Do I Need ETIAS for Croatia?: A Complete Overview

European travel requirements continue to evolve – and while it can be confusing to keep up, it’s actually a good thing because it means that the safety and security of citizens and travelers to the Schengen zone is being prioritized.

Croatia, a beautiful coastal country in central and southeastern Europe sees millions of visitors every year, and it’s no wonder! From gorgeous coastlines with bright blue water to ancient buildings that leave historians swooning, Croatia is a true European gem.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming visit to Dubrovnik, the UNESCO heritage site of St. James Cathedral, or wherever you’re off to in this beautiful country!

Do I Need ETIAS to visit Croatia?

Yes, from 2025 onward, if you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need ETIAS to visit Croatia. Visa-exempt countries include the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and others.

With the introduction of ETIAS, these travelers will need to apply for travel authorization (called ETIAS) before visiting any country in the Schengen area, which includes Croatia.

On the contrary, if you have a valid Croatia visa, or Schengen visa, or are a citizen of a Schengen country, you do not need ETIAS.

Additionally, if you are not from a visa-exempt country (such as China or India), you also do not need ETIAS. Instead, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa.

It is important to note that ETIAS isn’t a visa – it’s approval to enter a country in the Schengen area. One thing that’s important to keep in mind during the planning phase is that if you’re planning a trip to Croatia that exceeds 90 days, you will need to apply for the appropriate Croatian visa. ETIAS is only for short trips.

Do I need ETIAS if I already have a visa for Croatia?

No. If you hold a valid Croatian visa (or Schengen visa), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. Travelers need to have either a valid Schengen visa or ETIAS approval. It’s a “one or the other” situation.

How to apply for ETIAS for Croatia

Applying for ETIAS for your trip to Croatia is entirely online and should only take you 10 to 20 minutes.

• Fill out the form on ETIAS with your details. This includes your name, travel details, nationality, and passport number.
• Answer a few questions about your personal history. According to the official European Union website, you’ll need to share your parents’ first names, current occupation, and level of education.
• Pay a small fee: There is a small application fee that can be paid using a credit or debit card (you can expect to pay 7 euros).
• Wait for approval: ETIAS approval only takes a couple of minutes for the majority of cases. Keep in mind that, while uncommon, approval can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.
• Travel to Croatia!: Once your ETIAS is approved, it will be automatically linked to your passport for authorities to see. However, it never hurts to print out your approval, just in case.

You will be happy to hear that your ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. When you need to reapply, you can follow the steps above again.

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, unless you hold a visa that states otherwise.

If I get an ETIAS for Croatia, can I travel to other Schengen countries with it?

A valid ETIAS allows you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus according to the EU website. However, ETIAS approval does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

ETIAS for Croatia: What to Know

• From 2025 on, ETIAS is required for travelers from visa-exempt countries visiting Croatia (this includes US citizens).
• ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization.
• Croatian/Schengen country citizens do not need ETIAS.
• Current Croatia and Schengen visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• Croatia is a member of the Schengen zone.
• The ETIAS application process is quick, easy, and entirely online.
• ETIAS costs 7 euros.
• Your ETIAS approval is automatically linked to your passport for easy traveling.
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea.
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application.
• Approval is usually immediate but can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.
• US citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Croatia from 2025 on.
• ETIAS approval is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• UK citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Croatia from 2025 on.