Two aspects of this article have been examined;
Rail
National Rail Travel
Regional Rail Travel
Urban Rail Travel
Transnational Rail Travel
Visiting Croatia
National Rail Travel
In Croatia, the visually impaired are entitled to 75% discount and the guide or guide dog does not pay to travel on the national rail network. This concession can only be claimed on up to six journeys a year.
Regional Rail Travel
The regional concession scheme is the same as the national scheme : the visually impaired are entitled to 75% discount and the guide or guide dog does not pay to travel on the national rail network.
Urban Rail Travel
The urban concession scheme is the same as the national scheme : the visually impaired are entitled to 75% discount and the guide or guide dog does not pay to travel on the national rail network.
Transnational Rail Travel
The Croatian Railways (HZ) signed the IUR Agreement on Rail Transport for Blind People and their Guide issued in 1997 and amended in 2005. Visually impaired people residing in and travelling to any of the countries who signed this Agreement are entitled to a free ticket for their guide or guide dog provided that the return ticket is purchased in the country where the disability card was issued. In practice the Agreement does not apply to additional fees such as ‘reservation' or ‘couchette' which must be paid in full for both passengers. Furthermore, a survey conducted by EBU in 2000 revealed that in many countries the Agreement was not well known or was simply ignored by transport operators and authorities.
Visiting Croatia
In theory, it is impossible to benefit from Croatian schemes as a foreign visitor as locally-financed concessions are limited to local residents. In practice, concessions are sometimes granted depending on the willingness of ticket vendors.
Guide Dogs
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How many guide dog users are there in your country? The number of guide dogs varies on a day to day basis as new dogs enter service and others are withdrawn. Please provide an estimate figure.
There are currently 59 guide dog users in Croatia. The total number of dogs trained until now is 112.
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What regulations, if any, govern guide dogs access to:
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Public buildings (administration, hospitals, schools, etc.)
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Cultural and sports facilities (cinemas, theatres, museums, libraries, stadiums etc.)
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Leisure facilities (restaurants, hotels, holiday centres, beaches, etc.)
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Retail facilities (supermarkets, department stores, shops, etc.)
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Public transport
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trains
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underground
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buses
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taxis
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planes
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ships
For each of the abovementioned question the answer is:
All rights are ensured by the Law on the free movement of a visually impaired person with a guide dog (Official Gazette NN 131/98, October 1st 1998).
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What are the regulations for the import and export of dogs into/from your country, including quarantine and vaccination procedures?
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Are exceptions made for guide dogs?
Guide dogs are exceptions to the rule.
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Are the regulations such as to restrict spontaneous voyages?
No
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How much time is needed to fulfil the requirements?
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For the first time
Within the same day.
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For subsequent visits with the same dog
Within the same day.
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Is there a certification process for the training and provision of guide dogs? If yes, please provide basic details, in particular on the difference between mandatory and optional certifications.
In guide dog training the standards and criteria of International Guide Dog Federation are applied and respected. The Croatian Association for the training of guide dogs and mobility renews its license every 5 years under the IGDF's supervision.
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Is there an allowance or other financial aid to help guide dog users with the upkeep of their animals (food, veterinary, etc.)?
There is no such allowance.