United States entry requirements for Croatia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Croatian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business. As of 2026, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. embassy in Zagreb before you travel — there is no visa waiver or ESTA option for Croatian citizens.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (eVisa) authorizationESTA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. You must have it approved before you fly. Required for visa-free travel | Croatian citizens must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply online at the official ESTA website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Cost: US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization). Processing is often instant, but allow up to 72 hours. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your planned departure from the US. Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Croatian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe US border officer will stamp your passport; a blank page is needed for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officers may ask to see proof of your departure plans. Recommended to show at border | Although not explicitly required for Croatian citizens, having a return or onward ticket is strongly recommended to prove you intend to leave the US within the 90-day visa-free period. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsYou may be asked to show you can support yourself during your visit. Recommended to show at border | While not a formal requirement, carrying evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) is recommended to satisfy border officers if asked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Croatian citizens entering the United States. | Not required |
| Visa extensionYou cannot apply for more time once you're in the US under ESTA. Not permitted | The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave the US before your authorized stay expires. | Not required |
Plan ahead — visa processing takes months
US visa appointments at the Zagreb embassy can be booked 2–4 months out. Start the process at least 5–6 months before your intended travel date to avoid last-minute stress.
No visa-free entry for Croatian passport holders
Unlike many EU countries, Croatia is not in the US Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. A B-1/B-2 visa is mandatory for any travel to the US, including tourism, business, or transit.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160, upload a compliant photo, and print the confirmation page with the barcode. This is your application number — keep it safe.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185 for most B-1/B-2 visas) via the designated bank or online portal. Keep the receipt — you'll need it for scheduling.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. Visa Appointment Service, select the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb, and pick an available slot. Wait times can be 2–4 months in peak season, so plan ahead.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy (Ul. Augusta Cesarca 4, 10000 Zagreb) with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip, ties to Croatia, and finances. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing usually takes 3–10 business days. You'll get a notification to pick it up or have it couriered.
6
Travel and enter the US
At the US port of entry (e.g., JFK, LAX), present your passport with visa, and be ready for CBP officer questions. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. The officer decides your allowed stay (usually up to 6 months).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-1/B-2 visa extension
Max stayUp to 6 months per extension
ValidityUsually granted in 6-month increments
Cost$455 (I-539 fee)
Must apply before current I-94 expires; approval not guaranteed.
H-1B (work visa)
Max stayUp to 3 years (extendable to 6)
ValidityTypically 3 years, extendable
Cost$190 (base filing fee) + additional fees
Requires employer sponsorship and cap lottery; not for tourism.
L-1 (intracompany transferee)
Max stayUp to 5-7 years
ValidityInitial 1-3 years, extendable
Cost$460 (base filing fee)
For employees transferring from a foreign office to a U.S. office.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (renewable)
$460 USD (approx. €430) + legal fees
For professionals in specialized fields; requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Offers path to green card.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$160 USD (approx. €150) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training.
investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (approx. €980,000)
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. High capital requirement but leads to citizenship.
exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Up to 2 years (varies by program)
$220 USD (approx. €205) + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, or research programs. Requires sponsorship by designated organization.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 visa application fee (MRV fee)Non-refundable, paid when submitting the DS-160 form. | $185 |
| Visa issuance fee (if applicable)Some nationalities pay an additional issuance fee; check with the embassy. | Varies |
| Visa extension (I-539 application)For extending B-1/B-2 stay beyond 90 days; must file before current status expires. | $455 |
| Biometric services fee (if applicable)Charged for applicants requiring fingerprinting at an Application Support Center. | $85 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof25%
No return ticket20%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Croatian citizens transiting through the U.S. generally require a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. There is no visa-free transit for Croatian passport holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid U.S. permanent resident cards (green cards) are exempt.
- Holders of valid nonimmigrant visas (e.g., B-1/B-2, F-1) may transit without a separate C-1 visa.
- Citizens of certain countries with visa waiver agreements may be exempt, but Croatia is not currently included.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; use repellent and check for ticks.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Present nationwide, especially summer; use insect repellent.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person appointments for certain cases; extensions by mail only.
Practical information for HR travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Croatia is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so you must get a B-1/B-2 visa before traveling. There is no ESTA option for Croatian passport holders.
From start to finish, expect 2–6 months. The DS-160 takes about an hour, interview wait times at the Zagreb embassy are typically 2–4 months, and visa printing adds another 3–10 business days after approval.
The non-refundable application fee is $185 (approx. €170) for a B-1/B-2 visa. This covers processing and the interview. Additional courier fees may apply for passport return.
Yes, but you must file Form I-539 with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around $455. Overstaying can lead to bans.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel), DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, one US-compliant photo, and supporting documents: bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, and proof of ties to Croatia (e.g., property, family).
You'll receive a refusal notice under Section 214(b) of the Immigration Act. You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for refusal (e.g., stronger ties to Croatia). There is no appeal process.
Yes. Even for a layover, you must clear US immigration and customs, so you need a valid US visa (or be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program — which Croatia is not). A transit visa does not exist separately.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.