not only marinas; food , etc.).
As said before: beautiful nature and you can really enjoy cruising Croatia if you have a lot of money. Otherwise how it is possible that there are more and more buoys in the beautiful bays that you have to pay (aprox. 25eur for 43 sailing y.)(not to mention the idea of taikun, CEO of ACI marina's to put 10.000 buoys more in the bays...).
Till then I'll enjoy hospitality and normal prices in Greece in the main season and cruise Croatian waters in spring and autumn.

Maybe I am not objective since I am looking at the Croatian "development" for years, not to say at least two decades. My summer holidays were almost always in Croatia. And when I take a look at past and now I can only see that this is becoming a sailing ground for charter companies.
For sure I am shocked when I see people on this, what supposed to be a cruising or live-aboard forum, writing how price friendly Croatia is!?
I am prepared to go fact to fact, from "konoba" (restaurant) to konoba, from port to port comparing prices and starting to argument my threads. I have no problem with that!

I still believe that we (cruisers, boat owners-not charters) should participate to educate or to contribute to the region (and I mean every cruising region) to make them know that (sailing) boat, yacht is not an ATM machine that would pay for every **** they force you to pay!
And mooring buoys in Croatia are that for sure!! I hope you are aware of their law (from July 2012) that anchoring is forbidden around the area where mooring buoys are or you have to pay (the same price as on a buoy).Totally crazy!

And "fresh" fish? Since my hobby is speargun fishing I do know what fresh fish looks like. Please, in most places in Croatia you'll get frozen fish (ok, if there are not a lot of customers) but otherwise the "fresh" fish is likely not to be from the region.
The speargun fishing permit costs in Greece 30eur/two years (they have it now for two years, before that it was free). In Croatia it costs so much for a weekend!!!

Thanks to EU that now we do not have to fill the famous list of persons onboard for vinjeta. It was a unique on this planet forbidding me to take more than 23 people on my 43feet sailing boat in one year. Imagine, I have two hours drive from where I live to my berth and I take my business parters on sailing. It was not a problem to fill that 23 positions very quickly. And if you did't do it? Well, the law allowed them to seize your boat (here, a lot of people remember the case of the MY Adriatic star, which was seized in Dubrovnik since a FAMILY MEMBER!!! Was not on the list). COME ON.

And I could go on and on and on...

Maybe you got the feeling that I had a lot of bad experience in Croatia. I can say that not even one! I have a lot of friends here and sometimes I do get by since I "know" people.
I wish you all a pleasant stay in Croatia. It really is beautiful (do not miss Lastovo and see Lastovo town-fascinating). But please remember that you are cruising charter or ATM wannabe region.