Home › International press card › Croatia

Press card in Croatia: a guide for journalists

The Croatian Journalists’ Association offers its members the international press card, valid for two years. Journalists from abroad usually report in Croatia with their own press card, an outlet commission and – where required – local accreditation. The FJA press card is an English-language ID with QR verification that can support this, but it does not replace national accreditation.

This page summarises the national situation with sources and explains how international journalists can identify themselves.

Apply for your press card Check the requirements

At a glance

National system: HND – member services
IFJ card: Via member organisation(s)
FJA card: English-language ID, €95 for 12 months, free EU postage
Recognition: Decided by organisers and authorities in Croatia

How press cards work in Croatia

Based on the national organisations’ own information.

The Croatian Journalists’ Association offers its members the international press card, valid for two years. Source: HND – member services.

According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the IFJ International Press Card is issued in Croatia through the Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND) and the Trade Union of Croatian Journalists. It is available only to members of IFJ-affiliated organisations. Details: IFJ – press card in Croatia.

Working in Croatia as an international or freelance journalist

Practical points before you travel.

Carry your own press card and a commission from your outlet
Apply early for accreditation with event organisers or official press centres
Check whether you need a visa or work permit for journalistic work

Learn the local rules on photography, privacy and drones
Follow local police and steward instructions at events and incidents
Keep copies of your documents and tell someone your plans

Using the FJA press card in Croatia

Realistic expectations.

Where it can help

Identifying yourself to press offices and organisers
Supporting accreditation requests
Letting others verify you by QR code

What it is not

Not a national or official press card of Croatia
No right of access, accreditation or discounts
No substitute for visas or local permits

Press cards in other European countries

Our network of national websites.

We run national press card websites in several European countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Denmark. For Croatia, this English-language page is our main source of information.

Frequently asked questions

Who issues press cards in Croatia?

The Croatian Journalists’ Association offers its members the international press card, valid for two years.

Can foreign journalists use their own press card in Croatia?

Yes, as identification. Whether it is accepted for access or accreditation is decided by organisers and authorities in Croatia.

Is the FJA press card valid in Croatia?

The card is valid for its printed period wherever you are. It is an association card, not a national press card, so recognition is not guaranteed.

How do I get the IFJ press card in Croatia?

Through the Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND) and the Trade Union of Croatian Journalists, if you are a member and meet their conditions.

Can I order the FJA press card from Croatia?

Yes, if you are 18 or over and work journalistically on a regular basis. Postage is free within the EU and €6.99 to other countries.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Press card in Croatia: a guide for journalists

How press cards work in Croatia

Working in Croatia as an international or freelance journalist

Using the FJA press card in Croatia

Where it can help

What it is not

Press cards in other European countries

Frequently asked questions

Sources and last review

Read next

Press card

Who it is for

Knowledge

Service and legal