Is Croatia Visa on Arrival for Indians available?

No, Croatia does not offer a Visa on Arrival for Indian passport holders. Indians must apply for a visa before their travel at the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate.

Is it necessary to obtain travel insurance when visiting Croatia?

Yes, obtaining travel insurance is necessary when applying for a Croatian visa. The insurance should cover any potential medical expenses during your stay in Croatia.

Are there any visa exemptions for Indian citizens travelling to Croatia?

No, there are no visa exemptions for Indian citizens travelling to Croatia. All Indian passport holders need a valid Croatian visa or a multi-entry Schengen visa to enter Croatia.

What should Indian citizens do if their Croatian visa application is denied?

If your Croatian visa application is denied, you will receive a reason for the denial from the consulate. You can address these reasons in a new application or appeal the decision by providing additional documentation as specified by the consulate.

Is the Croatia visa the same as the Schengen visa?

While Croatia allows travellers with a valid multi-entry Schengen visa to enter, it's important to note that a Croatian visa and a Schengen visa are not the same. Croatia is not a part of the Schengen Area, so its visa is specific to Croatia and does not grant access to the Schengen zone. Conversely, a Schengen visa allows travel within the Schengen Area but is also accepted by Croatia under certain conditions. If your main destination is Croatia, you should apply for a Croatian visa, not a Schengen visa, unless you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries during the same trip with Croatia as a secondary destination.

Croatia Visa For Indians: All You Need To Know Before Travelling

Introduction

Embarking on a trip to Croatia requires some preparation, particularly regarding Croatia visa requirements for Indian citizens for Indian nationals. This guide aims to demystify the process, providing a comprehensive look at the types of Croatia visas available, the application process, required documents, and the associated fees.

Whether you're planning a short tourist visit, a business trip, or a longer stay, understanding the correct procedures and preparing accordingly can make your visa application process smooth and stress-free. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know to navigate the complexities of applying for a Croatia visa for Indians.

Different Types of Croatia Visas for Indians

For Indian nationals planning to travel to Croatia, there are several types of visas available depending on the purpose and duration of the visit:

Uniform Schengen Visa (C): This visa allows for two or multiple entries and is valid for all Schengen Area Member States. It is suitable for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The purposes can include tourism, business, or visiting friends and family.
Visa with Limited Territorial Validity (LTV): This visa type is issued when the holder possesses a travel document not recognized by one or more, but not all, Schengen Area Member States. It permits travel only to the Member States that recognize the travel document. This visa can also be for two or multiple entries, depending on the specifics of the case.
Long-Stay Visa (D): Issued for stays exceeding three months, the D visa is a national visa that allows the holder to stay in the issuing Schengen State for a specified duration, typically for purposes such as work, study, or family reunification. While it allows travel throughout the Schengen Area, the stay in other Schengen countries cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

These visas cater to different travel needs and legal requirements, providing flexibility and necessary legal coverage for a range of purposes and durations of stay for Indian citizens travelling to Croatia and other Schengen countries.

Documents Required for Croatia Visa for Indians

For Indian nationals applying for a Croatia visa, here is a consolidated list of required documents, simplified and structured for clarity:

Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed.
Passport: Must be issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Croatia, with a minimum of two blank pages. Include photocopies of the front and last pages, as well as any used pages of current and previous passports.
Photographs: Two recent colour photographs with a light or white background, size 35mm x 45mm.
Travel Health Insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000 for all medical emergencies, valid throughout your stay in the Schengen area.
Cover Letter: Detailing the purpose of your visit and a comprehensive travel itinerary.
Travel Itinerary: Full schedule of your travel plans within Croatia and other Schengen countries.
Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations, a certificate of a paid tourist package, or proof of ownership or lease of a property (such as a boat/yacht).
Flight Reservation: Roundtrip flight bookings or proof of onward travel if continuing to a third country.
Financial Proof: Recent three months' bank statements, income tax returns for the last three years, and a copy of an international credit card with the latest three months' statement. Include an endorsement on your passport or a receipt of foreign exchange purchase.

Employed: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer on company letterhead, stating your job position, years of service, and approval of leave. Include the last three months' salary slips.
Self-Employed: A visa request letter on official letterhead, company registration documents, and the company's last three years' income tax returns.
Retired: Pension slips from the last three months.

Additional Requirements for Minors:

General: Birth certificate or legal guardianship documents.
Travelling without both parents: Notarized consent from both parents or legal guardians, including their personal information, the purpose and duration of the minor's stay, and the validity of consent. Attach copies of both parents'/guardians' ID documents.
Travelling with one parent: Notarized consent from the non-traveling parent, unless the accompanying parent has sole custody or guardianship, in which case proof must be provided.

These documents collectively help the Croatian consulate assess your application for a visa. It is essential to ensure all documentation is current, correctly filled out, and submitted in order to avoid delays or rejections in your visa application process.

How to Apply for a Croatia Visa for Indians?

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Croatian visa for Indian nationals through VFS Global, with a simplified and streamlined explanation:

Step 1: Determine Visa Type First, identify the type of visa you require for your visit to Croatia, typically a Schengen-type 'C' visa for short stays such as tourism. Check the eligibility criteria, understand the required documents (which must be in English), and familiarise yourself with the visa fees.

Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Fill out the visa application form accurately. You can utilise the 'Digital Document Check' service when scheduling your appointment at VFS Global. This service reviews your application and documents online before you visit the visa application centre.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment Book an appointment at your nearest VFS Application Centre to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). You will receive a confirmation email once the appointment is successfully scheduled.

Step 4: Fee Payment Pay the visa application fee, which is approximately €80 (around ₹7,200) plus a logistics fee of approximately ₹1,928.

Step 5: Document Submission Visit the VFS Visa Application Centre on your appointment date to submit your printed application form along with the necessary documents. Here are the locations and operating hours of the visa application centres in India:

Bangalore: 09:00 - 17:00
Chennai: 08:00 - 15:00
Delhi: 09:00 - 17:00
Hyderabad: 08:00 - 15:00
Kolkata: 09:00 - 17:00
Mumbai: 08:00 - 15:00

Step 6: Track Your Application Monitor the status of your visa application using the VFS online tracking tool or through the official Croatian External Affairs website.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport Once your visa application is processed, you can collect your passport and other documents. You have the option to pick them up in person or use a courier service for delivery. If collecting in person, bring the original ICR (Invoice Cum Receipt) and a government ID proof. Family members or company representatives can collect on your behalf with proper authorization and identification.

Documents for Collection by Third Parties: They must carry photocopies of the applicant's government ID card, the original ICR, and an authorization letter. If it’s a company representative, the letter should be on company letterhead, accompanied by the representative's official ID card.
Lost ICR: If you lose your ICR, you must visit the centre in person to collect your passport.

This streamlined process will help ensure that you meet all the Croatia visa requirements for Indian citizens.

Validity of Croatia Visa for Indians

The validity of a Croatian visa for Indian nationals generally depends on the type of visa issued. Here are the typical validities for different types of Croatian visas:

Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Type C Visa): This visa is most commonly used for tourism, business, or family visits and is valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. It can be granted for one, two, or multiple entries, depending on the consulate’s decision and the applicant's travel needs.
Long-Stay Visa (Type D Visa): This visa is intended for stays longer than 90 days and is issued for various purposes such as work, study, or family reunion. The validity of the Type D visa varies based on the duration of the intended stay as specified in the application, but it aligns with the duration of the contract or study period, generally up to one year.

When applying, the embassy will determine the appropriate validity of the visa based on the itinerary submitted, the insurance coverage, and other supporting documents. Applicants are advised to plan their entries and exits within the validity period specified on the issued visa to avoid any issues at the border or with immigration authorities.

Croatia Visa Processing Time in India

The Croatia visa processing time in India typically varies depending on the type of visa and the specific circumstances of the applicant. However, here are the general guidelines:

Standard Processing Time: The Croatian Embassy generally decides on a visa application within 15 calendar days from the date of receiving the application. This is the standard processing time for most short-stay (Type C) visa applications.
Extended Processing Time: In cases where further scrutiny of the application is required or during peak travel seasons when the volume of applications is high, the processing time can be extended up to 30 or even 60 days.
Submission Window: Applicants are advised to submit their visa applications well in advance of their intended travel date. The Croatian Embassy accepts visa applications up to 60 days before the date of travel, and no less than 15 days prior to ensure adequate processing time.

It's important for applicants to factor in these time frames when planning their travel to Croatia to ensure they receive their visa in time for their trip.

Croatia Visa Fees for Indians

For Indian nationals applying for a Croatia visa, the fees are structured as follows:

Applicants aged 12 and above:

Visa Fee: ₹7,200 (€80)
VFS Logistics Fee: ₹1,928

Note

Starting June 11, 2024, the visa fee will increase to approximately ₹8,200 (€90).

Applicants below 12 years:

Visa Fee: No charge

Please be aware that these Croatia visa fees for Indians are non-refundable and can vary due to factors such as foreign exchange rates and additional services like courier and SMS notifications. Payment of fees is only accepted in cash.

Why Does Croatia Visa for Indians Get Rejected?

When applying for a Croatia visa, knowing what could potentially lead to denial is crucial for strengthening your application and boosting the likelihood of getting approved. Here are some important considerations:

Lack of Proper Documentation: All Croatia visit visa or tourist visa documents you submit must be authentic, complete, and satisfactory. Submitting incorrect or misleading information can cause your application to be rejected immediately and may lead to potential bans on future applications.
Lack of Funds: Inadequate proof of financial stability and inability to cover the cost of your stay can lead to rejection. A recommended bank balance is ₹ 3,00,000 per applicant.
Weak Ties to Home Country : Croatia authorities may question your intentions to return to India, if you cannot demonstrate strong ties, such as family, property, or employment in India, and, hence, may reject your visa application.
Questionable Travel Record: A history of overstaying visas in other countries could be seen as a red flag, suggesting a risk of not adhering to Croatia’s visa regulations.

Intentions Under Scrutiny: Not being able to convincingly explain the reason for your visit and its consistency with your planned activities might arouse suspicion. For example, expressing plans to work on a visa that doesn't allow employment could result in denial.

Note

Any change in travel plan, cancellation / change of accommodations etc. after submission of application will lead to delay in processing of application. Similar changes after issuance of visa (if approved) for the Republic of Croatia might lead to revocation of visa.

Additional Resources

Croatia Visa VFS Global

Croatia Visa Application Tracking

Embassy and Consulates of Croatia in India

Croatia Tourist Visa

Conclusion

As we conclude this detailed guide on obtaining a Croatian visa for Indian nationals, it’s clear that a well-prepared visa application is key to a successful approval.

From choosing the right visa type to gathering all the necessary documents and understanding the fees involved, each step is crucial. By following the outlined steps and preparing meticulously, you can enhance your chances of a smooth process and enjoy your upcoming travels to Croatia.

Remember, the journey to a fascinating destination like Croatia begins with a successful visa application, so take the time to do it right.

Safe travels!

Embassy/Consulate	Address	Working Hours
Embassy of Croatia in New Delhi	A-15 West End, New Delhi 110021, India	Monday to Friday 10:00-12:00
Consulate of Croatia in Mumbai	A/52, Darshan Apartments, Mt. Pleasant Road, Mumbai - 400 006, India	Not specified
Consulate of Croatia in Kolkata	Poddar Court 9th Floor, Gate No. 1, 18 Rabindra Sarani, Kolkata – 700 001, West Bengal, India	Not specified

Croatia Visa For Indians : Types, Documents, Application Process & Fees

Do Indians Need a Croatian Visa?

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