Croatia is one of the most visited countries in Europe, blessed with astounding natural beauty, a perfect climate, welcoming citizens and rich cultural heritage.
Amazingly, the country gained massive popularity recently when several scenes of the TV series Game of Thrones were shot there.
If you plan to travel to Croatia as a Nigerian, you are doing the right thing.
However, you need to know all it takes to travel to Croatia without any hitches.
This article will show you all you need to get a Croatian visa as a Nigerian.
Let me know in the comment box below if you have any questions or need further clarification. I will love to help you.
Table of contents
- Croatian Visa
- Types of Croatian Visas
- Croatia Visa Requirements
- Croatian Visa Application Guide
- Croatian Visa Processing Time
- Conclusion
Croatian Visa
Nigerians who want to travel to Croatia need to obtain a Croatian visa.
The visa is like a sticker or stamp on your passport, and it permits you to move to Croatia to live, work or study.
However, there are different types of Croatian visas, and the style you need depends on the purpose of your trip and how long you wish to stay in the country.
Types of Croatian Visas
There are different types of Croatian visas you can apply for depending on your needs.
They include:
- Croatian Tourist Visa
- Croatian Business Visa
- Croatian Student Visa
- Croatian Work Visa
- Croatian Family Visa
Croatian Tourist Visa
If you want to visit Croatia to explore its breathtaking sights or go on a vacation, then the tourist visa is right for you.
The visa allows you to stay in the country for 90 days within 180 days.
This short stay visa, also known as C-visa, may be given multiple, double or single entries, which would determine the number of times you can enter or leave Croatia.
Remember that you cannot do paid or unpaid work in Croatia with this visa.
You are also prohibited from studying in Croatia with a tourist visa for the period you would be in the country.
Croatian Business Visa
The business visa is issued to applicants travelling to Croatia for business purposes.
This visa is also a short-stay visa (C-visa) that allows you to stay in Croatia for a maximum period of 90 days.
If you are issued a Croatian business visa, you are prohibited from working in the country.
Croatian Student Visa
Nigerians who wish to travel to Croatia to study must get a Croatian student visa.
The student visa is a long-stay visa that allows you to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days.
With this visa, students can work for a maximum period of 20 per week while studying and full-time when on holiday.
Before this visa can be issued, you must have been accepted into an accredited Croatian educational institution.
Also, it would be best if you got a temporary resident permit and student visa to live legally in Croatia.
Croatian Work Visa
If you want to live and work in Croatia as a Nigerian, then the Croatian work visa is for you.
The work visa is a long-stay visa that permits you to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days.
However, it would help if you got a temporary resident permit to reside legally in the country.
It is expedient to note that before you can apply for a visa, you must already have an employer in Croatia and a work permit which your employer can get on your behalf.
You cannot get a temporary residence permit if you have no valid work permit.
Croatian Family Visa
Do you have family members you would like to reunite with within Croatia? If yes, then the family visa is for you.
This long-stay visa allows you to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days to be with your family members in the country.
Other types of Croatian visas include the Transit visa and the Digital Nomad visa.
Croatia Visa Requirements
General Croatia Visa Requirements
The following are the general requirements for a Croatia visa;
- Valid International Passport
- Passport Photographs
- Croatian Visa Application Form
- Proof of Accommodation
- Travel Health Insurance
- Proof of Financial Ability
- Flight Itinerary
Valid International Passport
You must have a Nigerian international passport with at least three months of validity beyond the date you leave Croatia.
The passport must have at least two blank pages to place the visa stickers or stamps.
You should also include copies of present or expired visas or travel documents.
Passport Photographs
You must submit at least two passport photographs taken within the last six months.
The passports should have a dimension of 35mm by 45mm and must be taken on a plain background, preferably white.
Applicants must have a neutral facial expression and be without glasses except if recommended, and without headgears except for religious purposes.
Croatian Visa Application Form
Applicants must fill out the Croatian visa application form correctly.
You are to print out the form and sign it. If a minor is applying for a visa, the parent or legal guardian should fill out and sign the form.
You may make photocopies of the form as it may be needed in the application process.
Proof of Accommodation
You must show that you have a place to stay once you arrive in Croatia.
Hence, you are required to provide your hotel reservation receipt if you will be staying at a hotel during your stay in Croatia.
If you would stay at a relative or friend’s place, you should get an invitation letter from them.
Ensure your hotel reservation is valid all through your application process, as the embassy will contact them to confirm.
Travel Health Insurance
You must provide proof of health insurance in the case of medical emergencies, accidents or health problems.
Your travel health insurance must have at least €30,000 and be valid throughout your stay in Croatia.
Proof of Financial Ability
Applicants must prove they have enough money to support themselves financially throughout their stay in Croatia.
To prove this, you may provide your bank statements for the past three months, a letter from your employer indicating how much you earn and your job position, a pension slip or a sponsorship letter gotten from the individual or body sponsoring you to Croatia.
Generally, you should have up to €70 per day in your account to cover your stay in the country.
Flight Itinerary
You need to prove that you have booked your flight to Croatia by providing a document that indicates when you enter and leave Croatia.
The document must include your full name, flight code, booking numbers, and arrival and departure date and time from Croatia.
Note that the embassy would not be responsible for your loss of money if your visa is denied.
Croatian Tourist Visa Requirements
In addition to the general requirements discussed above, applicants for the tourist visa must provide:
- Proof of employment status.
- Cover letter describing why you are travelling to Croatia.
- Birth certificate for minors.
- Letter of consent from parents or legal guardian for children.
- Copies of parent’s or guardian’s passport.
Croatian Business Visa Requirements
In addition to the general requirements discussed above, applicants for the business visa must provide:
- Letter of guarantee from your employer.
- Letter of the invitation obtained from the company inviting you to Croatia.
- Letter from employer indicating your position in the company, salary range and description.
- Cover letter describing why you are travelling to Croatia.
Croatian Work Visa Requirements
In addition to the general requirements discussed above, applicants for the work visa must provide:
- Copy of present work contract.
- Copy of the registration of the company you would be working for.
- Proof of educational background.
Croatian Student Visa Requirements
In addition to the general requirements discussed above, applicants for the student visa must provide:
- Letter of acceptance into a Croatian university.
- Cover letter describing why you are travelling to Croatia.
- Birth certificate for minors.
- Letter of consent from parents or legal guardian for children.
- Copies of parent’s or guardian’s passport.
Croatian Family Visa Requirements
In addition to the general requirements discussed above, applicants for the family visa must provide:
- Proof of family relationship with your host in Croatia.
- Cover letter describing why you are travelling to Croatia.
Only a spouse, parents, common-law partner or children of a Croatian citizen or legal resident can apply for a family visa.
Croatian Visa Application Guide
Time needed: 15 days
A guideline on the Croatian visa application
- Fill out the Application Form
You can fill out the Croatian application form online. Once you have completed the application form, print it out and sign it.
Make sure you provide the correct information and cross-check for mistakes.
Making mistakes in your application form can cause your visa application to be denied or rejected.
If you cannot finish the application in one sitting, you can get a PIN and serial number on the portal so you can resume your application whenever you like. - Prepare your Documents
Get the relevant documents mentioned above ready for submission, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Make multiple copies of every document just in case they are needed.
It is recommended to double-check these documents before submitting them to the visa application centre to make sure none is missing. - Submit your Application
Go to the nearest VFS office, a visa application centre, to submit your documents.
Your biometrics, including your photo and fingerprints, will also be taken at the office. - Pay the Visa Fees
You must pay the required visa fees before your application is processed.
The Croatian visa costs $69 and can be paid at the bank or the visa application centre. - Retrieve your Passport and other Documents
Once your visa application has been approved, the VFS office will notify you through the email address you provided.
You can pick up your documents at the VFS office or send someone with a letter of authorization.
Your documents may also be sent via courier service at a fee.
Note that you may be called for an interview if you are applying for a Croatia student visa. If this is the case, you will be notified beforehand by the VFS office.
Croatian Visa Processing Time
Although there is no specific processing time for the Croatia visa application, it may take about fifteen (15) days or some months, depending on the status of your application.
It is why it is advisable to cross-check your documents, as missing documents can prolong the application process.
Also, you should start your application process at least three months before the date you wish to leave Nigeria.
Conclusion
Croatia is a beautiful country, and you will surely enjoy your stay there.
Before travelling to the country, you need to obtain a visa.
If you have been perplexed about how to go about the Croatian visa application process, then we know that you have found this helpful article.
Let me know in the comment box below if you have any questions or need further clarification. I will love to help you.
