Croatia is a European destination known for its cities, beaches, and landscapes. If you are living in Mumbai and want to travel to this Schengen country, you will need a Croatia visa from Mumbai. Moreover, the country has become an increasingly favorite destination for tourists worldwide.
Thus, the following guide will provide a detailed overview of the application process for a Croatian visa including the jurisdictions of the consulate, types, mandatory documents, procedural steps, etc. So, fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.
Is Croatia a Part of the Schengen Area?
Yes. Croatia has been a member state of the Schengen Area since January 1, 2023. This means that travelers can move freely within the entire zone without any internal border checks. However, the Schengen Region has one external border that joins it with the rest of the world.
Officially known as the Republic of Croatia, the country lies in Central and Southeast Europe, on the Adriatic Sea’s coast. Besides, it shares its borders with the following neighboring countries.
- Slovenia to the northwest
- Serbia to the east
- Hungary to the northeast
- Maritime border with Italy to the west
- Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro to the southeast
The country’s capital and largest city is Zagreb, which is one of the primary subdivisions with almost 20 counties.
Honorary Consulate of Croatia in Mumbai
Mumbaikars can apply for a Croatia visa through the Honorary Consulate located in Mumbai.
Jurisdictions of the consulate
This facility is responsible for processing visa applications for the residents of Mumbai and the following Indian states and union territories.
- Maharashtra
- Goa
- Gujarat
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Puducherry
- Lakshadweep
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
In case you reside outside these jurisdictions, you can submit your Croatia visa application to the Croatian Embassy located in New Delhi or any other consulate near your residence area.
Basic details
The following details will help you locate the Croatian Honorary Consulate easily.
Location: A/52, Darshan Apartments, Mt. Pleasant Road, Mumbai 400006, Maharashtra, India
Phone Number: +91 22 2367 8451
Fax: 91-22-2369 9063, 2202 1174
Email: croatiamumbaigmail.com
Working Days: Monday to Friday
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Croatian Visa Types for Mumbai Residents
Similar to the rest of the Schengen countries, Croatia also offers various visa types for the residents of Mumbai spending on the duration and purpose of their stay.
The following are some of the most common visa types that you can apply for.
Transit visas
When traveling to another non-Schengen country en route to Croatia, you will need a transit visa to catch your connecting flight at the International Airport of Croatia or the transit area. This is known as a Type B transit visa.
Besides, this visa category has another type which is a Type A (airport transit visa). It is required by those travelers transiting through the Croatian airports without entering the country.
Type C visa
Alternatively known as a Schengen or short-stay visa, it grants you a stay of up to 90 days in Croatia within 180 days (six months). Usually, you cannot extend a Schengen visa and need to return to your home country before your visa expires.
Moreover, it has further subclasses considering the trip’s purpose.
- Tourist visa
- Visit visa for family and friends
- Business visa
- Medical visa
Type D visa
A long-stay or National visa can be used when you are traveling to Croatia for more than 90 days. Typically, it is valid for almost one year, but you can also extend it based on the purpose of your trip.
Furthermore, a Type D visa has the following subtypes.
- Work visa
- Family reunification visa
- Study visa
- Investment visa
Important: You can use a Schengen visa to travel to Croatia from Mumbai. However, you are entitled to a short stay in the target destination following the 90/180 rule. So, be sure to make the right choice.
What Are the Documents You Need to Submit for a Croatia Visa from Mumbai?
Furthermore, make sure that you submit a complete set of documents when applying for a Croatia visa from Mumbai. Depending on the visa type, the requirements may vary slightly, however, the general list includes the following papers.
Passport
- Firstly, you must have your Indian passport valid for almost three months ahead of your intended stay in Croatia.
- It must contain at least two blank pages to affix the stamp.
- Besides, you can also include copies of your previous visas (if needed).
Application form
- Download the form through the official website of the Croatian Consulate in Mumbai or get it through VFS Global.
- Moreover, make sure that you complete the form accurately and sign it at the end.
Photographs
- In addition, you need to submit two passport-size photographs according to the Schengen photo guidelines.
Flight reservation
- Another requirement is to present a flight reservation document showing your intended travel plans.
- For this purpose, you can reach out to RFV Travels to get your document at a minimal price.
- Also, the document must include details such as your flight number, travel dates, and times, departure, and arrival airport, IATA codes, and 6-digit PNR.
Hotel booking
- Proof of accommodation is another important document that you must carry along with the rest of the papers.
- This can be in the form of a hotel booking, a rental contract, or an invitation letter from the Croatian host.
- Besides, the document shows that you have a prepaid arrangement for your stay in the target country.
Cover letter
- In addition, you must submit a detailed cover letter explaining the reason for traveling to Croatia, travel dates, and planned itinerary.
- You can get this document from coverletterforvisa.com at a minimal price.
Travel health insurance
- Furthermore, your travel health insurance should be valid for your entire stay in Croatia.
- It must have a coverage amount of a minimum of 30,000 euros for medical and travel emergencies.
- For instance, this includes hospitalization, accident, surgery, repatriation, evacuation, luggage loss, etc.
Proof of funds
- Moreover, you must have sufficient funds to travel to your dream country and bear the expenses of your stay.
- This can be done by submitting your bank statements, salary slips, credit card copies, traveler’s cheques, letters of sponsorship, etc.
Proof of employment
Considering your employment status, you must have the following documents.
- If employed: employment letter from the employer and leave approval application
- For self-employed: business registration certificate, ITRs, bank statement
- If retired: pension slip from the past six months
Documents needed according to the visa type
| Visa type | Documents |
| Tourist visa | Detailed travel plans Proof of ties to India Return ticket |
| Business visa | Letter of invitation from the Croatian company A leave approval letter from the current employer |
| Student visa | Admission letter from the target educational institute Proof of funds Proof of tuition fee payment |
| Family visit visa | Invitation letter from a family member or friend Proof of relationship |
How Can I Apply for a Croatia Visa from Mumbai?
The application process for a Croatia visa from Mumbai includes the following steps.
Step 1:
Make sure to identify the suitable visa type according to the purpose of your travel. You have the following options.
Step 2:
The next step is to collect all the needed documents and meet the requirements of the respective consulate. For this purpose, feel free to go through the section above.
Step 3:
Furthermore, once you gather the documents, book an appointment at the VFS Global application center or the Consulate of Croatia in Mumbai. This requires you to visit the website of VFS Global to schedule it online.
Step 4:
Then, visit the center on the scheduled date and submit your documents with the application fee. Moreover, you also need to pay the visa application fee at the payment counter.
This step also requires you to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) if you have not applied for a Schengen visa in the last five years.
Step 5:
Then, wait for the processing time. Meanwhile, track your application online by using the application reference number.
Step 6:
Lastly, once your visa is approved, collect your passport from the VFS center or consulate. Alternatively, you can choose a courier delivery service.
Croatia Visa Application Fees for Mumbaikars
Submitting your visa application to the Honorary Consulate of Croatia in Mumbai also requires you to deposit the fee. This depends on the visa type you choose and your age.
For instance, a Schengen visa for adults is 90 euros, whereas children between the ages of six and twelve can pay half of this amount, i.e., 45 euros. Surprisingly, minors below six are free to travel to Croatia.
On the other hand, according to VFS Global, the application fee for a Type D visa is as follows.
- Work permit = 93 euros
- Resident permit = 70 euros
- Visa stamping fee = 93 euros
Furthermore, if you applied through VFS Global, you need to pay an additional fee of 2,100 INR for using the services of the application center.
Important: Make sure to keep the exact amount with you when visiting the consulate or application center. Besides, the only payment method available is Cash.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Croatia Visa from Mumbai?
Similar to the application fee, the processing time for a Croatia visa from Mumbai also depends on several factors. For instance, this includes,
- The visa type (a long-stay visa may take longer to process and vice versa)
- Workload at the embassy
- The completeness of your documents
However, the average processing time for a Croatia visa from Mumbai is 15 working days or two regular weeks. However, the period gets extended to up to 45 days or two months in case you apply during peak travel season or if additional documents are needed.
FAQs
- Can I apply for a Croatia visa from Mumbai online?
No. You need to submit your Croatian visa application from Mumbai in person at the Consulate of Croatia or the VFS Global visa application center.
- Is it possible to apply for a Croatia visa without a confirmed flight ticket?
Though, you need a confirmed or verifiable flight ticket when applying for a Croatia visa from Mumbai. However, it is not advisable to purchase the ticket before your visa is approved as it may risk losing your money in case of rejection.
- How early should I apply for a Croatia visa from Mumbai?
It is recommended to apply for a Croatia visa from Mumbai at least 15 to 30 days before your planned travel date.
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