Croatia — Schengen Travel Guide

Overview

Croatia is one of Europe’s most breathtaking destinations, combining a spectacular 1,800-kilometre Adriatic coastline with medieval walled cities, cascading national park waterfalls, and a thriving food and wine scene. The country became the 27th member of the Schengen Area on 1 January 2023, simultaneously adopting the Euro and eliminating border controls with neighbouring Schengen states.

For UK BRP and eVisa holders, Croatia’s Schengen membership means your visit counts towards the shared 90-day Schengen allowance. If your nationality permits visa-free Schengen travel, you can enter Croatia without a separate visa. Otherwise, a standard Schengen visa covers Croatia along with all other member states.

From the iconic terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik to the Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the emerald lakes of Plitvice, Croatia delivers world-class experiences at prices that remain competitive with Western Europe. Direct flights from the UK serve Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, and Zadar, with flight times of approximately 2.5 hours.

Entry Requirements for UK BRP / eVisa Holders

Requirement	Details
Visa requirement	Schengen visa or visa-free if nationality allows
Maximum stay	90 days within 180-day period (shared Schengen)
Passport validity	At least 3 months beyond planned departure
Currency	Euro (EUR) — adopted January 2023
Travel insurance	Required for Schengen visa applicants (€30,000 minimum)
Schengen member since	1 January 2023

Top Destinations in Croatia

Dubrovnik

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is encircled by imposing medieval walls that you can walk along for panoramic views of the turquoise sea. The city gained worldwide fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Stroll the limestone-paved Stradun, take the cable car to Mount Srd for sunset views, and explore the island of Lokrum just a short ferry ride away. Dubrovnik is busiest in July and August — visiting in May, June, or September offers a far more pleasant experience.

Split

Croatia’s second-largest city is built around the remarkable ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman emperor’s retirement home turned living city centre. The palace walls house restaurants, shops, and homes, creating a unique atmosphere where ancient and modern coexist seamlessly. Split’s Riva waterfront promenade is perfect for evening strolls, and the city serves as the main gateway to the islands of Hvar, Brac, and Vis. The nearby Marjan Hill offers hiking trails with excellent city and sea views.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Croatia’s most visited natural attraction, Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 16 cascading lakes connected by waterfalls, surrounded by dense beech and fir forest. Wooden walkways thread through the park, taking you over crystal-clear turquoise pools that change colour throughout the day. The park requires advance ticket booking in peak season. Allow at least 4 to 6 hours for a full visit. The Upper Lakes route offers more dramatic waterfalls, while the Lower Lakes provide the iconic postcard views.

Zagreb

The capital city offers a different side of Croatia — Austro-Hungarian architecture, vibrant cafe culture, excellent museums (including the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships), and the famous Dolac Market. The Upper Town features St Mark’s Church with its distinctive tiled roof. Zagreb is significantly cheaper than the coastal cities and makes an excellent base for day trips to Plitvice Lakes or the Zagorje castle region.

The Islands

Croatia has over 1,200 islands, of which about 50 are inhabited. Hvar is the most glamorous, with its yacht-filled harbour and lavender fields. Korcula claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo and offers medieval charm without Dubrovnik’s crowds. Vis, formerly a military base closed to tourists until 1989, remains the most unspoiled. Brac is home to Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), one of Europe’s most photogenic beaches. Island-hopping by ferry is affordable and scenic.

Practical Travel Information

• Getting there — Direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol to Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, and Zadar. Flight time approximately 2.5 hours.
• Currency — Euro since January 2023. Cards widely accepted. ATMs available everywhere.
• Language — Croatian. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by younger people.
• Getting around — Buses connect all major cities. Ferries link the islands. Car hire is useful for exploring Istria and the coast. Driving is on the right.
• Accommodation — From 40 to 120 EUR per night for mid-range hotels. Apartments and “sobe” (private rooms) offer great value.
• Food costs — A restaurant meal costs 10 to 20 EUR. Seafood is excellent along the coast. Try cevapi, peka, and fresh oysters from Ston.
• Safety — Croatia is very safe for tourists. Petty theft can occur in busy tourist areas during peak season.
• Time zone — CET (UTC+1), same as France and Germany. One hour ahead of the UK.

Important Notes for UK BRP Holders

Since Croatia is now part of the Schengen Area, your time in Croatia counts towards your total 90-day Schengen allowance. If you have already spent time in other Schengen countries such as France, Spain, or Germany, those days reduce the time available for Croatia. Use a Schengen day calculator to track your remaining allowance.

Croatia previously had separate entry rules before joining Schengen. Since 1 January 2023, the old Croatian visa regime no longer applies. All entries are governed by Schengen rules. If you hold a valid Schengen visa, it covers Croatia. If your nationality allows visa-free Schengen travel, no additional permission is needed.

For the full Schengen application process, see our Schengen Visa Guide for BRP Holders. For other Schengen destinations, explore our guides for all 27 member countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: March 2026. Always verify entry requirements with the relevant embassy or official government website before booking travel.