Croatia Visas: A Detailed Guide

From the medieval walls of Dubrovnik to the turquoise waters of Korčula Island, millions of visitors travel to Croatia each and every year. Whether you're planning a trip there for tourism, business, or something else, the visa process for Croatia can seem daunting.

We get it. That's why we created this guide, to help you get familar with the process, like what will be expected of you and the steps that you need to take.

This article will help you understand Croatian visas, giving you the knowledge you need to feel confident during the visa application process... and beyond! 🙂

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/visiting 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 travel to Croatia, regardless of the purpose or length of your stay. This includes countries like China and India.

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. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, however, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.

Lastly, if you're a citizen of an EU/EEA/Schengen country, you do not need a visa to visit Croatia.

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.

To stay longer than 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. You may see them referred to as national visas or Type D visas.

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 includes a few steps but is generally straightforward. Once you've determined the type of visa you need, you’ll be able to gather the required documents and book an appointment to submit your application to the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate.

Currently, in-person appointments are mandatory when applying for a Croatian visa and they must take place in your current country of residence.

Can I apply for a Croatia visa online?

No. You must apply for a Croatian 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 and then complete the process in person at a visa application center or diplomatic mission in your country of residence.

In the coming years, you will be able to apply for a Croatian 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. Some countries may even offer it before that.

That said, applying for a visa through EU VAP is only mostly online. There is one mandatory in-person part of the process, and that’s biometric collection, which will happen at a visa application center.

Is getting a Croatian 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 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 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?

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 specific 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.

Schengen visas for Croatia (short stay, under 90 days)

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.

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. This in person appointment is sometimes referred to as an interview.

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 quite available yet.

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.

Keep in mind that while most Schengen visas allow you to travel freely throughout the zone, some may have specific limitations.

FAQs about Croatian visas