Anyone planning a trip to Croatia for vacation, business, or any other purpose must be aware of the Croatia visa processing time; otherwise, they may be unable to keep their schedule. This page contains information about the visa process and key information you should know about when applying for a Croatian visa.
Traveling To Croatia
Croatia is a European Union county situated in the middle of S.East and Central Europe. Although it is not as popular as other Western EU countries, it is one of the most stable and secure countries in the EU. One major draw for visitors is the rich landscape, nice weather, and proximity to the Mediterranean. Every year, millions of tourists visit from all over the EU and outside the continent to enjoy the amazing pleasures Croatia offers.
Croatia is an EU member, so it has a similar visa and immigration policy to the rest of Europe, making it much easier for travelers to apply for any of the available visa programs.
Croatia Visa Programs
The country has several visa for Croatia programs, but not everyone requires a visa to enter the country. Some visitors from visa-exempt countries enjoy special visa waivers so they can stay in Croatia for up to 90 days. Citizens of other EU countries enjoy waivers, so they only need to travel with their passports.
The government is also working on its Schengen application, with plans already underway to join the Schengen program soon, which will also change its policy to align with those of other Schengen countries.
Visa Exemption
Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus are three EU countries that are still not part of the Schengen arrangement, but their citizens can still enjoy Croatia without a visa. All that is required is that the visitor be a Citizen of these countries or hold a residence permit issued by these countries.
Who Needs A Croatian Visa?
The visa is required for citizens of non-EU member countries or those who are not on the visa waiver list. If your country is not in the EU or on the waiver list, you need a visa to enter the country.
Croatia Visa Processing Time
The amount of time it will take to process your visa application will depend on your visa type. Some visas take anywhere between 2 days to fifteen days or even a month. Long-stay visas like student or work visas take longer, but short-stay visas for tourism can be processed in 2-5 working days.
Several factors influence processing timelines, like the method of Applying, the backlog of applications submitted to the Croatian embassy you submitted your application, the time of the year, and the availability of documents requested.
Another thing to bear in mind is that errors and wrong or invalid documents may delay your application. That is why applicants are advised to be very careful and do their due diligence before they apply for any visa. Ensure your documents are in order and your details match what is on the documents you submit.
How To Apply For A Croatia Visa?
There are two ways to apply for a valid Schengen visa. You must visit your country's Croatia consulate if you want a long-stay visa. But for short business and tourist visas, you can apply via VisaHQ with the following steps.
Visit VisaHQ to access the Croatia visa application form
Enter your country of citizenship
Select Croatia as your travel destination
Choose the visa you want
Enter your details in the visa application
Upload your documents
Pay the visa fees
Submit for approval
After submitting the visa, check your mail regularly for feedback. If the application is approved, the visa will be sent to the registered email you provided.
Croatia Visa Requirements
These are the following visa requirements.
Passport: A valid passport is a must if you want to apply for this visa. Applicants scan and upload their passports' bio page, and only passports with 6 months validity or more are accepted. It must also have at least one blank page.
Photograph: 2 recent colored passport photographs on a white background. Head coverings and spectacles are not allowed, and the face must show clearly.
Proof of Accommodation: The applicant must show proof of accommodation, such as the home address of a friend or family where they will stay or a hotel reservation.
Return Ticket: A copy of their return ticket to their country is required.
Proof of funds: A bank statement for the last six months showing the sufficient balance to cover Travel expenses.
More documents may be required, but the ones listed above are the major documents you must submit.
You can apply for a visa at VisaHQ now that you know the Croatia visa processing time.