Enter Croatia first (before Schengen zone) with dual-entry Schengen visa?

I am an Indian citizen and will be traveling to Croatia in a few days. I already have a multiple entry Schengen visa which is valid for the dates of my Croatia trip. However, my first destination from India will be Dubrovnik (Croatia) and after that I will depart for Schengen area (Austria).

Would I be able to enter Croatia before entering the Schengen zone?

Best Answer

From the VFS FAQ:

If you hold a valid Schengen uniform visa (C) for two or multiple entries, valid for all Schengen Area member states, whose period of validity covers your stay in Croatia, and if you have not used all of the days in the Schengen Area (i.e. you need to have at least one day left of the approved number of days; and at least one entry in case of a double-entry visa), you do not require an (additional) Croatian visa for transit through or intended stays in the territory of the Republic of Croatia not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.

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Can I enter Croatia with a Schengen visa?

Visa Requirements for Croatia for Holders of Schengen VisasTravellers holding a dual entry Schengen visa must have one unused entry if travelling to Croatia. Holders of a residence permit, or certain other types of visa issued by a Schengen Area country, can also visit Croatia without requiring an additional visa.

Should my first trip be to the country which issued my Schengen visa?

There is no general requirement that you must enter the Schengen Area through the country that issued your visa. Your main destination may be different than your first destination. To prevent complications, stick to your itinerary as best you can.

Can I travel to other Schengen countries with multiple entry visa?

Schengen visas allow to make one-entry, two-entries or multi-entries. With one-entry visa you can travel the Schengen area only once. It is indicated in your visa as \u201c01\u201d. With two-entries or multi-entries you can respectively travel to the Schengen area twice or several times during the visa validity period.

Can I enter Croatia with EU residence permit?

Third-country nationals who have a valid residence permits issued by a Schengen member state do not need a visa for stay in Croatia not exceeding 90 days in each 180-day period or for transit through Croatia.

Schengen Visa MULTIPLE ENTRY vs SINGLE ENTRY

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