Croatia Tourist Visa for Indians: Visa Requirements and Processing Time

Croatia, a stunning country in the western Balkans, is a popular tourist destination among honeymooners and backpackers. The land of many cascading waterfalls, gorgeous islands, and rich history, the country offers a lot to its visitors.

However, as Indians, we all require the Croatia Tourist Visa to visit the country for tourism purposes or visit friends and family in Croatia. In this post, I will mainly discuss the process and requirements for applying for and obtaining a Croatia Visa for Indians.

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The best and easiest way to get your tourist visa for Croatia from India is using Atlys.

With Atlys, you can effortlessly start your next Croatian Tourist Visa application directly on your phone.

A benefit of Atlys is that you don't need to stress about the visa application process and everything it entails.

All you need to do is select Croatia as your destination and travel date and enter your relevant details. Afterward, Atlys will do all the tedious paperwork for you.

With Atlys, you can receive your following Croatia Tourist Visa for Indians in no time at all!

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Before jumping into the Croatia Visa for Indians, visa application, and its Croatia visa requirements for Indian citizens, let us address some of the most popular queries most travelers traveling to Croatia tend to inquire for before applying for a Croatia Schengen Visa.

• What Is The Croatia Visa?
• Do Indians Need A Visa For Croatia?
• Is The Croatia Tourist Visa And Schengen Tourist Visa The Same?
• How Long Can I Stay In Croatia With A Schengen Visa?
• Where Can I Apply For The Croatia Visa for Indians?
• What Is The Croatia Visa Processing Time?
• When Must I Apply For My Croatia Visa?
• Can I Travel To Other Schengen Countries With Croatia Schengen Visa?

If you already have a general understanding of the Croatia Visa, feel free to skip to the required documents or the visa application process.

What Is The Croatia Visa?

The Croatia Visa for Indians, also known as the Croatia Tourist Visa for Indians, allows you to enter Croatia for short-term tourism purposes. Such purposes include vacation, site seeing, leisure, and so on.

Short business trips are also allowed under the Croatia Visa. However, you can't work in the country. Acceptable business purposes include attending meetings, functions, meeting clients, etc.

If your trip to Croatia does not include tourism or business, you need to apply for another type of visa.

Some travelers refer to the Croatia Visa as the Croatia Tourist Visa for Indians and short-stay visa. These terms refer to a visa that allows you to enter the country (the only difference being the name). In this post, I'll use both these terms.

Do Indians Need A Visa For Croatia?

Yes. As a citizen of the Indian subcontinent, we must obtain a Tourist Visa before entering Croatia.

Is The Croatia Tourist Visa And Schengen Tourist Visa The Same?

No. Even though Croatia is a part of the European Union, it is not yet part of the Schengen Area..

However, all visitor holders of valid Schengen documents, as well as national visas and residence permits of Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, do not require an additional (Croatian) visa for Croatia.

How Long Can I Stay In Croatia With A Schengen Visa?

The single-entry Schengen Visa allows you to visit Croatia for a maximum of 90 days within every 180-day-period some cases, you may only stay in Croatia for the duration you specified in your visa application form. Therefore, always check the validity period on your visa sticker before traveling.

Overstaying your welcome in Croatia can lead to heavy fines, jail time, and even a ban.

Where Can I Apply For The Croatia Visa for Indians?

You can book an appointment at the closest VFS Application Center by registering online with VFS.

I have explained more on this below, so you can directly jump to the section of How To Apply For The Croatia Visa For Indians?

What Is The Croatia Visa Processing Time?

Excluding the submission date, weekends, and public holidays, it typically takes 10 – 15 days to process your CroatiaVisa application.

When Must I Apply For My Croatia Visa?

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you intend to travel. Typically, a Croatia Visa takes 20-25 days of processing time.

I recommend starting your application as soon as you can so you have enough time should something unexpected happen (like a longer visa processing time).

Can I Travel To Other Schengen Countries With Croatia Schengen Visa?

No. Since Croatia is still not a part of the Schengen region, you cannot travel to any 26 Schengen member states with your Croatian visa. Furthermore, according to the European Parliament, you can only visit Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania if you have a Croatian visa.

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Now that you have a general understanding of the Croatia Visa for Indians, we can look at Croatia visa requirements for Indians and the Croatia tourist visa for Indians application process. One of the first things you would need to do before you begin the application process is to ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready to be presented at the visa center.

• Required Documents For The Embassy
• Documents As Proof Of Accommodation For Croatia Visa For Indians
• Documents As Proof Of Sufficient Funds For Croatia Visa For Indians
• Document Requirements Depending On Employment Status For Croatia Visa For Indians
• Minimum Financial Requirements For Croatia Visa For Indians
• Croatia Visa for Indians Requirements For Minors

Required Documents For The Embassy

Here are the documents you'll need to submit to the Embassy:

• A duly completed Croatia Visa for Indians Application form. Each applicant must complete the visa application form electronically on their computer or in writing, including minors. The VAF has to be filled out in English or Croatian languages. The applicant must sign the form personally in field 37 and on the last field. For minors, the application must be signed by one of the parents or a legal guardian.
• Two recent passport size photographs with matt or semi matt finish, 80% - 90% face coverage, white background, and without border (Size: 35mm x 45mm). Please note: Photographs should not be more than 3 months old, scanned/stapled, and should not be used in any of the previous visas.
• A valid original passport or travel document with at least two blank pages. It must be valid for 3 months after your trip's end and issued no later than 10 years ago.
• Croatia Travel Insurance/Medical Insurance that provides a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 and is valid for the entire duration of travel. The insurance must cover the entire Schengen area and not just Croatia. Also, Travel insurance must cover all COVID-19-related health emergencies.
• A return flight ticket that proves you plan to return to your home country.
• A Covering Letter from the applicant on business letterhead mentioning name, designation, passport number, purpose, and duration of visit in brief. The letter should be duly signed by the authorized signatory with a company stamp and addressed to The Visa Officer, Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, New Delhi
• Proof of studies on official letterhead, stamped and dated; containing contact information (address, email, telephone number).

As you can see the sheer amount of documents that you require would take days to gather! So, skip all that and apply for your visa on Atlys. The app will take care of all your paperwork and you can get free hotel itinerary, flight itinerary and take your perfect visa photo directly on the app.

Documents As Proof Of Accommodation For Croatia Visa For Indians

Documents that you can submit as proof of accommodation are:

• Proof of Hotel Booking Payment
• Certificate of a paid tourist package;
• Booking of a hotel or other accommodation;
• Private accommodation booking (copy of the decision of the competent office in Croatia approving the renting)
• Day to day itinerary with ensured accommodation for the entire stay
• Complete Croatian telephone contact and address for all accommodations
• Proof of ownership or lease of a boat/yacht etc.

Kindly note that the applications for a Croatian visa for a tourist visit are processed per the actual travel and stay plan. Therefore, any change in the travel plan, cancellation/change of accommodations, etc., after submission of the application will lead to a delay in processing the application. Similar changes after issuance of a visa (if approved) for the Republic of Croatia might lead to revocation of the visa.

Documents As Proof Of Sufficient Funds For Croatia Visa For Indians

The documents that you can submit as proof of sufficient funds are as follows:

• Your Company's/Personal ITR for the last three years, six-month salary slip
• Company/Personal Bank Statement for the last three months duly signed and stamped by an authorized officer of the respective bank
• Copy of your International Credit Card with three months' credit card statements and Foreign Exchange endorsement/receipt
• As per the embassy minimum funds to cover the estimated stay is Euro 30 per day with a guarantee letter and Euro 70 per day in the absence of a guarantee letter

Document Requirements Depending On Employment Status For Croatia Visa For Indians

Supporting documents required depending on your employment status are:

• Proof of employment/studies on official letterhead, stamped and dated; containing contact information (address, email, telephone number) and the countersigning officer's name, position, and signature. In addition, the letter must state the name and position of the applicant, salary, years of employment/studies, and approval of absence/position after leave. For unemployment: unemployment certificate and proof of income, if any (married: employment certificate of spouse, the document of the spouse's income, and a marriage certificate).
• If you are self-employed, you need to present a copy of your business license in India, company income tax returns for the past two years, and a copy of the company's bank statement for the past 3 months, signed and stamped by the bank manager.
• If you own a business in India, you need to present the certificate of registration of the company (Form B, rule 5(1) or Form ST3, rule 11)
• If you are a student, you must present a copy of the enrolment paper that serves as proof that the applicant has planned to study in that school/university and a copy of the No Objection Certificate from the respective school or university.
• If you are salaried, proof of employment/studies on official letterhead, stamped and dated; containing contact information (address, email, telephone number) as well as the name, position, and signature of the countersigning officer. In addition, the letter must state the name and position of the applicant, salary, years of employment/studies, and approval of absence/position after leave.
• If unemployed, unemployment certificate and proof of income, if any (married: employment certificate of spouse, the document of the spouse's income, and a marriage certificate).

The VFS Croatia Visa Application Center provides a Document checklist for Croatia Tourist Visa.

Minimum Financial Requirements For Croatia Visa For Indians

You'll find that all countries have their minimum financial requirements. This requirement has been implemented to ensure that visitors have the financial means to support themselves during their stay.

• The sufficient means of subsistence equal to 70 EUR per day of your intended stay in Croatia. Suppose you have a notarized letter of guarantee from Croatia by a natural or legal person. In that case, proof of the paid travel package or a similar document, your means of subsistence should equal 30 EUR per day of your intended stay in Croatia.
• If you have a notarized letter of guarantee by a natural or legal person in Croatia showing that your guarantor assumes full responsibility for all costs related to your stay in Croatia and your departure from Croatia. In that case, you are exempt from presenting documents supporting your means of subsistence.
• Additionally, countries across the European Union require you to show at least a minimum balance of EUR 3000 over the last 6 months. Remember, this is only the minimum amount. Your visa application will look much more compelling if you prove you have more finances. Anything within INR 8 to 10 lacs should solidify your application even further.

Croatia Visa for Indians Requirements For Minors

First, minors must present the same documents as those mentioned in this post as general documents required. Furthermore, they need to submit the following additional documents:

• If the minor is traveling with only one parent, written consent of the other parent or guardian, and a signed copy of their passport or other photo ID. If a person has sole custody or guardianship of the minor, proof of this should be submitted.
• If the minor travels alone (without parents), written; consent from both parents or legal guardians of the minor, as well as signed copies of the passports or other photo ID of the parents or legal guardians.
• All minors must be accompanied by both parents or legal guardians and sign the application form in front of a VFS officer. Except in cases where the child is traveling with one parent to visit the other parent, who is residing in Croatia.
• If you have stepchildren - A letter from the mother or father that permits the children to travel with you.

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You now know the documents you must submit for a successful Croatia Visa application.

You can apply for your Croatia vias traditionally or on your phone using Atlys.

Next, I'll walk you through the steps you need to take when you start your application.

• Step 1 - Collect The Required Documents
• Step 2 - Fill In Your Croatia Visa Application Form
• Step 3 - Find Where You Need To Apply At
• Step 4 - Schedule Your Visa Appointment
• Step 5 - Attend Your Visa Appointment
• Step 6 - Receive Feedback From The Embassy

Step 1 - Collect The Required Documents

Start collecting the required documents first.

Why?

It's the most time-consuming part of the process. However, doing this first will allow you to leave enough time for unexpected delays, such as collecting an incorrect document, finding accommodation, etc.

When gathering all your required documents, make a list of what you need to get. It's the easiest way to keep track of the documents you've collected.

Step 2 - Fill In Your Croatia Visa Application Form

Okay, so you've got all the required documents.

Now, fill out the Croatia Tourist Visa Application Form.

Remember, all the information you provide must be correct and accurate.

The form is self-explanatory, but ensure that you fill in all the details carefully. Once done, download, print, and sign the form.

Keep your passport close when filling out your visa application form. Always refer to your passport when entering your personal details.

Step 3 - Find Where You Need To Apply At

Not all countries would have a local Croatia representative. Therefore, before submitting your application, you should always check where you need to apply.

Step 4 - Schedule Your Visa Appointment

After you've determined where you need to apply, you must schedule a visa appointment.

Be mindful that you might not find an appointment time suitable to your needs. As a result, you may have to keep your schedule open for the next few weeks, or at least until you find an appointment. This is another reason you should start your visa application procedure at the earliest to receive your visa in time for your travel.

Step 5 - Attend Your Visa Appointment

On the day of your appointment, visit the visa application center at the scheduled time. Arrive at least half an hour early in case of a rush at the center, and make sure you carry all the documents with you.

Once the visa officer checks your document, they might interview you for a short while, but there is nothing to be nervous about. Answer each question truthfully, and it should be okay.

You can use your required documents to support your answers. For example, should they ask where you plan to stay in Croatia, you can present your proof of accommodation.

After attending your interview and submitting your documents, you'll be requested to submit your biometric information.

What's that?

It's just your fingerprints and a digital photo of yourself.

Step 6 - Receive Feedback From The Embassy

After completing steps 1 - 5, you're basically done. The only thing left is to wait for the Croatia visa for Indian citizens to be processed. As mentioned, this can take between 15 - 30 days.

After it's processed, you'll receive feedback from the visa application center via email, a call, SMS, or your preferred contact method. You can Track Your Application here.

If your visa is approved, you can travel back to the visa application center to collect your passport. Attached inside, you'll find your brand new Croatia Visa for Indians.

Remember that you can do the entire visa application on your phone using the ​​Atlys app.

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You can expect to pay the following Croatia visa fees for Indians for the Iceland Schengen Visa:

• For adults: INR 7200| EUR 80
• For children up to 12 years: Free

An important thing to know here is that holders of diplomatic and service passports and students and researchers traveling for research or educational training do not need to pay the visa fee (to be evaluated case per case).

The same applies to non-profit organizations' representatives aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events by non-profit organizations, family members of a Croatian citizen (spouse and children), and family members of citizens of EEA Member States.

How can I Pay For My Visa Fee?

For Croatia, all Visa Fee and Service Charges are payable only in CASH. The applicable Visa Fee in Indian Rupees is as per the current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.

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And You Are Ready!

Now you know how to apply for your Croatia Tourist Visa for Indians!

Ensure that you follow my exact steps to have your Croatia visa for Indians in no time. The final step is to make some unforgettable memories in Croatia!

Enjoy Your Travels!