Croatia Designated a Visa Waiver Program Country

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that as of December 1, 2021, citizens of Croatia will be able to apply to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a U.S. visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).  

ESTA Authorization Required

Under the Visa Waiver Program, citizens of Croatia will be able to apply online for authorization to travel to the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). These authorizations are valid for two years. Travelers with B1/B2 visas should continue to use their visa for travel to the United States (and be admitted for up to six months, normally).

Restrictions on VWP Entry and B1/B2 Status

It should be noted that the B1/B2 visa is for temporary travel for tourism or business. These visa types (and the Visa Waiver Program) do not allow employment in the United States and the 90-day maximum period of stay cannot be extended or changed from within the United States. Visitors who need the ability to remain in the United States for a longer period of time (six months) or who need the ability to extend or change their status while in the United States still need to obtain B1/B2 visa at the Consulate and then use it to enter the US.

List of Visa Waiver Program Countries

The updated list of countries eligible for VWP are:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

** The United Kingdom refers only to British citizens who have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man); it does not refer to British overseas citizens, British dependent territories’ citizens, or citizens of British Commonwealth countries. Taiwan refers only to individuals who have unrestricted right of permanent abode on Taiwan and are in possession of an electronic passport bearing a personal identification (household registration) number

For additional list of frequently asked questions or restrictions on VWP/ESTA please contact us or see the helpful CBP resources page.