Croatia: EU Member and Schengen Participant
Croatia holds European Union membership and officially joined the Schengen area on January 1, 2023.
Travelers from other Schengen countries can enter or exit Croatia without presenting their identity card or passport when arriving from Schengen area nations. Nevertheless, it’s prudent to carry your passport or identity card in case proof of identity is required during your journey.
Travel Documents and Passport Safety
When entering Croatia from countries outside the Schengen Area, you can use an identity card, a valid passport, or a visa as necessary. Remember, if you reside in a non-European Union Member State, you’ll need your passport when requesting a VAT refund for purchases made in Croatia.
Before your trip, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia for detailed information. Additionally, we recommend contacting the Croatian embassy or consulate to verify travel requirements.
Despite the ease of travel within the European Union, your personal documents, including passports, remain vital. Loss or theft can lead to unwanted complications or identity fraud.
If you misplace your passport or entry identification, follow these steps:
- Seek assistance at the nearest police station.
- Contact your country’s diplomatic mission or consulate in Croatia; they can provide a temporary travel document to facilitate your exit from Croatia.
Visa Information
For comprehensive visa details on visiting Croatia, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia or get in touch with Croatian consular offices worldwide, listed here: Croatian Consular Offices Worldwide.
In general, citizens of European countries, whether they are EU Member States or not, typically do not require a visa to visit Croatia. Exceptions to this rule include citizens of the Russian Federation, Belarus, and the Republic of Turkey.
Most non-European country citizens will likely need to obtain a visa as per agreements between Croatia and their respective countries. Detailed information on the Croatian visa regime can be found here: Overview of the Visa Regime.
