Do UAE passport holders need a visa to visit HR?

No visa is needed. UAE ordinary passport holders can enter Croatia visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. United Arab Emirates ordinary passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Croatia for short stays. Croatia has been a full Schengen Area member since 1 January 2023, and the UAE is on the EU's Schengen visa-exemption list, so Emiratis may enter for tourism, business, or family visits without a prior visa. The stay is governed by the Schengen short-stay rule: a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, counted cumulatively across all Schengen states. The Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly confirms "Ordinary passport: No" visa requirement for UAE nationals, and the exemption also covers UAE special passports. There is no fee and no application for this entry channel. Looking ahead, the EU's ETIAS travel authorization is scheduled to launch in Q4 2026 and will become mandatory for visa-exempt nationals (including Emiratis) only after a transitional period in 2027; as of 30 May 2026 it is not yet required. Travelers should still carry proof of accommodation, return travel, sufficient funds, and travel medical insurance, as Schengen border officers may request these. A passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure and issued within the last ten years is required.