Croatia Visas: A Detailed Guide

From the medieval walls of Dubrovnik to the turquoise waters of Korčula Island, millions of visitors set sail to Croatia each and every year. From tourism to business and study abroad, the visa process for Croatia can seem daunting.

This detailed guide will help you understand Croatian visas and gain the knowledge you need to feel confident during the application process.

Do I need a visa to go to Croatia?

Whether or not you need a visa to go to Croatia depends on your nationality, how long you intend to stay, and the purpose of your visit.

Croatia is part of the Schengen area, meaning its visa rules align with Schengen visa policies.

If you’re from a country that does not have a visa waiver agreement with the Schengen area, you will need a visa to enter Croatia, regardless of the purpose or length of your stay. Countries include China, Russia, India, and others.

If you’re from countries with visa waiver agreements (for example, the US, Australia, the UK, and others), you do not need a visa for stays under 90 days in length.

Do US citizens need a visa for Croatia?

US citizens do not need a visa for Croatia for visits under 90 days, as long as they are for leisure or visiting.

For visits that exceed 90 days, US citizens must apply for a long-stay Croatia visa. There are many types of long-stay Croatia visas depending on the purpose of your trip.

Who doesn’t need a visa to visit Croatia?

Many people can enter Croatia for up to 90 days without a visa. This includes citizens of EU, EEA, and Schengen zone member countries. It also includes nationals from countries with visa waiver agreements, such as Canada, Australia, the US, and the UK.

How do I apply for a Croatia visa?

The Croatian visa application process varies based on the reason for your stay. Once you've determined the right visa type, you’ll be able to gather the required documents and book an appointment to submit your application to the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate in your country of nationality.

Can I apply for a Croatia visa online?

No. You must apply for a Croatia visa in person. While Croatia does not currently offer a fully online visa application process, you can start by filling out an application form online before completing the process in person at an embassy or consulate.

Check the specific requirements for your visa type to ensure you're prepared.

In the coming years, you will be able to apply for a Croatia visa online through the official EU VAP platform. At this time, EU VAP hasn’t gone into effect yet, but it’s expected to be operational by 2030.

Applying for a visa through EU VAP is mostly online. There is one mandatory in-person part of the process, and that’s biometric collection.

Is getting a Croatia visa difficult?

For short-term stays, such as tourism or business, the visa process is generally straightforward if you meet the requirements. Long-term visas, including work or study permits, may require additional documentation and time for approval.

However, it’s important to remember that approval is never guaranteed.

What is the rejection rate for Croatia visas?

Croatia is a newer member of the Schengen area, so official data hasn’t quite yet been reported by the EU. With that being said, many rejections occur due to incomplete applications or insufficient proof of financial means.

Keep in mind that these rates change regularly and also depend on a large variety of factors, including the type of visa, seasonality, and more.

What is the processing time for a Croatia visa?

Visa processing times for short-term visas typically range from 10 to 15 business days. Long-term visas, such as those for work or study, may take up to 60 days or more. The processing time can change based on seasonality, visa-types, and more.

Croatia visa application requirements

The exact requirements depend on the type of visa you're applying for – whether it's for tourism, business, study, work, or something else. However, there are basic, essential documents that you’ll likely need for any and all Croatia visa requirements, then specific, additional needs for others.

Which documents are needed for a Croatia visa?

The basic documents required for a Croatian visa include:

• A completed application form
• A recent passport-sized photo
• A valid passport (at least 3 months beyond your intended stay)
• Proof of Schengen-compliant travel insurance
• Proof of accommodation for your stay (hotel bookings or invitation from a host)
• Evidence of financial means to support your stay
• A return or onward flight ticket

Croatia tourist visa requirements/visitor short-stay (Type C)

For stays under 90 days, you’ll need to provide the documents listed above.

Type D (long-stay) Croatia visa requirements

If you plan to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days, for reasons such as work or study, you’ll need the basic documents listed above, as well as additional documentation like a work contract or proof of school enrollment – depending on the type of visa you’re applying for.

Croatia study visa requirements

To study abroad in Croatia, you’ll need to apply for a specific visa for studying. For this visa, you must provide an admission letter from a Croatian educational institution. You’ll also need to share the basic documents listed above.

Croatia digital nomad visa

Croatia offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers. The Croatia digital nomad visa isn’t actually a visa – it’s a temporary work permit that allows you to reside in Croatia and work remotely, without having to pay income tax in Croatia. To apply for a digital nomad visa, you’ll likely need to require all of the essential documents above. In some cases, you may also need to present your work contract or other documents about your employment.

Is there an interview when applying for a Croatia visa?

Currently, you must submit your Croatia visa application in person at a Croatia consulate or visa center in your country of residence.

In the coming years, you will be able to apply for a Schengen (Croatia) visa online through the dedicated EU VAP platform, but this option isn’t available yet.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS to visit Croatia?

Starting in 2025, citizens from visa-exempt countries (such as the US and Canada) will need to apply for ETIAS to enter Croatia if they do not hold a valid Schengen visa.

Who needs ETIAS to enter Croatia?

Travelers from countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan will need an ETIAS authorization for short-stays in Croatia once the system is implemented in 2025.

Is Croatia part of the Schengen zone?

Yes, Croatia became part of the Schengen Zone in 2023. This means your Croatian visa usually allows you to travel freely within the entire Schengen area, including countries like France, Germany, and Italy, without going through border control. It also means you must meet the Schengen visa requirements in order to obtain one.

What to remember about Croatia visas

• There are many types of Croatia visas .
• Each visa from Croatia has specific document requirements.
• Croatia is part of the Schengen area.
• Some Croatia visas allow you to work abroad, others don’t.
• To apply for a Croatian visa, you must have Schengen-compliant visa insurance.
• In most cases, you must provide proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and flights in your Croatia visa application.
• Visa processing times vary from 15 days to 60 days or more.
• For visits longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Croatia visa in person at a Croatian consulate or embassy.
• US citizens, from 2025 onward, will need to apply for ETIAS for stays shorter than 90 days.
• US citizens only require a Croatia visa for stays longer than 90 days, or for specific purposes (like to study or work).
• In the coming years, you will be able to apply for Croatia visas online with EU VA.
• Croatia offers a digital nomad visa.