United States Visa RequirementsFor Croatia passport holders
Croatian passport holders can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days. An ESTA authorization ($21) is required before travel.
Croatia passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to United States.
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before your trip. The fee is $21 USD (a $4 travel promotion fee plus a $17 authorization fee), payable by credit or debit card. Most applications are approved instantly, but allow up to 72 hours. Your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers multiple trips. ESTA does not guarantee entry: a CBP officer makes the final decision at the port of entry.
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 States: What You Need to Know
Croatia joined the US Visa Waiver Program in December 2021, a milestone that reflected deepening US-Croatia ties and Croatia's strong track record on security standards. The Croatian-American community is one of the most established in the US, with large populations in cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland dating back to 19th-century immigration waves. Croatia's EU and NATO membership further reinforced its VWP eligibility. Zagreb Airport (ZAG) and Split Airport (SPU) connect to European hubs for onward US travel. If you hold dual Croatian and non-VWP nationality, use your Croatian passport for ESTA.
How to Get There
From Zagreb (ZAG), connections to the US are available via Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa, Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM, or Vienna (VIE) with Austrian Airlines. Croatia Airlines also flies to several European hubs. From Split (SPU), seasonal and charter connections operate in summer. New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Washington (IAD) are the main transatlantic gateways.
Money & Banking
The US uses the US Dollar (USD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is a non-negotiable social norm: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 at bars, a few dollars for taxis and hotel housekeeping. Unlike Croatia where tipping is appreciated but not obligatory, in the US it is expected as part of service workers' income. Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.
Practical Tips
Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before your flight. If visiting Croatian-American communities in cities like Chicago or Pittsburgh, be ready to explain the purpose of your visit to the CBP officer. Do not overstay 90 days: the consequences include deportation and potential loss of VWP privileges. Carry proof of return travel and sufficient financial means for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Croatian citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
No. Croatia joined the US Visa Waiver Program in December 2021. Croatian passport holders can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, but must have an approved ESTA before boarding.
How do Croatian citizens apply for ESTA?
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The form is straightforward; approval usually comes within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before departure. Cost: $21 USD.
How long can Croatians stay in the US on ESTA?
Up to 90 days per entry. This cannot be extended under VWP status.
How much does ESTA cost for Croatian passport holders?
$21 USD: a $4 travel promotion fee plus a $17 authorization fee, paid by credit or debit card.
What airlines fly from Croatia to the United States?
There are no nonstop flights from Croatia to the US. Travelers connect via Vienna (VIE) with Austrian Airlines, Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa, or Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM. New York and Chicago are the main US gateways.
Can Croatian citizens work in the United States on ESTA?
No. ESTA is for tourism, transit, and business meetings only. Paid work requires a US work visa.
Does ESTA guarantee entry to the United States?
No. An approved ESTA allows you to board your flight. The final decision is made by a US CBP officer at the port of entry.
What are the consequences of overstaying 90 days in the US on ESTA?
Overstaying leads to removal from the US, loss of VWP eligibility, and serious difficulties obtaining future US visas.