How to Enter Croatia
Do I need a passport or visa to enter?
You need a passport to visit Croatia. The U.S passport should be valid for at least three months after the date of planned departure. You don't need a visa if you are a U.S. passport holder coming for tourist or business trips of less than 90 days within a six-month period. Visit the Embassy of Croatia website for the most current visa information.Although Croatia is a member of the European Union, note that it is not yet a member of the Schengen area, and a passport is required for travel between Croatia and other European Union member states. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see the State Department’s Schengen Fact Sheet.
All foreign citizens must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival and inform them of any change in their address. If you are staying in a hotel or in accommodations rented through an accommodation company, the hotelier or accommodation company will register you automatically. Failure to register is a misdemeanor offense; some U.S. citizens have been fined for failing to register.
U.S. citizens already in Croatia who wish to remain in Croatia for more than 90 days must obtain a temporary residence permit. Please note that the first temporary stay permit must be obtained from the Croatian Embassy or Consulate in the United States.
In support of a residency application, applicants must meet strict documentation requirements. Due to the complexity of the process, those planning to apply should begin gathering the required documentation well in advance and should submit the application as soon after arriving in the country. Necessary documents include a copy of their birth and, if applicable, marriage and divorce certificates, obtained no more than 90 days before application, as well as an FBI Criminal History Summary authenticated for use abroad. All documents must be translated into Croatian and have an "apostille" stamp. Information on applying for apostilles and authentication services is available from the website of the Department of State’s Office of Authentications.
U.S. citizens who need extensions of approved temporary stays should submit requests to the local police having jurisdiction over their place of residence in Croatia. You should submit requests no later than 30 days in advance of the last day of authorized stay. Please see the embassy's website for the latest information on procedures for obtaining residence or work permits. Please also be aware that the U.S. Embassy is not able to expedite or intervene in the issuance of Croatian visas.
Special Travel Circumstances in Croatia
With numerous automated teller machines (ATMs) and ever-wider acceptance of credit cards in Croatia, traveler's checks are accepted less frequently or exchanged at an unfavorable rate. Facilities are available for the wiring or transferring of funds.
RECREATIONAL BOATING: The Croatian Government requires all recreational skippers chartering Croatian flagged vessels to have a certificate of competence. Under Croatian law, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport, and Infrastructure recognize licenses issued by the national authorities of other countries. Although no such national licensing regime exists in the United States, Croatia does recognize certain certificates issued by the U.S. Sailing Association. Regulations are complex and vary by class of license. Details on class of license recognized by country can be found at the Ministry’s website. Tourists in Croatia can also be certified at harbormasters' offices in Pula, Rijeka, Senj, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Ploce, and Dubrovnik, as well as at the Ministry in Zagreb by passing a test.
If you intend to hike in the Croatian mountains or climb in the numerous rock climbing areas, always seek local guides’ expert advice. The weather in the Croatian mountains can change quickly, even in the summer months, and temperatures can get very low overnight. There have been reports of hikers getting lost in the mountains when they have gone out alone, without expert guides, and left marked paths. Hikers have also been lost in stormy weather, and there have been fatal accidents as well. If in trouble, call the emergency number 112 and the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service will help you as best they can. Rock climbers in Paklenica National Park should consult a local guide or contact the National Park for more information.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.