Question 1

Is Croatia in the Schengen Area?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Croatia (Hrvatska) joined the Schengen Area on 1 January 2023, becoming both the 27th EU member state with full Schengen status and the last country to join with the euro. Internal border checks between Croatia and other Schengen states have been lifted. A standard Schengen visa now covers entry to Croatia, and Croatian residents can travel to other Schengen countries without border checks.

Question 2

Who needs a visa to visit Croatia?

Accepted Answer

EU and EEA citizens, as well as citizens of countries that have visa-free agreements with the Schengen Area (such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others), do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Citizens of countries without a visa-free arrangement must apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) for short visits. Long-stay visas (Type D) or residence permits are required for stays exceeding 90 days. Check with Ministarstvo vanjskih i europskih poslova (MVEP) or the Croatian embassy in your country for the current list of visa-exempt nationalities.

Question 3

What are the photo requirements for a Croatian visa application?

Accepted Answer

Croatian visa photos must be 35×45mm, in colour, with a plain white or light grey background. The face must be centred and clearly visible, with a neutral expression, mouth closed, and eyes open looking directly at the camera. The head height (chin to crown) must be approximately 32–36mm within the frame. No glasses are permitted. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. These requirements align with ICAO biometric standards and apply to both Schengen visa applications processed by Croatian embassies and applications handled by VFS Global centres.

Question 4

Are glasses allowed in a Croatian visa photo?

Accepted Answer

No. Croatian embassies and visa application centres follow ICAO biometric guidelines, which do not permit glasses in visa photos. Glasses can cause reflections that obscure the facial features required for biometric processing. Remove your glasses before taking your visa photo.

Question 5

What background colour is required for a Croatian visa photo?

Accepted Answer

The background must be plain white or light grey. There must be clear contrast between the background and your face and hair. Patterned, textured, or coloured backgrounds are not accepted. ID Wizard automatically applies a clean white background to your photo.

Question 6

Can I submit a digital photo for a Croatian visa application?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the application channel. Applications submitted in person at Croatian embassies or VFS Global centres typically require a physical printed photo attached to the application form. Some online application portals may allow digital photo uploads. ID Wizard produces a high-resolution JPEG at the correct 35×45mm dimensions, suitable for printing at a photo centre or for digital submission where accepted. Always confirm the exact submission requirements with the specific embassy or application centre handling your visa.

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