As of January 1.2023, Croatia is issuing Schengen visas and can access Schengen information System.
Entry Requirements for Croatia
IF you are planning to travel Croatia via flight, then upon arrival at the airport you have to present your identification and travel documents to the Croatian officers. These documents are mentioned below:
A valid passport or travel document. This must be valid for at least 3 months from the date you wish to leave Croatia, and issued within the last 10 years.
Visa – If you are subject to the Croatian visa requirement
You may also be required to provide additional substantiating documents, such as an invitation from a Croatian host, verification of accommodation or an itinerary. To get more insights into this, reach out to the Croatian diplomatic mission in your home country.
These documents will be reviewed by the Croatian boundary representative, who could inquire a few inquiries about your voyage to Croatia such as:
- What’s the objective of visiting to Croatia?
- For how long you intend to stay in Croatia?
- Where are you staying over there? Etc.
Upon your documents verification, the Croatian officer will update you with their final decision regarding whether or not you will be allowed to enter Croatia. If everything goes smoothly, you will be permitted to enter Croatia.
Also, do remember that the Croatian border officer will provide an entry stamp on your passport while entering the Schengen area. If your passport is not get stamped, you will be fined or may be detained from Croatia.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Croatia?
Owing to the well-known regulations of the Schengen area in regards to the distribution of visas, you must obtain a visa when visiting Croatia if you are:
- Citizens of third world countries who have visa liberalization agreements with Schengen countries, but are denied from a visa-free entry to Croatia or other Schengen countries.
What Sort Types of Visas Do you Require to Enter Croatia?
If you are contemplating a brief excursion to Croatia, you will have to submit an application for a Schengen Visa to Croatia. Depending upon the intention of your journey to Croatia, you can get one of the following Schengen visa types:
Croatia airport transit – If you need to plan to move through one of Croatia’s airports to reach your destination outside the Schengen area. Check if you need an airport transit visa for Croatia.
Croatia Tourist Visa – for visitors who want to spend their holidays in Croatia or visit for sightseeing and exploration.
Croatia Tourist Visa – if you are a foreigner and have family or friends in Croatia and wish to visit them
Business visa to Croatia – for business people who want to engage in business activities in Croatia.
Croatia Visa for Official Visits – for delegations traveling to Croatia on official visits.
Croatia Medical Visa – for patients needing medical care in a Croatian hospital or clinic
Croatia Study Visa – This is for those who intend to study for up to 3 months in an educational institution in Croatia
Croatia visa for cultural, sports and film team – for those who wish to participate in activities in the field of culture or sports in Croatia.
What are the Documents needed When Applying for a Croatian Schengen Visa?
As per Croatia’s visa regulations, you must need to submit the following mentioned documents to the Croatian Embassy/Consulate when applying for a Croatian short-term visa:
Croatia visa application form. Fully completed, printed and finally signed.
2 identical photos. The photo must be no more than 3 months old and taken according to Croatia visa photo requirements and specifications.
Your passport. Croatia Her visa must contain at least 2 blank pages for her to put her sticker on. Please check the expiry date of your passport before applying. From the date of departure from Croatia (Schengen country) she must be valid for at least 3 months. Also, it must not be more than 10 years old.
Copy of previous visa (if applicable).
Language Preference Form. Croatian administration provides you the opportunity to opt which among the three languages of Croatia you wish your application to be managed. Language you can choose are German, French, or Dutch. However, if you choose to fulfil the application process in English, you need to choose No Preference option.
A cover letter. You have to provide reason why you want to visit Croatia, including the details, and other details of your trip
Round-trip schedule. It contains the dates and flight numbers of entry and exit to Croatia (Schengen Area).
Proof of accommodation. A document indicating where you will be staying in Croatia – i.e. hotel bookings for the entire duration of your planned stay in Croatia.
Proof of citizenship. This can be a marriage certificate, a child’s birth certificate, a spouse’s death certificate, etc.
Proof of financial means sufficient for your stay in Croatia. According to the Croatian Immigration Service, the traveler must prove that he is €95 per day if staying in a hotel, and €45 if staying somewhere cheaper.
Schengen Travel Insurance. You will need to show documentation confirming that you have travel insurance for Croatia and the entire Schengen area. This insurance covers a minimum of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation in case of death.
Foreigners visiting Croatia who fulfil Croatia Visa regulations can purchase travel health insurance policies from Europ Assistance or Mondial Care online. These two companies are accepted by Croatian Embassies and Consulates globally.
Visa Requirements for Croatia on your Employment Status
In addition, you will need to submit documents to the Embassy/Consulate proving that you meet the Croatian visa requirements based on the status of your employment :
If employed:
- Employment contract
- Checking statements for the last 6 months
- Employer paid vacation
- Your income tax return (ITR) or income tax certificate will be deducted from your salary
If you’re Self Employed:
- Copy of business license
- Company account statements for the last 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
If you’re a student:
- Certificate of enrolment
- School or college clearance certificate
- Advertisement
If you’re retired:
- Pension certificate for the last 6 months
If applicable:
- Proof of regular income from the property for the last 6 months
Note: No-objection certificate (NOC) from school or university, or your employer.
Croatia Visa Requirements for Minors
Additional Croatia visa requirements for minors wishing to visit Croatia for a short stay are:
- Birth certificate for minors traveling to Croatia
- Croatia Application signed by parents
- Family Court Order – When Only One Parent Has Custody of a Child
- Notarized copies of parents’ ID/passports
- Notarized parental authorization to travel to Croatia signed by both parents/legal guardians if the minor is traveling alone
Note: When submitting an application at the Croatian embassy/consulate, guardians or parents should be present with their minors.
Additional Requirements Depending on the Objective of Entry to Croatia
Depending on the purpose of your visit to Croatia, you may have to follow some additional Croatia visa requirements. Below are additional required documents to submit depending on the reason for traveling to Croatia.
Documents Required for an Airport Transit Visa to Croatia
When applying for an airport visa to Croatia, you will need to present the following additional documents:
- A valid visa for the country you are traveling to (if required)
- Air ticket for the last country to travel
Documents Required for a tourist Schengen Visa to Croatia
According to Croatia’s visa regulations, the following additional documents must be submitted when applying for a tourist visa to Croatia:
- Bank account statement. Preferably within the last 6 months.
- Travel itinerary. Detailed description of Croatia travel. You must make sure the intention of your travel and intended length of stay. Plus, proof of hotel reservation where you will be staying during your stay in Croatia.
- Evidence of how your trip to Croatia is financed.
Documents You Required for a Schengen Visitor Visa to Croatia
When requesting a visa to go to a companion or a relative who resides in Croatia, following additional documents you need to provide:
Proof of financial means – The Croatian government requires you to demonstrate that you possess the financial means to back up your stay in the country, with a minimum of €95 to be held on hand for hotel stays (if you haven’t already prepaid) and €45 for less pricey lodging or if you have already taken care of your hotel payments. This document could be:
A bank statement if you are paying for all expenses yourself.
Proof of funding. If another Croatian resident will cover the costs during your stay in Croatia, you must also submit the following documents:
Formal obligation within 6 months
Copies of Sponsor’s three most recent pay stubs / Sponsor’s latest tax returns / Other official proof of Sponsor’s ability to pay.
A copy of her sponsor’s ID card or permanent residence permit
An original copy of the sponsor’s family registration certificate issued by the Croatian municipality
Itinerary. A description of your trip, including the purpose of your trip to Croatia, how long you plan to stay there, the places you plan to visit/activities you plan to participate in. We show you where to stay in Croatia. H. Host’s home address, if invited to stay.
Invitation letter. From relatives or friends who are living in Croatia, attached to their Croatian ID card or residence permit of Croatia.
Documents Required for a Business Schengen Visa to Croatia
When applying for a business visa to Croatia, you will need to submit the following additional documents that apply to your case:
Invitation letter from the Croatian company you intend to visit with its details and address, date of visit
Certificate from employer – This letter should state why you are traveling to Croatia and whether your employer allows you to travel during this period.
Business bank statement – Within the last 6 months.
Articles of association and Memorandum – This must be submitted in an original certified copy (registered to a joint-stock company).
Trading license (originally issued and currently being renewed)
Proof of travel funds – Regarding your expenditure during your stay in Croatia, either the partner company or employer must state expense coverage on the invitation letter.
Documents you Need for a Student Schengen Visa to Croatia
When applying for a Croatia student visa, you will need to present the following additional documents:
- Enrolment certificate that entitles you to attend a course in Croatia (school/university/language course, etc.)
- No objection notices from your current educational institution (if pertinent)
Document you Need for a Medical Schengen Visa to Croatia
When you apply for a visa to get a medical treatment in Croatia, you will have to present the following documents:
- Local medical report. Issued by a doctor or hospital or clinic or in the visa applicant’s native country stating that treatment in Croatia is required
- Medical certificate from a Croatian hospital or doctor confirming appointment date and health status
- Medical fee receipt
- Official appointment confirmation from receiving medical institution
- Evidence of sufficient financial resources to pay for medical and other related costs during treatment.
Documents you Required for a Schengen Visa to Croatia for Sports, Film crew, Cultural or Religious Reasons
When applying for a visa for any of the above-mentioned purpose, you will need to provide following documents:
Event information, as:
- Invitation letter from the Croatian competent authority, specifying the type of event or activity to be held in Croatia
- Event ticket
- Registration conditions
- Detailed program of events in Croatia
- Documents containing other information related to the event, such as the name of the applicant (crew member)
- Evidence of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sporting competitions, winning certificates, proof of world/international rankings (sports).
Documents Required for a Croatian Schengen Visa, if you are a Husband or Wife of a Croatian Citizen
- Proof of Croatian citizenship which can be your Consular card, ID card or or certificate of Croatian citizenship)
- Croatian marriage certificate
- Croatian family book.
Croatia Schengen Visa Requirements if you are a Member of official delegations:
- Official copy of the invitation
- Evidence of the purpose of the trip (meetings, negotiations, intergovernmental organization events, consultations)
How you Can apply for a Croatia Visa?
To complete the application process for a short-stay visa to Croatia, you must complete the following steps:
- See where to apply for a Croatia visa
- Choose the appropriate Croatia Schengen visa type. Choose the right type of visa to apply for, depending on the purpose of your trip to Croatia
- Collect the necessary documents for a visa to Croatia. Collect the correct documents according to the type of Croatia visa you are applying for and make sure that they all meet the criteria set by the Croatian Embassy in your country of residence.
- Please make your visa appointment at the Croatian Embassy/Consulate or the Croatian Authorized Visa Application Center in your country of residence.
- Attend a visa interview at the relevant Croatian Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
Where to Apply for a Croatia Visa?
Depending on how the Croatian authorities regulate the issuance and processing of visas in your country of residence, you will have to apply for a Croatian short-stay visa at one of the following locations:
- Croatian embassy in your country of residence
- One of the Croatian Consulates
- Visa application centers entrusted by Croatia to issue visas
- Embassies or consulates of other Schengen countries entrusted by Croatia to issue visas
Who can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Croatian Embassy or Consulate?
If Croatia is the only the nation in the Schengen Region that you are intending to explore, then you need to submit your application at the Croatian embassy/consulate / VAC in your native country.
However, if you are wishing to travel to Croatia and at least one other nation in the Schengen Zone, then you ought to apply at the Croatian embassy/consulate / VAC situated in your country of residence if any of following conditions are met:
- If you are going to spend more days in Croatia than any other countries
- You are going to spend an equal number of days in each country, but you have plans to visit Schengen area via Croatia
Remember that to be eligible to apply for a Croatian short stay visa, you must be:
- Citizen of the country from where the applicant is applying
- Foreigner who currently have a temporary residence permit in the country you are applying from
It is not possible to apply for a Croatia short stay visa from a country where you currently have a visa.
How Much Time it Takes to Get a Croatian Visa?
The estimated time for a Croatian Schengen visa may take up to 15 days, in a typical scenario. In some instances, this timeline could be expanded as follows:
- Due to the high number of applications received by the Croatian Embassy or the sensitivity of your case, it may take up to 30 days
- Up to 60 days in exceptional cases, especially if the Croatian Embassy needs to consult her one or more Schengen embassies
Therefore, it is suggested that you apply for your Croatian short-term visa as soon as possible, but no sooner than three months before your journey to Croatia.
What’s the Cost When you Apply for a Croatian Visa?
Have a look at short-term visa fees for Croatia:
Type of Short-Stay Visa Application | Visa Fee (in Euro) |
Croatia visa for adult travellers | 80 |
Croatia visa for children (6 – 12 years) | 40 |
Croatia visas for children (under 6 years) | Free |
Be aware that according to the age, citizenship and additional criteria of the individual, it is possible to be excluded from the Croatia visa fee, or at least you may have to pay minimum fee.
How Long you can Stay in Croatia without a Visa?
Citizens of states that are not on the roster of Schengen Visa-exempt nations are unable to enter or dwell in Croatia or any other Schengen nation without a visa. Conversely, nationals of visa-exempt countries may stay in Croatia for a maximum of 90 days over a 180-day period. The time spent in other countries within the Schengen area, is also considered in this time period.
No matter what are the circumstances, you are not allowed to stay not more than 90-days per 180 day rolling period. Every situation has applicable fine and you can face different consequences, if you don’t follow the rules.
Do check EU visa calculator to calculate how many days you can stay in Croatia and the Schengen area.
Do U.S Citizens Require a Visa to Visit Croatia?
Indeed, it is possible to extend your Croatian Schengen visa, but only in extraordinary scenarios where further details and unique causes become evident once you have entered Croatia. If this is the situation, you may apply for an extension to your visa here:
- Federal public service Interior – Immigration Office – for holders of ordinary passports
- Federal public service Foreign affairs – for holders of diplomatic, service or special passports
Read How to extend your visa to Croatia to know the circumstances and conditions that need to be met in order to be able to extend your Croatia visa.
Is it Possible to Revoke Croatian Schengen Visa?
Yes, the pertinent Croatian government may withdraw your visa. Cancellation of a visa could be possible if the conditions that made it feasible are no longer being satisfied.
Not providing the requisite documents to the border officer does not necessarily lead to the automatic cancellation of a Schengen visa to Croatia. But, it could result in that.
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