Home/from/India/to/Croatia
🇮🇳India
🇭🇷CroatiaIN-HR

India to Croatia visa requirements

Yes. Indian ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa before traveling to Croatia for tourism. Croatia joined the Schengen Area on 1 January 2023, so the visa is a uniform Schengen visa valid across all 29 Schengen states, subject to the 90-days-in-any-180-days rule. Croatia is a full member of the Schengen Area (since 1 January 2023), and Indian nationals are on the EU list of countries whose citizens require a visa to enter the Schengen zone. Therefore an Indian ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen Type C (short-stay) visa before departure to visit Croatia for tourism. Applications are lodged in India through VFS Global centres (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad) on behalf of the Croatian Embassy/Consulate. The visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period and, once issued, allows travel throughout the Schengen Area. The standard visa fee is EUR 90 (EUR 45 for children aged 6-11). Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) are collected unless given in the previous 59 months. Mandatory supporting documents include a passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure (issued within last 10 years), confirmed return flights and accommodation, travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of employment/financial ties. ETIAS does NOT apply to Indian nationals because ETIAS is only for visa-exempt travellers; Indians always require a full Schengen visa. ETIAS is expected to launch around Q4 2026 but is irrelevant for visa-required nationals like India. Apply 3-6 weeks ahead (up to 6 months in advance), as processing can take 15 days and may extend to 45-60 days during peak season or for additional checks.
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.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen Type C short-stay visa (uniform Schengen visa)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple entry (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (adults); EUR 45 (children 6-11); under 6 free
consular fee only
Processing time
Typically 15 calendar days; up to 45-60 days in peak season or if extra checks needed
standard track
Validity
Issued for the requested travel dates; multiple-entry visas may be valid up to several years with 90/180 limit
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a visa and gather your passport
As an Indian passport holder you require a Schengen Type C visa for Croatia. Ensure your passport is valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure, has at least 2 blank pages, and was issued within the last 10 years.
· Mandatory· Before booking
/02
Complete the Schengen visa application form
Fill in the harmonised Schengen visa application form accurately. Croatia is the destination, so apply to Croatia if it is your main or only Schengen destination (longest stay / first point of entry).
· Online/printed form
/03
Book a VFS Global appointment
Croatian visa applications in India are handled by VFS Global. Schedule an appointment at the centre covering your jurisdiction (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad).
· VFS Global· In person
/04
Assemble supporting documents
Prepare flight reservation, accommodation proof, travel medical insurance (min EUR 30,000), bank statements (last 6 months), ITR, employment/leave letter, and a cover letter with itinerary.
· Documents
/05
Attend the appointment and give biometrics
Submit your application in person, pay the fee, and provide fingerprints and a photo unless you gave biometrics for a Schengen visa within the previous 59 months.
· Biometrics· Fee payment
/06
Track and collect your passport
Track the application via VFS, then collect your passport or receive it by courier. Apply 3-6 weeks ahead (up to 6 months in advance) to allow for processing.
· Tracking· Collection
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
India -> Croatia · Schengen Type C short-stay visa (uniform Schengen visa)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid 3+ months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent passport-size photos (ICAO/Schengen biometric spec, 35x45mm)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid across Schengen
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed round-trip flight reservation
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel bookings or host invitation) for the whole stay
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredBank statements for last 6 months showing sufficient funds
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
ConditionalEmployment letter with approved leave dates, or business proof if self-employed
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedIncome Tax Returns (ITR) for last 2-3 years
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedCover letter with detailed day-by-day travel itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia - Visa Information
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard government fee for applicants aged 12 and above
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Reduced fee; children under 6 are exempt
VFS Global service chargeapprox. INR 1,800-2,200Per-application service fee charged by the visa centre (varies)
Travel medical insuranceapprox. INR 1,500-3,000For minimum EUR 30,000 coverage; varies by trip length and age
Total estimateEUR 90 + approx. INR 3,300 (service + insurance)EUR 90 + approx. INR 5,200 (service + insurance, longer trips)incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Extended/peak-season processing
Up to 45-60 days
During high season (Jun-Sep) or when additional documents or consultation are required, processing can take significantly longer.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
India is a Schengen visa-required nationality
Indian nationals are on the EU's list of third countries whose citizens must hold a visa to cross Schengen external borders, including Croatia.
High
/02
Croatia is a full Schengen member
Since 1 January 2023 Croatia applies the Schengen acquis, so it issues uniform Schengen Type C visas rather than national short-stay visas.
High
/03
No visa-on-arrival or eVisa channel exists
Croatia and the Schengen Area do not offer visa-on-arrival or electronic visas for Indian tourists; the visa must be obtained in advance.
High
/04
ETIAS does not apply to Indian travellers
ETIAS (expected late 2026) is only for visa-exempt nationals; Indians always need a full Schengen visa, so ETIAS is not an alternative.
Medium
/05
Short-stay tourism falls under Type C
Tourism, business and family visits up to 90 days are covered by the short-stay Type C visa subject to the 90/180 rule.
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
India to Croatia route verified
Confirmed against the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Embassy of India, Zagreb that Indian ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C short-stay visa; Croatia is a full Schengen member since 1 Jan 2023 and ETIAS does not apply to visa-required nationals.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Croatia?
Yes. Indian ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen Type C short-stay visa before travelling to Croatia for tourism. There is no visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa option.
Can I use my Croatian Schengen visa in other European countries?+
How long can I stay in Croatia on this visa?+
How much does the Croatia Schengen visa cost?+
Where do I apply for the Croatia visa in India?+
Does ETIAS apply to Indian travellers going to Croatia?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the India passport

See something wrong on this page?
Policies change. If something looks off, tell us — we review every report within 48 hours.