Visa to Ukraine for Croatian citizens: when to obtain it and the application procedure

Ukraine remains open to travellers from Europe, and Croatian citizens have several options for short or long-term trips. Depending on the purpose of the trip, different rules and document requirements may apply. Learn more about the entry conditions, necessary documents and visa application procedure for Croatians in 2025

Take care of reliable insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Traveling to Ukrainian cities and getting to know the country's culture is attracting more and more tourists from Europe, including Croatian citizens. When planning a visit, it is important to understand in advance the entry requirements and documents that may be required at the border.

In this article, we will explain in detail whether Croatians need a visa to travel to Ukraine, which documents are required even with a visa-free regime, when it is necessary to apply for a long-term visa, as well as how to correctly complete the application procedure and where to seek assistance with legal nuances.

We talked about how to cross the border of Ukraine in 2025 in a previous article.

Detailed information that will be useful when planning a trip to Ukraine can be found here:

– Travel to Ukraine for tourism.

– Employment in Ukraine.

– Immigration to Ukraine.

– Studying in Ukraine.

– Travelling to Ukraine by car.

– Popular destinations in Ukraine.

– Support Ukraine.

Entry rules for Croatian citizens travelling to Ukraine in 2025

Do you need a visa to travel to Ukraine from Croatia?

Croatian citizens can travel to Ukraine without a visa if their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule allows for short-term visits for tourism, business or private purposes.

It is important to remember that a valid foreign passport is required to cross the Ukrainian border — an ID card is not suitable for Croatians.

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What documents do Croatian citizens need for visa-free entry for 90 days?

Although a visa is not required, certain documents must be carried. First of all, this is a foreign passport, the validity of which must cover three months after the planned departure from Ukraine. In addition, medical insurance is required, which will be valid in Ukraine and will cover the costs of treatment, emergency care and repatriation.

You also need to have confirmation of the purpose of your trip — hotel reservations, invitations from individuals or legal entities, tickets, etc. It is important to have sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay and to make sure that you are not prohibited from entering the country.

Current rules for foreigners entering Ukraine — compiled at the link.

How can I legally stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days?

If your trip to Ukraine involves a stay of more than 90 days (e.g. for study, employment or long-term residence), you must obtain a long-term D visa. On the basis of this visa, you can apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit in Ukraine.

In what cases do Croatian citizens need a visa to Ukraine?

A visa is required if the purpose of your trip involves a long-term stay or specific circumstances. In particular, this refers to:

– employment in Ukrainian companies;

– enrolment in Ukrainian educational institutions;

– family reunification;

– starting a business or investing in the country's economy;

– volunteer or religious activities;

– working in diplomatic missions or international organisations.

If you are unsure whether you need a visa or are having difficulty preparing your documents, please contact Visit Ukraine's lawyers, who provide advice to foreigners on visa and immigration issues.

Visa for Croatians to Ukraine 2025: types of Ukrainian visas and what kind of travel they are suitable for

Ukraine offers several types of visas depending on the duration and purpose of the stay:

– Short-term visa (type C) is suitable for trips lasting up to 90 days. It can be business (C01) or private (C02).

– Long-term visa (type D) is required for those who plan to stay for a long time for the purpose of work, study, family reunification or immigration.

– A transit visa is issued to those who are transiting through Ukraine. It can be single-entry or multiple-entry, but each entry must not exceed 5 days.

How to obtain a visa to Ukraine for Croatian citizens?

Step-by-step process for applying for a Ukrainian visa from Croatia

The visa application process consists of several consecutive steps. First, you need to determine what type of visa you need depending on the purpose of your visit. Then, fill out an online application form on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and register to submit your documents.

The next step is to collect a complete set of documents, which must include: a foreign passport, photos, insurance, proof of finances and the purpose of the trip.

You must submit the documents in person at the Embassy of Ukraine in Croatia. After that, you pay the consular fee (from 60 to 120 euros, depending on the urgency) and wait for a decision.

Package of documents for obtaining a Ukrainian visa

The list of required documents includes:

– valid foreign passport;

– completed visa application form;

– a 3.5 x 4.5 cm photo;

– reliable insurance with coverage of at least €30,000;

– confirmation of the purpose of the trip (invitation, contract, documents from a higher education institution);

– confirmation of financial support;

– receipt of payment of the consular fee.

Documents issued outside Ukraine must be legalised and translated into Ukrainian. In some cases, the consul may request additional documents or schedule an interview.

How long does it take to obtain a D visa to Ukraine?

The processing time depends on the procedure chosen. In urgent cases, it takes up to 5 working days, and in standard cases, up to 10. If additional checks are necessary, the period may be extended to 30 days.

What other documents are required to enter Ukraine besides a visa?

Obtaining a visa is only part of the process. For a long-term stay, you will also need:

– an invitation from the host party;

– confirmation of accommodation in Ukraine;

– an apostilled certificate of no criminal record;

– bank statements or other documents confirming financial solvency;

– basic medical insurance or a policy covering military risks.

These documents are required both when applying for a visa and when applying for a residence permit in Ukraine.

Is insurance required to enter Ukraine?

Yes, medical insurance is a mandatory requirement. The policy must be valid for the entire period of stay and issued either by a Ukrainian insurance company or a foreign company that has an agreement with Ukrainian partners.

We previously wrote about the current rules for obtaining insurance for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad.

Where can I quickly obtain insurance in Ukraine?

You can quickly and safely obtain an insurance policy on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Select the type of policy you need (with or without coverage for military risks), pay online, and instantly receive the document by email.

Visit Ukraine guarantees that the policy meets the requirements of border guards, convenient registration and 24/7 support.

Legal assistance with visas or immigration to Ukraine

When is legal assistance recommended?

Professional support will be especially useful in the following cases:

– when applying for a long-term D-type visa;

– when applying for a residence permit;

– when appealing a visa refusal;

– when obtaining official invitations;

– when preparing a complex package of documents;

– when moving for humanitarian or educational purposes.

Visit Ukraine is a team of experienced lawyers who specialise in visa and immigration support. They will help you avoid mistakes, save time and go through the procedures without stress.

Useful tips for Croatian travellers visiting Ukraine

- Safety first. Before travelling, be sure to check the latest information on the security situation, avoid visiting combat zones and follow the recommendations of local authorities.

- Contact the Croatian Embassy. Keep the embassy's contact details in Ukraine for emergencies: 51/50 Sichovykh Striltsiv Street; telephone: (+38 044) 489-87-30.

- Documents and insurance. Always carry your passport and proof of insurance covering medical care, including war risks.

- Cash and bank cards. It is better to have some cash in hryvnia and dollars with you, as well as active international Visa or MasterCard cards.

- Transport and travel. Use official taxis or apps, avoid questionable routes, especially at night.

- Language and culture. Ukrainians are very hospitable, but knowing basic phrases in Ukrainian will help you communicate.

- Tickets. You can buy tickets to Ukraine by plane, train or bus on the Visit Ukraine portal. See the schedule and book at the link.

- Book hotels here. Rules for renting an apartment in Ukraine for foreigners are in this article.

- Car rental. To feel more mobile while travelling in Ukraine, we recommend renting a car.

- Volunteering. Read this article to find out how to come to Ukraine as a volunteer.

- Souvenirs. Stylish clothing and accessories to remember Ukraine by can be found here.

We wish you a pleasant journey!

Reminder! From the picturesque Carpathian Mountains to historic cities and the warm Black Sea, Ukraine is ready to surprise you with its hospitality, nature, and unique experiences. But for your trip to be truly successful, it is important to plan it correctly. We have already told you how to properly organise a trip to Ukraine in 2025.

Photo: Shutterstock

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We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

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