ESTA for Croatian Citizens

On 28 September 2021, Croatia was added to the list of Visa Waiver Program countries, allowing Croatians to visit the US for business or tourism without requiring a visa.

Do Croatians Need a Visa for the USA?

As long as they have acquired Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), Croatian passport holders can visit the United States visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

For long-term stays or other purposes not covered by the ESTA, such as work, study, volunteering, or moving to the US, Croatians may need to obtain an appropriate US visa from an embassy.

How Croatian Citizens Can Use ESTA?

The US operates a strict border control system, where non-US travellers entering the country must have a visa or an ESTA, if they are eligible.

The ESTA can be used for business, tourism, transit and medical purposes, provided that the trip lasts no longer than 90 days.

Can an ESTA Be Used for Multiple Entries?

Yes, ESTA can be used for multiple entries; however, it's crucial to be aware that Customs and Border Protection may refuse entrance if they suspect any attempt to circumvent restrictions or regulations on immigration.

How to Apply for ESTA?

Now that Croatia has been added to the list of VWP countries, Croatians can easily apply for an ESTA using the online form. This is a much quicker process than applying for a visa, which involves attending an interview at the US Embassy. The online form for ESTA can be completed in less than 30 minutes, by filling out all of the required information and answering the eligibility questions.

When the form has been completed and checked to make sure that all of the details are correct, the applicant pays the ESTA application fee using an electronic card. The application fee for ESTA is significantly cheaper than the fee for a visa ($160 for a visitor visa).

Once the application fee has been paid, the applicant submits the form and will receive a response via email within 72 hours. The response may even come back within just a few hours, once the DHL has screened the applicant against security databases to assess whether they pose a risk to the US.

If approved, the ESTA will be electronically linked to the biometric passport and border control agents will be able to see on the system that there is a valid ESTA linked to the passport.

When Will I Need to Get a New US ESTA for Croatians?

If any of the situations mentioned below occur, you will be required to submit a new ESTA application:

Do Dual Citizens of the United States or Canada Need an ESTA?

If you have dual citizenship (Croatia and either the United States or Canada), you don't need to apply for an ESTA or visa. Using your American or Canadian passport will do just fine.

Important Advice for ESTA Application

Flawless accuracy is essential when it comes to the ESTA application – omissions or incorrect information, such as an erroneous passport number or mailing address, may lead to instant denial. As such, we highly recommend that applicants thoroughly overview their form multiple times prior to submitting in order to guarantee correctness. Additionally, to avoid any likely troubles, one should submit their paperwork in advance of planning to visit the United States.

What if my ESTA is declined?

If the ESTA application is declined, there may still be a possibility that you could visit the US using a visitor visa. You can apply for a visa using the D-160 form and by attending the US Embassy in Croatia.

U.S. Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia
10 010 Zagreb
Croatia

Benefits of ESTA for Croatian Citizens: