The Ministry of Health has adopted a decision requiring third-country nationals from visa-required countries to undergo a medical examination when extending their temporary residence in the Republic of Croatia.
The examination is intended to detect acute and chronic infectious diseases, and individuals may also be required to receive vaccinations depending on their vaccination status.
The decision is aimed at protecting public health and applies to nationals of countries whose citizens require a visa to enter Croatia or the Schengen area, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Philippines and Egypt.
Examinations will be carried out at public health institutes based on the applicant’s place of residence or at the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ), within 90 days prior to submitting the residence extension application. Foreign workers will attend the examination on the basis of a referral completed by their employer.
The examination includes an epidemiological history, a physical examination and an assessment of vaccination status. It must rule out active tuberculosis, carriage of bacteria that cause typhoid and paratyphoid fever, and HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections. If the results confirm an infectious disease or raise suspicion of another condition that poses a public health risk, the individual will be referred for further diagnostic testing and treatment.
A booster vaccination requirement is also being introduced for people under the age of 35 who cannot provide evidence of the required vaccinations against measles, polio, diphtheria and tetanus. Third-country nationals working in healthcare, as well as in health and social care services, must also be protected through vaccination against hepatitis B.
Following the examination, a certificate will be issued. This must be retained for the entire duration of the individual’s stay in Croatia and presented upon request to an authorised inspector of the State Inspectorate or an official of the Ministry of the Interior, as well as at every medical examination.
The Croatian Institute of Public Health and county public health institutes will be responsible for implementing the decision. The costs of medical examinations for foreign workers will be covered by their employers, while other applicants will cover the costs themselves.
Vaccinations will be funded by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund.
