February the 24th, 2025 – New rules for Croatian travellers making trips to the UK are due to come into force in April. Here’s what you need to know.
The United Kingdom will introduce its brand new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for European Union (EU) citizens this April, should all remain on schedule. The move adds a small and simple step for EU citizens, including Croatian travellers, heading to the UK as of April this year.
The ETA is an advanced travel permission required by those travelling to the UK or transiting through it. It is intended solely for nationals of countries who do not require any kind of visa to enter the UK.
The UK’s ETA mimic the EU’s EES (Entry and Exit System) and functions in the same way. It’s important to note that the EES is not a visa, and that the UK is not imposing visas for EU citizens entering the UK.
As of April the 2nd, Croatian travellers heading to the UK will need to spend the symbolic sum of £10 on the UK ETA before embarking on a trip to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). The process is very quick, simple, and can be done on an app or online.
the new rules for croatian travellers heading to the uk in april – a simple breakdown
Croatian nationals will need to apply for an ETA as of April the 2nd 2025.
The cost is around 12 euros (£10).
The time it takes to approve an ETA is three working days or less. The British Government has stated that it is usually approved far more quickly.
In some rare cares it may take longer than three days.
You do not need to apply for a new ETA every time you travel to the UK. One ETA is valid for all trips Croatian travellers take to the UK in a two year period, unless their passport to which the ETA is tied expires sooner.
The ETA can be applied for online, or by using the UK ETA app (which can be downloaded on both Google Play and the App Store). Just search “UK ETA”.
when do croatian travellers to the uk need to apply?
The British Government recommends that you apply around a week before your trip to the UK to ensure you get approval on time. However, you can travel while waiting for approval if your trip is urgent.
Croatian travellers to the UK do not need an ETA if they are travelling before April the 2nd.
Croatian travellers can only apply for an ETA as of March the 5th.
An ETA must be applied for on a passenger by passenger basis, this includes children and babies. Group applications are not possible.
who doesn’t need an eta?
If you’re a dual Croatian/British/Irish national, you do not need an ETA.
If you have the right to live and work in the UK and can demonstrate that, you do not need an ETA.
If you’re only transiting through a UK airport without crossing the UK border, you do not need an ETA.
If you’re travelling from the Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey or Ireland and you live in Ireland, you do not need an ETA.
what does an eta provide?
As of April the 2nd, Croatian travellers heading to the UK must have a valid, approved ETA.
Your ETA allows you to come to the UK for up to six months as long as you’re not working.
Transit through a UK airport if you’re passing UK border control (make sure to check!)
the actual eta application process
You’ll need your passport.
Your payment method (credit/debit card, Google/Apple Pay).
Your email account.
You’ll need to take photos of your face/the face of the person making the application.
The passport.
You will then upload them using the clear instructions shown on the app.
You don’t need to enter any details of your travel.
Sit back and wait for approval!
how do i know if i’ve been approved?
You’ll receive an email confirming that you’ve got an ETA that will remain valid for all trips to the UK over the next two years. It will be linked to the travel document (passport) you applied with, and you can travel to the UK as many times as you’d like once approved.
Be very wary of fake ETA websites or apps, only trust what is UK Government approved. For more information, visit the British Government’s website.
