Croatia, a country known for its rich culture, stunning coastlines, and welcoming atmosphere, became a member of the European Union (EU) in 2013. This opened up more opportunities for Croatian citizens in terms of travel and business. However, with the United Kingdom (UK) no longer part of the European Union following Brexit, the rules regarding entry have changed. So, do Croatians need a visa to visit the UK? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the visa requirements for Croatian citizens traveling to the UK, providing clear, detailed, and up-to-date information.
Visa Requirements for Croatians Visiting the UK
Since the UK left the EU on January 31, 2020, Croatian citizens, like other EU nationals, no longer enjoy automatic visa-free access to the UK for all types of visits. Let’s break down the specific requirements for short-term visits.
Short-Term Visits: Tourism, Business, and Family Visits
For short stays of up to six months in the UK, Croatian citizens do not need a visa for tourism, business, or family visits. This includes trips for leisure, attending business meetings or conferences, or visiting relatives or friends.
However, while a visa is not required, travelers should be prepared to meet certain conditions for entry. These may include proving the purpose of their visit, showing sufficient funds for their stay, and demonstrating that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit.
Exemptions and Special Conditions
Even though Croatian nationals don’t need a visa for short stays, there are a few exceptions or special conditions to be aware of:
Business visitors: If a Croatian national plans to work in the UK temporarily (e.g., attending a conference, business meetings, etc.), a visa is not necessary. However, they should not engage in full-time employment, self-employment, or provide services to a UK company.
Family members: Croatian nationals visiting family in the UK do not need a visa. The same applies to tourists visiting friends or relatives.
However, if the visit is longer than six months or involves other reasons (e.g., marriage or long-term stay), a visa may be required.
Travel Authorization: The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
In the near future, Croatian citizens will need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling. This system is similar to the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and is being introduced as part of the UK’s new immigration controls for non-visa nationals.
The ETA system is being phased in and will eventually replace the visa-exemption for short-term visitors, including Croatian nationals. While the exact start date for the full implementation of the ETA has not been confirmed, it’s expected that the system will become mandatory soon.
How to Apply for the ETA
The ETA will be an online application, much like the ESTA for the US. Travelers will need to fill out personal details and travel information and pay a fee (estimated to be around £10). The process will be quick and straightforward, and most applications will be approved within a few minutes. However, it is advised to apply at least 72 hours in advance of travel.
What the ETA Entails
Once granted, the ETA will allow Croatian nationals to enter the UK for short-term visits (tourism, business, etc.). However, it’s essential to note that the ETA is not a visa. It simply authorizes entry into the country for a specific period and purpose. Travelers will still need to meet border control requirements upon arrival.
Types of Visas for Longer Stays, Work, or Study
For Croatian nationals intending to stay in the UK for longer periods, or for purposes such as work, study, or joining family members, they will need to apply for a relevant visa.
Work Visas
There are several types of work visas available, depending on the job and qualifications. These include:
Skilled Worker Visa: For those who have a job offer in the UK and meet certain skill and salary thresholds.
Global Talent Visa: For highly skilled individuals in fields like science, humanities, engineering, the arts, and technology.
Temporary Worker Visa: For temporary employment (e.g., seasonal work or charity work).
Health and Care Worker Visa: For medical professionals working in the health and care sectors.
Study Visas
Croatian nationals wishing to study in the UK for longer than six months will need to apply for a Student Visa. This visa is for full-time students at a licensed UK institution. Applicants must have an offer from a recognized institution and show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Family Visas
Croatian nationals wishing to join family members in the UK will need to apply for a Family Visa. The requirements vary depending on the type of relationship and circumstances, such as marriage or parent-child relationships.
For more detailed information on these visa types, it’s best to visit the UK government’s official visa and immigration website.
Application Process: How to Apply for a UK Visa or ETA
If you’re planning to travel to the UK, either for a short-term visit or longer stay, it’s essential to understand the application process and requirements.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa You Need
First, determine whether you need a visa or ETA. If you’re traveling for less than six months for tourism or business, you likely won’t need a visa. However, if you are planning to work, study, or stay for longer than six months, you will need to apply for the relevant visa.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
For a visa application, you will generally need:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, employment letters, etc.)
- Proof of accommodation during your stay
- Travel insurance (for longer stays, this may be required)
- Details of your travel plans (return flight, intended destination, etc.)
- Specific documents depending on the visa type (e.g., job offer letter, university acceptance letter)
Step 3: Submit the Application
Once you have your documents ready, visit the UK’s visa and immigration website to complete the application form. Some applications can be done online, while others may require an in-person visit to a visa application center.
For an ETA, the application will be completed online, with a simple process requiring personal and travel information.
Step 4: Pay Fees
There will be visa application fees, which vary depending on the type of visa. For short-term visitors, an ETA will cost a small fee (estimated to be around £10). For work or study visas, the fees may be higher, and there could be additional charges, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Step 5: Wait for Processing
After submitting your application, processing times can vary. For an ETA, approval is often immediate, but for a visa, it could take several weeks or months, depending on the type of visa and application volume. It’s always a good idea to apply well in advance of your travel date.
Additional Travel Requirements
Before traveling to the UK, Croatian nationals should ensure that they meet all other travel requirements, such as passport validity and health insurance.
Passport Validity
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UK. If it’s close to expiring, it’s wise to renew it before applying for any travel authorization or visa.
Proof of Funds
Whether applying for a visa or traveling on an ETA, you may be required to show proof that you can support yourself financially during your stay. This can include bank statements, employment letters, or a sponsor letter from a UK-based family member or friend.
Health Insurance
Although health insurance isn’t mandatory for short-term visits, travelers applying for a visa or longer stays should have comprehensive health coverage. This is especially important if your visa application requires you to show proof of health insurance.
COVID-19 Considerations
As of 2025, COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines have eased significantly in most countries, including the UK. However, travelers should check for any last-minute changes to requirements before departure. This could include testing requirements or health declarations.
Conclusion
In summary, Croatian citizens visiting the UK for short-term purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits do not need a visa. However, they will soon need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). For longer stays, work, or study, a relevant visa will be required. Always ensure that you stay informed about the latest travel and visa requirements by checking official UK government websites before you travel.
