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CROATIA
Compiled from the January 2005 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes. Official Name: PROFILEGeographyArea: 56,542 sq. km. land area (slightly smaller than West Virginia), 31,067 sq. km. coastal sea area. Cities: (2002 est.) Capital—Zagreb (779,145). Others—Split (188,694), Rijeka (144,043), Osijek (114,616). Terrain: Croatia is situated between central and eastern Europe. Its terrain is diverse, containing rocky coastlines, densely wooded mountains, plains, lakes, and rolling hills. Climate: Croatia has a mixture of climates. In the north it is continental, Mediterranean along the coast, and a semi-highland and highland climate in the central region. PeoplePopulation: (2001 census est.) 4, 437,460. Growth rate: (2001 est.) 1.9% Ethnic groups: Croat 89.63%, Serb 4.54%, Bosniak 0.47%, Italian 0.44%, Hungarian 0.37%, Albanian 03.34% Slovenian 0.3%, and other 3.91%. Religions: Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, Slavic Muslim 1.28%, others 6.52%. Language: Croatian (South Slavic language, using the Roman script). Health: (2001 est.) Life expectancy—male 70.28 years; female 77.73 years.Infant mortality rate—7.21 deaths/1,000 live births. GovernmentType: Parliamentary democracy. Constitution: Adopted December 22, 1990. Independence: (from Yugoslavia) June 25, 1991. Branches: Executive—president (chief of state), prime minister (head of government), Council of Ministers (cabinet). Legislative—unicameral Parliament or Sabor. Judicial—threetiered system. Suffrage: Universal at 18, or 16 years if employed. Political parties: Social Democratic Party of Croatia (SDP); Croatian Peasant Party (HSS); Liberal Party (LS); Croatian People's Party (HNS); Libra Party; Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ); Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS); Croatian Block (HB); Croatian Christian Democratic Union (HKDU); Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS); Croatian Independent Democrats (HND); Action of Social Democrats of Croatia (ASH); Slavonija-Baranja Croatia's Party (SBHS); Democratic Centre (DC); Croatian Party of Rights (HSP); True Croatian Revival Party (HIP); Primorje Goransko Union (PGS); Serb People's Party (SNS); Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS). EconomyReal GDP growth: (2003) 4.6%. Inflation rate: (2003) 1.5%. Unemployment rate: (2003) 14.1% (ILO methodology). Natural resources: Oil, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, natural asphalt, mica, clays, salt, and hydropower. GEOGRAPHYCroatia serves as a gateway to eastern Europe. It lies along the east coast of the Adriatic Sea and shares a border with Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, and Slovenia. The republic swings around like a boomerang from the Pannonian Plains of Slavonia between the Sava, Drava, and Danube Rivers, across hilly, central Croatia to the Istrian Peninsula, then south through Dalmatia along the rugged Adriatic coast. Croatia is made up of 20 counties plus the city of Zagreb and controls 1,185 islands in the Adriatic Sea, 67 of which are inhabited. PEOPLE AND HISTORYThe Croats are believed to be a purely Slavic people who migrated from In 1868, Croatia gained domestic autonomy while remaining under Hungarian authority. Following World War I and the demise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Croatia joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes became Yugoslavia in 1929). Yugoslavia changed its name once again after World War II. The new state became the Federal Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia and united Croatia and several other states together under the communistic leadership of Marshall Tito (born Josip Broz). After the death of Tito and with the fall of communism throughout eastern Europe, the Yugoslav federation began to crumple. Croatia held its first multi-party elections since World War II in 1990. Long-time Croatian nationalist Franjo Tudjman was elected President, and one year later, Croatians declared independence from Yugoslavia. Conflict between Serbs and Croats in Croatia escalated, and one month after Croatia declared independence, civil war erupted. The United Nations mediated a cease-fire in January 1992, but hostilities resumed the next year when Croatia fought to regain one-third of the territory lost the previous year. A second cease-fire was enacted in May 1993, followed by a joint declaration the next January between Croatia and Yugoslavia. However, in September 1993, the Croatian Army led an offensive against the Serb-held Republic of Krajina. A third cease-fire was called in March 1994, but it, too, was broken in May and August 1995 after Croatian forces regained large portions of Krajina, prompting an exodus of Serbs from this area. In November 1995, Croatia agreed to peacefully reintegrate Eastern Slavonia, Baranja, and Western Dirmium under terms of the Erdut Agreement. In December 1995, Croatia signed the Dayton peace agreement, committing itself to a permanent cease-fire and the return of all refugees. The death of President Tudjman in December 1999, followed by the election of a coalition government and President in early 2000, brought significant changes to Croatia. The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Racan, progressed in implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords, regional cooperation, refugee returns, national reconciliation, and democratization. On November 23, 2003, national elections were held for Parliament. The new government, headed by Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, took office in December 2003. The Sanader government has continued to build upon the changes first set forth under the Racan government. Presidential elections were held in January 2005. President Mesic was re-elected to a second term in office, defeating HDZ candidate Jadranka Kosor in two rounds of balloting. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONSThe Croatian Parliament, also known as the Sabor, became a unicameral body after its upper house (Chamber of Counties) was eliminated by constitutional amendment in March 2001. The remaining body, the Chamber of Representatives, consists of 151 members who serve 4-year terms elected by direct vote. The Sabor meets twice a year—from January 15 to July 15 and from September 15 to December 15. The powers of the legislature include enactment and amendment of the constitution, passage of laws, adoption of the state budget, declarations of war and peace, alteration of the boundaries of the republic, and carrying out elections and appointments to office. During the parliamentary elections of January 2000, six parties united to form a coalition government—Social Democratic Party of Croatia (SDP), Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), Croatian Peasant Party (HSS), Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS), Liberal Party (LS), and Croatian People's Party (HNS). The IDS left the coalition in June 2001. In July 2002, the HSLS left the coalition, after which it split into two parties, Libra and the HSLS. Libra remained in the coalition. As a result of the parliamentary elections in November 2003, a minority coalition government led by the HDZ was formed. On January 4, 2005, Foreign Minister Miomir Zuzul tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Ivo Sanader. Foreign Minister Zuzul is scheduled to stay in office until March 2005. No successor has been named. The president is the head of state and is elected by direct popular vote for a term of 5 years. The president is limited to serving no more than two terms. In addition to being the commander in chief, the president appoints the prime minister and cabinet members with the consent of Parliament. Following the death of President Tudjman, the powers of the presidency were curtailed and greater responsibility was vested in Parliament. The prime minister, who is nominated by the president, assumes office following a parliamentary vote of confidence in the new government. The prime minister and government are responsible for proposing legislation and a budget, executing the laws, and guiding the foreign and internal policies of the republic. Croatia has a three-tiered judicial system, consisting of the Supreme Court, county courts, and municipal courts. Croatia's Supreme Court is the highest court in the republic. The Supreme Court assures the uniform
application of laws. Members of the high court are appointed by the National Judicial Council, a body of 11 members, and justices on the Supreme Court are appointed for life. The court's hearings are generally open to the public. The Constitutional Court is a body of 13 judges appointed by Parliament for an 8-year term. The Constitutional Court works to assure the conformity of all laws to the constitution. Principal Government OfficialsLast Updated: 10/17/04 President: Mesic, Stjepan Croatia maintains an embassy in the United States at 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20008-2853, tel. (202) 588-5899, fax: (202) 588-8936. Consulates General of the Republic of Croatia are located in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Honorary consulates are located in St. Paul, New Orleans, Seattle, and Pittsburgh. ECONOMYFollowing World War II, rapid industrialization and diversification occurred within Croatia. Decentralization came in 1965, allowing growth of certain sectors, like the tourist industry. Profits from Croatian industry were used to develop poorer regions in the former Yugoslavia. This, coupled with austerity programs and hyperinflation in the 1980s, contributed to discontent in Croatia. Privatization and the drive toward a market economy had barely begun under the new Croatian Government when war broke out in 1991. As a result of the war, the economic infrastructure sustained massive damage, particularly the revenue-rich tourism industry. From 1989 to 1993, GDP fell 40.5%. Following the close of the war in 1995, tourism rebounded, and the economy briefly recovered. The solid growth that began in the mid-1990s halted in 1999. A recession, which was caused primarily by weak consumer demand and decrease in industrial production, led to a 0.9% contraction of GDP that year. Furthermore, inflation and unemployment rose, and Croatia's currency—the kuna—fell, inciting fears of devaluation. Fueled in great part by increases in tourism, the Croatian economy began to turn around in 2000, growing 2.9%. This was followed by a 3.8% increase in 2001. The trend continued in 2002, when the economy expanded by 5.2%, stimulated by a credit boom led by the newly privatized and foreign-capitalized banks, some capital investment (most importantly road construction), increases in tourism, and gains by small and medium-sized private enterprises. The increase of unemployment over the last several years appears to have halted and is slowly reversing, although state-financed enterprises, particularly in agriculture and shipbuilding, continue to rely on subsidies and rack up arrears. Weak investor interest due to the poor financial condition of many firms and unresolved property right issues, unrealistic Croatian expectations of market value, and political infighting led to a slowdown of privatization in 2002. However, the sale of 25% (plus one share) of the national petroleum company—which was scheduled for 2003—and the privatization of segments of the national electricity company starting in 2004 should stimulate further foreign investment and increase competitiveness. FOREIGN RELATIONSCroatia is in the midst of pursuing a policy of greater Euro-Atlantic integration. In October 2001, Croatia took another step closer to membership in the European Union (EU) after Prime Minister Racan signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU. On February 25, 2003, Croatia formally presented its EU membership application. On April 20, 2004, the European Commission agreed to open EU accession negotiations with Croatia. Negotiations are currently scheduled to open in March 2005. Croatia was admitted on May 25, 2000 into the Partnership for Peace program—which was designed by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states in 1994 to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security—and, in May 2002, was welcomed into NATO's Membership Action Program, a key step toward NATO membership. On May 2, 2003, the United States joined Croatia, Albania, and Macedonia to sign the Adriatic Charter, in which the three NATO aspirants pledged their commitment to NATO values and their cooperative efforts to further their collective NATO aspirations. Croatia has been a member of the United Nations since 1992, and contributed troops to UN operations in Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, and Kashmir. It also sent a military police unit to support the International Stabilization Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Croatia is a member of the World Trade Organization and the Central European Free Trade Organization. While Croatia has made progress on dealing with a number of post-conflict issues, the apprehension and transfer of persons indicted for war crimes; the status of refugees displaced from the 1991-95 war; property restitution for ethnic Serbs; and resolution of border disputes with Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia and Montenegro remain key issues influencing Croatia's relations with its neighbors and the international community. U.S.-CROATIAN RELATIONSU.S. engagement in Croatia is aimed at fostering a democratic, secure, and market-oriented society that will be a strong partner in Euro-Atlantic institutions. The United States opened its Embassy in Zagreb in 1992, and has continued to work with Croatia to overcome the legacies of communism, war, ethnic division, and authoritarian government. In an effort to promote regional stability through refugee returns, the United States has given more than $13.4 million since 1998 in humanitarian demining assistance. Croatia hopes to remove an estimated one Principal U.S. Embassy OfficialsZAGREB (E) Address: Thomasa Jeffersona 2, Zagreb 10010; Phone: 385-1-661-2200; Fax: 385-1-661-2373; Workweek: Mon–Fri 8:00am-16:30pm; Website: www.usembassy.hr
TRAVELConsular Information SheetNovember 1, 2004 Country Description: Croatia is a moderately developed nation in transition to a market economy. Facilities for tourism are available throughout the country, and the Adriatic coast is an increasingly popular tourist destination. Entry/Exit Requirements: A passport is required for travel to Croatia. A visa is not required for U.S. passport holders for tourist or business trips of fewer than 90 days within a six-month period. For further information on entry requirements for Croatia, including information regarding requirements for residency and work permits, travelers may contact the Embassy of Croatia at 2343 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 588-5899, the Croatian Consulate in New York City, Cleveland, Chicago, Los Angeles and St. Paul or the Ministry of Internal Affairs Croatia/Office for Foreigners, tel. (385)(1) 4563-111 or http://www.mup.hr. Visit the Embassy of Croatia website at http://www.croatiaemb.org for the most current information. Safety and Security: Although hostilities in all parts of the country ended in 1995, de-mining of areas along former confrontation lines is not complete. At the end of 2003, it was estimated that 300,000 mines spread over 1,350 square miles remained in Croatia and that demining operations will continue until 2010. Travelers in former conflict areas, including the Danube region (Eastern Slavonia), Brodsko-Posavska county, areas around Karlovac, and the former Krajina, should exercise caution and not stray from known safe roads and areas. Mine clearance work may lead to the closure of major roads. For more information about demining operations in Croatia, please see the Croatian Mine Action Center's website at http://www.hcr.hr. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays). The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general in formation about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves, in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad. Crime: Croatia has a relatively low crime rate, and violent crime is rare. Foreigners do not appear to be singled out; however, as in many countries, displays of wealth increase chances of becoming the victim of a pickpocket or mugger. Such crimes are more likely to occur in bus or railroad stations or on public transportation. There have been isolated attacks targeted at specific persons or property as a result of organized criminal activity or actions prompted by lingering ethnic tensions from Croatia's war for independence. Information for Victims of Crime: the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. See our information on Victims of Crime at http://travel.state.gov/travel/brochure_victim_assistance.html. Medical Facilities and Health Information: Health facilities in Croatia, although generally of western caliber, are under severe budgetary strains. Some medicines are in Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) web-site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith. Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Croatia is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Road conditions and maintenance in Croatia vary. Primary roads are generally adequate, but most have only one lane in each direction, including roads going to and from the coast. Coastal roads are narrow and congested, and tend to be slippery when wet. There is heavy congestion on major routes on weekends (towards the coast, for example) and in major cities during rush hours. Drivers tend to be aggressive in Croatia. Passing on curves or in oncoming lanes is common on highways and poses higher risk of accidents to drivers. A major highway expansion project between Zagreb and Split can cause delays and closures of section of road on that route. Drivers traveling though former conflict areas should stay on paved roads to reduce the risk of encountering unmarked mines and unexploded ordnance left over from the 1991-1995 war. In Zagreb, motorists and pedestrians alike must also pay special attention to trams (streetcars), which in downtown areas may travel at a high rate of speed through the narrow congested streets. Right turns on red lights are strictly forbidden in Croatia, unless an additional green light (in the shape of an arrow) allows it. At unmarked intersections, right of way is always to the vehicle entering from the right. The use of front seat belts is obligatory and passengers in vehicles equipped with rear seat belts are required to use them. Special seats are required for infants and children under age 12 may not sit in the front seat of an automobile. The use of a cellular phone while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited unless the driver is using a hands–free device. Croatia has adopted a policy of zero tolerance in regards to driving under the influence of alcohol and it is illegal to have blood alcohol content greater that 0.00. Police routinely spot-check motorists for drinking and driving and will administer breath-analyzer tests at even the most minor accident. Drivers who refuse to submit to a breath analyzer are automatically presumed to have admitted to driving while intoxicated. In case of accidents resulting in death or serious injury, Croatian law obligates police to take blood samples to test blood alcohol levels. Within Croatia, emergency road help and information may be reached by dialing 987, a service of the Croatian Automobile Association (HAK), staffed by English speaking operators. The police can be reached by dialing 92 and the ambulance service by dialing 94. Additional road condition and safety information may be obtained from HAK at tel. (385)(1) 455-4433 or (385) (1) 461-2975 for Zagreb, at (385) (1) 661-1999 for anywhere else in Croatia, or via their web page, http://www.hak.hr. During the tourist season, traffic information in English is also available at 98.5 FM on Croatian radio thirty minutes past the hour between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. For specific information concerning Croatian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Croatia's National Tourist Office, 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4003, New York City, NY 10118; phone 1-800-829-4416 or 212-278-8672; fax 212-279-8683. Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Croatia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Croatia's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. Special Circumstances: With numerous automated teller machines and ever-wider acceptance of credit cards in Croatia, traveler's checks are accepted less frequently or exchanged at an unfavorable rate. Western Union money transfer is available. For information on money transfers, call (385)(1) 4640-800 or fax (385)91) 4839-122. All foreign citizens must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival and inform the office about any change in their address. Registration of foreign visitors staying in hotels or accommodations rented thorough an accommodation company is done automatically by the hotelier or accommodation company. Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they travel. Such laws sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Croatian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Croatia are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html. Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register online at https://travelregistration.state.gov and obtain updated information on travel and security in Croatia from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb on 2 Thomas Jefferson Street, 10010 Zagreb, tel.: (385)(1) 661-2300. This location is in the southern outskirts of Zagreb toward the airport. On weekend, holidays and after hours, an embassy duty officer can be reached at tel.: (385)(1) 661-2400 or (385)(91) 455-2247. Further information on travel to Croatia is also located on the Embassy web site at http://www.usembassy.hr. International AdoptionJanuary 2005 The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family. Disclaimer: The information in this circular relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is provided for general information only. Questions involving interpretation of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign legal counsel. General: While there is nothing in Croatian law that specifically prohibits foreigners from applying to adopt a Croatian child, the law stresses that there must be overwhelming justification and exceptionally compelling reasons for a foreigner to adopt a Croatian child. Each adoption under these circumstances is adjudicated on a case by case basis. Foreign adoption and removal of Croatian children from their homeland is a sensitive subject to Croatian authorities and to the Croatian people. Croatian law gives absolute priority to adoptions by Croatian citizens. The Ministry of Social Policy must approve adoptions by foreigners; this is not the case for adoptions by Croatian citizens. In practice, it is extremely difficult if not impossible to obtain this approval, as the government does not consider it beneficial to a child to be uprooted, to lose contact with relatives, or to lose its identity as a Croatian. Availability of Children for Adoption: The number of prospective parents in Croatia is significantly higher than the number of children available for adoption. There are relatively few adoptable children among the total number of children who are without parental care on a temporary or permanent basis. Traditionally, orphan children are taken in by relatives. Recent U.S. immigrant visa statistics reflect the following pattern for visa issuance to orphans in Croatia: FY-1996: IR-3 immigrant visas issued to Croatian orphans adopted abroad – 2, IR-4 immigrant visas issued to Croatian orphans adopted in the U.S.—0 FY-1997: IR-3 visas—3, IR-4 visas – 0 Croatian Adoption Authority: The government office responsible for adoptions in Croatia is the Ministarstvo Rada i Socialne Skrbi (Ministry of Labor and Social Policy) Prisavlje 1410000 Zagreb In Croatia, the application for adoption must be submitted to the custodial body in the municipality where the child resides. In most cases the responsible body is the Centar za Socialni Skrb (Center for Social Work), the Croatian equivalent of the county or municipal social services department in the United States. The Center for Social Work prepares an adoption case for submission to the Ministry, the ultimate authority to approve adoptions by foreigners. Croatian Adoption Procedures: Persons who wish to apply to adopt a particular child can do so by contacting the Center for Social Work of the municipality in which the child resides, and submitting a list of documents (please see documentary requirements below). If the prospective adoptive parent does not have a particular child in mind, s/he may contact the Center for Social Work in the designated area to ask if an adoptable child is available. If the Center affirms that a child is available for foreign adoption, the Center will ask that the documents listed below be submitted so the eligibility of the adoptive parents can be determined. Age and Civil Status Requirements: Croatian adoption policy sets an optimal age range for prospective adopting parents at between 25-35, whether single or married. However, when a baby is in question, preference is given to married petitioners. In certain special cases, the age limit may be waived, but the difference in age between the child and parent should not be more than 40 years. Adoption Agencies and Attorneys: All adoptions must be approved through the Ministarstvo Rada i Socialne Skrbi (Ministry of Labor and Social Policy) Prisavlje 1410000 Zagreb Doctors: The U.S. Embassy maintains current lists of doctors and sources for medicines, should either you or your child experience health problems while in Croatia. Croatian Documentary Requirements: There is no specific application form. A request for adoption should be in the form of a letter, written by the prospective adoptive parent(s), detailing their circumstances and their desire for adoption, and bearing original signature(s). It can be submitted by mail or through an authorized representative. The application must be accompanied by the following documents:
All original documents and the application letter must be in English and each must be accompanied by a translation in Croatian by an authorized court translator. Applications for adoption are submitted to the Center for Social Work, which reviews the case. It then forwards the application package to the Ministry of Social Policy with a recommendation. Croatian law stipulates that both the Center and the Ministry reach their decision within two months respectively, but in practice this always takes longer. Once the Ministry makes a decision, it is sent back to the Center where the application was filed, at which time the Center notifies the prospective adoptive parent(s). If the decision is favorable, the adoptive parent(s) must be personally present at the official ceremony of adoption. U.S. Immigration Requirements: A Croatian child adopted by an American citizen must obtain an immigrant visa before he or she can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at travel.state.gov/family Croatian Embassy and Consulates in the United States: Croatia also has Consulates in New York, Chicago, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. U.S. Embassy in Croatia: Questions: Specific questions regarding adoption in Croatia may be addressed to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Zagreb, Croatia. You may also contact the Office of Children's Issues, SA-29, 2201 C Street, NW, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-2818, Tel: 1-888-407-4747 with specific questions. Information is also available 24 hours a day from several sources. |
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