Croatia
Croatia visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
No, US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens do not need a visa for Croatia for short stays. You can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you must also apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation before flying; the application is online and costs €7.
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GuideCroatia
Key facts
- Visa required for short stays
- No for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
- Maximum visa-free stay
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- ETIAS needed from 2026check
- Yes, for all visa-exempt travellers; apply online, €7
- Passport validitycheck
- Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date
- Currency
- Euro (EUR) since 1 January 2023
Quick answer
Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland do not need a visa for Croatia for tourism or short business visits. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you must also have an ETIAS authorisation before travelling; apply online, pay €7, and it lasts 3 years. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.
Visa-free entry by passport
All six nationalities covered here are on Croatia's visa-exempt list for short stays. The rules are the same for each: no visa needed, but the 90/180-day limit applies. If you stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit or a long-stay visa before the 90 days run out.
| Passport | Visa needed for short stay | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | No | 90 days in 180 | ETIAS required from 2026 |
| United Kingdom | No | 90 days in 180 | ETIAS required from 2026 |
| Canada | No | 90 days in 180 | ETIAS required from 2026 |
| Australia | No | 90 days in 180 | ETIAS required from 2026 |
| New Zealand | No | 90 days in 180 | ETIAS required from 2026 |
| Ireland | No | 90 days in 180 | ETIAS required from 2026 |
ETIAS is not yet in force; the start date is expected in 2026 (check).
ETIAS: what you need to know
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a visa-waiver for travellers who currently enter the Schengen area visa-free. Croatia is part of the Schengen area, so you will need it. The application is online, takes about 10 minutes, and costs €7 for adults. Once approved, it is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You do not need it for internal Schengen travel once you are in the area.
- Apply before booking flights; approval is usually quick but can take days.
- You need a valid passport and a debit or credit card for the fee.
- ETIAS is not a visa; it does not give you the right to work or study.
Entry rules and documents
At the border, have your passport and proof of travel plans (return ticket, accommodation) ready. Border officers may ask about your purpose of visit and funds. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area. Some sources advise 6 months; check with your airline or the Croatian embassy if you are close to the limit.
| Requirement | Standard rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport validity | 3 months beyond departure | Check with airline or embassy if close (check) |
| Return ticket | Recommended | May be asked at border |
| Accommodation proof | Recommended | Hotel booking or address of stay |
| Funds | Enough for your stay | Amount not fixed; be ready to show cards/cash |
Staying longer than 90 days
If you want to stay more than 90 days in any 180-day period, you need a long-stay visa (D visa) or a temporary residence permit. Apply at a Croatian embassy or consulate before you travel. Working, studying, or retiring in Croatia has its own requirements; see the official Croatian Ministry of the Interior website for current rules.
FAQ
Sources and verification date
This page was last checked on 2026-09. Official government sources for visa and entry rules: US State Department, UK Foreign Office, Canadian travel advice, Australian smartraveller, New Zealand SafeTravel, Irish DFA, and the Croatian Ministry of the Interior.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for Croatia?
No. All six nationalities can enter Croatia visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you also need an ETIAS authorisation before travelling.
How long can I stay in Croatia without a visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is the Schengen-wide limit, so days spent in other Schengen countries count towards the same 90 days.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to Croatia?
Yes, from 2026. ETIAS is required for all visa-exempt travellers entering the Schengen area, including Croatia. Apply online, pay €7, and it is valid for 3 years.
Is ETIAS the same as a visa?
No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. It does not allow you to work or study, and it does not change the 90-day limit.
What if my passport expires soon?
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. If it is close, renew before travelling or check with your airline.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS State Department – Croatia travel advice
- officialUK Foreign Office – Croatia travel advice
- officialGovernment of Canada – Croatia travel advice
- officialAustralian smartraveller – Croatia
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – Croatia
- officialIrish DFA – Croatia travel advice
- officialCroatian Ministry of the Interior – Visas
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS State Department – Croatia travel advice
- officialUK Foreign Office – Croatia travel advice
- officialGovernment of Canada – Croatia travel advice
- officialAustralian smartraveller – Croatia
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – Croatia
- officialIrish DFA – Croatia travel advice
- officialCroatian Ministry of the Interior – Visas
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