Croatia is an endlessly interesting vacation spot. Many come for the atmospheric, sun-blessed seashores, coves and backstreets of the Dalmatian Coast, or the picturesque hilltop cities of Istria. Others are right here for rafting, vineyards or the prospect to benefit from the artwork, music and cafes of hip Zagreb.
Fortunately, the authorities have ensured the nation is a breeze to enter for many guests. Croatia joined the European Union (EU) in 2013, and is predicted to affix the free-traveling Schengen Space in 2024. Meaning guests from a lot of Europe have minimal paperwork to fret about. Vacationers from additional afield could have a number of hoops to leap by way of, however many received’t want visas – and people who do will discover most info accessible on-line.
Right here’s our information to Croatia’s entry necessities, with info on vacationer visas, passport necessities, visa sorts, the applying course of, whether or not you’ll be able to work and what you’ll be able to carry with you.
Do I want a visa for Croatia?
EU residents don’t want a visa for stays of any size, and don’t even want a passport, so long as they’ve an ID card. The identical applies to members of the European Free Commerce Affiliation (EFTA): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, meaning you.
Many different nations don’t want visas both – though they will solely keep for a most of 90 days. That applies to most different European nations (together with the UK and close by Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia, and North Macedonia) in addition to individuals from Canada, the US, most of Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and several other Asian nations, together with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Folks from exterior the EU and EFTA will want a passport that’s:
- lower than ten years previous;
- legitimate for at the least three months after the date you intend to go away Croatia.
You possibly can bring in a vehicle in case your paperwork is passable, and EU guidelines govern whether or not you’ll be able to carry animal products into the nation. It’s additionally price checking if there are any vaccination requirements earlier than you depart.
Learn how to apply for a Croatian vacationer visa
As we’ve seen, many countries are fortunate sufficient to have the ability to journey to Croatia visa-free. Everybody else – together with residents of China, India, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey and South Africa, will want visas to enter the nation. For a whole record, verify the web site of Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs – you should use the drop-down to search out particular person nations.
The location has particulars for particular person nations’ necessities and embassy areas. Most pages additionally hyperlink to the related VFS International utility web page, the place you’ll find out prices (visas are normally €80 (US$85.50) plus charges, with no cost for under-12s) and begin the applying course of.
Purposes for vacationer or enterprise visas (each of that are legitimate for 90 days) needs to be begun on-line, though they might finally must be submitted in particular person at an embassy, consulate or VFS Visa Software Heart. You’re beneficial to begin an utility not more than three months earlier than your journey begins.
Visas could typically be issued on the border, however that is solely beneath exceptional circumstances, and is unlikely to be definitely worth the danger of being turned away.
Can I prolong a Croatian visa?
Residents of the EU and EFTA, in addition to Swiss nationals, can keep so long as they like. Folks from different nations – whether or not they’re touring vias-free, on a vacationer visas or on a enterprise visa – can spend 90 days within the nation over an 180-day interval. There are a number of exceptions:
- visas could also be prolonged for serious personal circumstances;
- longer stays could also be doable for individuals who take seasonal employment or examine within the nation;
- employees who intend to settle in Croatia could apply for residency.
Can I work in Croatia?
For those who’re from the EU or EFTA (otherwise you’re Swiss) you’ll be able to work in Croatia.
Folks from exterior the EU might be able to work in Croatia, however you’ll must be supported by your employer and meet the necessities of the Croatian Employment Service – basically proving you’re filling a niche within the Croatian workforce. Extremely certified employees who intend to make their house in Croatia could qualify for an EU Blue Card.
The foundations are extra relaxed for seasonal employment in agriculture, forestry, catering and tourism, the place a job offer alone could also be sufficient for a 90-day keep.
Eager to swap your regular working setting for a Zagreb cafe or an condominium overlooking the Adriatic? Digital nomads who’re working for themselves or a non-Croatian firm might be able to keep for up to a year in the event that they meet the necessities of the application form.
