Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area, not just Croatia.

🇨🇳CHINA

🏳HRCN-HR

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit HR?

Q: Does a Schengen visa from another country work for Croatia?

Yes. Since Croatia joined Schengen on 1 January 2023, a valid Schengen visa issued by any Schengen state is valid for Croatia, subject to the 90/180-day rule.

Q: Do I need ETIAS for Croatia?

No. ETIAS (expected late 2026) is only for visa-exempt nationalities. As a visa-required Chinese citizen, you apply for a Schengen visa instead.

Q: Where do I apply in China?

Through the Embassy of Croatia in Beijing or VFS Global centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Chongqing and other cities, when Croatia is your main destination.

Q: How much does it cost?

The visa fee is EUR 90 (about CNY 739) plus a VFS service charge of roughly CNY 271, plus mandatory travel insurance.

Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Croatia for tourism. Croatia joined the Schengen Area on 1 January 2023, so the visa is valid across all Schengen countries and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. ETIAS does not apply to visa-required nationals such as Chinese citizens. Croatia has been a full member of the Schengen Area since 1 January 2023 and issues Schengen visas. Chinese ordinary passport holders are not visa-exempt and must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before travel. Applications are lodged with the Embassy of Croatia in Beijing or, more commonly, through VFS Global visa application centers in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Chongqing. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. The standard visa fee is EUR 90 (about CNY 739) plus a VFS Global service charge of roughly CNY 271. Mandatory requirements include travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000, proof of accommodation, return travel, and sufficient funds. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are collected in person unless valid prints were given within the past 59 months. Standard processing is up to 15 calendar days but applicants should apply early, as it can extend to 30-45 days during peak season. Note: the EU's ETIAS travel authorization (expected from late 2026) applies only to visa-exempt nationals and does NOT replace the visa requirement for Chinese citizens.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (approx. CNY 739) + VFS service charge approx. CNY 271

consular fee only

Processing time

Up to 15 calendar days (may extend to 30-45 days)

standard track

Validity

As issued; valid throughout the Schengen Area

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm Croatia is your main destination

Apply at the Croatian mission/VFS only if Croatia is your sole or main Schengen destination (most days, or first point of entry if days are equal). Otherwise apply to the country where you'll spend the most time.

· Schengen rule

/02

Complete the online application form

Fill out the Schengen visa form online at crovisa.mvep.hr, print it, and sign it. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

· crovisa.mvep.hr

/03

Gather supporting documents

Prepare passport, photo, travel medical insurance (min EUR 30,000), flight reservation, hotel bookings, bank statements and proof of employment/funds.

· Documents

/04

Book an appointment at VFS Global

Schedule an appointment at a VFS Global Croatia center (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Chongqing and others) to submit your application.

· VFS Global

/05

Attend appointment and give biometrics

Submit documents in person, pay the visa fee and service charge, and provide fingerprints and a photo (unless captured within the last 59 months).

· Biometrics

/06

Collect your passport

Wait for processing (up to 15 days, longer in peak season), then collect your passport or have it couriered back. Check the visa sticker for accuracy.

· Processing

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years, with 2 blank pages

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

One recent biometric passport photo (35x45mm)

required

Travel medical insurance covering min EUR 30,000 for the entire Schengen area

required

Round-trip flight reservation / itinerary

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation)

required

Bank statements showing sufficient funds (last 3-6 months)

required

Proof of employment / business license / income

required

Cover letter explaining purpose and itinerary of trip

recommended

China Hukou / residence proof and ID copy

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90 (approx. CNY 739)Standard short-stay fee since 11 June 2024; children 6-12 pay EUR 45

VFS Global service chargeapprox. CNY 271Per applicant; varies slightly by center

Travel medical insuranceapprox. CNY 200-500Mandatory, min EUR 30,000 coverage

Optional courier / value-added servicesapprox. CNY 50-100Optional passport return and SMS services

Total estimateapprox. CNY 1,210 — approx. CNY 1,600incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

Up to 15 calendar days

From receipt at the Croatian Embassy; excludes courier time to/from satellite cities. Apply at least 15 days before travel.

Extended review

30-45 days

Applies when additional documents are requested or during peak season; apply up to 6 months in advance to be safe.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Croatia is in the Schengen Area

Since 1 January 2023 Croatia issues Schengen visas, and Chinese nationals are on the Schengen visa-required list.

High

/02

No visa-free agreement

China has no short-stay visa waiver with the EU/Schengen, so a visa must be obtained in advance.

High

/03

ETIAS does not apply

The EU ETIAS authorization is only for visa-exempt nationals; Chinese citizens still need a full Schengen visa.

Medium

/04

Biometrics required

First-time applicants (or those without prints in the last 59 months) must appear in person for fingerprinting.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

China to Croatia route verified

Confirmed via Croatia MFA and VFS Global that Chinese ordinary passport holders require a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa; Croatia has been in the Schengen Area since 1 Jan 2023, standard fee EUR 90, and ETIAS does not apply to visa nationals.

/09 — The questions