Easier, faster visas for Russian citizens

Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism 5 February 2013 held a meeting with representatives of tourist agencies and associations themed “Croatia’s visa policy in light of EU entry”, with special emphasis on the Russian market

Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism 5 February 2013 held a meeting with representatives of tourist agencies and associations themed “Croatia’s visa policy in light of EU entry”, with special emphasis on the Russian market.

As it is set to join the EU on 1 July 2013, Croatia as early as 1 April will have its visa policy fully aligned with that of the EU, which means that from that day on for the citizens of Russia, Turkey and other countries that are not part of the “European family” the classic visa regime will apply. However, due to the importance of the Russian market, which in recent years has shown a significant increase in tourist traffic, Croatia will try to shorten and simplify the visa issuance procedure as much as possible. 

For entering Croatia, Russian citizens will be issued visas in a speedy manner (generally no longer than five days after the application is received). Multiple-entry visas can also be issued. Visa fee remains EUR 35. Additionally, pursuant to the government’s decision, from 1 January 2013 until the date of Croatia’s EU entry all aliens holders of valid Schengen documents for entry and short-term stay in Croatia do not require an additional (Croatian) visa. Russian citizens, after submitting the application at the Croatian embassy in Moscow, will be able to obtain visas through accredited tourist agencies at the embassy, as well as through visa centres which will mediate in application reception. The ministry will soon open a public tender for these centres, and advantage will be given to those with more offices in Russia. “This year we expect around 150,000 visa applications, so visa centres would greatly facilitate the procedure,” it was said at the meeting. 

Since the number of tourists from Ukraine and Turkey is growing each year, preparations similar to those in Moscow are also underway at the Croatian embassies in Kiev and Ankara, as well as the consulate general in Istanbul. 

The meeting concluded that the new visa regime should present an obstacle for tourists, as most of the EU member countries for years have been applying classic visa regime for Russian and Ukrainian citizens, and are still seeing increase in tourist visits. 

All questions regarding Croatia’s visa regime for non-EU countries can be submitted at:vize@mvep.hr.

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