Visiting Croatia needs no explanation on its own. Well known as an ideal holiday destination apart from the mainstream locations like France, Spain or Italy; Croatia offers much more. The clear waters, pleasant weather, plenty of sightseeing places, nature-esque landscapes and let’s not forget about the food and wine to dine on!
One of the most important steps is getting a Croatian Visa before going on your trip. Let’s look at how to apply for a Croatian visa, the eligibility criteria, necessary documents, fees and more.
Yes, Indians need to apply for a visa before entering Croatia. Croatia joined the Schengen Area on 1st January 2023. The visa requirements are in compliance with the rest of the zone. This means that Indian citizens must apply for a Schengen Visa to visit Croatia.
No, Croatia does not offer e-visa or visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian passport holders visiting the country.
After Croatia joined the Schengen region in January 2023, the visa requirements for Indian citizens to visit Croatia are in line with other Schengen states as well. You can simply apply for a Schengen visa and visit Croatia with the same. Visitors can visit Croatia/the Schengen Zone for a maximum of 90 days.
You can visit the Croatian Embassy in India to apply for a Schengen visa.
While doing this, it is important to secure yourself and your trip from any uncertainties. If your flight is delayed or you lose your baggage or passport while on the trip, a security option such as Travel Insurance can come to your rescue.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory to visit Croatia from India as Croatia is a part of the Schengen area. As you need to apply for a Schengen visa for Croatia, you must have a valid travel insurance policy.
The following are the types of visas for Croatia candidates can apply for from India:
When applying for a Croatian visa, you must check the following criteria to ensure a smooth visa application process. A visa application can be submitted 6 months prior to the beginning of the planned journey.
If you tick these criteria, it will be easier to apply schengen visa from india and visit Croatia.
When applying for a Croatia Schengen visa, you will need the following list of documents:
A duly filled application form.
Two identical, recent coloured photos of dimensions 35X45mm. Ensure that it shows 70-80% of your face.
A passport that is valid for a minimum of 3 months after your proposed trip and has at least two blank pages. If you have a previous passport that has expired or been cancelled, this needs to be carried as well.
Proof of travel and stay reservations.
Travel Insurance with minimum medical coverage of €30,000.
Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, i.e., the bank statement of the last 6 months.
A cover letter explaining your purpose to travel.
Proof of paid fees for the respective visa.
Applying for a visa to Croatia is a simple process. Keep all the necessary documents on you before you begin the application process. This will help fast-track the process for you. Follow the below steps to apply for a Croatia Schengen visa:
Register Yourself on the Official Visa Portal
Log in to the official website of VFS Global or the designated agency handling Croatia visa applications in India.
Select Your Visa Application Centre for Croatia
Choose a preferred Visa Application Centre (VAC) based on your residential address.
Fill Out the Schengen Visa Application for Croatia
Complete the visa application form with personal details, travel plans, and passport information. If you cannot apply online, you can use the Form Filling Service at the Visa Application Centre.
Visit the Visa Application Centre for Your Schengen Visa Interview
Print your completed application form and bring it along with the required documents to your scheduled appointment at the VAC. Attend your interview and provide any additional information if requested.
Make Payment for Croatia Visa from India
Pay the visa application fee during your appointment and save the receipt for future reference.
Track Your Schengen Visa Application for Croatia
After submitting your application at the VAC, track its status online to check if your passport is ready for collection.
The Croatian tourist visa takes up to 15 days to process. But in some cases, it might even extend up to 30-60 days.
That’s why it is recommended to apply for a Croatian Schengen visa at least 3 months prior to the start of your trip but not earlier than that.
A detailed table for visa fees for Croatia short-stay visa is given below:
Note: The visa fees are subject to change, based on new immigration rules, the country in which you apply, the local currency and currency exchange rates. As of 22nd January 2025, the exchange rate for €1 is ₹91.
A few people who are exempted from the fees include:
If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a rejection letter explaining the reasons. You can either reapply with corrections, file an appeal, or seek professional advice to address the issue.
To avoid visa application rejection:
Schengen tourist visas generally can not be extended within Croatia. However, limited exceptions may apply for specific circumstances, such as medical emergencies or unforeseen events. If you believe you have a valid reason to extend your visa, consult with the Croatian embassy or consulate for guidance.