GEN 1.2  Entry, transit and departure of aircraft

GEN 1.2.1   General provisions

International flights to, from and over the territory of the Republic of Croatia are subject to applicable Croatian regulations in the field of civil aviation (Air Traffic Act OG 69/09, 84/11, 54/13, 127/13, 92/14, Ordinance on Flight Authorization of Foreign Aircraft in Croatian Airspace (OG 50/17, 138/23), Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act OG 79/07, Act on Compulsory Insurance within the Transport Sector OG 151/05, 36/09, 75/09, 76/13, 152/14) and applicable EU law. These regulations correspond in all the essentials to the Standards and Recommended Practices contained in Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

GEN 1.2.1.1   Flights of Foreign Aircraft in Croatian Airspace
GEN 1.2.1.1.1 Foreign aircraft may operate in the Croatian airspace upon authorization only, unless otherwise stipulated by an international agreement binding on the Republic of Croatia or EU regulations.
GEN 1.2.1.1.2 The authorization under GEN 1.2.1.1.1 shall be issued for:
  1. Foreign military aircraft by the ministry responsible for foreign affairs upon consent of the ministry responsible for defence affairs,
  2. Foreign state aircraft, except aircraft referred to in item 1. by the ministry responsible for foreign affairs upon consent of the ministry for defence affairs and the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency (hereinafter Agency),
  3. Foreign civil aircraft by the Agency,
  4. Foreign civil aircraft whose operation is not covered by bilateral and multilateral agreements binding on the Republic of Croatia, by the Agency after seeking the opinion of the ministry responsible for civil aviation.
GEN 1.2.1.1.3 In accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and Council of 24 September 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community, the air carriers of the member states of the European Economic Area (European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) shall have the right to operate air services into, from and within the Republic of Croatia without any authorization, but have to provide the Agency with a written notification detailing important elements of the flight. The same traffic rights, other than cabotage rights, applies to Swiss air carriers in accordance with the agreement between European Union and Switzerland.
GEN 1.2.1.1.4 Air carriers subjected to the operating ban within the European Union are not allowed to operate in the Croatian airspace, pursuant to the Regulation (EC) No. 2111/2005 of the European parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2005 on the establishment of a Community list of air carriers subject to an operating ban within the Community and on informing air transport passengers of the identity of the operating air carrier, and repealing Article 9 of Directive 2004/36/EC.
GEN 1.2.1.1.5 Third Country Operators (TCO) engaging in scheduled or non-scheduled commercial air transport operations into, within or out of a territory subject to the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon, must hold a safety authorization issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA TCO authorization) in accordance with Regulation (EU) 452/2014 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to air operations of third country operators, as amended. This includes operators which are wet leased-in by, or code-sharing with, an EU operator when commercial flights to any territory subject to the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon are performed. An EASA TCO authorization is not required for operators only overflying the above mentioned EU territories without a planned landing.

EU Member States continue to be responsible for granting traffic rights in commercial air transport (scheduled and non-scheduled). The safety authorization issued by EASA is one prerequisite in the process of obtaining an operating permit, or equivalent document, under existing Air Service Agreements between EU Member States and third countries.



One-off notification flights
Exceptionally, third country operator not holding EASA TCO Authorisation, may perform:
  1. flights that are performed in the public interest, to address an urgent need, such as humanitarian missions and disaster relief operations;
  2. air ambulance flights that are performed to move sick or injured patients between healthcare facilities or deliver patient medical care.

The flight/flights specified in the notification may be performed for the period requested by the third country operator, but no longer than for a maximum of 12 consecutive weeks after the date of notification or until EASA has communicated the formal decision on the application for a TCO authorization, whichever occurs first.
One-off notifications may be filed only once every 24 months by an operator.

For more information please visit the EASA website http://easa.europa.eu/TCO.
GEN 1.2.1.2   Sport and Recreational Aircraft Flights in Croatian Airspace

Definition of sport and recreational aircraft: airplane, gyroplane or helicopter which is non-complex aircraft, but it is:

  1. amateur built aircraft with maximum take-off mass 1000 KG,
  2. historical aircraft with maximum take-off mass 1000 KG,
  3. ex-military aircraft with maximum take-off mass 1000 KG,
  4. replica of historical or ex-military aircraft with maximum take-off mass 1000 KG,
  5. microlight aircraft,
  6. microlight helicopter,
  7. gyroplane with maximum take-off mass 560 KG,
  8. specifically regulated airplane,
  9. specifically regulated helicopter, or
  10. specifically regulated gyroplane;

when Regulation (EC) 2018/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 04 July 2018 on common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European Union Aviation Safety Agency is not applied to them.

GEN 1.2.1.2.1   Flight Plan

Procedures for submitting a flight plan are defined in AIP ENR 1.10.

GEN 1.2.1.2.2   Instruments and Equipment of Sport and Recreational Aircraft

Sport and recreational aircraft must be equipped with instruments and equipment according to GEN 1.5, and manufacturer's specifications and at least with the means for measuring and displaying of:

  1. magnetic heading,
  2. barometric height,
  3. indicated airspeed (IAS),
  4. time in hours, minutes and seconds (it is acceptable to use a wristwatch)
  5. slip of aircraft for gyroplanes and helicopters, and
  6. the amount of fuel during flight.

In the case of aircraft that are primarily controllable by changing the centre of gravity, the means of measuring and displaying the indicated airspeed (IAS) is not necessary if they are not used for training.

A person flying in a sport and recreational aircraft that does not have a fully enclosed cabin must wear a helmet with a protective visor or goggles on the head during flight operations.

GEN 1.2.1.2.3   Special Requirements for Flying and Operating Foreign Sport and Recreational Aircraft in the Republic of Croatia

Foreign sport and recreational aircraft can be flown in the Croatian airspace if:

  1. The aircraft has a valid Certificate of Airworthiness in accordance with the regulations of the aircraft’s country of registration,
  2. The aircraft is equipped with instruments and equipment in accordance with GEN 1.2.1.2.2 and as it is requested on the flight route,
  3. The aircraft must be insured in accordance with the Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators, governing mandatory insurance for the aircraft, and
  4. The aircraft is not used for operations for which remuneration is received, except in the case of conducting training or participation in flying displays or competitions.

Foreign sport and recreational aircraft in Croatian airspace can be flown by a pilot who is authorized to fly sport and recreational aircraft in compliance with the applicable requirements of the aircraft’s country of registration .

GEN 1.2.1.3   Aircraft Landing and Taking off in International Air Traffic
GEN 1.2.1.3.1 Foreign aircraft entering or leaving the territory of the Republic of Croatia to/from outside the countries of the Schengen area, shall make their first landing at, and final take-off from, international airport with customs and passport services (see AIP LDDU AD 2, LDLO AD 2, LDOS AD 2, LDPL AD 2, LDRI AD 2, LDSB AD 2, LDSP AD 2, LDZA AD 2, LDZD AD 2).

By way of an exception, the first landing of aircraft entering, or final take off of aircraft leaving the territory of the Republic of Croatia shall be permited at other airports for public or special air services if the airport operator can otherwise ensure adherence to state border crossing regulations at own expense (see VFR Manual).

GEN 1.2.1.3.2 Foreign aircraft entering or leaving the territory of the Republic of Croatia to/from abroad within the countries of the Schengen area can make their landing at and take off from, any aerodrome or operating site without customs and border control.
GEN 1.2.1.4   Compulsory Insurance Information

In order to operate in the Croatian airspace and/or land on the territory of the Republic of Croatia, every foreign air carrier or aircraft operator is required to have liability insurance for damages caused to passengers, baggage, cargo and third parties, in accordance with the Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators.

Insurance certificate or any other evidence of insurance shall list all insured risks and must include statement that it is issued in compliance with Regulation (EC) No. 785/2004.

GEN 1.2.1.5   Overflight and Technical Landing
GEN 1.2.1.5.1 No permit shall be required for foreign civil aircraft registered in a State that has acceded to the Chicago Convention for flying over or performing technical landing into the territory of the Republic of Croatia.
Overflight authorization must be obtained in the case of transport of dangerous goods, weapons of war and ammunition and when the aircraft do not hold a standard airworthiness certificate.
GEN 1.2.1.5.2 The provisions of GEN 1.2.1.5.1 shall not apply for overflight and technical landing on the territory of the Republic of Croatia of foreign state aircraft.
GEN 1.2.1.6   Transport of Dangerous Goods

The transport of dangerous goods by air is governed by the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air of the International Civil Aviation Organization, including the Annex and Addenda published by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO Doc 9284-AN/905).

The aircraft operator needs to apply for an operating permit for each individual flight concerning transport of dangerous goods to the Agency on the application form published on the Agency’ website (FAO FRM-006) and submit the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods and other required documentation at least seven (7) working days before the day of the planned flight.

GEN 1.2.1.7   Flights that do not require an Authorization

No authorization shall be required for:

  1. Private (non-commercial) flights of foreign civil aircraft registered in a State that has acceded to the Chicago Convention,
  2. Overflights and technical landings of foreign civil aircraft registered in a State that has acceded to the Chicago Convention, except overflights carrying dangerous goods,
  3. Medical emergency flights,
  4. Flights involving emergency landing,
  5. Humanitarian assistance flights,
  6. Search and rescue operations,
  7. Flights with no authorization required under the Air Traffic Act or special regulations.

Prior to commencing flights in items: a), c), and e) aircraft operators must notify the Agency in written form.

GEN 1.2.2   Scheduled Air services

Foreign aircraft operators may provide scheduled air services in the Republic of Croatia in accordance with bilateral or multilateral international air service agreements binding on the Republic of Croatia.

Foreign aircraft operators intending to operate scheduled air services in the Republic of Croatia must previously be designated in writing by the aviation authorities of the country of their principal place of business, unless otherwise stipulated in an international agreement. The notification designating a specific aircraft operator shall be provided by the aviation authorities of the aircraft operator’s country to the ministry responsible for civil aviation.

GEN 1.2.2.1   Request for Authorization of Scheduled Air Services

Written request for scheduled air services authorization is submitted to the Agency thirty days before the date of the first flight unless otherwise stipulated in an international agreement binding on the Republic of Croatia. The request is submitted in the form of a flight schedule on the application form which can be found on the Agency’s website.

Summer and winter flight schedules are established separately, unless otherwise stipulated in the Air Traffic Act or in an international agreement binding on the Republic of Croatia.

Request for the authorization of code-shared scheduled air services must be submitted separately by the operating and the marketing carrier.

The foreign aircraft operator shall submit to the Agency for authorization any subsequent changes that are related to previously authorized flights without delay.

GEN 1.2.3   Non-scheduled Air services

Operation of non-scheduled air services shall be authorized in accordance with international agreements binding to the Republic of Croatia and the provisions of the Air Traffic Act.

Foreign aircraft operators are required to operate non-scheduled air services in compliance with the issued authorization.

GEN 1.2.3.1   Request for Authorization of Non-scheduled Air Services

A foreign aircraft operator shall apply to the Agency with a written request for non-scheduled air services authorization by completing the non-scheduled air services authorization form, as follows:

  1. For one to four non-scheduled flights, not later than three working days prior to the date of the planned flight,
  2. For a series of non-scheduled flights, no later than fifteen working days prior to the date of the first planned flight.

A request for issuance of a Block permit for conducting ad-hoc non-scheduled air services for a specified time period can be submitted by foreign aircraft operator of a State that has concluded a contract or an agreement with the Republic of Croatia on the issuance of Block permits.

The application forms can be found on the Agency’s website.

The foreign aircraft operator shall submit to the Agency for authorization any subsequent changes that are relating to previously authorized flight/flights without delay.

GEN 1.2.3.2   Requirements for Authorization of the Fourth, Fifth and Seventh Freedom of the Air Traffic Rights for Non-Scheduled Air Services

Traffic rights of the Fourth, Fifth and Seventh Freedom of the Air may exceptionally be granted to a foreign aircraft operator under the following conditions:

  1. There is a reciprocity in such rights to be granted to Croatian air carriers by the country of the operator which is requesting such rights and,
  2. The foreign aircraft operator has previously obtained non-objection letters for such air service from all Croatian air carriers, unless stipulated otherwise by an international agreement binding on the Republic of Croatia or the Air Traffic Act.

A foreign aircraft operator shall submit an application form to the Agency according to deadlines from GEN 1.2.3.1 together with non-objection letters obtained from all Croatian operators and evidence of compliance with requirements stipulated in GEN 1.2.4., otherwise the Agency can not guarantee timely issuance of an authorization.

The non-scheduled air services authorization shall be issued by the Agency upon the positive prior opinion provided by the ministry responsible for civil aviation.

GEN 1.2.4   Requirements for authorization of scheduled and non-scheduled air services

Aircraft operator must hold EASA TCO Authorization or send valid one-off notification in accordance with GEN 1.2.1.1.5 and submit copies of the following documents together with the application form:

  1. Charter agreement for the carriage of passengers or cargo, or equivalent document in English language concluded between the operator and the charterer in case of non-scheduled air services;
  2. Aircraft Operator’s Certificate of Insurance against liability for damage to passengers, baggage, cargo/mail and third parties according to Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 on insurance requirements of air carriers and aircraft operators;
  3. On request, the Security Programme in English language, certificate that the Security Programme has been approved by the competent aviation authorities of the country of the aircraft operator and Security Manager contact info;
  4. In case of carrying cargo and/or mail from third country airports: “Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport” designation (ACC3), according to Commission Regulations (EC) No. 300/2008 and 2015/1998, when applicable;
  5. Non-objection letters obtained from Croatian operators according to GEN 1.2.3.2 when applicable; and
  6. On request, other relevant information or documentation relating to the specific operation.

The foreign aircraft operator shall submit to the Agency for authorization any subsequent changes that are relating to previously authorized flights without delay.

GEN 1.2.4.1   Issuance of Authorization

The authorization for scheduled or non-scheduled air services shall be issued in writing by the Agency to the aircraft operator and shall contain flight information submitted by the aircraft operator, authorization number, as well as conditions and limitations.

GEN 1.2.4.2   Refusal of Authorization

Flight authorization shall not be issued if one of the conditions listed in GEN 1.2.4 has not been met and if:

  1. The aircraft operator is subject to the operating ban in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14th December 2005 on the establishment of a Community list of air carriers subject to an operating ban within the Community and on informing air transport passengers of the identity of the operating air carrier, or,
  2. The ministry responsible for civil aviation has not issued a positive opinion on the submitted request for flight authorization in accordance with the Air Traffic Act and GEN 1.2.3.2.

GEN 1.2.5   Non-commercial flights (flights carried out without remuneration or other valuable consideration)

For non-commercial flights of foreign aircraft within the territory of the Republic of Croatia, no entry, transit or transport permission is required if the aircraft is registered in the ICAO member state. Aircraft operator shall indicate the purpose (type) of the flight in the flight plan and declare it as non-commercial (private) flight.

GEN 1.2.6   Special provisions with regard to granting flight authorization to foreign state aircraft

Diplomatic clearance for foreign state aircraft for overflight of the Croatian airspace or landing in the territory of the Republic of Croatia can be issued as single or annual diplomatic clearance.

GEN 1.2.6.1   Application for Single Diplomatic Clearance of Foreign State Aircraft for Flying in the Croatian Airspace

Single diplomatic clearance application of foreign state aircraft for flying in the Croatian airspace shall be submitted by foreign diplomatic missions or consular offices accredited in the Republic of Croatia to the ministry responsible for foreign affairs:

  1. five (5) working days before the planned flight,
  2. seven (7) working days before the planned flight if the aircraft is transporting dangerous goods.

An application for granting a single diplomatic clearance shall be submitted on a Diplomatic Clearance Application Form as shown in GEN 1.2.8 Addendum A.

GEN 1.2.6.2   Granting Single Diplomatic Clearances

A clearance is granted to the applicant by diplomatic means by filling the Diplomatic Overflight/Landing Clearance Number of Foreign State Aircraft on the submitted Diplomatic Clearance Application Form from GEN 1.2.6.1.

GEN 1.2.6.3   Granting Annual Diplomatic Clearance
GEN 1.2.6.3.1 An Annual Diplomatic Clearance granting procedure for overflight and landing of foreign state aircraft is conducted by the ministry responsible for foreign affairs upon request of diplomatic mission or consular office of the applicant state.
GEN 1.2.6.3.2 An Annual Diplomatic Clearance may be also granted upon request by an international organization in case where the Republic of Croatia is bound to grant such clearances pursuant to assumed commitments.
GEN 1.2.6.3.3 Fulfilment of reciprocity conditions for the issuance of the Annual Diplomatic Clearance for foreign state aircraft is established by the ministry responsible for foreign affairs. Reciprocity refers to the existence of legal conditions for the issuance of Annual Diplomatic Clearance for Croatian state aircraft.
GEN 1.2.6.3.4 An Annual Diplomatic Clearance can be granted for the following purposes:
  • the transport of persons who enjoy a special status,
  • the transport of the diplomatic mail,
  • humanitarian missions,
  • transportation of staff and/or materials,
  • search and rescue tasks,
  • firefighting activities,
  • overhaul tasks,
  • accompaniment and exercise to navigate transport aircraft or connecting aircraft,
  • accompaniment or exercises to navigate combat aircraft.

The form for Annual Diplomatic Clearance for State Aircraft Overflight/Landing in the Republic of Croatia is published in GEN 1.2.8. Addendum B.

GEN 1.2.6.4   Requirements for Granting Diplomatic Clearances

For the purpose of granting a diplomatic clearance, the applicant is required to fulfil reciprocity requirements that the respective state demands for granting clearances to flights of Croatian state aircraft.

GEN 1.2.6.5   Refusal of Diplomatic Clearances
GEN 1.2.6.5.1 A diplomatic clearance from GEN 1.2.6.2 and GEN 1.2.6.3 shall not be granted if:
  1. complete flight data has not been submitted,
  2. the subject flight is not a foreign state aircraft flight,
  3. clearance issuance would endanger national safety,
  4. the ministry responsible for foreign affairs does not receive prior consent under GEN 1.2.1.1.2,
  5. internationally binding commitments are violated by granting such clearance,
  6. the reciprocity conditions are not fulfilled.
GEN 1.2.6.5.2 In cases under GEN 1.2.6.5.1, the ministry responsible for foreign affairs advises the applicant on the refusal of diplomatic clearance by diplomatic means.
GEN 1.2.6.6   Issuance of Diplomatic Clearances for the needs of NATO Response Forces
GEN 1.2.6.6.1 Diplomatic clearance for NATO Response Forces (NRF) is issued by the ministry responsible for foreign affairs with the consent of the ministry responsible for defense affairs, as an annual diplomatic clearance or as a case by case diplomatic clearance.
GEN 1.2.6.6.2 As an exception from the provisions under GEN 1.2.6.6.1, diplomatic clearance for the needs of NRF can be issued as a General Diplomatic Clearance during a crisis and for carrying out NRF exercises in the Republic of Croatia.
GEN 1.2.6.6.3 Annual diplomatic clearance for the needs of NRF for military transport aircraft and leased civil transport aircraft for NRF needs is issued on request filed by the authorized NATO Command at least fifteen (15) working days before the planned one-year period.
GEN 1.2.6.6.4 Case by case diplomatic clearance for the needs of NRF for air-to-air refueling aircraft, combat aircraft, combat support aircraft, aircraft carrying dangerous substances (explosive mines, bombs, rockets, different types of ammunition, etc.) and other aircraft according to the NRF Command decision, is issued on request filed by the authorized NATO Command at least three (3) working days before the planned flight.
GEN 1.2.6.6.5 General diplomatic clearance during a crisis is issued on request filed by the authorized NATO Command at least two (2) working days before the planned flight.
GEN 1.2.6.6.6 General diplomatic clearance for the exercises performed by the NRF, and the aircraft participating in the said exercises, is issued on request filed by the authorized NATO Command at least fifteen (15) working days before the planned exercise.
GEN 1.2.6.6.7 Request for the issuance of diplomatic clearance stated in GEN 1.2.6.6.1 and GEN 1.2.6.6.2 is submitted on the Annual/Case by Case/General Diplomatic Clearance Application Form, which content is shown in GEN 1.2.8 Addendum C.

GEN 1.2.7   Designated authorities and contacts

GEN 1.2.7.1 Authorization requests for entry, transit and provision of scheduled and non-scheduled air services of foreign civil aircraft shall be addressed to:

Croatian Civil Aviation Agency
Flight Authorization Section
Ulica grada Vukovara 284 10000 Zagreb Croatia

URL:www.ccaa.hr

Email:flight-authorization@ccaa.hr

Tel:+385 1 2369350

Fax:+385 1 2369351

Working hours:
MON-FRI from 0700-1500 (0600-1400) UTC

GEN 1.2.7.2 Authorization requests for overflight and landing of foreign state aircraft (for military, customs and police purposes, and for transport of persons who enjoy special status) shall be addressed to:

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia
Directorate-General for Consular Affairs
Directorate for Visas and Foreigners, Division for Foreigners
Petreticev trg 2 10000 Zagreb Croatia

Tel:+ 385 1 4599314
+ 385 1 4599322

Fax:+ 385 1 4599447

Operational hours:
Summer time: workdays only, 0600-1400 UTC
Winter time: workdays only, 0700-1500 UTC

GEN 1.2.8   Addenda

 Addendum A - Diplomatic clearance application form for state aircraft overflight/landing in the Republic of Croatia
PDF../graphics/eAIP/GEN122013071912585103050000.pdf
 Addendum B - Annual diplomatic clearance for state aircraft overflight/landing in the Republic of Croatia
PDF../graphics/eAIP/GEN122017061308220307750000.pdf
 Addendum C - Annual/Case-by-case/General diplomatic clearance application form for request of diplomatic clearance for overflight/landing in Croatian territory (for the needs of NATO Response Forces)
PDF../graphics/eAIP/GEN122013071913053903550000.pdf