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.

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.

• Travel insurance that provides medical coverage of up to €30,000 is mandatory.  
• The reason for travelling as well as the time frame must be justified.

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.

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.

• Croatia uses the Euro (€). Carry some cash, as smaller establishments may not accept cards.
• Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Public transport, including buses and ferries, is reliable and affordable.
• Driving is convenient, but ensure you have an international driving permit (IDP).
• Croatian cuisine is diverse, featuring fresh seafood, truffles, and Mediterranean influences.
• Croatia is generally safe for travellers, but keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
• Carry a basic first aid kit and any personal medications.
• Consider getting a local SIM card or an international roaming plan for seamless connectivity.
• Keep the contact details of your embassy or consulate in Croatia.

What Happens If My Croatia Visa Application is Rejected?

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.

How Can I Avoid Getting My Croatia Visa Application Rejected?

To avoid visa application rejection:

• Submit complete and accurate documents.
• Demonstrate financial stability and intent to return to your home country.
• Ensure consistency in your application and meet all requirements, including biometrics and photo guidelines.
• Apply early and avoid booking non-refundable tickets before approval.

Can I Extend My Croatia Visa While I'm in the Country?

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.