Starting mid-2025, British citizens planning to visit Croatia or any other Schengen country will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This new requirement aims to enhance security within the EU by pre-screening travelers.
Continue reading to discover how ETIAS in Croatia for British citizens simplifies your travel plans and the benefits it offers.
Do I need an ETIAS for Croatia?
Yes, you need an ETIAS (European Travel Authorization and Information System) to travel to Croatia or other European Union (EU) countries within the Schengen Area.
Starting in mid-2025, Croatia and several other EU nations will ask travelers from visa-exempt countries, including British citizens, to register with ETIAS before they can visit.
ETIAS is a travel authorization linked to your passport. Having one certifies to the border authorities that you do not pose a security or health risk to people living in and traveling around the EU.
What benefits will I receive when I get an ETIAS travel authorization for Croatia?
The ETIAS is good news for British travelers planning to visit Croatia or other countries in the Schengen Area. Here are some benefits:
- Added Security: ETIAS helps keep the Schengen Area safe by spotting potential threats early on.
- Easy Application: No need to visit an embassy. You can apply for ETIAS online, saving time and hassle.
- Quick Process: Fill out the form in minutes, whether you’re at home or in the office. Plus, you don’t have to be in the UK to apply.
- Fast Approval: ETIAS gets approved faster than the traditional visa process, so you can hit the road sooner.
I’m a dual citizen of both the UK and Croatia. Do I need an ETIAS?
No, you do not need an ETIAS if you have a Croatian passport.
If you hold a Croatian passport, you are considered a citizen of the EU. This means you do not require an ETIAS to travel within the Schengen Zone.
I will be having a layover in Croatia. Do I need to apply for an ETIAS?
If you’ll only be staying in any Croatian airport during your layover, you do not need an ETIAS travel authorization. However, if you will be exiting the airport, you will need a valid ETIAS.
How do I apply for an ETIAS for my travel to Croatia?
Applying for an ETIAS is done online through a computer or mobile device.
At least 30 days, but not later than 72 hours, before your travel to Croatia or any other EU country, visit the official ETIAS application platform and fill out your personal details and passport information. Mention the country you will visit first and any other countries you plan to visit.
You must also answer some questions about your travel history, criminal records, and health history.
After that, pay a €7 application fee and wait for your ETIAS travel authorization to be emailed. This can take a few minutes or up to 30 days, so make sure to apply ahead of your trip.
Do I need to apply for another ETIAS if I am traveling to other EU countries aside from Croatia?
No, you do not need to apply for an ETIAS for every EU country you visit. An ETIAS travel authorization applies to the entire Schengen Zone, rather than each country within it separately.
How long can I stay in Croatia with a valid ETIAS?
You’re allowed to travel to the Schengen area, which includes Croatia, with a valid ETIAS for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
This rule covers the following reasons for your trip:
- Going on vacation
- Visiting family or friends
- Attending business meetings, cultural events, or sports activities
- Engaging in short-term studies or training
If you are planning to visit both Croatia and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your entire stay does not exceed the 90-day limit.
Any time you spend in Schengen countries in the 180 days leading up to your trip counts towards these 90 days.
If you need to stay longer for reasons like work, study, business, or other purposes, you will have to fulfill the entry requirements set by the Croatian government.
Aside from an ETIAS travel authorization, what other documents do I need to enter Croatia?
Aside from a valid ETIAS travel authorization, your passport needs to:
- Be issued within the last 10 years before your arrival date.
- Have an expiry date that is at least three months after the day you plan to leave Croatia.
The Croatian border authorities might also ask for any of the following:
- A hotel booking or proof of address of your second home.
- Travel insurance.
- Ticket for your return journey or onward travel.
- Proof of sufficient funds for your trip.
Do I need to apply for an ETIAS if I’m traveling to other European countries aside from Croatia?
No, you do not need to apply for an ETIAS for each EU country you will be visiting.
Croatia does not have its own special ETIAS. The ETIAS applies to the entire Schengen Zone, not just individual countries within it.
When will UK travelers need an ETIAS to travel to Croatia?
ETIAS is set to start in mid-2025. Once it is up and running, it will become a must for travelers.
With the ETIAS set to launch soon, it is important to be updated with the latest news to avoid surprises during your trip. If you’re traveling to other EU countries aside from Croatia, check our country guides to learn about your destination’s entry requirements.