Croatian visa requirements for Kenyan nationals

Update as at January 11, 2023.

Croatia has dropped its air border controls for travel to and from Schengen Area countries.

After joining Europe’s passport-free travel zone at the start of this year, the country’s internal land and sea borders were abolished from 1st January 2023, and in spring, March 26, 2023, at airports.

Now, passengers flying between Croatia other countries within the borderless travel zone will be treated the same as the country’s domestic travellers.

When did Croatia join the Schengen Area?

In December 2022, EU countries voted on whether or not to admit Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania into the so-called Schengen zone – a pact between countries to abolish border checks for those travelling between their territories.

Croatia received unanimous support from the 26 Schengen member states and joined Europe’s passport-free travel zone welcomed at the start of 2023.

Applying for a tourist or business visa to Croatia as a Kenyan need not be an uphill task.

If you already hold a valid Schengen visa, no need to go through this process since you can travel to Croatia as a Kenyan passport holder using it.

Check out this post which goes into detail of how Kenyans can visit Croatia using your Schengen visa.

Especially bearing in mind that there is no consulate in Kenya and you will need to go to either Cairo, Lagos, or Pretoria if making your application from Africa.

Anyhow, assuming you choose the option of making your application through any one of the consulates world over, below is the step by step process to make your application:

This information is based on the Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Please check the website for any updates there may have been following the publishing of this post.

A. Gather the mandatory requirements

Download application form from here, and fill it in and ensuring you have the following documents:

1. a valid travel document (the period of validity of the travel document should exceed that of the visa by at least three months, must include at least two empty pages, and must have been issued in the preceding 10 years);
2. residence permits or visas or other proof of legal residence in the country where applying for a Croatian visa;
3. a colour photo 35×45 mm;

B. Gather relevant supporting documents that prove:

1. The purpose of the visit to Croatia. An itinerary with excursion bookings should be sufficient.
2. Guaranteed accommodation (made in the applicant’s name). If you’re not sure or guaranteed of getting a visa, I suggest you use a site such as www.booking.com since there is the option to reserve a room with free cancellation or that allows you to pay on arrival.
3. A certified bank statement for the last three months including the day of the application with sufficient funds to cover your stay in Croatia
4. For students, a letter from your school. If employed, a letter from your employer clearly indicating your position, length of service, salary, and that they’ve granted you permission to go on leave.
5. Means of transport (return air travel ticket or return train ticket as your intention to return to your country of origin or to a third country)
6. Travel health Insurance policy (with full name, policy No., coverage area – Worldwide or Europe or Croatia, minimum coverage of 30.000 Euros, for the time of stay in Croatia). On my last trip to Croatia I used World Nomad and although I was fortunate not to need to make any claims, the fees were affordable. I highly recommend. Otherwise contact your local provider for a list of options.
7. Unified visa fee of 53 GBP, which is charged at the moment of submitting the application for a visa is .
8. If seeking a tourist visa, submit an accommodation reservation or a tourist voucher which must be in your name as the applicant.
9. If visiting friends and/or family, the applicant must submit an original letter of guarantee of your host in Croatia (form available online) – notarized by a public notary in Croatia (form available for download here).
10. If seeking a business via, then you must submit an original letter of guarantee of a legal person – from the company your are visiting in Croatia (notarized with a signature of the legal person) – Please find more information at http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/
11. If just seeking a Croatia transit visa, you must submit along with the application form, photo, passport, residency permit, travel ticket and a visa or another proof that one is not needed for entering the third country.
12. Any other additional documents that might be requested by the embassy to assist in making a decision related to your visa application.

C. Submit all the above documents in original and clear copies of the same to a nearby Croatian embassy or VFS office representing Croatia.

Now that you’ve gathered all the required documents, visit the Croatian embassy or VFS office representing Croatia nearest to you.

Usually, the officer will check your documents for completion. If they are satisfied,they enter your details into a computer and ask you to wait for finger printing and for your photo to be taken.

Voila! you’re done.

Wait to collect your passport… and visa on the scheduled date.

Do you have any questions on the step by step process of applying for a Croatian visa?

Hit me on the comments below and I’ll be sure to respond to the best of my ability.