Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised its citizens to travel to Croatia only in cases of "extreme necessity," placing the neighboring country in an "orange zone" — the only European country with such a classification. Belgrade cited "increased incidents, tensions, and unfavorable security circumstances" and recommended special caution for organized sports and cultural visits.

Zagreb responded quickly and without diplomatic hesitation. Croatia's Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic rejected the classification as irrational, noting that Croatia is a member of the EU, NATO, and the Schengen Area, and ranks among Europe's safest countries according to Eurostat data. "This recommendation lacks rationality. I wonder if Serbian citizens even follow it, given that Serbia is one of our main sources of labor and tourists," Bozinovic said.

Croatia's response also had a sarcastic note: officials remarked that "the greatest tension" for Serbian tourists upon arriving in Croatia will be choosing between the Adriatic coast and the wine route — not any security risks.

The incident represents another episode in the ongoing tensions between Belgrade and Zagreb. North Macedonia, meanwhile, is marked with a "green" classification — a safe country for travel — in Serbia's rating system.