The Croatian government has decided to waive visas for U. S. Citizens coming to Croatia as tourists or on business visits effective June 1, 1997. However, U. S. passport holders wishing to reside in Croatia longer than 90 days for whatever reason, especially if coming to Croatia for the purpose of employment, education, training, scientific research, professional activities, medical treatment, tourism or other valid reasons, must apply for an appropriate entry visa at Croatian embassies or consulates abroad. Thus, if you are a U. S. passport holder coming to Croatia as a tourist or on a business visit, intending to stay in Croatia not longer than 90 days, you do not need a visa. If you are staying in a hotel the hotel will register you with the local police. However if you intend to reside in Croatia longer than 90 days you should obtain a visa before coming to Croatia at the nearest Croatian Embassy or Consulate.
Foreign citizens can reside in the Republic of Croatia either on a temporary or permanent basis.
As a tourist or businessman intending to stay in Croatia for a period less than 90 days, you do not need a visa for temporary stay in Croatia. Your passport will be stamped by the border police upon entry in Croatia, and you should not overstay the 90 day limit. Business visas are issued on an exceptional basis and refer only to cases of foreign investment, bilateral or multilateral contracts on technical cooperation and technology transfer. Foreign citizens should leave the country before their visa expires. If they do not they are regarded by the authorities as illegal aliens.