Navigating Croatia VISA Portal and Policies with Travel Guidelines
Croatia, as a member of the European Union since 2013 and the Schengen Area since 2023, follows the common EU visa policy. The country offers various types of visas depending on the purpose and duration of stay.
This provides comprehensive information about Croatia’s visa regulations, application procedures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your travel or stay in Croatia.
Do You Need A Visa?
- Croatia is fully part of the Schengen Area since January 1, 2023. Citizens of visa‑exempt countries (e.g., USA, UK, Australia) can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period.
- Non‑exempt nationals (e.g. India, China, Pakistan) require a short‑stay (Type A / C) or long‑stay (Type D) visa.
Types of Visas
🔹 Short‑Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
- For visits up to 90 days for tourism, business, transit, or family visits.
- Cost €80 (USD ~103), with reduced fees: €40 for children aged 6–12, free under age 6.
- Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply 2–3 weeks before departure, not earlier than 3 months in advance.
🔹 Long‑Stay National Visa (Type D)
- Required if staying longer than 90 days—for work, study, language courses, digital nomads, or family reunification.
- Fee is €93 (USD ~107).
- Application must be made in person (though exceptions exist) and submitted within 3 months before planned entry.
Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Professionals
- Valid up to 12 months, with the option to extend up to 6 more months (application required 60 days before expiry).
- Must meet minimum monthly income of €2,870, or have at least €34,440 in your account (family members raise threshold by 10%).
- Cost:
- Online or within Croatia: ~€87.59 (application €46.45, biometric card fees totaling €41.14).
- Via Embassy/Consulate: ~€189.88 total including €93 visa fee and biometric card fee ~€41.14.
Note: Croatia also issues Airport Transit Visas (Type A) for certain nationals who need to transit through international zones of Croatian airports.
Required Documents (Applies to All Visa Types)
- Passport: Valid at least 3 months beyond intended exit date, issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages.
- Signed Visa Application Form (available online at crovisa.mvep.hr or embassy site).
- Two recent biometric photos (35×45 mm on white background; neutral face).
- Travel medical insurance—minimum coverage €30,000 valid across Schengen states, covering arrival-to-departure dates.
- Proof of sufficient funds: Banks statements (~3 months) or sponsor letter; Croatia requires approx. €100/day, reduced to €50/day with guarantee letter or paid arrangements.
- Accommodation details: hotel bookings or invitation letter from host.
- Flight reservation: round‑trip ticket showing entry and exit.
- For professionals: employment contract, employer verification, invitation letter from host company or institution.
- Additional documents: criminal record certificate (apostilled), especially for work or nomad visas; translations/legalizations may be needed.
Additional Requirements: Depending on visa type, additional documents such as employment contracts, enrollment certificates, or marriage certificates may be required.
Applicants Procedure
- Determine visa type and eligibility.
- Gather documentation and fill out application form online, print & sign.
- Book appointment at Croatian Embassy/Consulate or approved Visa Application Centre (e.g., VFS). Submission must be in‑person in most cases.
- Pay visa fee at submission (receipts required).
- Biometric data collected (fingerprints & photo).
- Attend brief interview if required.
- Wait for decision (~2–4 weeks for short‑stay, 4–6 weeks for long‑stay).
- Collect passport once approved or request courier service delivery.
If refused, visa fee is non‑refundable, and appeals cost around €43 (short‑stay) or €43 for long‑stay refusal appeal.
Visa Application Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) | 80 | 40 EUR for children 6-12 years, free for children under 6 |
| Long-Stay National Visa (Type D) | 93 | Varies based on visa category and reciprocity |
| Airport Transit Visa (Type A) | 80 | Same fee reductions apply as for Type C visas |
Additional Travel Guidelines for Professionals
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launches October 12, 2025; manual stamping will continue through April 2026.
- ETIAS travel authorization required for visa‑exempt travelers starting late 2026. Fee: €20; valid 3 years or until passport expiry; not needed if holding valid Schengen visa or residence permit.
- Carry copies of all documents, maintain 230 V/50 Hz adapters, and notify bank about international card usage in Croatia.
- Keep contact info of nearest consulate, your employer or host, and health insurance provider.
✅ Checklist Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Determine visa type: Type C (≤ 90 days) or Type D (work, nomad, study) |
| 2 | Prepare documents: passport, form, photos, insurance, funds proof |
| 3 | Complete form online & schedule in‑person appointment |
| 4 | Pay visa & biometric fees; attend submission & biometrics |
| 5 | Wait processing: short stays ~2‑4 weeks, long stays ~4‑6 weeks |
| 6 | Collect passport; plan travel and entry per EES/ETIAS regulations |
Important Notices & Updates
NEW Schengen Implementation: As of January 1, 2023, Croatia fully implements the Schengen acquis, meaning border controls at internal air, sea, and land borders have been lifted.
UPDATED ETIAS Implementation: Starting 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization before traveling to Croatia and other Schengen countries.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 Measures: All COVID-19 related entry restrictions have been lifted. Normal visa procedures apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
“`- Schengen Visa (Type C): Tourism, business, family visit, short studies (up to 90 days).
- National Visa (Type D): Long‑term stays for work, study, or family reunification.
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A): For airport transit only.
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity after return)
- Recent passport‑size photographs
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Confirmed flight reservation
- Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Employment or business proof
- €80 for adults
- €40 for children aged 6–12
- Free for children under 6
Standard processing time is about 15 calendar days. It may extend to 30–45 days during peak seasons or additional verification.
Yes. Fingerprints and a digital photograph are required and stored in the VIS system for up to 5 years.
You may stay up to 90 days within any 180‑day period across all Schengen countries.
Yes. A Croatia‑issued Schengen visa allows travel to all Schengen states, provided Croatia is your main destination.
- Insufficient financial proof
- Incomplete or incorrect documents
- Unclear travel purpose
- Weak travel history
- Doubts about return to home country
Note: Visa rules may change. Always verify requirements from official Croatian authorities.