When you finish reading this, you’ll understand how Croatia’s Schengen accession affects your travel plans, what visa you need today, and the upcoming changes at borders and entry systems. You’ll also learn how long-term permits, cross-border commuting, and ETIAS will apply once Croatia becomes a full Schengen member.
Croatia’s Current Schengen Status
Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, as confirmed on the EU’s official list of member countries. On January 1, 2023, it lifted checks at land and sea borders, and on March 26, 2023, it removed controls at international airports according to a SchengenVisaInfo article on Croatia’s Schengen accession. Until then, a Schengen visa did not grant you automatic entry into Croatia.
Using a Schengen Visa to Enter Croatia Today
Right now, you can enter Croatia without a separate Croatian visa if you hold one of the following valid travel authorizations:
- A multiple-entry Schengen uniform visa (Type C)
- A national long-stay visa (Type D) from any Schengen state
- A residence permit issued by a Schengen member country
You may stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period as detailed by the Croatian Ministry’s visa requirements.
Eligible Visa Types
- Short-term Schengen Visa (Type C) – must cover entire stay
- National Long-stay Visa (Type D) – for study, work or family reunification
- Residence Permit – issued by any Schengen state
For full details on which nationals need a visa, see the Total Croatia News explanation on entering Croatia with a Schengen visa.
Applying for a Croatian Visa
If you’re from a country that requires a visa for Schengen, you also need one for Croatia—unless you meet the conditions above. Here’s a quick overview of the Croatian tourist visa application:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Recent passport-style photograph
- Travel health insurance covering at least €30,000
- Proof of accommodation and round-trip itinerary
- Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements, sponsorship)
- Visa fee payment and completed application form
For Indian citizens, detailed requirements and procedures are outlined by VFS Global for Croatia tourist visas.
What Changes When Croatia Joins the Schengen Area
With full Schengen membership now in effect:
Border Control Changes
- Land and Sea: Routine passport checks at Croatia’s borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia and Bosnia have been abolished as per the SchengenVisaInfo report.
- Airports: No more internal Schengen passport controls at Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and other airports.
Introduction of ETIAS
From mid-2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETIAS authorization before arriving in any Schengen state, including Croatia. This is confirmed by the ETIAS rollout timeline.
– Simple online application
– Valid for three years or until passport expiry
– Allows stays up to 90 days in 180 days
Impact on Long-term Permit Holders
If you have a Croatian temporary or permanent residence permit, you’ll be free to travel to all Schengen countries without applying for additional visas. This simplifies business trips, family visits or study exchanges within the zone.
Cross-border Workers and Property Owners
Commuters living in Croatia but working in non-Schengen neighbors (or vice versa) will no longer face passport checks daily. Dual residents and those owning homes on either side of the border will enjoy smoother travel and fewer delays at border posts.
Timeline and Key Milestones for Croatia’s Accession
- 2011 – Croatia submits its Schengen evaluation application.
- September 8, 2022 – EU Council approves Croatia’s entry into Schengen.
- January 1, 2023 – Land and sea border checks lifted.
- March 26, 2023 – Airport controls removed, Croatia fully integrated into Schengen.
- Mid-2025 – ETIAS rollout for visa-exempt travelers.
This swift timeline reflects Croatia’s compliance with technical standards on document security, border management and police cooperation.
Your Next European Adventure
With Croatia now inside the Schengen Area, your travel plans across Central and Western Europe become seamless. Remember to check whether you need ETIAS, keep your travel documents up to date, and, if you hold a long-term visa or residence permit, enjoy unrestricted movement throughout Schengen. Safe travels!