Croatia

🇭🇷

Phone Code

+385

Capital

Zagreb

Population

3.9 Million

Native Name

Hrvatska

Region

Europe

Southern Europe

Timezone

Central European Time

UTC+01:00

Croatia is an EU and Schengen member on the Adriatic Sea, known for stunning Dalmatian Coast islands, medieval walled cities, crystal-clear waters, Game of Thrones filming locations, and rich Roman heritage. Zagreb is the capital. Croatia joined the Schengen Area and Eurozone in 2023. Visitors are drawn to Dubrovnik's Old Town walls (UNESCO site), Plitvice Lakes National Park waterfalls, Split's Diocletian's Palace, island-hopping (Hvar, Korčula, Brač), Istrian hilltop towns and truffles, Zadar's Sea Organ, and vibrant coastal nightlife. Croatia offers Mediterranean beauty with reasonable prices compared to Western Europe.

Visa Requirements for Croatia

As of January 1, 2023, Croatia is a full member of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with just a valid ID card or passport for unlimited stays. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The same Schengen rules now apply to Croatia. Those requiring Schengen visas should apply through Croatian embassies or consulates (or any Schengen country's mission), submitting completed application forms, passport photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of financial means, and purpose-specific documents. Croatia's integration into Schengen has eliminated border controls with neighboring Schengen countries.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; applies to entire Schengen Area including Croatia; passport must be valid 3 months beyond departure.

For tourism, business, conferences, visiting friends/family for US, UK, Australia, Canada, and other eligible nationalities.

EU/EEA/Swiss Entry

Unlimited stay; can enter with valid national ID card or passport; freedom of movement rights apply; can work without permit.

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens for tourism, work, residence, or any purpose without restrictions.

Schengen Visa (Type C)

Up to 90 days within 180-day period; valid for all Schengen countries including Croatia; single, double, or multiple entry; apply through any Schengen mission.

For short-term stays including tourism, business, cultural events, conferences for nationalities requiring Schengen visa.

National Visa (Type D)

Beyond 90 days; requires specific purpose documentation; leads to residence permit; Croatia-specific, though allows Schengen transit.

For long-term stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, family reunification, or residence in Croatia.

Important Travel Information

Schengen member since 2023: Croatia joined Schengen Area on January 1, 2023. No border controls with other Schengen countries. Same visa rules as rest of Schengen.

Eurozone member: Croatia adopted Euro (EUR) on January 1, 2023, replacing Croatian Kuna. Prices now in Euros throughout the country.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. Issued within last 10 years.