VISA REGULATIONS AND TRAVEL
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VISA REGULATIONS AND TRAVEL |
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The Republic of Croatia is both an Adriatic and a Central European country, running from the Danube River in the Northeast, the Istrian Peninsula in the West to Boka Kotorska in the Southeast. Its territory covers 56,538 square kilometers, and its territorial waters cover 31,900 square kilometers. Along the Adriatic Sea are 1,185 islands of which 66 are populated. Croatia's population is 4.8 million. The largest peninsula Istra, which is a part of the Mediterranean, penetrates deep into central Europe, between the Alps and the Dinarian mountains, so it is a natural gate from central Europe to the Adriatic. Istra is one of the sunniest oasis in Europe: it lies on the 45th parallel and 14th meridian. The old culture Croatia is the cradle of glagolitic culture. The oldest European written diplomatic document is "Istarski razvod", written in the glagolitic alphabet; "Rocki misal" is the oldest printed book on the Balkans. Also, "Bascanska ploca", dated from 1100, from the island of Krk has been written in glagolitic alphabet as well as "Vinodolski zakonik" (1280 year). From 12th to the beginning of 19th century, Dubrovnik was an independent Republic, second in fame only to Venice as a center of cultural and economic power. Do not miss seeing... Plitvice Lakes, Basilica of Euphrasius in Porec (Istra), the city of Trogir, Diocletian's Palace in Split, Dubrovnik - these natural and cultural monuments are on the World Heritage List and protected by UNESCO. Croatia has more cities from Roman and medieval eras than any other country in South Eastern Europe. To mention just a few, Pula and Split with their antiquity elements, Romanesque Trogir and Zadar, Gothic Sibenik, Pag, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik, and Baroque Varazdin. Croatia has seven National Parks: three mountainous: Risnjak, Paklenica and Plitvice Lakes; and four coastal: Kornati, Mljet, Brijuni and Krka. How to get to Croatia Zagreb is Croatia's gateway airport for foreign travelers. Although there is no direct air flight from the U.S. to Croatia, it is possible to travel via major European airports, such as Frankfurt, Vienna, Zurich, Paris, Amsterdam, London or Rome. From there, direct flights may be taken on "Croatia Air Lines" to Zagreb. Croatia road regulations are the same as in the rest of Europe, and on some roads there are speed limitations. There is no pay toll on the roads except on the following highways: Zagreb-Karlovac, Zagreb-Lipovac and through the Ucka tunnel and on the Krk bridge.
Entry-exit visa requirements for the Republic of Croatia
Starting on June 1, 1997, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Croatia for tourist or business purposes, on a trip lasting up to 90 days. U.S. citizens who want to stay in Croatia more than 90 days for any reason,specifically including employment, education, specialization, scientific research, professional duties, medical treatment, and tourism, must have a visa.
Click to determine your country's visa requirements (link to world wide web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mvp.hr) Travel/Transit Visa Requirements All visa applicants should present their application in person at the Consular Department of the Embassy or at the one of three Consulates General in USA. A visa application form is available above, by clicking on the link "Visa application form to enter Croatia." Person traveling to the Republic of Croatia should provide the following items: - completed and signed application form (if applicant is under the age of 18, form must be signed by both parents or guardians) - a valid passport or travel document - 2 passport size photos of the applicant - copy of itinerary and return ticket - proof of subsistence financial funds - copy of valid ID (for non U.S. citizens) - a personal check or money order payable to Croatian Embassy (no cash) consular fees are as follows: single travel or transit USD 29 double travel or transit USD 36 multiple travel or transit USD 57 Some applicants may be asked to submit an additional document as: - Letter of Guarantee (Affidavit of Support) from a person living in the Republic of Croatia (authorized by Notary Public in Croatia – javni biljeznik) - Proof of purchased vacation package, reservation of hotel, etc - Other documents from employer, school or college If you would like us to return your passport and visa by mail, a fee of USD 17 is required. We will send your documents by FedEx. FedEx cannot deliver to P.O.Boxes. Information about visas can be found on the web site of Ministry of Foreign Affairs: For additional information, please call us during our working hours. All information about Embassy and Consulates General you can find at http://croatiaemb.org/consular/english/ConsularE_FrameSet.htm Travel with expired passport On September 25, 1997, the Republic of Croatia and the United States of America enacted an agreement by which citizens of the Republic of Croatia and citizens of the United States of America may travel to their respective country for a period of up to six months after their passport has expired. Lost or stolen passports Croatian citizens who lose their Croatian passport must immediately lodge a claim with the local police station and contact either the Embassy or one of the Consulates General. A Croatian citizen who must return to the Republic of Croatia and is without a passport may do so obtaining a travel certificate. Accrediting foreign journalists Foreign journalists who want to be placed on the register of international reporters in Croatia must obtain an entry visa for the purpose of conducting business in Croatia. The registration of foreign journalists in the Republic of Croatia is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon completing the registration procedure, foreign journalists receive a press card which is valid for one year. (Information about press cards can be obtained by calling the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 011-385-1-4569-820). Customs formalities Foreign visitors may bring into Croatia their personal luggage without limitation. Technical equipment such as cameras, boats and sailing equipment, as well as radio receivers, must be declared upon entering Croatia. Pets may be brought in upon showing they were grafted and examined by a veterinarian. |
