Croatia and Slovenia for couples: fines, mines and taxis

Croatia and Slovenia are easy to explore as a couple: the Adriatic coast, stone villages, parks and mountains. But both countries have very specific rules that cost money if ignored. This guide gathers what the UK government's advice says about Croatia (safety and health) and Slovenia (safety), checked on 7 November 2026. It is practical prudence, not a list of venues; and where the advice does not cover something, we say so.

Croatia: low crime, but with traps

The advice describes crime as low and violent crime as rare. Even so, it warns of something very specific: some "gentlemen's clubs" have overcharged tourists by thousands of euros and threatened violence against those who refused to pay. The golden rule is the usual one: do not enter a venue without knowing prices, ask for an itemised bill and do not sign or type anything under pressure. Pickpockets work in tourist areas, so avoid carrying a lot of cash and use the hotel safe.

There are also reports of sexual assaults in taxis. The measures the advice recommends are easy to apply as a couple: photograph the taxi's interior with its number visible and send it to someone, share your ride from the taxi app and tell someone which taxi you are in and where you are going.

Fines in old towns

In centres such as Split and Dubrovnik there are on-the-spot fines for drinking alcohol or using drugs in public, sleeping in public, urinating or vomiting in public and climbing on monuments. Walking through towns shirtless or in swimwear can also be fined, as can clothing promoting drug use. Public order offences such as fighting, shouting, drunkenness or insulting officials can bring fines of up to 4,000 euros. The advice does not cover naturism and nudity rules; the Rovinj tourist board, for its part, lists naturist beaches among its beaches, so always check the signage and local rules for each beach before undressing.

Drugs, alcohol and sea

Cannabis for personal use is decriminalised, but if it is found on you or in your apartment you may face heavy fines; other illegal drugs carry severe penalties, and transit baggage is scanned. When driving, the alcohol limit is 0.05% (zero for under-24s). If you are in charge of a boat or yacht, the approach to alcohol is zero tolerance. You must enter through designated ports, register your presence with the police (operators usually handle this) and the skipper needs an International Certificate of Competence.

Wildfires, mines and mountains

Wildfires are common in hot, dry summers. From 1 June to 31 October outdoor fires and barbecues are illegal outside designated areas; deliberately starting a fire can bring a fine of 2,000 to 20,000 euros or prison. Unexploded mines remain in former war areas, such as Eastern Slavonia and parts of Karlovac and Zadar counties, and even remote parts of Plitvice Lakes National Park: stay on marked paths and do not walk on uncultivated land. In the mountains the weather can change quickly and nights can be very cold.

Slovenia: pocket rules

From the Slovenian advice: police can fine you 50 to 200 euros if you cannot show ID, so carry a copy of your passport; cross roads only at designated crossings; wild camping is illegal, with fines of 40 to 500 euros and stricter enforcement in national parks such as Triglav; the drink-drive limit is 0.05% (nothing for under-21s or those licensed under two years); motorways require an e-vignette; and winter equipment is required from 15 November to 15 March. There are bears in wooded areas, even near cities, and occasional wolves: before hiking, check trails and huts are open and the forecast, and tell someone your plans. Western Slovenia has seismic activity and flash floods can occur. 112 is the mountain rescue number.

Health in Croatia

The ambulance number is 112. For UK residents, the GHIC or EHIC covers necessary state healthcare but not repatriation, non-urgent treatment or private clinics; the advice notes treatment always carries a charge, of up to 530 euros. It lists biting insects and ticks as risks and recommends checking vaccines eight weeks before travel.

What to do as a couple before leaving

1. Save 112 and your accommodation's address on your phone.
2. In taxis: photo of the interior and a shared ride.
3. Read the prices of any nightlife venue before going in.
4. See the Rovinj destination and our consent guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I walk the old town in swimwear? No: in centres such as Split and Dubrovnik you can be fined.

Are there mines in Croatia? Some remain in former war areas; stay on marked paths.

Can I camp freely in Slovenia? No: camping outside authorised places is illegal and fined.

Is cannabis legal? In Croatia personal use is decriminalised but fines apply; never take it across borders.

*Sources: UK FCDO travel advice for Croatia (safety and health) and Slovenia (safety), checked on 7 November 2026; Rovinj tourist board. Content for adults aged 18 and over.