ETIAS Visa Waiver for Croatia
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a pre-travel authorisation. It allows travellers to enter the Schengen Area.
It will also be necessary to get an ETIAS visa waiver for Croatia.
The ETIAS online authorisation will be implemented in 2025 to give Croatia an additional layer of border control over travellers from non-Schengen countries.
The ETIAS system will ensure that those entering Croatia meet certain criteria before they are allowed into the country. On this page, travellers can check who needs an ETIAS Croatia, the requirements to apply for an ETIAS for Croatia, and the validity period of this electronic visa waiver.
Croatia, the EU, and the Schengen Area
Croatia is part of the European Union (EU). This economic union was established by the Treaty on European Union in 1992 and has since grown into one of the world's major political and economic powers.
Croatia applied for EU membership in 2003 and has been in negotiations to join the Union for many years. Finally, on 9 December 2011, the country signed an accession treaty with the EU and became its 28th member country on 1 July 2013.
The Schengen Area is a group of European countries who have abolished passport and immigration checks at their common borders. This allows for easy travel between any Schengen countries without having to show a passport.
Croatia was approved as a member of the Schengen Area by the European Commission (EC) in 2019. On December 9, 2021, the European Union agreed to allow free travel within the Schengen Area for Croatia. Croatia is expected to join Schengen by 2024.
Although Croatia has not yet fully joined the Schengen Area, it will still be necessary to have an approved ETIAS Croatia to visit the country if you have visa exemption.
Who needs ETIAS to travel to Croatia?
The ETIAS visa waiver for Croatia is required by citizens of countries outside the EU or EEA member states who are travelling to Croatia for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (3 months).
If you're an EU citizen or a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you don't need an ETIAS to travel to Croatia.
You will need an ETIAS if you are travelling to Croatia from a visa-exempt country that is not in the EU or Schengen area. This includes the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries.
If you need a visa for the Schengen Area, you do not qualify for an ETIAS Croatia. Instead, start your visa application process at a Croatian embassy or consulate.
Passport and document requirements for the Croatia ETIAS
To apply for an etias visa waiver for Croatia you need:
- An eligible passport
- A valid credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS Croatia fee
- A current email address at which to receive the approved ETIAS
The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Croatia. If the passport is due to expire soon, you are recommended to renew your travel document before your trip.
This is because an approved ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until the associated passport expires. It allows multiple entries to Croatia and the Schengen Area during its validity.
To travel to Croatia with ETIAS you must be visiting for either:
- Tourism
- Business
- Transit
- Short-term study
- Medical treatment
It is not possible to visit Croatia with ETIAS for other purposes or stays longer than 90 days.
How can I apply for Croatian ETIAS?
It only takes a few minutes to complete an online ETIAS for Croatia application. It is necessary to fill out the form with:
- Personal details
- Passport information
- Travel plans
- Medical history
- Security-related questions
After completing the ETIAS form, you can review your answers and double check for any errors. Mistakes could lead to delays or ETIAS denial.
An ETIAS visa waiver for Croatia is processed quickly, usually within 24 hours. Once approved, it is digitally linked to your passport. They can then use this same passport to travel to Croatia with ETIAS by land, sea, or air.
Travel information about Croatia
Croatia is a country in southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Adriatic Sea lies west of Croatia, separating it from Italy and Albania. The capital city is Zagreb.
Croatia is often called "the Mediterranean of Central Europe". Its coastline is around 4,000 kilometers long and dotted with small islands that make Croatia a popular tourist destination. Popular destinations include Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Pula.