Croatia

Croatia Schengen Visa: General Overview

As of January 1, 2023, Croatia is a full member of the Schengen Area. Therefore, citizens of Turkey holding an Ordinary (Maroon) Passport who wish to travel to Croatia for a short stay (up to 90 days) must obtain a valid Schengen visa. If you have an existing, multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Croatia with it. For new applicants, a Schengen visa application must be made through a Croatian consulate.

Croatia Visa Types

The type of visa you need to apply for depends on the purpose and duration of your trip to Croatia. The main visa categories are:

Short-Stay Visa (Type C Schengen Visa)

This visa is issued for stays not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period. It grants the holder the right to free movement within the Schengen Area. The main Type C visa categories include:

• Tourist Visa: Required for holiday and sightseeing trips. Hotel and flight reservations are essential documents for this visa type.
• Business Visa: Issued for commercial activities such as business meetings, trade fairs, conferences, or client visits. An invitation letter from a company in Croatia is crucial.
• Family and Friend Visit Visa: For applications to visit family members or friends residing in Croatia. An official invitation from the inviting person is required.
• Cultural/Sports Event Visa: Granted to individuals traveling to participate in a cultural or sports event.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D National Visa)

This is the visa required for stays longer than 90 days in Croatia (e.g., for work, study, family reunification, etc.). The procedures and requirements for this visa type are more extensive than for a Type C visa.

How to Get a Croatia Visa? 2026 Application Steps

The Croatia visa application process consists of several steps that must be followed carefully. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Determine Your Visa Type: Choose the visa category that best suits your travel purpose (e.g., tourist, business).
2. Prepare the Required Documents: Compile the current list of required documents for your chosen visa type completely and accurately.
3. Fill Out the Online Application Form: Carefully complete the Croatia visa application form through the online system and print it out.
4. Book a VFS Global Appointment: Schedule an appointment online through the website of VFS Global, the authorized intermediary for Croatia visa applications. Walk-in applications are not accepted.
5. Submit Your Application: On the day and time of your appointment, go to the VFS Global application center to submit your documents and provide your biometric data (fingerprints).
6. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee and the service fee of the intermediary company at the application center.
7. Track Your Application: You can track the status of your application on the VFS Global website using your passport number and application reference number.

Croatia Visa Required Documents for 2026

Below is a general list of documents. However, the exact documents required may vary depending on the applicant's professional status and purpose of travel.

• Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed.
• Passport: Valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area, with at least 2 blank pages, and issued within the last 10 years.
• Biometric Photo: 2 pieces, 35x45 mm in size, with a white background, and recent.
• Travel Health Insurance: Valid in all Schengen countries with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Flight and Accommodation Documents: Round-trip flight reservations and hotel bookings or documents detailing the travel itinerary.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank account statements for the last 3 months (stamped, signed), salary slips, and any additional income documents.
• Documents of Professional Status: For employees, SSI employment declaration, service record, company letter; for business owners, tax registration, signature circular; for students, student certificate; for retirees, pension document.
• Additional Documents for Business Visa: Invitation letter from the Croatian company, proof of fair participation, company sponsorship letter.

Croatia Visa Rejection Reasons

A negative outcome on a visa application can be due to various reasons. The most common reasons for a Croatia visa rejection include:

• Failure to provide clear and convincing proof of the purpose of travel.
• Insufficient financial resources to cover the travel expenses.
• Submission of incomplete, incorrect, or fraudulent documents.
• Failure to provide sufficient evidence of intent to return to the home country.
• A past Schengen visa violation or posing a risk to public security.

Applicants who are rejected have the right to appeal. The rejection letter provides detailed information about the appeal process.

The Croatia Visa Process with Hermes Vize

For professional support throughout every stage of your Croatia Schengen visa application, you can rely on the experienced team at Hermes Vize. We simplify the complex application process for you, providing assistance from document preparation to appointment scheduling. Contact us to manage your application process smoothly.