What is ETIAS?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an online travel authorisation for people who can visit the Schengen area without a visa, such as citizens of the UK, US, Canada and Australia. It is not a visa: you fill in a short online form, pay the fee and usually receive approval by email. ETIAS will be required for 30 European countries, including Croatia.
When does ETIAS start?
There is no start date. In 2025 the EU said ETIAS would launch in the last quarter of 2026. In July 2026 that target was removed from the official website, and as of late October 2026 no new date had been announced. The EU has said it will announce the start date several months before launch, followed by a transition period of at least six months. Until then you do not need ETIAS, and nobody can issue one.
EES: what already changed at the border
The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational at all Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026. For non-EU travellers on short stays it records name, passport data, fingerprints, a facial image and the date and place of each entry and exit. Passport stamps have ended. Your first EES registration takes a few extra minutes, so plan more time at airports and land borders, especially in summer.
Arriving by car?
From 1 March 2027 Croatian motorways switch to barrier-free tolls: register your number plate before you drive. Our guide to Croatia tolls 2027 explains how.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Croatia now?
How much will ETIAS cost?
Is EES the same as ETIAS?
Where do I apply for ETIAS?
Updated: November 2026 · Supremio Digital, Zagreb
