What UK Travellers Need to Know About ETIAS for Croatia by 2026

Croatia’s sun-soaked coastline, rich culture and historic cities continue to attract UK tourists year-round. But from late 2026, travel rules are changing. 

United Kingdom (UK) citizens will need an ETIAS to enter Croatia and other European countries in the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Prepare early to avoid delays.

What is ETIAS and Why is it Being Introduced?

The European Union (EU) is rolling out a new entry requirement called ETIAS for travellers from visa-exempt countries. It’s designed to strengthen border checks before you arrive in places like Croatia, Spain, or Cyprus.

Overview of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is an online pre-screening system that will apply to travellers who currently don’t need a visa to visit most European countries.

If you’re from the UK, Canada, or any other visa-exempt country, you’ll need to apply for ETIAS before entering Croatia or another participating destination. This is required for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

The authorisation will be linked to your passport and valid for three years or until your travel document expires. You’ll need to use the same travel document when entering Europe as the one used to apply.

ETIAS is not a visa. You won’t need to go to an embassy or attend an interview.

It is part of a broader digital border strategy that also includes the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is already being introduced across the region. While EES tracks entries and exits at the border, ETIAS checks your travel history and background before you depart.

The system is being rolled out to improve border security across the Schengen Area and to reduce the risk of irregular migration.

When Will ETIAS be Required for Travel to Croatia?

ETIAS is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026. UK travellers heading to Croatia after the start date will need to hold a valid ETIAS.

Until then, you don’t need to do anything. The EU will announce the official start date several months before launch.

ETIAS will apply to all 30 participating countries, including Croatia and most EU and Schengen members. 

If you travel between multiple countries in the list, your stay is counted as one continuous period. This means you cannot stay longer than 90 days in total across the region within a 180-day window.

Cyprus is the only exception. Time spent there is counted separately from the rest of the ETIAS countries.

The system targets visa-exempt nationals only. Travellers who already require a visa will not need ETIAS.

Will UK Citizens Need ETIAS to Visit Croatia?

From late 2026, UK citizens will need an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Croatia for short stays. This applies to tourism, business or transit trips lasting up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Post-Brexit Travel Rules for UK Nationals

Since leaving the EU, the UK is treated as a visa-exempt third country. This means British nationals no longer have freedom of movement across EU member states.

As a result, UK travellers will soon be required to obtain pre-travel clearance through ETIAS. The rule applies across 30 participating countries, including the full Schengen Area and Croatia.

Countries like Australia and Canada already operate similar systems for incoming visitors. ETIAS follows that model, allowing Croatian and EU authorities to pre-screen visitors from visa-exempt countries.

UK citizens will not need to visit a consulate or embassy. The entire application process will be completed online, usually in a few minutes.

If approved, your ETIAS travel authorisation will be linked to your passport. You must use that same passport when entering Croatia.

ETIAS Requirement for Short-Term Stays

The ETIAS system covers trips lasting up to 90 days in any 180-day period. These are typically for tourism, family visits, business travel or airport transit.

If you plan to live, work or study long term in Croatia, you will still need a visa or residence permit. ETIAS does not replace those documents.

Border guards may ask to see your ETIAS status upon arrival. You will also need to show a valid passport, proof of accommodation or return tickets if requested.

If your ETIAS application is missing or invalid, Croatian border control can deny you entry. Airlines may also stop you from boarding if your authorisation is not in order.

How to Apply for Croatia ETIAS as a UK Traveller

You will apply for Croatia ETIAS online using a simple digital form. The system is designed so you can complete the steps in a short time without visiting a consulate or office.

Where and How to Submit Your Application

You will apply through the official ETIAS website or the official mobile app. These are the only approved channels for submitting your details.

The form must be completed in one sitting unless you save a draft. Drafts only stay active for 48 hours, so it is better to have your passport and payment card ready before you start.

You will enter personal details, passport data, and basic travel plans. You will not need to upload documents unless asked for further checks.

You will pay a fee of 20 Euros at the end of the form. The system accepts most standard payment cards issued in the UK.

Countries such as Finland, France, Greece, and Iceland will use the same system, so the process is identical if you visit them in the same trip. You can use one authorisation to move between participating countries as long as your stay remains within the permitted limit.

You will receive a unique application number by email at the end of the process. Keep this number in case you need to check your status or correct information.

Required Information and Documents

You must hold a valid UK passport that is not older than 10 years. It also needs to be valid for at least three months after your intended departure from Croatia.

The form will ask for your full name, date of birth, place of birth, home address, and contact information. You will also be asked for your parents’ first names and your level of education.

You will enter your destination address in Croatia if you have one. This can be a hotel, rental home, or the home of a friend or relative.

You must answer basic questions about past travel, past convictions, and any orders requiring you to leave another country. These questions are checked against security databases.

The system will reject your form if the passport number is incorrect. A mistake in a single digit may prevent border checks from confirming your authorisation.

Who Can Apply on Your Behalf

You can ask someone else to complete the form for you. This includes a friend, a relative, or a travel agent.

The person applying for you must follow the same steps and enter your details exactly as shown in your passport. They must also upload their own contact information so authorities know who submitted the form.

You will both sign a declaration stating that you gave permission for them to apply. This protects you in case there are issues with the form or incorrect information is entered.

A commercial agency may charge extra fees for their service. These fees are separate from the 20 Euros you pay directly through the official form.

You must use your own email address for the application. If you lose access to it, you will not receive updates or expiry alerts for your ETIAS.

If you later spot incorrect details, you can either submit a correction request or file a new application. For most travellers, filing a new application is faster than waiting for a correction.

What to Expect After Submitting Your ETIAS Application

Once you’ve submitted your ETIAS application, you’ll receive a response by email. Most travellers receive approval within minutes, but some cases may take longer if checks are required.

Processing Times and Notifications

Your application will be automatically checked against multiple databases. If everything is in order, you’ll receive an approval email within a few minutes.

Some applications are flagged for further review. If that happens, a manual assessment may take up to 96 hours.

You may be asked to submit extra documents or attend an interview. The deadline for these steps is usually 10 days, with a final decision made within 30 days.

Your confirmation email will include your application number and the status of your ETIAS. If approved, your travel authorisation is stored electronically and linked to your passport.

You won’t need to print anything. Border guards in Croatia and other participating countries will access your details in the system.

If you don’t see an email, check your spam or junk folder. Make sure you have access to the email address used in your application at all times.

Validity and Reuse of Your ETIAS

Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can re-enter Croatia and other ETIAS countries multiple times during that period.

The 90-day rule still applies. You cannot exceed 90 days of stay in any 180-day period across Schengen countries.

This includes Croatia, Malta, Slovenia, Netherlands and Poland, as well as most EU nations. The system tracks your entries and exits automatically.

Ireland is not part of the ETIAS scheme. If you plan to travel there, check separate entry requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Even though the ETIAS application is designed to be simple, errors can still lead to delays or rejections. To avoid problems at border control, it’s important to submit accurate information and follow the correct steps from the start.

Incorrect Passport Numbers or Expired Documents

Many applications are rejected due to errors in passport details. A single wrong digit in your passport number can prevent your ETIAS from being linked properly.

Your passport must be less than 10 years old and valid for at least three months after your intended departure from the Schengen Area. This rule applies whether you’re flying into Croatia, Sweden, or Switzerland.

If your passport expires during the three-year period, you must apply for a new ETIAS. The previous authorisation will no longer be valid once a new passport is issued.

The ETIAS travel authorisation is tied to your passport. If you use a different one at the airport, your boarding may be denied.

Check that your name, nationality and document number match exactly as shown in your passport. Avoid confusing letters and numbers, like using zero instead of the letter O.

Always double-check your travel document before submitting the application. If your passport expires soon, renew it before you apply.

Not Using a Personal Email Address

The email address you provide is used for updates, approvals, and status changes. If you lose access to this account, you won’t receive alerts about expiry or cancellation.

Avoid using someone else’s email or a temporary inbox. If there’s an issue with your ETIAS, you’ll need to reply directly or reapply using new details.

Notifications are sent automatically. Make sure your inbox accepts automated messages and check your spam folder if nothing arrives.

If you lose access to your email, the safest solution is to apply again with a new one. This ensures you’ll stay informed about your travel status.

Mistakes in Fee Payment and Confirmation

If your payment fails, your application won’t be processed. You won’t receive a confirmation email or a reference number.

Do not attempt to pay through third-party websites unless you are using an authorised travel service. These services may add hidden fees without improving the result.

Some applicants from countries like Austria or Belgium may see payment rejected due to card security settings. Make sure your card is authorised for international payments.

Always save your payment confirmation and keep a copy of your application number. If something goes wrong, you’ll need this to trace your file.

Assuming ETIAS Covers All Travel Purposes

ETIAS is only valid for short stays, such as holidays, business trips, or transit. It does not replace visas for work, study, or long-term residence.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days in Croatia or another Schengen country, you must apply for the correct visa. Each country has its own visa requirements, and rules may vary between destinations.

For example, staying in Hungary to study or working remotely from Italy for six months requires a different permit. ETIAS won’t cover these scenarios.

Always check the visa requirements of your destination if your travel purpose goes beyond tourism. Misusing ETIAS can result in refused entry or future bans.

ETIAS vs. Schengen Visa: What’s the Difference for Croatia Travel?

If you’re planning to visit Croatia in 2026 or later, you may be wondering whether you need an ETIAS or a Schengen visa. These are not the same, and each has different rules depending on your nationality, travel purpose and stay duration.

ETIAS is Not a Visa

ETIAS is a digital travel authorisation, not a visa. It applies to travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, who want to visit Croatia or other participating countries for a short stay.

The process is fast and fully online. There’s no need to go to a consulate, provide fingerprints or attend an interview.

The application fee for ETIAS is 20 Euros. Most decisions are made within minutes, and approval is linked electronically to your passport.

ETIAS only allows visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You can’t use it to work, study long term, or live in Croatia.

If you’re travelling on a UK passport, ETIAS will be mandatory from late 2026 for holidays, business trips or transit. EU citizens, including those from Ireland, can still enter freely and do not need ETIAS.

When Might You Still Need a Visa for Croatia?

If you don’t qualify for ETIAS or plan to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need a Schengen visa or a national visa issued by Croatia. The type depends on your travel purpose and how long you plan to remain.

You may also need a visa if your previous ETIAS was denied or revoked. Some travellers from countries with visa requirements must continue to follow the traditional process.

The Schengen visa involves more paperwork and a longer wait. You’ll need to book an appointment, attend in person, and pay a higher fee than for ETIAS.

A Schengen visa is typically valid for short stays in all 27 Schengen countries. This includes Croatia, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and others that use shared border controls.

The European Commission sets common rules for visa applicants, but each country reviews applications individually. If your visa is approved by Croatia, you can visit other Schengen countries during the same trip.

Tips for Smooth Travel to Croatia with ETIAS

Planning your trip to Croatia with ETIAS in place means knowing what to expect before you leave. These tips will help you avoid delays and stay compliant with the entry rules set for non-EU nationals.

Apply for ETIAS Well in Advance

Don’t wait until the week of your departure. While most ETIAS applications are approved within minutes, others may take several days if extra checks are needed.

Apply once your travel dates are confirmed, ideally at least a month before departure. This gives you time to respond if you’re asked for more information.

If you’re visiting multiple countries like Croatia, Norway, or France, your first point of entry must be correct in the application. This matters even if you’re staying in each place for just a few days.

Use the Same Passport for Application and Travel

ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport. If you use a different passport when travelling, your authorisation won’t show up in the system.

This is common for travellers with dual citizenship, such as U.S. citizens who also hold a British passport. Always travel with the document used to apply.

If your passport expires before the three-year ETIAS validity ends, you must apply again. Your authorisation becomes invalid the moment you get a new passport.

Track Your Time in the Schengen Area

ETIAS allows you to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to your entire visit across all participating countries, not just Croatia.

If you visit Croatia, then travel to Italy, Slovenia or Austria within the same trip, the time counts toward your total. Overstaying can lead to fines, denied re-entry, or a flagged record.

You can use online calculators to track your Schengen days. This is especially useful if you travel frequently across Europe.

If your total exceeds 90 days in any 180-day window, you must leave and wait before returning. ETIAS does not reset each time you re-enter.

Know What ETIAS Covers (and What it Doesn’t)

ETIAS is not a visa. It covers short-term stays for tourism, business, family visits and transit.

It does not give you the right to study long-term, live permanently or work in Croatia. If you plan to do any of those, you’ll need to apply for a visa or residence permit from the Croatian government.

Work permits are issued separately and are not linked to ETIAS. Trying to work on an ETIAS can lead to deportation or entry bans.

If your plans include remote work, internships or long stays, check with the nearest Croatian embassy. Each case is reviewed individually.

Be Ready at the Border

Even with ETIAS, entry is not automatic. Croatian border guards can still ask for your passport, return ticket or proof of accommodation.

Make sure you have these documents ready and answer questions clearly. This applies to all non-EU nationals entering Croatia through airports, land borders or ferry terminals.

If your ETIAS is invalid or expired, you will not be allowed to board your flight. The system is digital, but airline staff check your status before departure.

You won’t receive a reminder when your authorisation expires. Keep track of your dates and apply again if you plan to travel after your current ETIAS ends.

Stay Ahead of Croatia’s ETIAS Launch

From late 2026, UK citizens will need an ETIAS to enter Croatia for short stays, so preparing early is key. Make sure your passport meets the validity rules, apply as soon as applications open, and keep an eye on official updates from EU authorities. 

With the right steps in place, you can avoid last‑minute delays. Stay informed about ETIAS Croatia and plan your 2026 holiday without stress.