27.1% of the 2,615 Schengen applications made to Croatia from India in 2025 were refused — high refusal by Schengen standards.
Croatia strung a thousand islands along a jewel-blue Adriatic and topped it with walled Roman cities. Whether you're kayaking under Dubrovnik's ramparts or island-hopping the Dalmatian coast, the water is the main character.
Applying from India · the real numbers
High refusal- 2,615
- Applications
- 65.8%
- Approved
- 27.1%
- Refused
Handled by VFS Global. Consulates in New Delhi.
2025 figures · European Commission DG HOME (applications made in India). Across all applicants — not a forecast for your file.
Don't-miss places
- Old Town city wallsDubrovnik
- Diocletian's PalaceSplit
- Plitvice Lakes National ParkCentral Croatia
- Hvar & the Pakleni IslandsDalmatian Coast
- Roman amphitheatrePula
- Rovinj old townIstria
Things to do
- Walk Dubrovnik's medieval city walls
- Boat between the Pakleni Islands off Hvar
- Chase waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes
- Hunt truffles in Istria
What to eat
- Black cuttlefish risotto
- Peka (slow-cooked meat)
- Istrian truffles
- Fresh grilled fish
- Rožata custard
The culture
Fresh seafood, black risotto, truffle dishes in Istria, and excellent wine. Coffee culture is sacred and slow. Croatians are proud, warm, and fiercely attached to their coast and islands.
When to go
May–Jun and September for warm seas without the July–August peak crowds and heat.
Good to know
- Capital
- Zagreb
- Language
- Croatian
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Flight from India
- ~9-11 hrs (1 stop typical)
- Ideal trip length
- 6-8 days
Did you know? The necktie originated with Croatian soldiers, which is where the word 'cravat' comes from.
Croatia is a full Schengen member since 2023 and hugely popular in summer, so slots go quickly. Check your file before peak season.
Photo: Casco viejo de Dubrovnik, Croacia, 2014-04-14, DD 04 · Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons