Destinations / Croatia
Driving in Croatia as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Croatia drives on the right and accepts both conventions; non-EU drivers should hold an IDP, useful on the toll motorways linking the coast.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Croatia expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on in winter and in poor visibility. |
|---|---|
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; zero for drivers under 24. |
| Tolls | Toll motorways along the Adriatic. |
On the road in Croatia
At the pump
Stations sell Eurosuper 95/100 petrol and Eurodizel diesel, mostly attended (self-serve growing); cards are widely accepted. Prices run roughly EUR 1.40-1.55 per litre, with rural and island stations sparser, so refuel before long stretches.
After a crash
Call 112 (or police 192) and report any accident involving injury or significant damage; for minor damage-only crashes, move vehicles clear and complete a European Accident Statement form. Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a serious offence.
Sources: rac.co.uk · croatiaweek.com · zagrebparking.hr · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Croatia?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Croatia drives on the right and accepts both conventions; non-EU drivers should hold an IDP, useful on the toll motorways linking the coast.
Which translation format is used for Croatia?
Croatia uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Croatia ask for a translation?
Split and Dubrovnik desks request an IDP for non-EU licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Croatia?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.