Canada entry requirements for Croatia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Croatian passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Croatian citizens. Plan ahead: processing can take several weeks.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need this online authorization before boarding your flight to Canada. Apply online before departure | Croatian citizens must obtain an eTA before flying to Canada. Apply at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The cost is CAD $7 and processing is usually minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. The eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip; it needs extra validity. Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Croatian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before applying for the eTA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for any entry or exit stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. Although Canada does not always stamp, border officers may require a blank page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Canada helps show you plan to leave. Not mandatory but strongly advised | While not a formal requirement for Croatian citizens, border officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket to avoid delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsYou may need to show you can support yourself during your visit. Not mandatory but may be requested | There is no fixed amount required, but you should be able to show you have enough money for your stay. This could be bank statements, credit cards, or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to pre-register your arrival; just fill out the customs form when you land. Not required for Croatian citizens | Croatian citizens do not need to submit an arrival declaration before entering Canada. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival, either via a kiosk or the ArriveCAN app (optional). | Not required |
Start early — processing can take weeks
Visa processing times vary and can stretch to 6 weeks or more during summer. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
Biometrics are mandatory for most applicants
If you're between 14 and 79, you must give fingerprints and a photo at a VAC. The nearest one for Croatian residents is in Zagreb. Book your appointment as soon as you get the instruction letter.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, bank statements, employment letter, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, and any invitation letters. Scan everything as PDFs or JPEGs under 4 MB each.
2
Apply online
Go to the IRCC website, create an account, and fill out the visitor visa application form (IMM 5257). Upload your documents and pay the CAD 100 visa fee plus CAD 85 biometrics fee (total ~CAD 185).
3
Give biometrics
Within a few days, you'll get a Biometrics Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at the VAC in Zagreb (or another country if you're not in Croatia). Bring your passport and the letter. They'll take your fingerprints and photo.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 2–6 weeks. You can check your application status online. If approved, you'll receive a visa counterfoil in your passport (either by mail or at the VAC).
5
Travel to Canada
At the airport in Canada, go to the 'Visitors' line. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and be ready to answer questions about your stay. The border officer may ask for proof of funds or accommodation.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 5 years per visit
ValidityUp to 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$100 CAD application fee + $85 CAD biometrics
Requires a letter of invitation from a Canadian child or grandchild, proof of medical insurance, and financial support
Work permit
Max stayVaries with permit
ValidityUp to 3 years (renewable)
Cost$155 CAD (most cases) + $100 CAD open work permit holder fee if applicable
Requires a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityUp to 4 years (renewable)
Cost$150 CAD
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution and proof of funds
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; worker may pay ~CAD 155 (~USD 116) for open work permit
Requires a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows work in Canada for a specific employer.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For enrollment at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus and off-campus with conditions.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada Digital Nomad Strategy (temporary)
Up to 6 months (visitor status) or longer via work permit
Free for visitor status; work permit ~CAD 155 (~USD 116)
Currently, digital nomads can enter as visitors for up to 6 months. For longer stays, a work permit may be needed if working for a Canadian employer.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feePer person; non-refundable | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; per person | $85 CAD |
| Visa extension (visitor record)For stays beyond 180 days; apply before status expires | $100 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
Transit visa required
Croatian citizens transiting through Canada to a third country generally require a visitor visa (TRV) unless they qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program. However, Croatia is not on the list of countries eligible for TWOV, so a visa is required even for airside transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US non-immigrant visa may be eligible for TWOV at certain airports, but this does not apply to Croatian citizens under current rules.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different requirements.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19 (updated vaccine)Essential
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold regions; dress appropriately and avoid prolonged exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main processing center; applications are mostly online.
Toronto
IRCC - Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person inquiries by appointment only.
Practical information for HR travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Canada does not offer visa on arrival for Croatian citizens. You must get a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2–6 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 2 months before your planned departure. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
The visa application fee is CAD 100 per person. Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85 per person. Total: CAD 185. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.
Yes, if you're between 14 and 79 years old, you must give biometrics in person. In Croatia, the VAC is in Zagreb. You'll book an appointment after submitting your online application.
Yes, you can apply to extend your stay as a visitor before your current visa expires. You must apply online and pay a fee. Extensions are not guaranteed — you need a valid reason.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Croatia, or unclear purpose of visit. You can reapply with stronger documents, but you'll need to pay the fee again.
Yes, if you're transiting through a Canadian airport and need to clear customs (e.g., connecting to a US flight), you generally need a visa. However, if you stay airside and don't clear customs, you may be eligible for the Transit Without Visa program — check with your airline.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.