Important travel update: Croatian travelers now need the UK ETA

From April 2025, Croatian travelers must have the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK.

Without an approved ETA, you won’t be allowed to board your flight or cross the UK border, even for a short visit.

What Is the UK ETA and do Croatians need it?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a new digital entry requirement introduced to improve border security. It is not a visa, but all Croatian travelers must have one before flying to the UK.

This change is part of post-Brexit travel regulations, which affect all EU countries.

Do Croatians need a visa for the UK?

No, Croatians do not need a traditional visa for short visits. However, an ETA is mandatory for travel to:

✔️ England
✔️ Scotland
✔️ Wales
✔️ Northern Ireland

If you’re only transiting through the UK, an ETA is not required.

💡 iVisa travel expert Catherine Thurtle warns:

“Many travelers assume their EU passport is enough, but without an ETA, you won’t be allowed to board. Apply early to avoid issues, especially given the newness of this document.”

Why the UK ETA matters for Croatian travelers

Tourism & family visits

With an approved ETA, you can visit the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting friends and family, or short-term study.

Business & work-related travel**

Croatia has strong business ties with the UK, especially in finance, trade, and tech. The ETA allows hassle-free entry for business meetings, trade negotiations, and professional events.

Multiple entries allowed

The ETA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires), allowing multiple trips without reapplying.

How to get your UK ETA – A step-by-step guide

1️⃣ Apply online Complete your ETA application on the official UK website or our handy platform or mobile app.

2️⃣ Provide the required information

Valid Croatian passport
A clear digital passport photo
Basic personal and travel details

3️⃣ Pay the ETA fees
Our secure payment options include credit/debit card, PayPal, and Amazon Pay.

4️⃣ Wait for approval
Most applications are processed within 72 hours, though some are approved even faster.

Once approved, the ETA is digitally linked to your passport - no need to print anything.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying

Even a small error can delay your ETA approval. Here are the most frequent mistakes by Croatian applicants, and how to avoid them:

❌ Mistake	✅ Solution
Using an expired passport	Ensure your passport is valid for your entire stay
Applying too late	Submit your ETA request at least one week before departure
Poor-quality passport photo	Use a clear, high-resolution image with proper lighting

Check out the top reasons why UK ETA applications get rejected, for more insights.

💡 Immigration expert Ivana Petrović advises:

“Many Croatians travel to the UK for summer holidays - don’t leave your ETA application until the last minute. Share this new update with anyone planning a trip soon.”

Additional UK entry rules to know

Even with an ETA, travelers must follow standard UK entry rules, including:

📌 Proof of onward travel – You may need to show a return ticket.

📌 Customs & duty-free limits – Follow UK regulations on restricted and prohibited items.

💡Michael Angelo from The Project Kosmos shared his experience:

"Everywhere in the UK they make you take out and separate all liquids from your hand luggage. To speed up the process, pack them into a small transparent bag for easy unpacking."