Can you not take the images of the bustling cityscapes of Zagreb or the idyllic shores of Dubrovnik out of your mind? Do you want Croatia to be your travel adventure? Securing your tourist visa is the essential first step towards realising this dream.

Navigating your way through the Croatian visa application process may seem daunting. But worry not! This comprehensive guide on Croatian visas is crafted to simplify every aspect of the process - from understanding the prerequisites to finally submitting your visa application form.

Join us as we delve into the important steps, documents, requirements, fees and everything else you need to know about Croatian visa ensuring you're thoroughly equipped for a successful Croatian visa application. 

Anyone intending to visit Croatia for tourism and leisure would typically need a Croatian tourist visa or Schengen type ‘C’ visa. However, citizens of certain countries like member states of the European Union (EU) are exempt from requiring a tourist visa for Croatia.  

A Croatian tourist visa allows its holder to stay in Croatia and other Schengen countries for 90 days in a 180-day timeframe.

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Step-by-step guide to apply for your Croatia visa through VFS Global-

Step 1: Identify Your Visa Type

The first step is to determine the right visa for your trip. Travellers usually need a short-term, Schengen-type ‘C’ visa or ‘tourist visa’ to visit Croatia. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and know your documentation requirements, the fee, etc. Also, make sure your documents are in no other language than English. 

Step 2: Fill out Your Visa Application Form

Fill out the visa application form and get your documents in order. You may also opt for the ‘Digital Document Check’ service while booking your appointment. This service allows you to get your application and documents reviewed online before going to the visa application centre.  

Step 3: Book Your Appointment at the Visa Application Centre

After filling out your visa application form, book an appointment at the VFS Application Centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken. You’ll receive an email confirming your appointment upon successfully scheduling your appointment.

Step 4: Pay Your Fees

It’s time to pay your visa application fee. A Croatia tourist visa costs around € 80 or ₹ 7,200 and the VFS Logistics Fee costs ~ ₹ 1,928.

Step 5: Visit the Visa Application Centre

Submit your printed application form, documents, and fee at the VFS Visa Application Centre in person. Below is the list of all the VFS Visa Application Centres for Croatia in India

Step 6: Keep a Track Your Application

Use the VFS online application tracking tool to check the status of your application. You can also use the tracking tool on the official Croatian External Affairs website. To know about this in detail refer to our section, ‘How to Check the Status of a Croatia Visa Application for Indians?’

Step 7: Collect Your Passport and Other Documents

Once the visa authorities have decided on your visa application, you can collect your documents back from them. You can either collect the documents in person or avail of their courier services at an additional price. 

You will need the Original ICR & Copy of Govt ID Proof for collecting your documents in person.

Your immediate family members (i.e. parents, children, siblings, or spouse) and Representatives of a company can also collect the documents on your behalf. 

Third parties need to carry the following documents-

In case an applicant loses their ICR, they need to come in person for the collection of their passport from the counter.

Note that the fees are non-refundable and subject to change based on additional factors such as foreign exchange fluctuations, courier & SMS facilities, etc. Fees can be paid only in cash.

Effective June 11, 2024, the visa fee for those above 12 years will rise to € 90 or ~₹8,200.

The processing time for a Croatia tourist visa  for Indians is generally decided within 15 days from the date the application is submitted. However, in certain cases where additional scrutiny is needed, this period can be extended up to 30 or 60 days. It's important to note that if you submit your visa application less than 15 days before your planned departure, the embassy cannot guarantee that the visa processing will be completed in time for your journey. To avoid any issues, it's advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date.

A Croatia tourist visa for Indians or short-stay Schengen visa (C-visa) allows Indians to transit through, or stay in Croatia for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 day timeframe. It is issued for one, two, or multiple entries for transit, tourism, leisure, short-term business, and other related purposes.

Indians planning to travel to Croatia can submit their visa application up to 6 months before their intended travel date. However, it's essential to note that the Croatian Embassy requires at least 60 days for processing visa applications. So, it's best to plan accordingly and submit your application within this timeframe to ensure it's processed in time for your trip.

Visa Extension

Croatia visa extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies, force majeure situations or humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons.

The application for the extension of the visa and/or duration of stay is submitted to the police administration/station in Croatia depending on the place of stay before the expiry of the visa and/or the duration of stay approved based on the issued visa.

Documents Required for Visa Extension

In case the extension is denied, the person has the right to appeal against the decision within 15 days from the receipt of the decision, through a competent embassy or a consulate of the Republic of Croatia.

If you have travelled to the Schengen Region twice in the past three years, you are eligible for the new Schengen visa ‘cascade’ regime. Under this new scheme, your visa can get renewed and you can be granted a two-year multi-entry visa.

This two-year visa can be followed by a 5-year visa provided the passport has sufficient validity. 

Here are some tips for Indian citizens applying for a Croatia tourist visa:

By following these tips and ensuring that your application is complete and accurate, you can increase your chances of a successful Croatia tourist visa application.

Securing a Croatia tourist visa from India may seem like a herculean task, but with the right guidance and preparation, it becomes a straightforward part of your travel plans. 

In this complete guide on Croatian visas we have walked you through every step of the application process, from gathering documents to booking your appointment at the VFS Centre. 

Now that you know what to expect and how to prepare, you're all set to turn your Croatian holiday dreams into reality. 

Safe travels!