TL;DR
To get a Croatia Schengen visa from the UK you apply through VFS Global (London, Manchester or Edinburgh), the only provider the Croatian Embassy authorises: fill in the Croatian online form, book a VFS appointment, and attend to give biometrics and submit. Croatia has been inside Schengen since January 2023, so this is a full Schengen visa.
| Croatia Schengen visa (from the UK) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| UK visa application centre | VFS Global |
| Application cities | London, Manchester, Edinburgh |
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days (up to 45) |
| Official portal | Croatia visa info ↗ |
How to apply
- Complete the Croatian online application form and read the requirements on the Croatian MFA visa page.
- Book a VFS Global appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
- Prepare your documents — see the full Schengen document checklist.
- Attend your appointment to give biometrics (fingerprints + photo) and submit.
- Wait for the decision — standard processing is 15 calendar days, occasionally up to 45.
Croatia joined Schengen in 2023 — what changed
Croatia became a full Schengen member on 1 January 2023. Practically, that means a Croatian short-stay visa is now a Schengen visa valid across all member states (unless the sticker is limited), there are no routine internal border checks with neighbouring Schengen countries, and the same €90 fee, 90-days-in-180 rule and €30,000 insurance minimum apply. Use only VFS Global — the Croatian Embassy warns that VFS is its sole authorised partner in the UK, so steer clear of unofficial booking agents.
When to apply to Croatia
Apply to Croatia only if it's your main destination — where you'll spend the most nights — or your first point of entry if your trip is evenly split (see which country to apply to). A Split, Dubrovnik or islands-focused holiday almost always makes Croatia the country to apply to. If you'll spend more nights in a neighbouring Schengen country, apply there instead.
What you'll need
The standard Schengen document set: a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond your trip, the completed application, a recent photo, proof of UK residence, confirmed travel and accommodation bookings (including any inter-island or ferry travel), an itinerary, recent bank statements, €30,000+ travel insurance, and strong evidence you'll return to the UK — the main factor behind refusals for UK-resident non-EU nationals.
Assemble it cleanly
- Checklist generator — your tailored document list
- Bundler and Compressor — assemble and size your file
Want a human to check it before your VFS appointment? See the done-for-you Schengen service. For the overview, see the Schengen visa from the UK hub.
Sources
Common questions
- 01
How do I apply for a Croatia Schengen visa from the UK?
Croatia's UK visa applications are handled by VFS Global, the only provider authorised by the Croatian Embassy in London. You fill in the Croatian online form, book a VFS appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, and attend to give biometrics and submit. You must legally reside in the UK to apply here.
- 02
Is a Croatia visa a Schengen visa now?
Yes. Croatia joined the Schengen area on 1 January 2023, so a Croatian short-stay visa is a Schengen visa valid across the whole area unless the visa sticker says otherwise. The €90 fee, 90/180-day rule and €30,000 insurance requirement all apply.
- 03
Who handles Croatia visa applications in the UK?
VFS Global is the sole authorised partner of the Croatian Embassy in London, with centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. The consulate decides the application; VFS runs the centre and collects biometrics. Don't book through other agents.
- 04
How much is a Croatia Schengen visa from the UK?
€90 for adults, €45 for children 6–12, and free for under-6s — standard across Schengen. VFS Global adds its own service fee, and you'll need travel insurance with at least €30,000 of cover.
- 05
Should I apply to Croatia if I'm visiting more than one country?
Apply to Croatia only if it's your main destination (most nights), or your first point of entry if your time is split evenly. For a Dalmatian coast or Croatian-islands trip, Croatia is the country to apply to.
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