Quick answer
| Visa | Not required for tourist or business trips of up to 90 days. |
|---|---|
| The 90 days | Counted over a six-month period that starts on the day of your first entry. Time in any Schengen country counts toward the same 90 days. |
| Passport | At least three months of validity remaining, according to the US Embassy. |
| EU entry system | In effect since 12 October 2025. Expect biometrics at the border on arrival and departure. |
| ETIAS | Not required yet. The official ETIAS site says it is not in operation and no start date has been announced. |
| Police registration | Within 48 hours of arrival. Hotels and rentals usually do it for you. |
Sources: the US Embassy in Croatia (page dated 6 October 2025) and IATA. Checked 11 November 2026, including the official ETIAS website for ETIAS status. This is general information, not legal advice, and rules change. Confirm with the Embassy or the official EU site before you travel.
Your passport
- Check the expiry date before you book. The Embassy says Schengen rules require at least three months of validity remaining. Without it, you may be stopped from boarding or denied entry.
- A passport you previously reported as lost or stolen can get you denied entry.
The 90-day limit
A visa is not required for temporary tourist and business trips of up to 90 days. The Embassy says time in any Schengen country counts toward the total, so on a longer trip across Europe, add up every country you visit.
To stay longer, US citizens must apply for a temporary residence permit. The Embassy advises contacting the Ministry of Interior at least 30 days before the 90 days end.
The EU Entry/Exit System
Since 12 October 2025 the EU, including Croatia, has used a new Entry/Exit System. The Embassy says US citizens on short stays are enrolled at the border on arrival and departure, with biometric data collected.
Enrollment may add time at passport control, so leave extra time before a tight ferry connection.
ETIAS
ETIAS is a planned online travel authorization for visitors who don’t need a visa. The official ETIAS website says it is currently not in operation and that no applications are collected. It says the EU will announce the start date several months before launch. IATA lists the fee as €20 (about $22).
No applications are being collected yet. Before you fly, check travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Official EU sites end in europa.eu. Other sites that sell ETIAS applications may charge extra fees.
Register with the local police
The Embassy says all foreign citizens must register with the local police within 48 hours of arrival. Hotels and rental companies usually register guests automatically. If you stay in a private home, ask your host. Not registering is a misdemeanor and can be fined.
Next steps
- Flying from the US to SplitNonstop and connecting options
- Split airport to the ferry portLanding in Split? Start here
Common questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Croatia?
Not for tourist trips of up to 90 days, according to the US Embassy in Croatia.
Do days in other countries count?
Yes. Time in any Schengen country counts toward the same 90 days.
Is ETIAS required now?
No. The official ETIAS website says it is not in operation yet and that the EU will announce the start date several months before launch. Check it again before you fly.
Dollar amounts are approximate. Converted at €1 = $1.1127 (European Central Bank reference rate, 11 November 2026). Your card’s rate and fees will differ.
