ETIAS for Croatia: 2026 Requirements

Millions of travelers heading to Croatia, whether it's Dubrovnik or anywhere else, will need to consider ETIAS when planning their next trip.

ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is going into effect later this year (2026), and Croatia is one of the countries that will, from then, require it.

Before you book your tickets overseas, make sure you know what the new entry requirement is, and whether or not it applies to you.

Who needs an ETIAS for Croatia

From 2026 onward, if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will need an ETIAS to visit Croatia. Visa-exempt countries include the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and dozens of others.

An ETIAS is a digital authorization that allows you to enter Croatia (as well as the other countries in the Schengen area). Once it is in full effect, ETIAS will be mandatory for obligated travelers.

If your passport was issued by any of the countries above, you will likely need to apply for ETIAS, even if you've traveled to Croatia with just your passport in the past.

Exemptions

Not everyone needs to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Croatia. The new requirement only applies to visa-exempt travelers. It isn't for:

• EU/Schengen country citizens.
• Third-country nationals who need a Schengen visa to travel to Croatia. You can learn if this applies to you in our Croatian Schengen Visa Guide.
• Dual citizens of a visa-exempt country and the EU/Schengen area.
• Those who hold a valid visa/residence for any Schengen area country.
• Specific situations like diplomatic passports, withdrawal agreements, and refugee statuses.

Once launched, you can check the official website to see whether or not you need an ETIAS. If you're a US or UK citizen traveling for tourism, in most cases, ETIAS will be mandatory.

How to apply for ETIAS for Croatia

Once the requirement is in effect (sometime at the end of 2026), you will need to apply for your ETIAS for Croatia online, before you travel.

The application process isn't long; it should just take a few minutes, and you can do it on your phone or computer. There will be a mobile app that you can download to easily apply, but it isn't available quite yet.

The app and/or online platform will guide you through the process, and it should be straightforward. Once you've logged on, you'll be able to start your application.

The application will require you to share information about your travel plans, like where you're going (Croatia, for instance). You'll also need to share a few different pieces of personal information, like your name, nationality, and passport number.

The application process also requires you to share some details about your personal history. Some of the questions include your current occupation and your level of education. There's also a section to disclose any previous criminal convictions.

Once you've gone through the entire process, you'll have to pay the fee. It can be paid with a debit or credit card and will cost 20 euros per person (ages 18-70).

Getting approved

Most people receive approval in just a few minutes.

That said, approval isn't a guarantee. While most travelers will get an email saying their ETIAS to travel to Croatia has been approved, processing can take longer.

It isn't as common, but your ETIAS travel authorization can be denied. If it is, you'll receive an email letting you know. It'll also include why it has been denied, as well as information on how to go about appealing the decision.

Also uncommon, you could receive an email asking for you to provide more information before a decision is made.

All-in-all, you'll receive some kind of response within 96 hours of applying.

What you can do with a Croatian ETIAS

ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires.

Your ETIAS isn't bound by a single country. Even if you applied for it to travel to Croatia, so long as it's still valid, you can travel to any country in the Schengen zone without needing to reapply (so long as you meet any other applicable entry requirements).

With that being said, ETIAS is not a replacement for a visa, so you still can only spend 90 days maximum in the Schengen area within any given 180-day period. It also doesn't give you any extra permissions, like the ability to work (even remotely).

It is also important to say that ETIAS approval does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

ETIAS for Croatia FAQs

Do I need ETIAS for Croatia?

When do I need ETIAS for Croatia?

Sources

Croatian border information:
https://mup.gov.hr/aliens-281621/border-checks/286632

The official ETIAS website:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias