US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has officially nominated Croatia to join the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The Chargé d’Affaires for the US embassy in Zagreb, Mark Fleming, has confirmed this significant development.

Congratulations to Croatia

In a statement, Fleming expressed his congratulations to Croatia on achieving this important milestone. He acknowledged the rigorous requirements that need to be met for entry into the Visa Waiver Program and praised the tremendous efforts of the Croatian authorities.

Current Visa Requirements

Currently, Croatian nationals are required to apply for an embassy visa to visit the United States, regardless of the purpose or duration of their stay. This process will change once Croatia becomes a part of the US Visa Waiver Program.

Benefits of the Visa Waiver Program

When Croatia enters the Visa Waiver Program, its citizens will no longer need a visa for short-term visits to the United States, including tourism, business, or transit purposes. This program was established to simplify travel to the USA for citizens of countries with low rates of non-immigrant visa refusals and immigration violations.

Meeting the Requirements

Croatia is now on the verge of meeting the requirements for entry into the US Visa Waiver Program. This signifies a positive step towards enhancing travel convenience and fostering closer ties between Croatia and the United States.

Benefits of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program for Citizens of Croatia 

• Simplified Travel Process 

• Croatia's admission to the US visa waiver program eliminates the need for Croatian nationals to apply for an embassy visa in advance of traveling to the United States.
• Croatian nationals will now be eligible to apply for the United States ESTA visa waiver online.
  

• Quick and Easy Application
• ESTA is not a visa, but an Electronic Travel Authorization.
• The application process is quick and straightforward.
• The online application takes just a few minutes to complete.
• Once submitted, the ESTA visa waiver is typically approved within 24 hours.

• Flexible Travel Opportunities
• Shopping in New York
• Attending a cousin's wedding in Pittsburgh
• Exploring the Grand Canyon in Arizona
• Participating in a film festival in Austin
• Delivering a research presentation in Boston
  
  
• Electronic Integration
• Approved ESTA is electronically linked to the traveler's passport.
• No need to print a paper document.
• Croatian ESTA holders can present their passport to immigration officers for entry into the United States.
  
  

• Multiple Entries and Extended Validity
• The ESTA for Croatian citizens is a multiple-entry travel authorization.
• It allows multiple stays in the US, with each stay up to 90 days per entry.
• The ESTA is valid for 2 years from approval or until the linked passport expires.
• There is no need to complete an online registration before every trip to the USA.
  
  
• Strengthened Bilateral Ties
• Removal of US visa requirements for Croatians.
• Expected to deepen people-to-people and economic ties.
• Enhances close bilateral relationship.

When Croatian Citizens Will Become Eligible to Apply for a U.S. ESTA

It has not yet been announced when Croatia will officially join the US Visa Wavier Program. According to Fleming, there are still several steps left to be completed in this process, including a final assessment of Croatia's eligibility by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The Announcement of ESTA Application Date

The date when Croatians will be able to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be announced once the DHS has completed its final assessment of Croatia as a participant in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Recognition of Croatia's Progress

Despite the uncertainty of the official entry date, Fleming emphasized that the Secretary of State's nomination of Croatia for the VWP serves as confirmation of the remarkable progress made by Croatia over the past three decades. He stated that the Croatian people have successfully built a strong, vibrant, modern, and democratic state, capable of meeting the rigorous requirements of the Visa Waiver Program.

Conclusion

While the specific details regarding Croatia's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program are yet to be finalized, the nomination by the Secretary of State acknowledges the tremendous achievements and development of Croatia as a nation. The final assessment by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will pave the way for Croatians to participate in the VWP, enhancing travel opportunities between the two countries.