Due to the continuous violence in Afghanistan, there has been a considerable rise of Afghan immigrants to Croatia in recent years. Most Afghans were given refuge in Croatia in a single year—more than 1,000—in 2021. Young guys from Afghanistan who come to Croatia in large numbers are looking for safety and better possibilities. As of January 1, 2023, Croatia is a part of the Schengen Region, consequently, all Schengen travel guidelines apply to Afghan residents who need to come to Croatia. Holders of Afghan international IDs need a Schengen visa to enter any European country inside the Schengen Zone.
Required paperwork
The following paperwork must be ready for your Afghan Schengen visa:
Application form
You must complete the Schengen visa application form with all the necessary details. Most Afghan embassies and visa bureaus have copies of the form available online, which may be downloaded, completed, and signed.
Passport
You should give both your unique Afghan visa and a copy, both of which should be valid for three months after you depart from the Schengen district. Also, your identification should have two clear pages and be under a decade old.
Identification photos
According to the Schengen visa picture requirements, you must submit two identification photos that were taken within the past six months.
Civil status certificate
Please provide proof of your civil status, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, family registration document, or death certificate (if applicable).
Proof of lodging
You must provide documentation of your hotel arrangements, your Airbnb reservations, or your plans to stay with relatives or friends.
A round-trip flight schedule
A reserved flight from Afghanistan to the EU and vice versa. You must also provide the tickets for any internal flights you take.
Medical travel insurance
A travel health insurance certificate that complies with the Schengen travel insurance standards must also be presented. For any unforeseen illnesses or injuries, you need medical coverage of EUR 30,000 per person.
Evidence of having paid the visa cost
The proof demonstrating that you have paid the necessary visa fee is also essential; without it, your application will not be completed.
Cover letter
A cover letter could also be needed in Afghanistan when applying for a Schengen visa. The purpose of your visa application, your travel plans, the length of your stay in the Schengen Area, and other details must all be included in the cover letter.
Copies of any prior Schengen visas (if any)
If you already had a Schengen visa when you applied for the new one, you must provide copies of that document.
Birth certificate
When a minor seeks a Schengen visa, the application packet must include their birth certificate and parental consent for solo or one-parent/legal guardian travel. Note that, in the case of children, both parents/guardians should sign the application form. One parent may sign in exceptional circumstances.
Proof of enough financial resources
To obtain a Schengen visa, provide original bank statements showing transactions spanning three to six months, along with proof of a consistent income source or current account balance.
Other paperwork
You may also need to provide the following paperwork depending on your job situation:
If employed
A copy of your work contract and an employer-issued certificate of yearly leave.
If independent contractor or self-employed
Business license (if necessary) and bank statements for a business.
If a student
University, college, or school transcript attesting to your enrollment. Your student ID card, an official university-stamped copy of the faculty registration certificate, and your grade transcript. Evidence of your parents’ financial stability or evidence of a job contract or sufficient funds to support your stay.
If you are retired
Provide a bank statement that details your pension for the last six months.
You may also like these articles:
Options of becoming a citizen of Croatia