Guide for Croatia Visa Requirements
If you plan to visit Croatia, you'll likely need a Schengen visa, since Croatia joined the Schengen Zone on January 1, 2023. This visa allows you to stay in Croatia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The documents you need may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances, and you must present certain documents to the border police regardless of how you arrive, by land, sea, or air.
LUMA can help you make sense of your Croatia visa requirements and sort out travel insurance for your trip to Croatia.
Where do I apply for my Schengen Croatia Visa?
You'll need to apply for your Schengen Croatia visa in your home country before you depart. Schengen visas for Croatia are processed by Croatia's official partner, VFS Global.
Croatia Schengen Visa Document Checklist
For a Croatia tourist Schengen visa, you need:
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
- Valid passport, issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least 2 blank pages.
- Two recent passport-style photos, meeting Schengen visa photo specifications.
- Travel and medical insurance covering at least €30,000, valid across the entire Schengen Area for your full trip.
- Cover letter or itinerary explaining the purpose and dates of your visit.
- Proof of accommodation, a confirmed hotel booking or equivalent, for your full stay.
- Round-trip or onward flight itinerary.
- Proof of financial means, typically bank statements from the last 3 months.
- Proof of civil status where relevant, such as a marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Photocopy of your passport ID page, separate from the passport itself.
- Copies of any Schengen visas issued in the last 5 years, if applicable.
- Employed applicants also submit recent pay slips, an employment contract, and a letter from their employer confirming leave. Self-employed applicants send business registration documents and recent tax returns instead.
Travel tip: Check your photos against the Schengen specifications rather than assuming standard passport photos will pass. The requirements differ.
Proving Financial Means for Your Croatia Visa Application
The embassy wants confidence you can support yourself without needing state assistance, so this part carries real weight.
- Bank statements. Usually covering the last 3 to 6 months, showing enough to cover accommodation, meals, internal travel, and a reasonable buffer for emergencies. There's no fixed minimum amount specified.
- Sponsorship letter. Required if someone else is covering your costs. The letter should state their willingness and ability to support you, backed by their own bank statements or income documents.
- Income documents. Pay slips or an employment contract if you're employed. Business registration documents and recent tax returns if you work for yourself.
- For minors or dependents traveling alone. Parents or guardians may need to demonstrate their own financial stability, along with a notarized letter confirming they'll support the applicant financially during the trip.
- For students. Proof of enrollment plus a financial responsibility statement from parents, typically alongside their bank statements.
- For retirees. Pension statements or other documented proof of income and assets.
Croatia Visa Requirements for Thai citizens
Thai citizens need a short-stay Schengen visa, submitted through VFS Global or a representative Schengen embassy.
- Visa application form: This must be completed in full and signed.
- One recent photo (taken within the last 3 months) should be submitted and attached to the application.
- Passport with validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends (and one copy), plus previous passports if any.
- Identity Card, Work Permit, Residence Permit and one copy of each.
- Letter of employment (original) or evidence of business ownership, such as Business Registration Certificate (and a copy) and Income Tax Payment Certificate or Receipt (true copy).
- For minors (person under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent): birth certificate, proof of custody (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, registration of residence); – An authorisation to travel (alone or with one parent) indicating the purpose of the trip and signed by both parents/legal guardians or from the parent/guardian who does not travel, with copy of their passports or national identification cards. The signature(s) should be verified by a legal entity (e.g. municipal registration office or court).
- Six months of bank statements or bank account booklets copied and certified by the Bank or original document from the bank (in English) indicating the balance (exact amount); or other proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended entire journey and the duration of stay.
- Round-trip flight booking (and a copy)
- Confirmed hotel reservation (and a copy)
-
Travel insurance:
(plus one copy). The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
- If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
- Tourist visa holders must be able to prove possession of the equivalent of 70 euros for each day of their stay within the Schengen area.
- For business meetings/partners and persons staying at the residence of Croatia citizens: Invitation issued by the host (with verified signature) which should be sent to the Embassy by fax or e-mail before the day of application. The original may be sent by post.
- For persons under 20 years old; Parents’ consent permitting visa issue and for the specific travel (original).
- For students: Letter from school/university (original) in English.
- Any other documents supporting the purpose and circumstances of the trip. An itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited.
- Copy of Real Estate Property (title-deed), marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if relevant.
- Visa fee: The fee starts from EUR80.00 per person but may vary depending on the visa type and stay duration.
- Application: This should be made in person at the VFS Office in Bangkok.
- Document checklist: This should be referred to before making your visa application in person.
Fingerprinting will be required during the visa application process.
Croatia Visa Requirements for Indonesian citizens
Indonesian citizens are not visa-exempt and need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa using the standard document checklist above, submitted through VFS Global or a representative Schengen embassy.
- Visa application form, completed in full and signed.
- One recent photo taken within the last 3 months attached to the application.
- Passport with validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends, plus one copy and any previous passports.
- Identity Card, Work Permit, Residence Permit, each with a copy.
- Original letter of employment, or proof of business ownership through a Business Registration Certificate and copy, plus an Income Tax Payment Certificate or Receipt as a true copy.
- For minors under 18 travelling alone or with one parent: birth certificate and proof of custody, meaning a marriage certificate, divorce certificate or registration of residence. Add a travel authorisation stating the purpose of the trip, signed by both parents or legal guardians, or by the one who isn't travelling, with copies of their passports or national ID cards. A municipal registration office or court has to verify the signatures.
- Bank statements or account booklets covering six months, certified by your bank, or an original letter from the bank in English showing the exact balance. Any other evidence of sufficient means for the full journey and stay is accepted.
- Round-trip flight booking (and a copy)
- Confirmed hotel reservation (and a copy)
- Travel insurance (plus one copy). The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
- If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. LUMA Travel Insurance is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
- Tourist visa holders have to show the equivalent of 70 euros for each day of their stay in the Schengen area.
- For business meetings/partners and persons staying at the residence of Croatian citizens: An invitation issued by the host (with verified signature), which should be sent to the Embassy by fax or e-mail before the day of application. The original may be sent by post.
- For persons under 20 years old: Parents’ consent permitting visa issuance and for the specific travel (original).
- For students: Letter from school/university (original) in English.
- Any other documents supporting the purpose and circumstances of the trip. An itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited.
- Copy of Real Estate Property (title deed), marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if relevant.
- Visa fee, from EUR 90.00 per person, depending on visa type and how long you're staying.
- The visa application should be made in person at the VFS Office in Jakarta.
- Document checklist: This should be referred to before making your visa application in person.
- Fingerprinting will be required during the visa application process.
Croatia Visa Requirements for Philippines Citizens
Philippine citizens are not visa-exempt and need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa using the standard document checklist above, submitted through VFS Global or a representative Schengen embassy.
- Visa application form, completed in full and signed.
- One recent photo taken within the last 3 months should be submitted and attached to the application.
- Passport valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the end of your journey, with one copy, along with any previous passports.
- Identity Card, Work Permit, Residence Permit, plus a copy of each.
- An original employment letter, or evidence you own a business through a Business Registration Certificate with a copy, and an Income Tax Payment Certificate or Receipt as a true copy.
- For minors (person under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent):
- Birth certificate, proof of custody (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, registration of residence);
- An authorisation to travel (alone or with one parent) indicating the purpose of the trip and signed by both parents/legal guardians or by the parent/guardian who does not travel, with a copy of their passports or national identification cards. The signature(s) should be verified by a legal entity (e.g., municipal registration office or court).
- Six months of bank statements or account booklets, copied and certified by the bank, or an original English-language bank document stating the exact balance. Other proof of sufficient means covering the whole journey and stay also works.
- Round-trip flight booking (and a copy)
- Confirmed hotel reservation (and a copy)
- Travel insurance (plus one copy). The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
- If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. LUMA Travel Insurance is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
- Tourist visa holders need to prove they hold the equivalent of 70 euros per day of their Schengen stay.
- For business meetings/partners and persons staying at the residence of Croatian citizens: An invitation issued by the host (with verified signature), which should be sent to the Embassy by fax or e-mail before the day of application. The original may be sent by post.
- For persons under 20 years old: Parents’ consent permitting visa issuance and for the specific travel (original).
- For students: Letter from school/university (original) in English.
- Any other documents supporting the purpose and circumstances of the trip. An itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited.
- Copy of Real Estate Property (title deed), marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if relevant.
- The visa fee starts from EUR 90.00 per person but may vary depending on the visa type and stay duration.
- Visa Application: This should be made in person at the VFS Global Office in Makati.
- Document checklist: This should be referred to before making your visa application in person.
- Fingerprinting will be required during the visa application process.
Croatia Visa Requirements for Singapore Citizens
Singaporean citizens don't need a visa to enter Croatia for tourism or business if the stay doesn't exceed 90 days within a 6-month period. It's worth verifying the current requirements with the official Croatian Embassy in Singapore before you travel.
Croatia Visa Requirements for Malaysian Citizens
Malaysian citizens have the same exemption for tourism or business stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Verifying current requirements with the official Croatian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur before you travel is recommended.
How much is the cost of the Croatian Visa?
As of the last update on 11 June 2024, the general visa fee structure for the Schengen visa is as follows:
- Adults: €90
- Children aged 6–12: €45
- Children under 6: Free
However, there are certain exceptions and reductions:
- Students: Reduced fees or waivers may apply for students or postgraduates and accompanying teachers on educational trips.
- Researchers: Individuals travelling for scientific research may benefit from reduced fees.
- Diplomatic passport holders: can obtain a visa for free.
- Certain categories of applicants from countries with Visa Facilitation Agreements with the Schengen states may be subject to a reduced visa fee of EUR 35.
- Long-term visas: National visas or Type D visas, intended for longer stays or any other Schengen country, might have a different fee structure.
Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. Additionally, visa processing agencies or centres might charge an additional service fee.
How Long Does Croatia Visa Processing Take
A decision is issued within 15 calendar days of a complete application, extendable to a maximum of 45 calendar days if the consulate asks for more documents or calls you in for an interview. Peak season pushes it further.
Apply at least a month ahead so a follow-up request doesn't cost you the trip.
What travel insurance requirements are there?
Travel insurance is mandatory as part of Croatia's visa requirements, and it must cover:
- The cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for your entire stay, throughout the Schengen Area
- A minimum coverage amount of €30,000, or the equivalent in your local currency
If your application is for a multiple-entry visa, your insurance needs to be valid for at least your first planned entry.
Consulates check this closely. Policies get rejected for the wrong coverage limit, the wrong date range, or cover that stops at the Croatian border instead of extending across the zone.
Choosing LUMA Travel Insurance for Your Croatia Trip
Meeting the €30,000 minimum is the starting point for a Croatia Schengen visa, but it's worth thinking about what you actually want from a policy beyond satisfying that requirement.
LUMA Travel Insurance is built around exactly this kind of trip. Coverage starts at €30,000, matching the visa minimum directly, and it's designed to work whether you're planning a single Croatia trip or multiple trips across Europe within the year. It covers a wide range of traveler ages, and it's structured with Southeast Asian departures specifically in mind, useful if that's where your trip is starting from.
A few things worth knowing about LUMA's Schengen coverage:
- Coverage starting at €30,000, meeting the Schengen visa insurance minimum directly.
- Flexible options for both individual trips and travelers making multiple trips within a year.
- A wide eligibility range, covering travelers from young children through older adults.
- An easy online application, with your insurance certificate delivered by email.
- Wide embassy acceptance, intended to make the visa application process smoother rather than adding friction.
Other things to know about the Schengen visa for Croatia
Can I transit through Croatia?
If you’re transiting through a Croatian airport on your way to another Schengen or non-Schengen destination, you generally won’t need a Croatian visa as long as you remain in the international transit area and don’t pass through Croatian immigration control.
Do I need to provide biometric data for my Schengen Croatia Visa?
Croatia visa applicants may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the application process.
Which country's embassy should I apply through?
You typically apply at the embassy or consulate of whichever Schengen country you plan to spend the most time in during your trip, not necessarily Croatia if it isn't your main destination. Apply well in advance of your intended travel date regardless.
Can I Switch My Visa Type or Residence Status While in Croatia?
Switching is possible under certain conditions, though the process runs long and approval is never automatic. It has to comply with Croatian immigration law, and changing visa types often means leaving Croatia and applying at a Croatian consulate or embassy abroad. Policy details shift, so check official sources and get professional guidance if you're considering this route.
Can I Extend My Short-Stay Schengen Visa in Croatia?
Extending from inside Croatia is generally not possible. These visas are issued for a fixed period. If you need longer, you leave the Schengen Area and reapply, or look at a residence permit if you qualify. The Department for Visas at the Croatian Consulate in your country can confirm what's currently available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes to both. Croatia officially joined the Schengen Zone on January 1, 2023, and travelers who aren't from a visa-exempt nationality generally need a Schengen visa to enter, valid for travel throughout the wider Schengen Area during its validity.
Applicants may be required to provide biometric data, fingerprints and a photo, as part of the application process.
Generally not from within Croatia. Short-stay Schengen visas are issued for a specific duration, and extending usually means leaving the Schengen Area and reapplying, or exploring a long-term option like a residence permit if you meet the eligibility criteria.
There's no Croatian Embassy in Singapore, so Filipino applicants contact the Manila-based Croatian Embassy instead, or the relevant visa provider such as VFS Global. Requirements follow the same Schengen standard as everyone else: application form, valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and insurance. Check with the Croatian embassy for specifics before applying.
Yes. India isn't on the Schengen visa-exempt list, so Indian citizens need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa using the standard document checklist.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) records entry and exit for non-EU travelers using biometric data instead of passport stamps. It launched progressively from October 12, 2025, and has been fully operational at all external border crossing points since April 10, 2026. First-time travelers under the system provide a facial image and four fingerprints at the border. It doesn't change visa requirements.
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