Croatian Visa Application Process For Bahraini Citizens

If you're a citizen of Bahrain wanting to travel to Croatia, you will need to apply for a visa. The type of visa you'll need depends on the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay. Croatian embassies/consulates issue Schengen visas (type A and C) and long-stay visas (type D). You can apply for a Croatian visa in Bahrain by submitting an application form, supporting documents, and paying the necessary fees. The standard processing time for a Croatian visa is up to 15 days, but it can be extended to 30 or 60 days if additional documents are required.

What documents are required for a Croatian visa application?

The Croatian visa application process requires several documents to be submitted, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's circumstances. Here is a comprehensive list of documents that may be needed for a Croatian visa application:

• Visa Application Form: The application form can be accessed and completed online. It covers sections such as personal information, passport details, residence information, occupation, and the purpose of travel.
• Passport: The applicant's passport must be valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in the Schengen Area and should have at least two blank pages for the visa.
• Photograph: A recent identity photograph that meets the specified standards, such as size and background colour.
• Residence Permit: Proof of legal residence in the country where the Croatian visa application is being submitted.
• Travel Medical Insurance: Coverage for emergency medical assistance, hospitalisation, and repatriation with a minimum amount of €30,000. The insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and the duration of the planned stay.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements for the last three months or other supporting documents to demonstrate financial means to cover the stay in Croatia.
• Proof of Accommodation: Reservation or confirmation of accommodation in the applicant's name. For private accommodation, a copy of the decision approving the renting from the competent office in Croatia may be required.
• Proof of Transportation: Return or reserved travel tickets for the entire journey, including flights, buses, boats, or cars.
• Proof of Purpose of Stay: This may include a letter of invitation, certificate of a paid tourist package, booking confirmation, or other relevant documents.
• Biometric Data: Fingerprints and photographs are typically required and can be provided during the visa appointment.
• Visa Fee Payment: The visa application fee varies based on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.
• Additional Documents for Family Members of Croatian/EU/EEA/CH Nationals: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, and passport of the Croatian/EU/EEA/CH family member.

It is important to carefully review the requirements for the specific type of Croatian visa being applied for, as there may be additional or specific documents needed in certain cases. The Croatian authorities may also request further documentation during the application process.

How to fill out the Croatian visa application form?

To fill out the Croatian visa application form, follow these steps:

• Register for an account: Go to the official VFS Global website and create an account. This is where you will fill out the online form.
• Provide accurate personal information: Enter your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, nationality, contact information, and passport number. Ensure that everything matches your official documents to avoid discrepancies.
• Share travel details: Include information about your trip, such as travel dates, the purpose of your visit, and your accommodation details.
• Upload documents: Scan and upload the required documents, such as your passport, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and other supporting papers. Ensure that the scans are clear and easy to read.
• Review and submit: Before submitting the form, carefully review all the information. Mistakes or inaccuracies can cause delays or even rejection of your application.
• Schedule an appointment: After submitting the online form, go back to the VFS Global website and book an appointment at the nearest visa application centre or Croatian Embassy. This step is crucial, as you will need to visit the centre in person.
• Confirm and pay for your appointment: Choose a date and time that fits your travel plans and confirm your appointment slot. Remember to pay for it to secure your spot.
• Submit the application in person: Visit the designated Visa Application Centre or Croatian Embassy with all the necessary documents and your completed application form. You will need to submit your application in person.
• Pay the visa fee: At the time of submission, pay the visa fee, usually accepted in cash or by card. Obtain a receipt for your payment, as you may need it later.
• Track your application: Utilise the online tracking tools provided by VFS Global to monitor the status of your application. This will keep you informed about any additional steps or requirements.

Remember to prepare all the required documents, including your passport, travel health insurance, cover letter, travel itinerary, flight reservation, and proof of funds. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months after your planned stay in Croatia. Additionally, your travel insurance should cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses and be valid throughout your entire stay.

What are the fees and processing times for a Croatian visa?

The fees and processing times for a Croatian visa vary depending on the type of visa and other factors. Here is an overview:

Fees:

The visa application fee for short-term visas (Visa C) and airport transit visas (Visa A) is 600.00 HKN (€80 or $94). For long-term visas (Visa D), the fee is 700.00 HKN (€93 or $110). These fees must be paid to the embassy account, and applicants need to provide proof of payment.

It's important to note that certain individuals are exempt from visa fees, including family members of a Croatian citizen (spouse and children), family members of citizens of EEA Member States, children under 12 years of age, pupils, students, postgraduate students, and researchers.

Processing Times:

The standard processing time for Croatian visa applications is typically up to 15 calendar days from the date the application is submitted. This timeframe applies to most short-stay visas, such as tourist or business visas (C visas). However, it's recommended to apply at least two to three weeks in advance to account for potential delays.

For transit visas, the processing time is approximately 48 hours, while long-term visas (D visas) can take between 60 to 90 days for processing. In some cases, the processing time may be extended to 30 or 60 days due to incomplete documentation or other factors.

Additionally, the time of year can impact processing times, with longer wait times during peak travel seasons and holidays. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance if planning to travel during these busy periods.

Where to submit the Croatian visa application?

To apply for a Croatian visa from Bahrain, you must submit your application at the Croatian Visa Application Centre in Bahrain. If you are unable to do so, you can submit your application at the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate in another country.

The Croatian Visa Application Centre in Bahrain is located at:

Croatian Visa Application Centre

Bahrain

You can also submit your application at the Croatian Embassy in Cairo, Egypt:

3, Abou El Feda St Zamalek Cairo Egypt

+20-2-3405815 +20-2-7355815

[email protected]

What is the Croatian visa application process timeline?

The Croatian visa application process timeline can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa, the completeness of the application, and the nationality of the applicant. Here is a detailed breakdown of the steps and their respective timelines:

Step 1: Identify the Correct Visa Type

Before initiating the application process, it is crucial to determine the appropriate visa type based on your purpose of travel. Croatia offers various visa categories, including:

• Croatian Transit Visa
• Croatian Tourist Visa
• Croatia Visitor Visa
• Croatia Business Visa
• Croatian Student Visa
• Visa for Cultural Events
• Visa for Journalists and Reporters

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The specific documents needed will depend on the chosen visa type. However, some commonly required documents include:

• Completed and signed visa application form
• Valid passport with the required period of validity and empty pages
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel health insurance
• Biometric data (for most applicants over 12 years of age)

Step 3: Submit the Application

The visa application should be submitted in person at the Croatian Embassy/Consulate or an authorised Visa Application Centre. Applicants must ensure that their application is submitted no earlier than six months and no later than 15 calendar days before the intended trip. It is recommended to apply at least two weeks in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

Step 4: Processing Time

The standard processing time for a Croatian visa is up to 15 days from the receipt of the application at the Embassy. However, this timeline may be extended to 30 or 60 days if there are issues with the documentation or other justifiable reasons. For citizens of specific countries, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine, the processing time is shorter, taking up to 10 days.

Step 5: Decision and Issuance

Once the application is processed, the decision will be communicated to the applicant. If approved, the visa will be issued, and the applicant will receive their passport with the visa stamp. The visa allows visitors to stay in Croatia for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on the circumstances of their travel.

Frequently asked questions