Croatia entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Vietnamese passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Croatia in 2026. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Schengen visa required
You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Croatia. Apply at the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country of residence — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application at least 4 weeks before departure.Apply for Schengen visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Croatia. Croatia does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but some airlines may enforce this — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for Schengen entry
Immigration officers at Croatian border check that you have a confirmed return or onward ticket out of the Schengen area. This applies to all visa holders — have your booking ready when you land.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from a host in Croatia. Officers at the border may ask to see where you're staying for the entire trip.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statements or cash
Show you have enough money for your stay — around €50–€100 per day depending on your accommodation. A recent bank statement, credit card, or cash works. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it ready.Recommended
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days, especially during summer. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until you have the visa in hand.
Schengen Area rules apply
Your visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries, not just Croatia. But your main destination must be Croatia, or you must spend the most days there.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any additional supporting papers.
2
Submit your visa application
Book an appointment at the Croatian Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Submit your application in person — biometrics (fingerprints) are taken. Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days during peak season. Track your application online if available.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa validity dates and number of entries (single or multiple).
5
Arrive in Croatia
At the airport (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik), join the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. Border officers may ask about your itinerary.
Download Croatia Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Standard Schengen visa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.

work visa
Croatian Work Visa (D visa for employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Croatia. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Croatian Student Visa (D visa for study)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Croatian educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
digital nomad visa
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Up to 1 year, non-renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Croatia. Must prove monthly income of at least €2,540. No local employment allowed.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults.€80 (~$87 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$87 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period.€50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$544 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%

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 Croatia

Transit visa required

Vietnam passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Croatia, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsZagreb Airport (ZAG) · Split Airport (SPU) · Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Health & vaccines for Croatia

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk

Risk in forested areas, especially during spring and summer. Consider vaccination if hiking.

Food and water safetyLow risk

Tap water is safe, but food hygiene is generally good. Standard precautions advised.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Zagreb
Ministry of Interior – Immigration Office
Ilica 335, 10000 Zagreb
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.

Split
Police Administration Split – Foreigners Office
Trg Franje Tuđmana 1, 21000 Split
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Handles visa-related issues for tourists in Dalmatia.

Practical information for VN travellers

Country basics
CapitalZagreb
LanguageCroatian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 1 year.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout Croatia.
Emergency numbers
Police192
Medical194
EU emergency112
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Croatia

9,143 kmgreat circle distance
~12hfrom Vietnam
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Croatia — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Croatia is part of the Schengen Area, so Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival or visa waiver for Vietnam.
A standard Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa will specify the exact validity dates and number of entries (single or multiple).
You apply at the Croatian Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. You may also apply through a visa application center (like VFS Global) if they handle Croatian visas. Check the embassy website for the latest instructions.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 are free. Additional service fees may apply if using a visa application center.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel.
No. The Schengen visa cannot be extended for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the Schengen Area and re-enter after a gap, respecting the 90/180-day rule.
No. Vietnamese passport holders cannot use a US or UK visa to enter Croatia. You must have a valid Schengen visa regardless of other visas you hold.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.