Passports & Visas

E.U. member country nationals can now enter Croatia with just a personal ID. However, all other foreign nationals (anyone from outside the E.U.) need a valid passport for entrance to Croatia. Citizens of the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Israel, and Singapore do not need visas for tourist/business trips of fewer than 90 days within a 6-month period. A visa is required and should be obtained in advance for stays over 90 days. South Africans do require visas, even for short stays. As of April 2013, in preparation for E.U. membership, Croatia changed its law regarding Russians, who now need visas, too.

For more information on visas, visit the Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website, www.crovisa.mvep.hr. Here you will find an online visa application form (available in various languages), and if you’ve already applied, you can check your application status.

U.S. citizens can visit the U.S. State Department website (www.travel.state.gov) and go to the “Foreign Entry Requirement” for an up-to-date country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world.

Customs

What You Can Bring into Croatia

Visitors can bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, and 2 liters of liqueur duty-free. Foreign visitors can bring in boats without duty or taxes if the vessels are for private use while in Croatia and if they take them home when they leave.

What You Can Take Home from Croatia

U.S. citizens who have been away from the U.S. for at least 48 hours are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. A flat duty rate is charged on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. Citizens returning to the U.S. should have their receipts or purchases handy to expedite the declaration process. Note: Anyone who owes duty is required to pay upon arrival in the United States, either by cash, personal check, government or traveler’s check, or money order; in some locations Visa and MasterCard are also accepted.

To avoid paying duty on foreign-made personal items owned before leaving the U.S., bring along a bill of sale, insurance policy, jeweler’s appraisal, or receipts of purchase.

With few exceptions, fresh fruits and vegetables cannot be brought into the United States from another country. For specifics on what is and is not allowed, visit the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) website (www.cbp.gov) and go to “Travel” and click on “Know Before You Go.”

For a clear summary of Canadian rules, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

U.K. citizens should refer to the HM Customs & Excise website (www.hmce.gov.uk).

Australian nationals should visit the Australian Customs & Border Protection Service website (www.customs.gov.au).

Those from New Zealand should check out the New Zealand Customs Service website (www.customs.govt.nz).

Medical Requirements

For information on medical requirements and recommendations, see “Health”.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.