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🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
🇭🇷CroatiaSA-HR

Saudi Arabia to Croatia visa requirements

Saudi Arabia 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 the whole Schengen zone under the 90-days-in-any-180-day rule. Croatia is a full member of the Schengen Area (since 1 January 2023) and applies the common EU visa policy. Saudi Arabia is on the EU's list of nationalities that require a visa for short stays, and the official Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-requirements tool explicitly lists Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders as needing a visa. There is currently no visa-free, eVisa, visa-on-arrival, or ETA channel available to Saudi nationals for Croatia. Saudi travelers must apply for a uniform Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa in advance, normally through the VFS Global visa application centres in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar) or the relevant Schengen consulate, with Croatia as the main destination. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen states. Note two upcoming changes: the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) began a phased rollout in October 2025 and ETIAS is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026 - but ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt nationals, so it will NOT replace the visa requirement for Saudi passport holders unless and until a Saudi short-stay visa waiver enters into force (this is under EU discussion but not yet in effect as of 30 May 2026). Until then, the conservative and correct status is visa-required.
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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C, uniform)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double or multiple entry (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (adult) + VFS service fee approx. SAR varies
consular fee only
Processing time
15 calendar days (standard); may extend to 30-45 days
standard track
Validity
Validity period set per visa; multi-entry up to 5 years possible for eligible repeat travelers
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a Schengen visa
As a Saudi ordinary passport holder you require a Type C Schengen visa for Croatia. Determine Croatia as your main destination (longest stay or first entry) so you apply to the correct authority.
· Main destination rule· Type C
/02
Book an appointment via VFS Global
Create an account and book an appointment at a Croatia/Schengen visa application centre in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah or Al Khobar). Book 4-6 weeks ahead of travel.
· VFS Global· Riyadh / Jeddah / Al Khobar
/03
Complete the application form
Fill in the harmonized Schengen application form, sign it, and attach a recent biometric passport photo (35x45mm).
· Harmonized form· Biometric photo
/04
Gather supporting documents
Assemble passport, residence permit (Iqama), travel insurance (min. EUR 30,000), flight and hotel bookings, proof of funds and employment/sponsorship.
· Insurance EUR 30,000· Proof of funds
/05
Attend appointment and give biometrics
Submit documents in person, pay the visa fee plus service fee, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics, unless on file from the last 59 months).
· Biometrics· Pay fees
/06
Collect passport and verify visa
Track the application online; once decided, collect your passport. Check the visa sticker for dates, number of entries and duration of stay before traveling.
· Track online· Check sticker
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Croatia · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C, uniform)
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
RequiredSaudi residence permit (Iqama) valid 3+ months beyond return for non-citizen residents
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredOne recent biometric passport photo (35x45mm)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance, min. EUR 30,000 coverage including repatriation, valid Schengen-wide
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
RequiredHotel/accommodation booking covering the full stay
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of financial means (bank statements, last 3-6 months)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedProof of employment / business / sponsorship or invitation letter
Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements
recommended
RecommendedDetailed 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.
Official sourcesMinistry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia - Visa requirements overview (Saudi Arabia)Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia - Applying for a Schengen visa for CroatiaVFS Global - Croatia visa from Saudi Arabia
Application link included: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia - Visa requirements overview (Saudi Arabia)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard short-stay Type C fee (rate effective from June 2026)
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt
VFS Global service feeapprox. EUR 25-40 equivalentPer application; varies by centre, charged in SAR
Optional value-added servicesVariablePremium lounge, courier, photo, SMS - optional
Total estimateEUR 90 — EUR 130+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing
15 calendar days
Typical Schengen decision time after biometrics; apply 4-6 weeks before travel.
Extended review
30-45 calendar days
Applies when additional documents or consular scrutiny are required.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Croatia is in the Schengen Area
Croatia joined Schengen on 1 January 2023 and applies the common EU visa policy, so a uniform Schengen visa is required.
High
/02
Saudi Arabia is a visa-required nationality for the EU
Saudi nationals are not on the EU short-stay visa-exemption list, confirmed by Croatia's official MFA visa tool.
High
/03
No eVisa, VOA or ETA channel exists
There is no electronic visa, visa-on-arrival, or ETA option for Saudis to Croatia; an in-advance Schengen visa is the only route.
High
/04
ETIAS does not apply yet
ETIAS (expected Q4 2026) only covers visa-exempt nationals; it will not help Saudi travelers unless a visa waiver is adopted.
Medium
/05
90/180 short-stay limit
The visa caps tourist stays at 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen states.
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 · major
Saudi Arabia to Croatia route verified
Confirmed via the official Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-requirements tool that Saudi ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa for Croatia. Noted EES phased rollout and pending (not yet in force) EU-Saudi visa-waiver discussions; verdict remains visa-required.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit Croatia?—
Yes. Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Croatia for tourism. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option.
Can I use a Croatia Schengen visa to travel to other EU countries?+
Where do I apply for a Croatia visa in Saudi Arabia?+
How long can I stay in Croatia on a tourist visa?+
Will ETIAS replace the visa for Saudi travelers?+
How much does the Croatia Schengen visa cost?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Saudi Arabia passport

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