Croatia Visa for US Citizens

Are you an American planning to visit Croatia’s beautiful cities and coast? Maybe you want to see Game of Thrones filming location Dubrovnik with your own eyes, or perhaps you have other reasons for visiting. Whatever your plans, before you book flights to travel to this Balkan destination, you’ll need to be clear on the entry requirements. 

This includes informing yourself about the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver. As of 2022, this will be a requirement for any US citizen to enter many European destinations, specifically the Schengen countries. 

Once it comes into effect, and once this country joins the Schengen Zone, the ETIAS Croatia visa for American citizens is valid for multiple entries. This means you can not only return here to see more of its 1200 islands, but you can also explore elsewhere in Europe on the same pass! This travel document is valid for 3 years in total so you won’t have to worry about reapplying each summer or anything of the sort. 

During the 3-year validity period, you can enter Croatia or any of the Schengen zone countries included in the system as many times as you like.

Read on to learn about how this new process will affect you, and how to apply with Byevisa as an American citizen! 

Let’s find out more about this travel authorisation and get one step closer to planning the trip of a lifetime.

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All About the New Visa for Croatia – the ETIAS

Americans are one of the nationalities on the list of visa-free countries that will soon require the ETIAS.

It is not a visa as such; however, it is an obligatory piece of paperwork that soon will be mandatory. As of late 2022, Americans will have to present this document when entering the country to say holiday in Split, or do business in the capital, Zagreb.

This digital visitor permit is designed to increase security, allowing EU countries to better monitor travellers passing through its borders.

Requirements for the ETIAS Croatia are more straightforward than for a traditional embassy visa. You do not need to get passport photos taken or upload confirmation of your travel itinerary as part of your application. And even better, you can request the pass online right here with Byevisa!

The ETIAS lasts for 3 years from the date of issue and during that time you can enter the Schengen zone as many times as you wish. This is providing that you stay for no longer than 90 days in any 180-day period.

Application Process for American Travellers

The process to apply for the Croatia ETIAS visa couldn’t be simpler when you apply with Byevisa. 

It is similar to the already well established Canadian and American ESTA and eTA systems. You can make your application online and your approved pass is sent to you via email once ready. 

The application process takes just 10 minutes and can be done from any internet-connected device. Here is how:

1. Click the ‘Apply button’ below, and fill out our form.
2. Pay the ETIAS government fee and Byevisa’s processing charge.
3. Wait for your travel waiver to arrive in your email inbox. It will be automatically linked to your passport
4. Print a copy of your pass to show to immigration officials on arrival.

Croatia Visa Requirements for Americans

All Americans require a valid passport to travel to this destination. The U.S. embassy advises that your passport should have at least 6 months of validity to avoid any issues when travelling. When departing Croatia, U.S. passport holders should have a minimum of 3 months left on their passport.

US citizens visiting on a tourist or business trip of up to 90 days (during a 6-month period, starting from the date of the first entry) do not require a visa. If you’re already in the country and are wanting to stay for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a temporary residence permit. This can be done by contacting the Ministry of the Interior no later than 30 days before the expiration of the 90-day visa-free stay.

Croatia Visa Fee for Americans

The official fee to apply for the ETIAS is 7 EUR. As well as this, you will be charged a minimal fee for us to manage your paperwork on your behalf.

The cost of this depends on how quickly you require the travel authorisation. We offer Standard, Rapid or Highly Rapid services for your convenience.

Can I Get a Croatia Schengen Visa for US Citizens?

Many travellers visiting here ask, ‘Is Croatia in the Schengen area?’. Well, despite being part of the EU, this nation is not yet part of the Schengen, although it is in the process of becoming a member. 

Although it isn’t currently in the Schengen area, you might want to visit a nearby country that is. For example, bordering Hungary.  

If you intend to stay in one of the countries within the Schengen area beyond 90 days, you are required to apply for a Schengen visa. The length of a Schengen visa for Europe is determined on an individual basis. 

For Croatia, your ETIAS will be enough if you’re visiting for under 90 days. You can apply for this with us at any time.

American Embassy and Consulate in Croatia

If you need any support from the American Consulate while visiting, you will find it located in Zagreb at Ulica Thomasa Jeffersona 2, 10000. 

The Consular Section is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Email: ZagrebACS@state.gov

Phone: +385 1 661 2300.

If you need to contact the Emergency Services, dial 112. Calls can be dealt with in English among other languages.

Visa FAQ for Americans Travelling to Croatia

We hope that you now have all the information you require to prepare for your journey to this tourist hotspot. However, if there are some lingering questions in your mind, read on to discover the answers to some of the most common ones.

Can All Americans Travel to Croatia?

Yes, so long as you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your planned arrival date in Croatia. You will also require the ETIAS travel authorisation which you can apply for quickly with Byevisa.

Do I Require a Croatia Business Visa for Americans?

No, not usually. The ETIAS covers US business travellers visiting the country for less than 90 days.

How Do I Get to Croatia From the US?

There are now direct flights from the US to Croatia from New York. There are also many connecting flights through major European hubs available including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Paris

Is Croatia a Popular Destination for Americans?

According to data from the country’s National Tourist Board, Americans were the second-most frequent visitors to Dubrovnik in 2019. With the recent introduction of direct flights from New York to Dubrovnik, it is bound to become an even more popular destination for American travellers. It is also becoming a popular destination for digital nomads.

More Information On Travelling to Croatia as an American

To learn more about the sunshiney destination, head to our visit Croatia page. You can also head to this page to learn more about the upcoming ETIAS visa waiver for this country.

Please note, this article is correct at the time of publication, and we will update this page if there are any updates to the application system in the future.