Croatia, now part of the Schengen Area, requires a Schengen Visa (Type C) for short stays (up to 90 days). For Bangladeshi citizens, the application process is unique as it involves an official submission center in Dhaka, with the final decision made by the Croatian Embassy in New Delhi, India.
This guide details the exact steps and documentation you need to successfully apply from Bangladesh.
Phase 1: Planning and Submission Logistics
1. The Visa Authority Chain
- Submission Center: Applications are submitted at the official VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Dhaka.
- Decision Authority: The applications are sent to and decided upon by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in New Delhi, India.
2. Start the Online Application
- Complete the online visa application form (usually through the official Croatian or VFS portal).
- Print the completed form, ensuring it is accurately filled out in English or Croatian and personally signed.
3. Fees and Costs
- Visa Fee (Schengen C-Visa): €90 (or approximately BDT 11,700), payable in BDT at the VAC on the day of submission. Reduced fees apply for children (6-12 years).
- VFS Service Charge: An additional service fee (approximately BDT 4,030) is charged by VFS Global for their services.
- Note: All fees are non-refundable, regardless of the visa outcome.
Phase 2: Document Compilation (The Bangladeshi Checklist)
The strength of your application relies on providing clear proof of your purpose, finances, and strong ties to Bangladesh to guarantee your return.
| Document Category | Key Requirement for Bangladeshi Applicants |
|---|---|
| Passport | Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area and have at least two blank pages. Include all previous passports. |
| Photos | Two recent biometric photos (35x45mm, white background, 80% face coverage). |
| Travel Insurance | Mandatory. Must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses up to a minimum of €30,000, valid for all Schengen countries. |
| Cover Letter | A signed letter explaining your trip's purpose, detailed itinerary (location, duration), accommodation plans, and explicit confirmation of your intent to return to Bangladesh. |
| Financial Proof | Personal Bank Statements (last 3-6 months), Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 3 years, and proof of other assets/investments. Documents must not be older than six months. |
| Ties to Home | Employed: Letter from employer (on company letterhead) stating position, salary, length of service, and a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for your leave. Business: Trade License copy and company bank statements. Student: Letter from school/university. |
| Travel & Stay | Confirmed Round-trip flight ticket reservation (PNR required) and proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, lease agreement, etc.). |
| Translation | All documents in Bangla MUST be translated into English (or Croatian) and properly notarized. |
| Special Note | For a Family/Private Visit: An original Letter of Guarantee (Jamstveno pismo) from your host in Croatia is required, often certified by a public notary in Croatia. |
Phase 3: Appointment and Processing
1. Book and Attend the Appointment
- Booking an appointment at the VFS Global VAC in Dhaka is mandatory (no walk-ins).
- You must attend in person to submit your documents and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photos), as this is a mandatory requirement for Schengen Visas.
- Pay the visa fee and service charge in BDT cash at the counter.
2. Personal Verification (Optional but Possible)
In some cases, applicants may be required to attend a personal verification at the Croatian Honorary Consulate in Dhaka. This is not the final interview, but a preliminary check before the file is forwarded to New Delhi.
3. Processing Time
- The Embassy of Croatia in New Delhi aims to decide on the application within 15 calendar days from the date they receive it.
- However, due to the transit time between Dhaka and New Delhi, and potential high demand, the process can take 30 to 60 days.
- Recommendation: Apply at least 1 month before your intended travel date.
🛑 Key Travel Restriction
Your German-issued Schengen visa allows travel to all Schengen countries. The moment you are issued the Croatian Schengen visa, you can use it to travel to Croatia and the 28 other Schengen Member States, following the 90 days in 180 days rule.