Country guide
Croatia
Visa
Visa required
Currency
Kuna (HRK)
Time zones
UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 385
Best time to go
May – September
Drinking water
Water in hotels and towns is safe to drink.
Travel tips
Stay on known safe roads, and check with authorities if going to a remote area.
Visa guide
Visa requirements
See General Schengen Requirements
You will need to submit the following documents during your online application. Refer to the General Schengen Requirements for details.
- Passport Photo.
- Bio page of passport.
- Travel Health Insurance certificate.
- Flight Reservation.
- Proof of the purpose of stay/ Accommodation in Croatia.
- Proof of Sufficient funds.
- Proof of employment or student status:
- For minors -birth certificate of the minor (visa application shall be submitted by a parent/legal representative).
VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
- Fill out visa application form: crovisa.mvep.hr
You are required to print and sign the completed form, and bring orginals and copies of the uploaded documents to the visa application centre.
- Book an appointment
Once you have filled your visa form, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’. Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment. If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.
Issuing authorities
Embassy of the Republic of Croatia
Ozmik House, 165 Lynnwood Road, Brooklyn 0181, Pretoria
Tel: +27 (0)12 342 1206
Email: croemb.pretoria@mvep.hr
Web: https://mvep.gov.hr/za/en
Working hours of the Embassy:
• Monday - Thursday: 8:00 - 16:30
• Friday: 8:00 - 14:00
Working hours of the Consular Section:
• Monday - Friday 9:00 - 12:00
The Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia resident in Pretoria is also accredited to: Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana.
The Embassy also deals with the following countries and their citizens at working level: Burundi, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
BIOMETRICS
VFS Global Visa Application Centres:
Tel: +27 (0)12 425 3008
Website: visa.vfsglobal.com
Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:30-12:30, 13:30-16:00
NOTE: VFS has several value-add services, including "Visa at your Doorstep service"
Visa processing time
Apply at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.
Visa validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
In South Africa, visa fees are payable directly to VFS Global in South African Rands (ZAR). Contact VFS for exchange rates.
VFS Service Fees:
Mandatory courier fee when applying in Cape Town: ZAR 760
Service fee (Cape Town, Pretoria): ZAR 660
Service fee (Joburg, Durban): ZAR 620
SA representative
Representation accredited from Budapest, Hungary
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Tick-Borne Encephalitis, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1, 6; Apr 5-6; May 1, 30; Jun 4, 22; Aug 5, 15; Nov 1, 18; Dec 25-26 (additional optional holidays may be observed)