Get Your Croatia Visa Online
Fast visa processing for the Pearl of the Adriatic — from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes, your journey starts here
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Croatia Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications approved within 5-15 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details and travel plans. Our intelligent validation system checks every field in real-time, ensuring accuracy and catching common errors before submission to Croatian authorities.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible with at least 3 months validity beyond your stay), a recent passport-sized photograph meeting Croatian specifications, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation and financial means.
3
We process your visa
Your verified application is submitted through official channels. We monitor processing status continuously and keep you informed via email and SMS notifications at every stage of the approval process with Croatian immigration.
4
Receive your visa
Once approved, you will receive notification to collect your visa from the designated embassy or consulate. For Schengen visa holders, entry to Croatia is straightforward as Croatia is now a full Schengen member.
Croatia Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Schengen Visa-Free
Up to 90 days
Visa-free entry for EU/EEA and 60+ nationalities
Schengen Visa (C)
Up to 90 days
Short-stay visa for tourism and business visits
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For conferences, meetings, and professional activities
National Visa (D)
Over 90 days
Long-stay visa for work, study, or family reunion
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond stay with 2 blank pages
- Proof of funds: minimum 70 EUR per day of stay
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or accommodation confirmation
- Travel insurance with 30,000 EUR medical coverage
- Completed visa application form with photograph
Schengen Membership & Visa-Free Entry
Croatia officially joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023, fundamentally simplifying travel to this stunning Adriatic nation. As a full Schengen member, Croatia now follows the same visa policies as other Schengen countries, making it easier than ever for tourists to visit.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of over 60 countries and territories can enter Croatia without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes passport holders from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and all EU/EEA member states. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area combined, not just Croatia individually. If you spend 60 days in France, you have only 30 days remaining for Croatia within that 180-day window.
Schengen Visa Holders
If you already hold a valid Schengen visa issued by any Schengen country, you can use it to enter Croatia. Similarly, holders of valid Schengen residence permits can travel freely to Croatia. This means a single Schengen visa application opens doors to 27 European countries, including Croatia's magnificent coastline and historic cities.
Short-Stay & Business Visas
Schengen Visa (Type C) for Croatia
Travelers from countries requiring visas must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Croatia. This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business meetings, conferences, cultural events, or visiting family and friends. Single-entry visas permit one entry, while multiple-entry visas allow unlimited entries during the validity period.
Business Visa Requirements
Business visitors need additional documentation including:
• Invitation letter from Croatian company on official letterhead
• Proof of business relationship such as contracts or correspondence
• Company registration documents from your employer
• Conference registration if attending professional events
Application Process
Submit your application at the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country, or at a Schengen visa application center. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, though complex cases may require up to 45 days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned travel date but no earlier than 6 months in advance.
Long-Stay & National Visas
National Visa (Type D)
For stays exceeding 90 days, you need a Croatian national visa (Type D). This applies to those planning to work, study, join family members, or conduct extended business activities in Croatia. National visas are issued for specific purposes and have different requirements than short-stay Schengen visas.
Common Long-Stay Categories
• Work Visa: Requires employment contract and work permit from Croatian employer
• Student Visa: Requires acceptance letter from Croatian educational institution
• Family Reunion: For joining family members legally residing in Croatia
• Digital Nomad Visa: Croatia offers a popular digital nomad program for remote workers
Digital Nomad Visa
Croatia introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, allowing remote workers to live in Croatia for up to one year. Requirements include proof of remote work, minimum monthly income of approximately 2,540 EUR, health insurance, and clean criminal record. This visa has made Croatia a top destination for location-independent professionals seeking Mediterranean lifestyle.
Entry Points & Travel Tips
International Entry Points
Croatia has excellent connectivity with multiple international airports and border crossings. Major airports include Zagreb (ZAG) as the main hub, Split (SPU) for Dalmatian coast access, Dubrovnik (DBV) for southern Croatia, Zadar (ZAD), and Pula (PUY) for Istria. During summer, charter flights serve smaller airports at Rijeka and Osijek. Land borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro are now seamless within the Schengen zone for neighboring Schengen members.
Immigration Process
As a Schengen member, Croatia maintains standard EU entry procedures. Present your passport (or ID card for EU citizens), visa if required, and be prepared to show proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds if requested. Electronic passport gates are available at Zagreb Airport for eligible travelers.
Best Time to Visit
The Adriatic coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Peak season runs from June to August with warmest waters and liveliest atmosphere. May-June and September offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Zagreb and inland Croatia have a continental climate with cold winters ideal for Christmas markets.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.7Customer rating
98%Approval rate
"Fantastic service! Got my Schengen visa for Croatia in just 10 days. The team helped me prepare all documents perfectly. Dubrovnik was incredible!"
"DoVisa made the Schengen application process so much easier. Clear instructions and quick responses to all my questions about visiting Split."
"Good experience overall. Processing took a bit longer than expected but the support team kept me updated throughout. Would recommend."
"Third time using DoVisa for European travel. They really understand Schengen requirements. Croatia trip was unforgettable thanks to smooth visa process."
"Excellent service from start to finish. The document checklist was very helpful and my visa was approved without any issues. Plitvice Lakes here I come!"
"Professional team that knows what they are doing. Had a small issue with my travel insurance but they helped resolve it quickly."
"Applied for multiple-entry Schengen visa to explore Croatia and neighboring countries. DoVisa guidance was invaluable. Highly recommend!"
"Helpful customer service and straightforward process. The website could be slightly more user-friendly but overall satisfied with the outcome."
"Fast, efficient, and reliable. Got my visa with time to spare before my sailing trip along the Croatian islands. Thank you DoVisa!"
Croatia Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for Croatia?
Since Croatia joined the Schengen Area in January 2023, the visa system follows Schengen rules. Schengen visa (Type C) allows short stays up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, or family visits. National visa (Type D) is for longer stays exceeding 90 days, including work, study, and family reunion. Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for short stays. Croatia also offers a popular Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers seeking extended stays up to one year.
Do I need a visa to visit Croatia?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of 60+ countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and all EU/EEA nations can visit Croatia visa-free for up to 90 days. If you already hold a valid Schengen visa or residence permit from another Schengen country, you can use it to enter Croatia. Nationals of countries not on the visa-free list must apply for a Schengen visa before travel. Use our visa checker tool to see your specific requirements.
How does Croatia's Schengen membership affect my travel?
Croatia's Schengen membership means your stay counts toward the 90/180 day Schengen limit across all 27 Schengen countries combined. If you spend time in other Schengen countries like France or Italy, those days count against your Croatia allowance too. Existing Schengen visas are valid for Croatia entry, and border controls between Croatia and other Schengen countries have been eliminated, allowing seamless travel throughout the zone.
What documents are required for a Croatia visa application?
Standard Schengen visa requirements include: valid passport (3+ months beyond intended stay, 2 blank pages), completed application form, recent passport photo (35x45mm), travel medical insurance covering 30,000 EUR, proof of accommodation, return flight booking, proof of sufficient funds (70 EUR/day), and cover letter explaining your trip purpose. Business visitors need invitation letters and company documents. Students require acceptance letters from Croatian institutions.
How long can I stay in Croatia with a tourist visa?
With a Schengen tourist visa or visa-free entry, you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is a rolling calculation, so you must count backwards 180 days from any given date to ensure you haven't exceeded 90 days in that window. The limit applies to the entire Schengen Area combined, not just Croatia. For longer stays, you need a Croatian national visa (Type D) or residence permit.
Can I extend my Croatia visa while in the country?
Schengen short-stay visas can only be extended in exceptional circumstances such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons. Extensions are granted by the Croatian Ministry of Interior and are not routine. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you should apply for the appropriate long-stay visa before traveling. For digital nomads, the Digital Nomad Visa allows stays up to one year with possible renewal.
Can I work in Croatia with a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas and visa-free entry do not permit employment in Croatia. Any paid work requires a proper work visa and work permit issued by Croatian authorities. The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote work for non-Croatian employers but not employment with Croatian companies. Working illegally can result in fines, deportation, and future visa bans. Always obtain proper authorization before undertaking any work activities.
What is Croatia's Digital Nomad Visa?
Croatia offers one of Europe's most attractive Digital Nomad Visa programs, allowing remote workers to live in Croatia for up to one year. Requirements include proof you work remotely for companies outside Croatia, minimum monthly income of approximately 2,540 EUR, valid health insurance, clean criminal record, and proof of accommodation. The visa can be renewed for another year. It's perfect for those wanting to combine work with Croatia's stunning coastline and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
How long does Croatia visa processing take?
Standard Schengen visa processing takes 15 calendar days from application submission. Complex cases may require up to 45 days. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel but no earlier than 6 months in advance. During peak summer season (May-August), processing times may extend due to high volumes. National visas (Type D) typically take 30-60 days. DoVisa helps prepare your application thoroughly to avoid delays from missing or incorrect documents.
What if my Croatia visa application is rejected?
If your Schengen visa is rejected, you will receive written notification explaining the reason. Common rejection causes include insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, missing documents, or previous immigration violations. You have the right to appeal within 15 days of the decision. Alternatively, you can submit a new application addressing the issues raised. DoVisa provides thorough document review to minimize rejection risk and offers guidance on appeals if needed.
Do I need travel insurance for Croatia?
Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants. Coverage must be at least 30,000 EUR and valid for the entire Schengen Area, covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. Even visa-free travelers are strongly advised to carry comprehensive travel insurance given Croatia's tourist-oriented healthcare pricing. Many policies also cover trip cancellation, lost luggage, and adventure activities like sailing or hiking.
When is the best time to visit Croatia?
Croatia's peak season runs June through August with warmest sea temperatures, busiest beaches, and vibrant nightlife. May-June and September offer pleasant weather with smaller crowds and lower prices. The Adriatic coast enjoys Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Inland Croatia including Zagreb has continental climate with cold winters perfect for Christmas markets. Spring is ideal for Plitvice Lakes when waterfalls are at full flow.
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