Croatia Visa for Indians
For Indians planning a trip to Croatia, obtaining a Schengen short-stay tourist visa (Type C) is necessary. This visa will allow you to travel within Croatia and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in 180 days period. Croatia visa requirements for Indian citizens include submitting confirmed hotel bookings, round-trip air tickets, financial proofs and valid travel insurance as a part of the visa application process.
Since joining the Schengen area in 2023, Croatia has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations, attracting travellers from around the world. The country has millions of travellers entering, hitting record highs in 2025 with 21.8 million foreign visitors. Many visitors are heading to Dubrovnik for its old-town charm and Split and the Adriatic coast for beaches and cafes.
The Croatian visa process is stringent, so it's crucial to understand the requirements and gather the necessary documentation before applying. Being prepared with the correct requirements of the Croatia tourist visa for Indians will save you precious time and prevent delays.
Croatia Visa: All You Need to Know
If you are planning to travel to Croatia, you need to apply for a visa before you fly to the country. Indians are not eligible for an e-visa or visa-on-arrival and must apply for a sticker visa at least a couple of months in advance of the travel dates.
The Croatian Schengen tourist visa is a short-term visa allowing individuals to stay in the country for a minimum of 90 days in 180 days. Applications are to be submitted at VFS Global with copies of the passport, proof of funds, accommodation receipts, and travel tickets. You also need to have travel insurance for all Croatian visas.
If you are travelling to Croatia to attend business meetings or conferences, or to study, the country issues long-term visa type D and short-term visa type C, depending on your duration of stay. These will need sponsorship from the Croatian employer or university, along with police clearance certificates and a letter of guarantee.
Indians transiting through Croatia to a third country must apply for a Schengen transit visa, with proof of their flight to the third country and travel insurance. These applications are processed within 15 to 30 days and are valid for 5 days. Adhering to the set eligibility criteria and requirements is crucial to getting visa approvals.
Croatia Visa Insights
Croatia reported a record of 7.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025. The country’s Adriatic coast saw a 4% rise in overnight visitors during the same period as 2024.
Along with the coastal regions, the inland regions also saw an increase in the number of tourists visiting, especially in December. Continental regions like Zagreb recorded about 5.6 million overnight stays, which is roughly 2% more than in 2024.
Types of Croatian Visa
As of 2023, Croatia is part of the Schengen Area and requires visitors to apply for a Croatia Schengen visa. There are both short-term and long-term visas available, ranging from 180 days to one year of validity. Applications are submitted through VFS Global offices across India or at the Croatian embassy.
Tourist Visa (Type C)
Purpose: This visa allows Indians who are travelling to explore Croatia for tourism purposes, meet family and friends or for religious visits.
Validity: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Processing Time for Pre-Approval Letter: 15 days
What to Watch Out For: The Croatia Schengen visa specifies the allowed number of visits, which must not be exceeded. This visa does not allow you to take work assignments; a separate visa is required.
Work Permit (Long-Term National Visa D)
Purpose: The Croatian work permit allows individuals to work in the country for a short period, usually a year.
Validity: Up to 12 months
Processing Time for Pre-Approval Letter: 20 days
What to Watch Out For: Applications must have a job officer, a work permit letter from a Croatian company issued within the past 60 days, and a police clearance certificate.
Croatia Business Visa (Type C)
Purpose: Travellers entering Croatia to attend business meetings, conferences, or for negotiations are issued a Croatia Business Visa.
Validity: Up to 90 days
Processing Time for Pre-Approval Letter: 15 to 30 days
What to Watch Out For: Applicants must provide a letter of guarantee from a legal entity in Croatia. This will serve as evidence for the purpose of their stay.
Student Visa (Long-Term National Visa D)
Purpose: Foreigners who have secured admission in a Croatian university are granted a study visa valid for the duration of one year or shorter.
Validity: Up to one year
Processing Time for Pre-Approval Letter: 15 to 30 days
What to Watch Out For: Applicants must have health insurance and submit their proof of enrollment from the university.
Croatia Transit Visa (Type A)
Purpose: Indians who are transiting through Croatia must apply for a transit visa for their layover.
Validity: Up to 5 days
Processing Time for Pre-Approval
Letter: 15 to 30 days
What to Watch Out For: Transit visa applications require proof of entry to a third country, health insurance and a letter from your employer.
Family or Friends Visit Visa
Purpose: If you have friends or family members working and staying in Croatia, you can apply for a short-term family or friends visit visa.
Validity: Up to 90 days in a 180-day period
Processing Time for Pre-Approval
Letter: 15 to 30 days
What to Watch Out For: This visit visa requires submission of an invitation letter from a Croatian local with proof of their legal status.
How to Apply for a Croatian Visa?
Indian passport holders need to apply for their tourist or transit visa at VFS Global, an authorised third-party that collects applications and biometrics. Here is how you can book appointments at VFS Global for Croatia visas.
VFS Global Visa Process For Croatia
Visit the VFS Global website, select India as the country of origin and Croatia as the destination and proceed.
Click on ‘Apply for a visa’ and read the instructions carefully. Select the visa type depending on your purpose of the visit.
Verify your eligibility and completely fill out the application form on the Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Complete the application process and select ‘Book an appointment.’ Pay the application fee, save the receipt to take to your appointment.
Submit a filled-out application form and all documents in person at the VFS office. After the visa decision is made, collect your passport from the VFS office with ID proof.
Disclaimer: For further details on the Croatia visa application for Indian citizens, visit the Croatian Embassy in Delhi website or the VFS Global website.
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Documents Required for a Croatia Visa
To support your Croatian visa application, you must submit essential documents. The following are documents Indians must submit with their application:
General Documents
Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed visa application form (printed after filling the online form in English or Croatian).
Valid Passport: Passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least 3 months validity beyond your intended departure from Croatia and two blank pages.
Photographs: Recent passport-size photo (35 × 45 mm) taken within the last three months, showing neutral expression.
Travel Insurance: Insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 for emergency hospitalisation care and repatriation for the entire duration of stay.
Return Travel Proof: Confirmed return flight ticket or travel bookings showing arrival and departure details from Croatia.
Proof of Purpose of Stay: Documents that explain why you are visiting, such as hotel bookings, itinerary or invitation letter.
Additional Documents
Tourist Visit: Hotel reservation or detailed travel itinerary in your name and proof of sufficient funds for your trip.
Business Visit: Original Letter of Guarantee from the inviting Croatian company or business invitation letter on official letterhead.
Private Visit (Friends/Family): Letter of guarantee signed by the guarantor in Croatia plus proof of the guarantor’s financial means and identity.
Employed Applicants: Covering letter from employer confirming position, salary, leave approval and return to job after travel.
Students: Letter from school/university confirming enrollment and leave, plus proof of financial support.
Minors: Birth certificate and notarised consent from both parents/legal guardians if travelling alone or with one parent
Please Note: For the complete list of documents, please check the official Croatia Embassy website.
Croatia Visa Fees For Indians
Visa Application Fees
Croatia visa fees for Indians are charged in EUR, but VFS Global accepts INR for payment. Here are the latest visa fees for Croatia:
Visa Type |
Visa Fee (in EUR) |
|---|---|
Tourist Visa |
90 |
Business Visa |
90 |
Study Visa |
90 |
Family or Friends Visit |
90 |
Transit Visa |
90 |
Work Permit |
93 |
Disclaimer: Visa fees are subject to change. To get the most up-to-date rates, please visit the Croatia Embassy website or the VFS Global website.
The status of your Croatia visa application is sent to you via email. However, you can also track it using VFS’s tracking portal with the application reference number. Here is how you do so:
Yes. Indians with Croatian visas can apply for renewal, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions. Follow the steps below for Croatia visa renewal:
Note: You can stay in Croatia till you receive a decision, but staying beyond the 90 days out of 180 days is not permitted.
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Key Takeaways
Croatia joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023, which means that Indian travellers must now apply for a Schengen short-term visa to visit the country for tourism. It not only permits entry into Croatia but also allows travel to other Schengen nations within the specified duration. To apply for this visa, travellers must use an authorised third-party, VFS Global. The application process requires basic documents, such as travel tickets, accommodation bookings, and proof of funds.
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