After the start of the full-scale war, millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in the countries of the European Union. The majority settled in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, and some chose less obvious destinations — in particular, Croatia. This Balkan country with a mild climate, friendly atmosphere and access to the European Union has become not only a transit territory, but also a place of permanent residence or study for many Ukrainians. In this context, the issue of the visa regime is particularly acute: not everyone knows in which cases a visa to Croatia is needed, how to get one, and what mistakes can lead to refusal.
Croatia and Ukrainians: visa regime in Schengen realities
Croatia officially joined the Schengen area on January 1, 2023. This means that it fully complies with the visa-free regime rules that apply to citizens of Ukraine with biometric passports. According to these rules, Ukrainians can stay in the territory of the Schengen zone – and therefore in Croatia – for up to 90 days in every 180 days without a visa.
However, it should be clearly understood: this visa-free regime applies only in the case of a short-term stay. If you plan to stay in Croatia longer – for study, work, treatment, reunification with your family, or simply do not want to interrupt your legal stay after the 90 days allowed – you must apply for a visa or a temporary residence permit.
When you need a visa to Croatia and how to get one
Ukrainians need a visa in the following cases:
– if you plan to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days within a 180-day period;
– if the purpose of your trip is study, employment, volunteering, participation in cultural or scientific programs, reunification with family members, or obtaining temporary protection;
– if you have already used all the allowed days of visa-free stay and do not want to break the rules, which could lead to deportation or an entry ban.
In this case, you need to apply for a national visa type D or a temporary stay permit (privremeni boravak).
The process of obtaining a visa to Croatia includes several mandatory stages. Before starting, it is important to clearly define the purpose of your trip, because it depends on the type of visa, the list of documents and even the consular fee.
First, you need to collect a complete package of documents, which usually includes:
– valid foreign passport (valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure);
– a visa application form, filled out in Latin letters;
– passport-size color photo;
– evidence of the purpose of the trip — for example, a contract with an employer, an invitation from an educational institution, a marriage certificate, a medical referral;
– financial documents — bank statements, income certificates, sponsorship letters;
– confirmation of residence in Croatia — hotel reservation, lease agreement, letter from the host party;
– an insurance policy covering the costs of medical care within the Schengen zone (minimum coverage — 30,000 euros);
– for minors – notarized permission from one or both parents, if the child is traveling alone or with one of them.
After preparing the documents, it is necessary to register for the submission of a visa application at the Croatian consulate or at a visa center, if one operates in your city. During the visit, the documents are submitted in person, after which the consular fee is paid, the size of which depends on the type of visa (on average, from 35 to 80 euros).
The processing of the application usually lasts from 5 to 15 working days, but in periods of high load or for more complex categories of applications (in particular, if additional checks are needed), this period may be longer.
How to avoid common mistakes
One of the most common reasons for rejection is an incomplete package of documents or errors in the application form. Often, applicants do not provide proof of financial capacity, send outdated insurance policies, or incorrectly calculate the length of stay. In some cases, problems arise due to an incorrectly executed invitation, insufficient evidence base of the purpose of the trip, or technical errors in the photo.
To avoid this, we advise you to carefully check the document requirements on the website of the Croatian consulate or contact professional lawyers who have experience in preparing visa applications. This is especially important for people who are applying for a visa for the first time or have a complicated visa history.
Is it possible to avoid a visa completely?
If you are planning a short trip and have not yet used your visa-free limit, you do not need a visa. However, in the case of frequent border crossings or the desire to legally work, study or stay for a longer period, a visa or temporary residence permit is mandatory.
Croatia is a country that is actively integrating into the European space and at the same time remains open to the citizens of Ukraine. However, even in such a favorable context, it is important not to rely on chance, but to plan in advance the legalization of stay, the processing of documents and compliance with the rules.
