United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Croatia passport holders
Croatian passport holders can visit the United Kingdom visa-free for up to 6 months (180 days). From January 2025, all Croatian visitors must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for £16 before traveling. The ETA is not a visa and does not require an interview.
Great news! Croatia passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
Apply for the UK ETA at eta.homeoffice.gov.uk before booking travel. Cost: £16 per person. Most applications are approved within minutes to hours. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner, and covers multiple entries up to 6 months each. You cannot work in the UK on a visitor permission: this requires a separate UK work visa. Your ETA is linked to your passport: if you renew your passport, you need a new ETA.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Croatia to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK left the EU on January 31, 2020 (Brexit), and is no longer part of the Schengen Area. As a result, Croatian citizens no longer have automatic EU free movement rights in the UK. However, the UK introduced a generous 6-month visa-free allowance for Croatian and most other EU/EEA citizens. From January 8, 2025, EU nationals including Croatians must have a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before boarding transport to the UK. The ETA is similar to an ESTA or eTA: an online authorization costing £16, valid for multiple trips over 2 years. The UK has a significant Croatian diaspora especially in London, where Croatian workers are prominent in hospitality, healthcare, and construction sectors.
How to Get There
Zagreb (ZAG) and Dubrovnik (DBV) connect to London Heathrow (LHR) via British Airways direct and Croatian Airlines. Ryanair flies from Split (SPU) and Dubrovnik to London Stansted (STN). EasyJet connects from Zagreb to Gatwick (LGW). Multiple low-cost options from all Croatian coastal airports to various UK cities operate seasonally.
Money & Banking
The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP), not the Euro. Cards are widely accepted; contactless payment is dominant. Cash (GBP) is rarely needed but useful for tips and small vendors. The UK is expensive: London is one of Europe's priciest cities for accommodation and dining. Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants is expected; service charge is sometimes added automatically. Check your bill before adding extra.
Practical Tips
London has six major airports: Heathrow (LHR, main hub), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN, budget), Luton (LTN, budget), City (LCY), and Southend (SEN). Edinburgh (EDI) and Manchester (MAN) are main regional hubs. Drive on the left. The Oyster card or contactless bank card works on London's Tube, buses, and Overground. Trains from London to Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham are fast (1.5-4 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Croatian citizens need a visa to visit the UK post-Brexit?
No visa is required for stays up to 180 days. However, the UK has been rolling out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for EU nationals. Check current UK government guidance before travel to confirm whether a Croatian passport requires an ETA before boarding.
What is the UK ETA and does it affect Croatian travelers?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital pre-clearance system similar to the US ESTA or Canada eTA. The UK has been phasing in ETA requirements for different nationalities. Check the current status for Croatian passport holders at gov.uk before booking travel.
How long can a Croatian citizen stay in the UK?
Croatian citizens can visit the UK for up to 180 days (6 months) per visit for tourism or short business. This is one of the most generous visitor allowances in the world. For work, study, or settlement, separate UK visas apply.
Does Brexit affect the right of Croatians already settled in the UK?
Croatians who were resident in the UK before December 31, 2020 were eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme (Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status). Those with Settled Status have the right to remain permanently. New arrivals post-Brexit must use the UK immigration points-based system for work or study.
Are there direct flights from Croatia to the UK?
Yes. Multiple airlines connect Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik to London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton) and other UK airports. British Airways, Croatia Airlines, easyJet, and Ryanair operate these routes. Summer service from Dalmatian airports is particularly frequent.
What currency does the UK use?
The UK uses the British pound sterling (GBP). Cards are universally accepted throughout the UK; it is a highly cashless society. Notify your bank before travel. Exchange rates between the euro and pound fluctuate.
Is a Croatian driving license valid in the UK?
Croatian driving licenses are valid for driving in the UK for up to 12 months for visitors. The UK drives on the left side of the road; take extra care when renting a car or crossing roads.