Croatia Visa Application Requirements

Croatia is the latest country to join the Schengen Area.

As of January 1st, 2023, Croatia is issuing Schengen visas and can fully utilize the Schengen Information System.

Croatia Entry Requirements

If you reach Croatia through the air, upon arrival at the Croatian airport you will have to present some travel and identification documents to the Croatian border officer. These documents are as follows:

A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave Croatia (and the Schengen Zone), issued within the last 10 years.*

A visa – if you are subject to the Croatian visa regime.

You may also be asked for other supporting documents such as an invitation letter from a Croatian host, proof of lodging or a round-trip ticket. For more information in this regard, contact the local consular services of Croatia in your home country.

These documents will be checked by the Croatian border official, who may ask you a few questions about your trip to Croatia like:

What is your purpose of visiting Croatia?
How long do you intend to stay in Croatia?
Where are you going to stay in Croatia? Etc.

Upon checking your documents, the Croatian border officer will give the final decision whether you should be permitted to enter Croatia or not. If everything looks okay, you will be allowed to enter Croatia, and thus the Schengen Area.

Please, make sure that the Croatian border officer gives you an entry stamp in your passport when you enter the Schengen area. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained from Croatia.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Croatia?

Because of the common rules of the Schengen zone in the issuance of visas, you will have to apply for a visa when travelling to Croatia if you are:

A citizen of a third country that have not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the EU

A citizen of a third country that has reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but you were rejected from entering Croatia or any other Schengen country visa-free.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Croatia?

If you are planning to visit Croatia for a short-term trip, you will have to apply for a Schengen Visa to Croatia. According to the purpose of your visit to Croatia, you can get one of the following Schengen visa types:

Croatia Airport Transit– if you need to transit through one of the Croatian airports, to reach your travel destination country, outside the Schengen Area.

Croatia Tourist Visa – for visitors who wish to spend their vacations in Croatia, or that want to come over for sightseeing and exploring.

Croatia Visitor Visa – for foreigners who have family members or friends residing in Croatia, and wish to pay them a visit.

Croatia Business Visa – established for business people that want/need to participate in activities that are related to business, in Croatia.

Croatia Visa for Official Visit – for delegations travelling to Croatia on official visits.

Croatia Visa for Medical reasons – per patients that that need to obtain medical care in one of the hospitals or clinics in Croatia

Croatia Visa for Study Purposes – for those who wish to study at an educational institution in Croatia, for up to three months.

Croatia Visa for Cultural, Sports and Film Crews – for people wishing to attend an activity in the cultural or sports field, which takes place in Croatia.

What Documents are Required when Applying for a Croatian Schengen Visa?

According to Croatia visa requirements, the following documents must be submitted to the Croatian embassy/consulate when applying for any short-term Croatia visa:

Croatia visa application form. Fully completed, printed and signed at the end.

Two identical photos. The photographs should be no older than three months and taken according to the Croatia visa photograph requirements & specifications.

Your passport. It should contain at least two blank pages in order to be able to affix the Croatia visa sticker. Check the validity of your passport before you apply, since it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you exit Croatia (Schengen territory). It must be no older than 10 years, as well.

Language Preference Form. Croatian authorities offer you the opportunity to choose in which of the three national languages of Croatia you wish your application to be treated (French, German or Dutch). On the other hand, if you choose to complete the application in English, please choose “no preference”.

A cover letter. In which you explain why you wish to visit Croatia and you give further details on your trip.

Round-trip Flight Itinerary. Containing the dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Croatia (Schengen area).

Proof of accommodation. A document that shows where you will stay in Croatia. I.e. Hotel reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in Croatia.

Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Croatia. According to the Croatian Immigration Office, a traveller has to attest possessing €95 per day if staying in a hotel and €45 when planning to get accommodated by cheaper means.

Schengen Travel Insurance. You are required to submit a document which confirms that you have purchased travel insurance for Croatia and the whole territory of Schengen, with a minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, and repatriation in case of death.

Travel health insurance policies for foreigners travelling to Croatia that fulfil Croatia Visa requirements can be purchased online from Europ Assistance or Mondial Care. Both companies are accepted by Croatian Embassies and Consulates worldwide.

Croatia Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status

Additionally, you will need to provide the embassy/consulate with documents that prove you meet Croatia visa requirements based on your employment status:

If employed:

Employment contract

Current bank statement of the latest 6 months

Leave permission from the employer

Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary

If self-employed:

A copy of your business license

Company bank statement of the latest 6 months

Income Tax Return (ITR)

If a student:

Proof of enrolment

No-objection certificate from school or university

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If retired:

Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If applicable:

Proof of regular income generated by a property, for the last 6 months

>> 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 short-stays are as follows:

Birth certificate of the minor travelling to Croatia

Croatia application form signed by both parents.

Family court order – in cases where only one parent has full custody of the child.

Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents.

A notarized parental authorization to travel to Croatia, signed by both parents/guardians if the minor will be travelling alone.

*Note: When applying at the Croatian embassy/consulate, the guardian or parent should accompany their underage children.

Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Croatia

Depending on the purpose of your visit to Croatia, you will need to meet some additional Croatia visa requirements. Following, find the extra required documents you need to submit, based on your reason for travelling to Croatia.

Required Documents for an Airport Transit Visa to Croatia

When applying to get a Croatia Airport Visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

A valid visa (if needed) for the final country one travels to.

The flight ticket for the final country you are travelling to.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visitor Visa to Croatia

When applying to obtain a visa to visit a friend or a family member who lives in Croatia, you must provide the following additional documents in order to meet the Croatia visa requirements:

Proof of financial means. Evidence that shows you have enough money to support yourself throughout your stay in Croatia. The Croatian authorities want you to prove that you have at least €95 per day when staying at a hotel (if you have not prepaid it), and €45 when staying at a cheaper place or if you have already paid your hotel. This document could be a:

The bank account statement, if you will be covering all costs by yourself.

Proof of sponsorship. In case another person residing in Croatia will cover your expenses throughout your stay in Croatia, the following must also be submitted:

A formal obligation not older than 6 months

A copy of the guarantor’s 3 most recent salary sheets/ guarantor’s most recent tax sheet/ other official proof of the guarantor’s solvency;

A photocopy of the identity card or the unlimited residence permit of the guarantor

An original certificate of the family composition of the guarantor, issued by his/her municipality in Croatia (no residence certificate).

Travel Itinerary. A description of your trip, including your purpose of travelling to Croatia, the time frame you will remain there, and places you plan to visit/activities to attend. Include information where you will be staying in Croatia, i.e. your host’s home address if you have been invited to stay at their place

Letter of Invitation. By the relative/friend residing in Croatia attached to their Croatian ID card or Croatian residence permit.

Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Croatia

When applying to obtain a Croatia Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents, which apply to your case:

Invitation letter from the Croatian company you will be visiting and their details and address, accompanied with the dates of your visit.

A certificate from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be travelling to Croatia and that your employer permits you to leave throughout that period.

Business bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.

Memorandum and Article of Association. It should be submitted in original certified copy (registered with joint-stock companies).

Trade License (first issued and present renewal).

Proof of trip financing. Regarding your expenses during your whole stay in Croatia, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.

Required Documents for a Student Schengen Visa to Croatia

When applying to get a Croatia Student visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

An enrolment certificate allowing attendance of courses (school/university/language course / etc.), in Croatia

No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled (if applicable)

Required Documents for a Medical Schengen Visa to Croatia

When applying to get a visa to receive medical treatment in Croatia, you must provide the following additional documents:

A local medical report. Issued by a doctor/clinic/hospital in the home country of the visa candidate that your need medical treatment in Croatia.

A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Croatia, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation

Payment receipt of medical fees

Official confirmation of the treatment/appointment by the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic) in

Proof that you have sufficient financial means to pay the medical expenses and other related expenses throughout their treatment.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa to Croatia for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes

When applying to get a Croatia visa under the purpose of attending a Cultural / Sports / Religious Event in Croatia you must provide the following additional documents:

Event Information. As:

Invitation letter from the relevant body in Croatia with details upon the nature of events or activities that are to be held in Croatia.

Entry tickets to the event

Enrolment conditions

Detailed programme of the event in Croatia

Other documents that present Names of the applicants (crew members) and other relevant information about the event.

Proof of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners certificates, proof of world/international ranking (sports).

Required Documents for a Croatian Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a Croatian Citizen

Proof of Croatian citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Croatian nationality or naturalization order).

Croatian marriage certificate.

Croatian family record book.

Croatian Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations:

The official invitation copy.

Evidence for the purpose of the journey (negotiations, meetings, events by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).

How to Apply for a Croatia Visa?

In order to complete the application process to obtain a short-stay visa to Croatia, you must follow these steps:

Find out where you need to apply for a visa to Croatia.

Choose the right Croatia Schengen visa type. Based on the purpose of your travel to Croatia, choose the right visa type to apply for.

Collect the required documents for a visa to Croatia. Make sure you collect the right documents for the type of Croatia visa you are applying for and they all comply with the criteria as defined by the Croatian Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence.

Make a visa appointment with the Croatia Embassy/Consulate or a Croatia accredited visa application centre in your country of residence.

Attend the visa interview at the appropriate Croatia Embassy/Consulate/VAC.

Where to Apply for a Croatia Visa?

Depending on how the Croatian authorities have regulated visa submission and processing in your country of residence, you will have to apply for a short-stay visa to Croatia at one of the following:

The Croatian Embassy in your country of residence

One of the Croatian consulates

A Visa Application Center to which Croatia has outsourced visa submission

The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Croatia has outsourced visa submission

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Croatian Embassy/Consulate/VAC?

If Croatia is the only country in the Schengen Area, which you plan to visit, then simply apply at the Croatian embassy/consulate / VAC in your country of residence.

On the other hand, if you will be visiting Croatia and at least one more Schengen state, then you should apply at the Croatian embassy/consulate / VAC in your country of residence if:

You will be spending more days in Croatia, than in the other countries

You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Croatia

Please keep in mind that to be eligible to apply for a Croatian short stay visa you must be:

A citizen of the country from where you are applying

A foreign citizen currently on a temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying

You cannot apply for a short-stay Croatian visa from a country in which you are currently on a visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Croatian Visa?

The processing time for a Croatian Schengen visa may take up to 15 days, in a normal situation. In some cases, this period may be extended as follows:

up to 30 days due to the high number of applications the embassy of Croatia is receiving or the sensitivity of your case

up to 60 days in extraordinary cases, especially when the Croatian embassy has to consult the embassy of one or more Schengen members

That is why you are highly recommended to apply for your Croatian short-stay visa as soon as you can, but no earlier than three months prior to your trip to Croatia.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Croatian Visa?

Croatia Short Term Visa Fees at a Glance

Croatia Short-Stay Visa Application Type 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

Still, be informed that depending on the applicant’s age, nationality and some other factors you could be exempt from paying the Croatia visa fee, or at least you may have to pay a reduced fee.

How Long Can We Stay in Croatia Without a Visa?

Nationals of countries that are not under the list of Schengen Visa-exempt countries cannot enter or stay in Croatia or any other Schengen country without a visa.

On the other hand, nationals of visa-exempt countries can remain in Croatia for up to 90 days, within a 180 day period. The time spent in other countries within the Schengen Area is also counted in this period.

No matter your circumstances, you are not allowed to overstay the 90-day permitted stay per 180-day rolling period. Each situation has applicable penalties, and if you do not comply with the rules, you may face various consequences.

>> Check the EU visa calculator to calculate the remaining number of days that you can stay in Croatia and in the Schengen zone.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Croatia?

U.S. Citizens don’t need to obtain a Croatia visa when travelling to Croatia for up to 90 days for tourism and business purposes. However, US nationals are required to hold a US passport, which should be valid for at least 3 months beyond the period of their stay in Croatia.

For more information, please check US Citizens Travelling to Europe and Croatia Schengen Visa Requirements for Green Card Holders and US Residents

Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Croatia?

Yes, you can extend your Croatian Schengen visa, but only in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry into Croatia. You can submit the application for an extension of 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

Please read How to Extend a Visa to Croatia to understand in what circumstances and what are conditions you must fulfil in order to be eligible to extend your Croatian Schengen Visa.

Can My Croatian Schengen Visa Be Revoked?

Yes, the relevant Croatian authorities may revoke your visa. The revocation of a visa may happen if the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.

Failure of the visa holder to provide the border officer with the entry requirements does not cause the automatic annulment of a Schengen visa to Croatia. However, it may lead to that.

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