Hvar Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Hvar is a stunning island destination in Croatia (HR), part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. As a Croatian territory, entry requirements for Hvar follow Croatia's national immigration policies. Travelers typically arrive in Croatia through major airports like Split or Dubrovnik, then take a ferry to Hvar, though immigration and customs procedures are completed at the first point of entry into Croatia, not on the island itself. Croatia's membership in the Schengen Area (as of January 2023) means that travelers from many countries enjoy visa-free access for short stays. The immigration process is generally straightforward for tourists, with standard document checks at airports or border crossings. Once you've cleared immigration on the Croatian mainland, travel to Hvar involves no additional border formalities. Before traveling to Hvar, ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area, and that it was issued within the last 10 years. Travelers should also be prepared to show proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds for their stay. Understanding these requirements in advance will help ensure a smooth entry process and allow you to focus on enjoying Hvar's beautiful beaches, historic towns, and vibrant culture.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Croatia's visa policy applies to Hvar. As a Schengen Area member since January 1, 2023, Croatia follows Schengen visa regulations. Most visitors can enter visa-free for tourism purposes, though the length of stay and specific requirements vary by nationality.

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period for non-EU/EEA nationals; unlimited for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and many other nations can enter without a visa for short stays

Includes

All EU member states United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Israel United Arab Emirates Brazil Argentina Chile Mexico Serbia Montenegro Bosnia and Herzegovina Albania North Macedonia

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area and issued within the previous 10 years. The 90/180-day rule applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Croatia. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use national ID cards instead of passports.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS)

Valid for 3 years or until passport expiry, allows multiple entries of up to 90 days per 180-day period

From 2025, visa-exempt nationals will need ETIAS authorization before traveling to Schengen countries

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore and other visa-exempt non-EU countries

How to Apply: Apply online through official ETIAS website at least 96 hours before travel. Application takes approximately 10 minutes. Most applications approved within minutes, though some may take up to 30 days.
Cost: Approximately €7 for adults (18-70 years); free for travelers under 18 or over 70

ETIAS is expected to launch in 2025. Until then, current visa-free access continues without pre-authorization. Check official EU ETIAS website for implementation date. Not a visa, but a travel authorization similar to US ESTA.

Visa Required

Typically up to 90 days within 180-day period for tourist visas; longer for other visa types

Nationals of countries not on the visa-free list must obtain a Schengen visa before travel

How to Apply: Apply at Croatian embassy or consulate in your country of residence at least 15 days before travel (recommended 3-4 weeks in advance). Requires appointment, completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and return ticket. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can take up to 45 days in exceptional cases.

Schengen visa issued by Croatia or any other Schengen country allows travel throughout the Schengen Area. Visa fees typically €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12 years, free for children under 6. Some nationalities may be exempt from fees.

Arrival Process

When traveling to Hvar, you'll complete immigration and customs procedures at your first point of entry into Croatia (typically Split Airport, Dubrovnik Airport, or a land border crossing). There are no additional border controls when taking the ferry to Hvar island. The process is generally efficient and straightforward for tourists with proper documentation.

Arrival at Croatian Border/Airport

Upon arrival at your entry point into Croatia, follow signs for passport control. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use designated EU lanes, while all other nationals use non-EU lanes. Have your passport and supporting documents ready.

Immigration Check

Present your passport to the border officer. They will check validity, verify your visa status or visa-free eligibility, and may ask about your travel plans. Your passport will be stamped (for non-EU nationals) indicating your entry date. This stamp is important for proving legal entry and stay duration.

Baggage Claim

After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim to collect your luggage. Check display screens for your flight number and corresponding carousel.

Customs Declaration

Before exiting the arrivals area, pass through customs. Use the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no restricted items or amounts exceeding duty-free allowances. Use the red 'Goods to Declare' channel if you need to declare items. Random checks may occur.

Travel to Hvar

Once through customs, you're free to continue to Hvar. From Split or Dubrovnik, take a ferry, catamaran, or private boat transfer. No additional immigration checks occur when traveling between Croatian mainland and islands.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens may use valid national ID cards instead.

Visa or ETIAS (when applicable)

Required for nationals who need visa authorization or ETIAS pre-approval. Must be obtained before travel.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental confirmation, or invitation letter from host. Officers may request this to verify your travel plans and intended length of stay.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof that you plan to leave Croatia/Schengen Area within the permitted timeframe. Flight, ferry, or bus tickets showing departure.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can financially support yourself during your stay (approximately €70 per day recommended). Bank statements, credit cards, cash, or traveler's checks may be requested.

Travel Insurance

While not always checked at entry, travel insurance covering medical expenses (minimum €30,000) is required for Schengen visa holders and highly recommended for all visitors.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents easily accessible in a travel folder, not packed in checked luggage. This includes passport, accommodation confirmations, return tickets, and travel insurance.

Be honest and concise when answering immigration questions. Provide direct answers without volunteering unnecessary information.

Keep your passport stamp visible and don't lose any entry/exit documentation, as you may need to prove your legal entry and duration of stay.

If arriving from another Schengen country by air, you may not undergo passport checks at Croatian airports, but always carry your passport as random checks can occur.

Download offline copies of important documents (passport, visa, accommodation, insurance) on your phone in case originals are misplaced.

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your ferry to Hvar, especially during peak summer season when immigration lines and ferry bookings can be busy.

If you've visited other Schengen countries on this trip, ensure your total stay doesn't exceed 90 days within the 180-day period. Immigration officers can check your travel history.

Customs & Duty-Free

Croatian customs regulations apply when entering the country with goods. As an EU member, Croatia follows EU customs rules. Travelers from EU countries face fewer restrictions on personal goods, while those arriving from non-EU countries must adhere to duty-free allowances. Declare all items that exceed allowances or fall into restricted categories to avoid penalties.

Alcohol (from non-EU countries)

1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol) OR 2 liters of fortified/sparkling wine (under 22% alcohol), PLUS 4 liters of still wine, PLUS 16 liters of beer

Only for travelers aged 17 and over. EU residents traveling from other EU countries can bring unlimited alcohol for personal use, but must be prepared to prove it's not for commercial purposes.

Tobacco (from non-EU countries)

200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco

Only for travelers aged 17 and over. EU residents can bring unlimited tobacco from other EU countries for personal use. Combinations of tobacco products are allowed proportionally.

Currency

€10,000 or equivalent in other currencies

Amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent) must be declared when entering or leaving the EU. This includes cash, checks, traveler's checks, and other bearer instruments. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.

Gifts/Goods (from non-EU countries)

€430 per person by air or sea; €300 per person by land; €150 for travelers under 15 years

Total value of goods for personal use. Goods exceeding this value are subject to customs duty and VAT. Keep receipts for valuable items.

Perfume

50g of perfume and 0.25 liters of eau de toilette

Applies to arrivals from non-EU countries only.

Medication

Personal supply for duration of stay

Carry prescription or doctor's letter for controlled substances. Large quantities may require additional documentation.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Strict penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition (without proper permits) - Requires special authorization
Counterfeit goods and pirated products - Subject to confiscation
Endangered species products - Protected under CITES (ivory, certain animal skins, exotic plants)
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - Animal health regulations (some exceptions for small quantities)
Certain plants and plant products - Phytosanitary restrictions to prevent disease
Offensive materials - Pornographic material involving minors, materials promoting violence or discrimination

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Carry prescriptions and doctor's letters; controlled substances require special permits
Firearms and hunting equipment - Requires Croatian permits obtained in advance; sporting firearms need European Firearms Pass
Cultural artifacts and antiques - May require export certificates from country of origin
Large amounts of cash - Amounts over €10,000 must be declared
Professional equipment - May require temporary import documentation (ATA Carnet)
Drones - Subject to Croatian aviation regulations; commercial use requires permits
Live animals - Require health certificates, vaccination records, and compliance with EU pet travel scheme

Health Requirements

Croatia generally has minimal mandatory health requirements for entry. However, travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up to date and consider health insurance coverage for their trip. Health requirements can change based on global health situations, so always check current requirements before travel.

Required Vaccinations

None for most travelers - Croatia does not require proof of vaccination for entry under normal circumstances
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required only if arriving from yellow fever endemic areas (parts of Africa and South America) or having transited through such areas

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure up to date with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and seasonal influenza
Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers, as it can be contracted through contaminated food or water
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for travelers planning outdoor activities in rural/forested areas, especially spring through autumn
Rabies - Consider if you'll be working with animals or spending extensive time in rural areas

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for visa-free travelers, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended and required for Schengen visa applicants (minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation). EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for access to state healthcare. Croatia has good medical facilities, but private healthcare and medical evacuation can be expensive. Ensure your insurance covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 related restrictions have been lifted as of 2023, and Croatia currently has no COVID-19 entry requirements (no vaccination certificates, tests, or quarantine). However, health situations can change rapidly. Check the Croatian Ministry of Health website and your own government's travel advisory for current health requirements before traveling. Some countries may have exit requirements that differ from Croatia's entry requirements.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Croatia (primarily located in Zagreb)

Register with your embassy for travel alerts. Check your government's travel advisory website (US: travel.state.gov, UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Canada: travel.gc.ca, Australia: smartraveller.gov.au) for country-specific advice and registration programs.

Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Official source for visa information: mvep.hr

For visa applications, requirements, and official immigration information. Contact your nearest Croatian embassy or consulate for specific inquiries.

Emergency Services

112 - Universal emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services throughout Croatia and EU

English-speaking operators available. Also: Police 192, Ambulance 194, Fire 193. For non-emergencies, contact local police station or medical clinic.

Tourist Police

Available in major tourist areas including Hvar Town during summer season

Multilingual assistance for tourists, help with lost documents, reporting crimes, and general tourist assistance.

Croatian National Tourist Board

Official tourism information: croatia.hr

General travel information, accommodation, activities, and practical advice for visitors.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (or be included in parent's passport where still accepted). Minors (under 18) traveling alone or with one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian, ideally in English or Croatian. This letter should include travel dates, destination, accompanying adult details (if applicable), and contact information. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults. For unaccompanied minors, airlines have specific policies and may require special forms.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Croatia must comply with EU pet travel regulations. Dogs, cats, and ferrets require: (1) ISO-compatible microchip identification, (2) Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel, but not expired), (3) EU Pet Passport (for EU pets) or veterinary health certificate (for non-EU pets) issued within 10 days of travel, (4) Tapeworm treatment for dogs (1-5 days before entry, certified by vet). Pets from non-EU countries may require rabies antibody titer test performed at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel. Maximum of 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Certain dog breeds may face restrictions. Birds and other animals have separate requirements. Check with your airline for pet travel policies. Croatia is generally pet-friendly, and many accommodations in Hvar accept pets.

Extended Stays

Tourist visits are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period for non-EU nationals. For stays exceeding this, you must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit before the 90 days expire. Options include: (1) Temporary residence for work - requires job offer and work permit from Croatian employer, (2) Temporary residence for study - requires acceptance from Croatian educational institution, (3) Temporary residence for family reunification - for family members of Croatian residents/citizens, (4) Digital nomad visa - allows remote workers to stay up to 1 year while working for foreign employers (requires proof of income, health insurance, accommodation). Applications must be submitted at Croatian embassy/consulate in your home country before arrival. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but should register with local police if staying longer than 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors entering for meetings, conferences, or negotiations (not employment) can usually enter on tourist visa-free status or Schengen visa marked for business purposes. Carry invitation letter from Croatian company, proof of business relationship, and evidence of employment with foreign company. If conducting paid work or providing services, you need a work permit and appropriate visa/residence permit before arrival. Business equipment may require temporary import documentation (ATA Carnet). EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can work freely without permits.

Students

Students planning to study in Croatia for more than 90 days need a long-stay student visa and temporary residence permit. Apply at Croatian embassy/consulate with: acceptance letter from Croatian educational institution, proof of sufficient funds (approximately €6,000 per year), accommodation confirmation, health insurance, and clean criminal record certificate. Student visa allows part-time work (up to 20 hours/week during term). EU/EEA/Swiss students don't need visa but should register residence if staying over 90 days.

Transit Through Croatia

If transiting through Croatian airports or territory to a non-Schengen destination, you may need an airport transit visa or regular transit visa depending on nationality. However, many nationalities exempt from Schengen visa don't need transit visa. If you have valid visa for destination country or residence permit for Schengen/EU country, transit visa usually not required. Airport transit (not leaving international zone) has different requirements than land transit. Check with Croatian embassy if you're only passing through Croatia en route to another country.