Visa Regulations for Entering Croatia
- EU citizens do not require a visa to enter Croatia.
- Non-EU citizens must check if they need a visa before entering the country, which can be done on the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 3 months beyond the intended stay is required for all visitors.
Types of Visas in Croatia
- Tourist Visa: for short-term stays for tourist purposes.
- Business Visa: for business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences or negotiations.
- Work Visa: for foreign citizens who wish to work in Croatia.
- Study Visa: for foreign students who wish to study in Croatia.
- Family Reunion Visa: for family members of EU citizens living in Croatia.
- Permanent Residence Visa: for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Croatia for an extended period.
Visa Exemptions in Croatia
- Citizens of EU and EEA member states and Switzerland do not require a visa to enter Croatia.
- citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and the United States do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Relationship between Visas and Residency Status in Croatia
- A visa serves as an entry permit to Croatia, while residency status determines an individual’s legal stay in the country.
- Obtaining a residency permit allows an individual to live and work in Croatia for a prolonged period.
- A residency permit can be obtained by obtaining a work or permanent residency visa.
Reliable Information on Visas for Entry into Croatia
- The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website provides information on visa requirements for entering Croatia.
- The website also offers a visa application form and instructions on how to apply for a visa.
- The Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the visitor’s country of residence can also provide information on visa requirements and application procedures.
- The Croatian National Tourist Board provides information on tourist visas and travel to Croatia.
- The Ministry of the Interior website provides information on residency permits and procedures for obtaining them.
To enter Croatia, citizens of some countries may require a visa, while others are eligible for visa-free travel. To determine whether you need a visa, check the visa requirements of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Visas should be applied for in a timely manner, typically several months prior to your intended travel dates. Applications can be submitted through the relevant Croatian diplomatic mission in your country of residence, either in person or by post.
Links to relevant forms and details of relevant authorities:
- Visa application form: https://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-application-form/
- List of Croatian diplomatic missions: https://www.mvep.hr/en/diplomatic-missions/
- Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs: https://www.mvep.hr/en/
Where to Apply for a Visa for Croatia
For US and UK expats, visas for Croatia can be obtained through the relevant Croatian diplomatic mission in the US or UK.
Relevant consulates for US expats:
- Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Washington D.C.: https://washington.mvep.hr/en/
- Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in New York: https://newyork.mvep.hr/en/
- Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Los Angeles: https://losangeles.mvep.hr/en/
Relevant consulate for UK expats:
- Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in London: https://london.mvep.hr/en/
Relevant Documents for Croatia
The specific documents required for a visa application may vary depending on the purpose of your visit. However, generally, the following documents are required:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter from host)
- Proof of financial means (bank statement or traveler’s cheques)
- Travel insurance covering the duration of the stay
- Proof of the purpose of the trip (e.g. invitation letter for business purposes, tour itinerary for tourists)
Translations are necessary for documents not written in English, Croatian or another EU language.
Additional information can be found on the website of the relevant Croatian diplomatic mission in your country of residence.
Visa Application Processing Time for Croatia
The processing time for a visa application may vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications received. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates, typically several months prior.
Visa Application Cost for Croatia
The cost of a visa for Croatia may vary depending on the type of visa and the country of origin. Fees can be found on the website of the relevant Croatian diplomatic mission in your country of residence.
Associated Costs
In addition to the visa fee, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining a visa for Croatia, such as the cost of travel insurance, passport photos, and shipping fees if applying by post. These costs should be taken into consideration when planning your trip to Croatia.