You must carry an ID, such as your passport, at all times. You must register your stay in Croatia with the local police within 48 hours of arrival. If you're staying at a hotel or a tourist facility, the accommodation provider will register you.

Legally, yes, all foreigners in Croatia are required to carry a valid form of identification at all times. For non-EU citizens (like those from the US, UK, or Canada), this must be your original passport. While it is tempting to leave your passport in the hotel safe to prevent loss, Croatian law (specifically the Aliens Act) stipulates that you must be able to prove your identity and legal entry status if requested by a police officer. In practice, many tourists carry a high-quality photocopy or a digital photo on their phone for daily use and only bring the physical passport for long-distance travel between cities or when crossing borders. However, if you are stopped and cannot produce the original document, you could technically be detained or fined until your identity is verified. Additionally, with the expected full rollout of the ETIAS system in late 2026, your passport is more important than ever as your digital travel authorization is electronically linked directly to that specific document.

In Croatia, it is generally advisable to carry some form of identification with you at all times, especially if you are a foreign visitor. While you may not always need to carry your passport, it is the most universally accepted form of identification, particularly for non-EU citizens.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Legal Requirement: Croatian law requires that you carry a valid form of identification. For EU citizens, a national ID card is sufficient. Non-EU citizens are typically required to carry their passport, although a copy or digital version may sometimes be accepted. However, it’s always safer to have the original document.

2. Accommodation: Hotels and other accommodations may ask to see your passport for registration purposes, as they are required to report guest information to the local authorities.

3. Transportation: If you’re renting a car or traveling by train or bus, you may be asked to show ID, and a passport is often the most straightforward option.

4. Police Checks: While random police checks are not common, they can happen. If you are stopped by the police and cannot produce valid identification, you could face delays or fines.

5. Peace of Mind: Carrying your passport can provide peace of mind, especially in unfamiliar situations or emergencies.

If you are concerned about carrying your passport due to the risk of loss or theft, consider these alternatives:

• Photocopy or Digital Copy: Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your passport (and visa, if applicable) as a backup.
• Secondary ID: Carry another form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license, but be aware that it may not always be accepted in official situations.
• Hotel Safe: Store your passport in a secure location, like a hotel safe, when you don’t need to carry it with you.

Always check the latest travel advisories and local regulations before your trip, as requirements can change.