Croatia Tourist Visa from India - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

As a tourist visiting Croatia, there is a protocol that you need to follow. There is verification of your important documents and yourself, issuing permission to be able to enter the country and tour it and several others. The most essential is to get a permit to be allowed to visit Croatia and this is done by issuing a tourist visa to Croatia. With this visa, you can visit all the desired tourist locations and stay in the country as long as 90 days. Although the validity of the visa varies from 90 days to 180 days, the allowed stay per visit is 90 days. This visa can be single or multiple entries.

Prior to the application, there are certain things that must be taken care of. You first must check if you have all the requirements and the eligibility for the application. The documents must be provided as per the given list by the embassy and the requirements must be met with proper guidelines put forth by the Embassy of Croatia. The process to apply for Croatia tourist visa is mainly offline. The steps for the procedure are given as follows:

1. Got to the official website of the Embassy of Croatia.
2. Select the visa section on the site and choose the online application form for a tourist visa to Croatia.
3. Fill out the application form according to the details on your documents and the passport.
4. Take a print out of the form and sign it.
5. Attach the required supportive documents to the form (original if specifically instructed).
6. Submit the form to the embassy along with the documents visiting personally.

At the time of filling the application form, you need to ensure that you are providing all the correct and true information. Entering false information can lead to visa rejection. This kind of visa refusal can affect your future applications for any kind of visa to Croatia or for any other country as well. Although there are other reasons as well that lead to rejection of the visa. It is therefore recommended to consider getting a professional consultation. 

The eligibility criteria must be followed so that you can apply for the issuance of your desired visa. There are certain pointers and parameters to be followed before carrying on with the process of application. The eligibility for Croatia tourist visa are listed as follows:

• You must have proof of confirmed visit
  1. Pre bookings of the round trip must be done.
  2. You must visit for tourism only and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.

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• You must meet the health requirements
  1. You must be healthy enough to travel to Croatia.
  2. You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
  3. You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.

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• You must meet the character requirements
  1. You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind visiting in Croatia.
  2. You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

• You must have sufficient funds
  1. You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Croatia.
  2. Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

Documents required for Croatia tourist visa are as follows:

Mandatory Documents:

1. Travel Document:
• Valid Indian Passport: With at least two blank pages.
• Passport Validity: At least three months beyond the intended stay in Croatia.
  
  
2. Visa Application Form:
• Download: From the official Croatian Embassy/Consulate website.
• Fill, Print, and Sign: Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
  
  
3. Recent Photos:
• Quantity: Two.
• Size: Passport-sized (35x45 mm).
• Background: Light.
  
  
4. Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:
• Onward/Return Ticket: Reservation (check with the embassy/consulate for acceptance of reservations).
• Detailed Itinerary: If visiting multiple Schengen countries.
  
  
5. Travel Health Insurance:
• Coverage: At least €30,000 in medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Validity: For all Schengen countries, with your name clearly mentioned.
  
  
6. Proof of Financial Means:
• Bank Statement: Last 3-6 months, showing sufficient funds (approximately €45 per day for the entire Schengen stay).
• Income Tax Return (ITR): For the last two years (if requested).
  
  
7. Accommodation Proof:
• Hotel Reservation: Or confirmation.
• Invitation Letter: From host (if staying with friends/family), along with their ID and residence permit (if applicable).
  
  
8. Employment or Student Status:
• Employed: Leave approval letter and employment ID.
• Student: No-objection certificate from school/university and student ID.

Additional Documents (if applicable):

• For Minors:
• Consent letter from both parents.
• Parents' IDs.
  
  
• Previous Visa Refusal:
• Written explanation for the refusal.

The photo specifications of Croatia tourist visa are as follows -

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 60-70% of the frame. 
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required for the issuance of the Croatia tourist visa is dependent on several factors. Ideally, it requires about 15 days but the time may differ and increase as per the processing of documents and the interview. However, it may even need longer and take up to a month or two. The workload on the embassy, the staff at the embassy, the interview appointment and certain others.

• Visa Requirement: Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Croatia.
• Type of Visa: Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa, less than 90 days), as Croatia is part of the Schengen Area.

After the submission of the documents, 

• The embassy will process your documents and you will be asked to attend an interview.
• The documents will then be processed and you will be provided with a stamp on the passport.
• The applications by mail are generally not accepted except for special cases.
• The visa fees are to be paid at the time of filling out the online application as the receipt is to be submitted along with other documents offline to the Embassy of Croatia.
• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The visa fee is generally not refundable.

You can check the status of the visa on the embassy website in the visa application section. To check the status, you have to enter the application form number and a pin and you can know the status. Alternatively, you may visit the website of the visa agency through which you have applied or the visa application centre website to check the visa status. You can even do it offline by calling the embassy with the visa application number and enquire about the status.

After the completion of the application process and the interview, the visa will be provided after the final processing. Even after getting a valid permit, you will still have to follow certain formalities and a protocol. After the issuance of the visa, you must be careful about your actions as there are chances that with bad conduct, the visa may get cancelled. There are rules and regulations that are to be followed as well. Some of the pointers are listed as follows:

• Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Croatia within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
  
  
• At the Border

• Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
  
  
• When you enter Croatia

• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.

Step 1: Prepare Documents

• Ensure Completeness:
• Verify that all required documents are complete and up-to-date.
• Double-check for any missing signatures, dates, or information.
  
  
• Required Documents Checklist:
  
• Refer to the list below:
1. Valid Indian Passport
2. Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
3. Recent Photos (2, passport-sized, light background)
4. Flight Itinerary/Travel Plans
5. Travel Health Insurance (covering at least €30,000)
6. Proof of Financial Means (bank statement, last 3-6 months)
7. Accommodation Proof (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
8. Employment or Student Status Documents (if applicable)
9. Additional Documents (if applicable, e.g., for minors, previous visa refusals)

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

• Download the Form:
  
  
• Visit the official Croatian Embassy/Consulate website in India.
• Navigate to the "Visa Application" or "Schengen Visa" section.
• Download the Schengen Visa Application Form (usually in PDF format).
  
  
• Fill, Print, and Sign:
  
  
• Fill the Form Accurately:
• Use a computer to fill the form, as handwritten applications might not be accepted.
• Ensure all fields are completed correctly and thoroughly.
  
  
• Print the Form:
• Once filled, print the application form on good quality, A4-sized paper.
  
  
• Sign the Form:
• Sign the form in the designated area.
• Ensure the signature matches the one in your passport.

Step 3: Submit Application

• Submission Methods:
  
• In Person
• Through a Representative
• Through a Visa Application Center (VAC)
  
  
• Submission Locations:
  
• Croatian Embassy/Consulate in India:
• If available in your area, submit your application here.
• Check the official website for the embassy/consulate’s address, operating hours, and any specific requirements.
  
  
• Representing Schengen Country's Embassy/Consulate:
  
• If the Croatian Embassy/Consulate is not available in your area, another Schengen country's embassy/consulate might represent Croatia's interests.
• Check which embassy/consulate represents Croatia in your region.
  
  
• Visa Application Center (VAC):
  
• If available for Croatia in your region, you can submit your application through a VAC.
• Note: Additional service fees may apply when using a VAC.

In Person Submission:

• Visit the Embassy/Consulate:
1. Check the official website for the embassy/consulate’s address, operating hours, and any specific requirements.
2. Ensure you have all required documents and a printed copy of your application form.
   
   
• Submission Process:
  
  
1. Arrival and Waiting:
• Arrive at the embassy/consulate during operating hours.
• Wait for your turn, if applicable.
  
  
2. Document Submission:
• Submit your application form and required documents.
• Ensure all documents are complete and in order.
  
  
3. Query Resolution (if any):
• Address any questions or concerns regarding your application.

Through a Representative:

• Authorization Letter:
• Provide a signed letter authorizing the representative to submit the application on your behalf.
• Ensure the letter includes the representative's name, your name, and the application purpose.
  
  
• Representative’s ID:
• Ensure the representative brings a valid government-issued ID.

Through a Visa Application Center (VAC):

• Find Your Nearest VAC:
1. Check the official website of the VAC or the Croatian Embassy/Consulate for locations.
   
   
• VAC Submission Process:
1. Appointment (if required):
• Book an appointment in advance, if necessary.
  
  
2. Document Submission:
• Submit your application form and required documents.
• Ensure all documents are complete and in order.
  
  
3. Service Fee Payment (if applicable):
• Pay the additional service fee for using the VAC, if applicable.

Step 4: Provide Biometric Data

• Biometric Requirements:
  
• Fingerprinting:
• Provide fingerprints for the Schengen Information System (SIS).
• This is a mandatory step for most applicants.
  
  
• Exemptions:
  
• Children under 12:
• Exempt from providing biometric data.
  
  
• Previous Biometric Data Submission:
• If you have provided biometric data in the last 59 months for a Schengen visa, you might be exempt.
• Physical Inability:
  
  
• If you are physically unable to provide fingerprints, provide a medical certificate to support your claim.
  
  
• Biometric Data Collection:
  
• At the Embassy/Consulate or VAC:
• During your scheduled appointment.
  
  
• Process:
  
• A quick and straightforward process where your fingerprints are scanned digitally.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

• Visa Fee Structure:
• Adults:
• Currently €60 (subject to change; always check for the latest).
  
  
• Children (6-12 years):
• Reduced fee, currently €35 (subject to change).
  
  
• Children under 6:
• Exempt from the visa fee.
  
  
• Payment Methods:
• Embassy/Consulate:
• Check the accepted payment methods (usually cash, credit/debit card, or bank transfer).
• VAC:
• Service fees (if applicable) and visa fees can usually be paid by credit/debit card or cash.

Step 6: Wait for the Decision

• Processing Time:
• Typical Processing Time:
• 15 calendar days.
  
  
• Extended Processing Time:
• Up to 60 days in exceptional cases.
  
  
• Check Application Status:
• Embassy/Consulate Website:
  
• Use the application reference number to track the status.
  
  
• VAC Website/Phone/Email:
• If you submitted through a VAC, use their tracking services to check the status of your application.

• Incomplete Application.
• Insufficient Financial Means.
• Unclear Travel Purpose or Itinerary.
• Previous Visa Refusals without Adequate Explanation.
• Invalid or Expired Travel Documents.

• Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in New Delhi:
  
  
• Address: A-15, near Shanti Niketan, West End Colony, Block A, Moti Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
• Phone: 011 4166 3101
• Email: croemb.newdelhi@mvep.hr

• Apply Early: To account for any unexpected delays.
• Double-Check Documents: Ensure documents are complete and valid.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check the official embassy/consulate website for updates.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October).
  
  
• Must-Visit Places:
• Old City of Dubrovnik
• Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Hvar Island
• Diocletian's Palace in Split
  
  
• Cuisine:
• Try traditional Croatian dishes like Peka, Pašticada, and Ćevapi.
• Enjoy fresh seafood and local wines.

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