South Africa Grants 90-day visa-free Access to Croatian Citizens

South Africa has removed visa requirements for Croatian citizens, allowing entry on a visa-free basis for short stays, effective September 12, 2025. The move lets Croatian passport holders visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. It follows months of diplomatic work between Pretoria and Zagreb and is intended to make travel easier, lift two-way tourism, and support business ties between the two countries.

What the change means (overview)

The policy change applies to ordinary Croatian passports and comes with a built-in option to request one extension from inside South Africa. Travelers who need extra time can apply to extend their stay for another 90 days, provided the request is filed at least 60 days before the initial visa-free period ends.

The Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs announced the change on September 12, praising the step as proof of growing cooperation and stronger global reach for Croatian citizens who now enjoy wider access around the world without a visa.

Diplomatic background

Croatia’s top diplomat, Gordan Grlić Radman, was closely involved through his ministry and the Croatian Embassy in Pretoria. Officials say the process accelerated after South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, visited Zagreb in December 2024 for political consultations. That trip helped both sides close remaining gaps and agree on a timeline to lift the requirement.

The decision also aligns with South Africa’s role as G20 president, framing the policy as part of a broader effort to deepen connections with Europe while opening more doors for African trade and travel.

What changed for travelers and businesses

Before this shift, Croatian citizens had to apply for a visa in advance through South African diplomatic posts. That meant extra paperwork, costs, and planning time, which sometimes led travelers to choose other destinations.

Ending those hurdles is expected to:

• Draw more Croatian holidaymakers to Cape Town, the Garden Route, Kruger National Park, and the wine regions
• Make it easier for entrepreneurs and company teams to attend meetings, scout suppliers, and sign deals
• Symbolically strengthen bilateral ties and create new trade channels

Policy watchers note the new rules coexist with Croatia’s 2023 entry into the Schengen Area, but they are unrelated: South Africa is not part of Schengen and the exemption is a bilateral decision. Practically: Croatian citizens can now visit South Africa visa-free for 90 days (with one possible extension), while South African citizens still need a visa to enter Croatia and must apply through VFS centers or the Croatian Embassy in Pretoria.

Policy details and traveler requirements

South Africa’s visa waiver for Croatian citizens comes with clear, basic conditions. Officials stress that travelers should carry proper documents and comply with timelines if they want more time in the country.

• Length of stay: Up to 90 days visa-free
• Passport type covered: Ordinary passport holders
• Extension: One-time extension for another 90 days
• Extension timing: Apply at least 60 days before the initial period expires
• Passport validity: Must be valid for 30 days beyond the intended stay and have blank pages for entry stamps

Important: The South African Department of Home Affairs still controls entry decisions at the border. Visitors may be asked for return tickets, proof of funds, or hotel bookings. Overstays can lead to fines or bans.

Practical examples of benefits

• A Croatian couple visiting Johannesburg and the Drakensberg no longer needs to book a visa appointment or wait for processing.
• A small tech firm in Zagreb can send a team to a trade show in Durban, then continue meetings in Pretoria and Cape Town, without prior visa paperwork delays.

These changes reduce costs and save planning time—clear gains for short, time-sensitive trips that tend to move travel numbers.

Economic and sectoral impact

The visa policy change followed steady contact between the two governments over the past year, with the December 2024 consultations in Zagreb acting as a turning point. Croatian diplomats pitched the waiver as a way to increase tourism and support projects in sectors such as:

• Energy
• Food processing
• Shipping
• Tourism services

South African officials examined data on short-stay visitors, border management, and airline links to judge the expected impact. Analysts and industry sources (e.g., VisaVerge.com) note that countries lifting short-stay visa rules often see gains in hotel stays, restaurant spending, and mid-sized trade deals within the first year.

South Africa’s G20 presidency broadens the lens: for Croatia, deeper access to Africa’s largest industrial economy opens regional partnership routes often routed through Johannesburg. For South Africa, welcoming Croatian visitors is part of outreach to boost tourism and attract European investors.

How Croatian travelers should prepare

To make the most of the new rules, Croatian citizens should follow a few practical steps:

1. Check your passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 30 days beyond your planned departure and has enough blank pages.
2. Keep proof of trip: Carry a return/onward ticket, confirmed hotel bookings or an invitation letter, and proof of funds.
3. Mind extension timing: Apply for the 90-day extension at least 60 days before the original period ends if you need more time.
4. Respect work limits: Visa-free entry covers visits, tourism, and short business meetings — paid work requires a permit.
5. Monitor official updates: Always check the South African Department of Home Affairs before travel.

Also check transit rules for any connecting countries and retain records (invitations, registrations, schedules) for business travel in case border officers request details.

What remains the same for South African travelers to Croatia

This policy does not change rules for South Africans going to Croatia. South African citizens must still:

• Apply for a visa through VFS Global
• Or apply directly with the Croatian Embassy in Pretoria

Confirm document lists, fees, and processing times well in advance of travel.

Final takeaway

The main message is simple and practical: Croatian citizens can travel to South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days, with a single possible extension if applied for on time. Keep your paperwork organized, watch the deadlines, and enjoy the new freedom to plan short trips without the pre-travel visa process.