Croatia visas
Croatia is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. Croatia joined the Schengen Area in 2023. For short stays — up to 90 days in any 180-day period — most travellers use the shared Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS. For stays of more than 90 days, Croatia issues its own national long-stay visa (Type D) under its own rules. This hub explains both and links to the official European Commission sources; the shared short-stay rules are covered in full on our Schengen Area guide.
Important information
Croatian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
Croatian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Croatia Visa
Croatia has recently joined the Schengen agreement as of January 2023. This means that the visa process for travelers to Croatia is now streamlined and follows the same process as the other 28 Schengen member states. Any previously approved Schengen visas that have not expired now permit entrance into Croatia.
You can get started on your visa to Croatia by clicking 'Start Application' above and we'll guide you through the entire process.
Who needs a visa to visit Croatia?
Unless you are from Switzerland or the EU, a visa is required for the duration of your stay in Croatia. Every other Country requires a visa upon entry.
Entry into Croatia
EU citizens entering Croatia are no longer required to present vaccination documentation, proof of recovery, or a negative PCR or Antigen test. In the Republic of Croatia, epidemiological measures or limitations are no longer in effect. Crossing the border into the Republic of Croatia no longer requires the presentation of an EU digital COVID certificate or any other certificate linked to COVID-19 illness
Eligibility to apply for a Croatia visa
There are certain requirements in order to obtain your Croatia visa. Your reason for travel will determine what sort of visa you require. The criteria is straight forward, and you should ensure you have followed it strictly before travelling. The list of the criteria is below.
- A completed and signed Application for a Croatian Visa.
- Your passport or travel document.
- A copy of your passport or other travel document.
- Two photographs of passport size with the following specifications:
- Proof of travel health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Croatia.
Who can visit Croatia without a visa?
All third-country nationals in possession of valid Schengen documents, as well as national visas and residency permits of Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, do not need a separate (Croatian) visa for entry into Croatia. Travellers from anywhere else in the world will require a visa upon arrival.
Schengen Member Countries
If you are third-country national, you will need a visa to enter Croatia. In fact, you will need a visa to enter any other Schengen country. Short-stay Schengen C-visas permit stays of up to 90 days. While a national D-visa/residence permit is for more extended stays in the country.
- Austria Visa — Belgium Visa — Croatia Visa
- Czech Republic Visa — Denmark Visa — Estonia Visa
- Finland Visa — Switzerland Visa — France Visa
- Germany Visa — Greece Visa — Hungary Visa
- Iceland Visa — Italy Visa — Latvia Visa
- Liechtenstein Visa — Lithuania Visa — Luxembourg Visa
- Malta Visa — Netherlands Visa — Norway Visa
- Poland Visa — Portugal Visa — Slovakia Visa
- Slovenia Visa — Spain Visa — Sweden Visa
Croatia — key facts
- Short-stay visa
- Schengen visa (Type C)
- Uniform across the whole Schengen Area
- Short-stay limit
- 90 days in any 180
- The shared Schengen short-stay rule
- Long stays
- National visa (Type D)
- Issued by this country, for stays over 90 days
- ETIAS
- Travel authorisation
- For visa-exempt travellers — expected to start in late 2026
- EES
- Biometric borders
- Automated entry/exit, fully operational since 10 April 2026
Croatian visas — people also ask
Croatia is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality — some travellers are visa-exempt (and, once it starts, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation instead). Check the official European Commission guidance for your situation.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.