Visa and Entry Requirements in Croatia

1. What is the current visa policy for traveling to Croatia?


The current visa policy for traveling to Croatia varies depending on the traveler’s nationality.

1. European Union/EEA/Switzerland citizens:
Citizens of EU, EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland), and Swiss citizens do not need a visa to enter Croatia. They can stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period with a valid passport or identification document.

2. Non-EU citizens:
Non-EU citizens from certain countries can enter Croatia without a visa for tourism purposes if they hold a multiple-entry Schengen visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen member state, an Irish visa, or a UK visa. The allowed stay is also limited to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Some non-EU citizens are exempt from the visa requirement altogether and do not need any type of visa to enter Croatia.

3. Non-EU citizens requiring a visa:
Non-EU citizens whose country is not included in the above-mentioned lists must obtain a Croatian tourist or business visa in order to visit the country. They should apply at the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate at least two weeks before their trip.

4. Visa exemptions:
In addition to EU and non-EU travelers mentioned above, the following categories are also exempt from the Croatian entry visa requirement:

– Holders of diplomatic passports.
– Family members of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen if: they hold either an Article 10 residence card or Article 20(2) residence card; an Article 20(2) residence card issued by UK/Eire accompanied by passport.
– The required travel document is recognized as valid by one of countries covered by Council Regulation (EU) no. 539/2001 (e.g., United States).
– Holders of valid Croatian temporary stay permits (“povremeni boravak”) + expired foreign passport.
– Crew members (aircraft, sea and river vessels).
– National visa holders if holding a temporary/permanent stay permit.

5. Extension of stay:
If staying in Croatia for more than 90 days, EU citizens should register with the local police within 30 days from the date of arrival. Non-EU citizens must obtain a residence permit and work permit to stay longer than 90 days.

It is always recommended to check with the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on visa requirements before planning a trip to Croatia.

2. Do I need a visa to enter Croatia as a tourist?


It depends on your nationality. Citizens of some countries do not need a visa to enter Croatia as tourists for stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period, while citizens of other countries do require a visa. You can check whether you need a visa by visiting the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or by contacting the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate in your country.

3. Are there any exemptions for certain nationalities in regards to visa requirements in Croatia?


No, there are no exemptions for certain nationalities in regards to visa requirements in Croatia. All non-EU citizens are required to obtain a visa before entering the country, unless they hold a valid residence permit from another EU country or are from a visa-exempt country (listed on the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website).

4. How long does it typically take to obtain a visa for Croatia?


The processing time for a Croatian visa can vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence. Generally, it takes around 15 days to obtain a short-stay visa (Type C) and up to 30 days for long-stay visas (Type D). However, this can also depend on the individual circumstances of the applicant, so it is important to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates. It is recommended to check with the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country for more specific information on processing times.

5. Is there an option for expedited processing of visa applications for Croatia?


Yes, there is an option for expedited processing of visa applications through the Visa Information System (VIS). This service is available to those who need urgent travel due to medical emergencies, unexpected business trips or other unforeseen circumstances. The decision on whether to grant expedited processing is at the discretion of the embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. Applicants must provide proof of their urgent need for travel and pay an additional fee for this service.

6. Are vaccinations required for entry into Croatia?


No, vaccinations are not currently required for entry into Croatia. However, it is recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and polio vaccine. Travelers may also want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and B before visiting Croatia. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for specific vaccination recommendations based on your individual health status and travel plans.

7. Is there a limit on how long I am allowed to stay in Croatia on a tourist visa?

Yes, there is a limit on how long you can stay in Croatia on a tourist visa. Most countries have a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. However, this may vary depending on your nationality, purpose of travel, and other factors.

It is important to check with the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country for specific visa requirements and restrictions before traveling to Croatia. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and future travel restrictions.

8. Can I work or volunteer while on a tourist visa in Croatia?


No, it is not permitted to work or volunteer while on a tourist visa in Croatia. Tourist visas are only intended for short visits for the purpose of tourism and leisure. If you intend to work or volunteer in Croatia, you should obtain the appropriate visa or permit before entering the country.

9. Is it possible to extend my tourist visa once I am already in Croatia?

Yes, it is possible to extend your tourist visa once you are already in Croatia. You would need to apply for an extension at the local police station or at the Ministry of Interior, and provide a valid reason for the extension (such as medical treatment, personal circumstances, etc.). It is recommended to apply for an extension at least 15 days before your current visa expires. The decision to approve or deny your request for an extension will be made by the Ministry of Interior.

10. What are the necessary documents and fees required for a visa application to Croatia?


The necessary documents and fees required for a visa application to Croatia may vary depending on the purpose of your visit and your country of citizenship. Generally, you will need:

1. A completed visa application form (download from the website of the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country).

2. Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the period of intended stay, with at least two blank pages.

3. Two recent passport-size photographs.

4. Proof of travel insurance valid in Croatia.

5. Documents proving the purpose of your visit (such as hotel reservations, invitation letter from a Croatian company or person, proof of funds for tourism).

6. Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Croatia (bank statements, credit card statements, etc.).

7. Flight itinerary or confirmation of transportation arrangements.

8. Visa fee payment (varies depending on nationality but generally around €60-€90).

9. Additional documents may be required, such as a criminal record certificate or medical insurance if you plan to stay longer than 90 days.

10. It is always recommended to check with the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country for the updated list of required documents and fees before submitting your application.

11. Are there any specific requirements or restrictions for business travelers entering Croatia?


Yes, business travelers entering Croatia may need to provide the following:
1. A valid passport or other travel document recognized by Croatian authorities.
2. A visa, if required based on their nationality.
3. Proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Croatia (e.g. bank statements, credit card).
4. A letter from their employer stating the purpose of their trip and confirming their employment status.
5. Any relevant business documentation (e.g. invitation letter from a Croatian company).
6. Health insurance that covers their entire stay in Croatia.
7. Travel restrictions and quarantine requirements may also apply depending on the traveler’s country of origin and transit countries.

Furthermore, business travelers may be subject to additional requirements or restrictions based on the type of business activity they will be engaging in while in Croatia (e.g. obtaining work permits or special visas for certain activities). It is advisable to check with the relevant Croatian authorities or consult with a local immigration lawyer before traveling for business purposes.

12. Do minors require a separate visa when traveling with their parents or legal guardians to Croatia?

No, minors do not require a separate visa when traveling with their parents or legal guardians to Croatia. They can be included in the parent’s or legal guardian’s visa application.

13. What is the duration of validity for a tourist visa to enter Croatia?


A tourist visa for Croatia can be issued for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that the visa is valid for multiple entries within the 180-day period but the total duration of stay cannot exceed 90 days. The validity of the visa will usually start from the date of issuance, not the date of entry into Croatia.

14. Can I enter and exit multiple times with one single-entry tourist visa for travels within Croatia?

No, a single-entry tourist visa only allows for one entry into Croatia. If you plan to enter and exit multiple times, you will need to apply for a multiple-entry visa.

15. Can I apply for a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Croatia?

No, tourist visas must be obtained before arriving in Croatia. Visitors who require a visa should apply at the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate in their home country. Visa on arrival is only available for certain categories of travelers, such as citizens of EU countries, United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia, who hold a valid Schengen visa. It is recommended to check the requirements for your specific nationality before planning your trip to Croatia.

16. Does my passport need to have a minimum number of months remaining before expiration in order to apply for a visa to enter Croatia?


Yes, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from Croatia in order to enter the country. It is recommended to have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport at the time of travel.

17. Will my criminal record affect my eligibility for obtaining a visa to enter Croatia?


Having a criminal record may affect your eligibility for obtaining a visa to enter Croatia. The Croatian government will review each visa application on a case-by-case basis and may consider the severity of your offense, the amount of time since it occurred, and any efforts you have made towards rehabilitation.

18. What are the consequences if I overstay my tourist visa period in Croatia?


If you overstay your tourist visa period in Croatia, you may face penalties such as fines or deportation. The length of your overstay will also be recorded and may affect your ability to enter the country in the future. Additionally, if you are caught working or engaging in other activities not allowed by a tourist visa during your overstay, you could face further consequences such as criminal charges or being banned from entering Croatia in the future. It is important to adhere to the terms and length of your tourist visa to avoid any difficulties.

19.Is it possible to convert from one type of temporary residency permit (such as student, work, or family) to another while remaining within country limits in Croatia?

No, it is not possible to convert from one type of temporary residency permit to another in Croatia while remaining within country limits. Each type of permit has its own requirements and application process, and you must leave the country and reapply for a different type of permit if you wish to switch categories. Additionally, each permit category has its own specific duration of stay, so it may not be feasible to switch between permits without exceeding the maximum length of stay allowed under your current permit. It is best to carefully consider your purpose for staying in Croatia before applying for a residency permit to ensure that you apply for the most appropriate category for your needs.

20.What are the mandatory requirements regarding passport photos and sizes for visa application in Croatia?


The mandatory requirements regarding passport photos and sizes for visa application in Croatia are as follows:

1. Size: The photo must be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (1.38 inches x 1.77 inches).

2. Background: The background of the photo must be plain white or light-colored.

3. Quality: The photo should be printed on high-quality paper with a resolution of at least 600 dpi.

4. Appearance: The applicant’s face must be fully visible, without any shadows or obstructions, and the expression must be neutral with both eyes open.

5. Head size: The head size in the photo should range from 70-80% of the total height of the photo.

6. Clothing: There are no specific clothing requirements, but it is recommended to wear dark-colored clothes that contrast with the background.

7. Headgear: Headwear is allowed only on religious grounds, and even then, the face must be fully visible from bottom to top.

8.After taking into consideration all these conditions, you may submit your application if you have taken a new passport-sized photograph in color with adequate lighting that does not require any retouching or correction.

9.Glasses: If you wear glasses, make sure your eyes are clearly visible and there are no reflections on them; avoid heavily tinted lenses and frames that obscure your eyes entirely.

10.A photograph cannot display any creases from folds that distort facial features in addition to other distortions caused by tears or stains

11.It has taken within five days before your application for applying for a Croatian visa so please keep this mind so that you don’t need recent photos taken again elsewhere when you reach Croatia;

12.In case you have minor children accompanying you to Croatia, they also need their own distinctive travel documents along with their clean photographs which satisfy most similar criteria as other Croatian visas do;

13.Photographs attached onto flat surfaces, such as passport holders, closed envelopes, etc., are not allowed. Photographs must be glued to application forms.

14.Photos taken in a photo booth or that have been edited digitally (e.g., photoshop) will not be accepted.

15.Facial expression: The applicant should have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and looking directly at the camera.

16.Beard: If the applicant usually wears a beard, it should be shown on the photo. However, if they plan to shave it off soon, they may submit an old photograph that reflects their current appearance with a beard.

17.Medical conditions: If you have any medical condition that does not allow you to take a photo according to these requirements (e.g., Muslim women wearing a face veil), the photograph must meet alternative standards specified by Croatian authorities.

18.Multiple photos: Two identical photographs of your head and shoulders are highly recommended although it can sometimes surpass 50% due to photocopies skewed when resized for printing

19.Applications without photographs will be deemed incomplete;

20.The use of photos isn’t compulsory if you lodge an electronic travel document application via e-mail or at Croatian diplomatic/consular posts equipped with authorizing workstation computers; however in this case instead of signatures legalized one original copy from Treasury accept platforms emerging onto Croatian logo marks need gather signatures authorized later using decision affixation process which may revoke both entire course forms & support data collected underneath it regardless whether there were different similar means recently attached onto flat wooden straps along with information provide criminal elements who might deem toward them all harmless enticing criminals upward steadily towards same gate door steps yet once again through artworks whereafter fondling lately appealing support as well relieving oneself underpaying victim funds slowly prevailed until shocking even more put paid licensing rights authority building bureaucratic leveling garrison gunship clotted fatty robes arise located secretly joined together by deepening conversations within itself imparting cautioned intelligently by qualified sympathetically hear agents pulse within flows imploration timeborne residents restless wells already fallen victim upon strikingly humanitarian aid offices harsh

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21. Regulations regarding photos may vary for different types of visas, such as student or work visas, so it is important to check with the relevant embassy or consulate before submitting your application.