If you reside in the US as a permanent resident but wish to visit Croatia, you must apply for a Croatia visa for green card holders. This is because permanent residents do not have the same visa-free entry privileges as US citizens.
However, unlike other applicants who will have to go to their countries to apply for the visa, you can apply for it while you are in the US. The green card you possess gives you the license to apply on US soil, but this is only the case for some green card holders too.
Visa applicants who are originally from visa-free countries on the Schengen visa Exemption list don’t have to apply for a Croatian visa; instead, they only need to apply for an ETIAS approval.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a travel document issued by Schengen countries. This visa is permissible within the Schengen zone, which consists of 27 countries in all, including Croatia. The visa allows the holder to enter and visit any of the countries in the zone for up to 3 months within a 180-day period. Schengen visas are issued for tourism, medical treatment, business, and leisure activities. The visa is also a multiple entry visa, so that it can be used for several trips. Croatia is the newest member of the Schengen Zone, so it has started issuing and recognizing the visa. If you are coming from the US and plan to visit multiple countries or only Croatia for three months, you need this visa.
What Is A National Visa?
A national visa is similar to a Schengen visa but issued by the Croatian government and recognized only within Croatia’s border. You cannot visit other EU countries with a national visa, only Croatia. Secondly, a long-term visa means the visitor can stay in Croatia longer than 90 days. To apply for this visa, you will have to visit the Croatian embassy in the US.
These are the two major visas green card holders may apply for if they are not eligible for visa-free entry.
Validity of US Residency
Still, on the Croatian short stay visa, a US resident with a green card can only qualify for a Schengen visa while in the US if their legal residency is valid for another three months by the time they end their stay in Croatia. If there is a residency that ends in less than 3 months after their departure, their application will not be accepted. Another thing to bear in mind is that they must not have been denied visas by Croatia or any other Schengen country.
Croatia Visa For Green Card Holders Documents
Applicants must meet three requirements before submitting their application to the embassy in the US.
Application Form: A duly filled and signed application form. The form can be obtained online or from the embassy. Only blue ink should be used, and no section should be left unfilled. Forms should be signed and dated.
Valid Passport: Your passport must not be more than a decade old and must have at least 3 months of validity beyond the date you intend to leave the country. The passport should also have at least 2 empty visa pages.
Photographs: Two recent photographs that meet Schengen requirements. They must also have white backgrounds.
Proof of Residency: A copy of your green card to show that you have valid residency to re-enter the US on your return trip.
Travel Itinerary: Your flight reservation and flight information.
Proof of financial means: A bank statement to prove that you have the financial means to cover your trip and all expenses. The statement should show sufficient balance and transactions for the last three months.
Rent Agreement: A rental agreement or house address of a family or friend to show you have somewhere to stay.
Cover Letter: A signed letter explaining your reasons for the trip.
Travel Medical Insurance: An active insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000 purchased online.
Daily Minimum Expense
All travelers coming to Croatia for a short stay must have sufficient funds to cover their needs because they will not be allowed to work during their stay. The minimum amount to have for daily expenses is $77. Those with guarantors must have $33 daily
The best time to apply for the Croatian tourist visa is at least 2 months before the trip because there are stages for the application. Also, you will be invited to sit for a visa interview at the embassy, and after that, you may still need to wait for some extra days to get the visa. These are the conditions and requirements for a Croatian visa for green card holders.