View the full digital nomad guide for Croatia
Croatia
Zagreb
Portugal uses Eurodac and ESP to track non-EU travelers at Schengen borders
The EU has activated the first phase of the new Eurodac system and the European Search Portal to modernize border data infrastructure. These interoperable IT systems allow authorities to instantly verify biometric data and track entry/exit history for all non-EU travelers across the Schengen Area.
The small print in the limited validity ETIAS for humanitarian emergencies
The European Union has introduced a restricted ETIAS version for travelers with humanitarian needs or urgent obligations. This authorization is valid for a maximum of 90 days and only permits entry into the specific countries listed on the application.
EU confirms ETIAS will start in the last quarter for 60 nations
The European Union confirmed that the ETIAS pre-travel authorization system for visa-free nationals is now scheduled to go live in late 2026. Travelers from over 60 countries will eventually need this digital permit to enter the Schengen Area for short stays.
Croatia proposes raising accommodation tax to €150 per bed in top zones
The Croatian government is considering a 50% increase to the minimum annual flat-rate tax for private accommodation providers. This change could lead to higher nightly rates for digital nomads and slow-travelers who rely on family-run rentals and Airbnbs.
EU Single Digital Booking regulation grants tourists 50% refund for rail delays
On 2026-05-13, the European Commission proposed EU-wide rules to make cross-border rail travel easier, including single-ticket booking across multiple operators and stronger protection for missed connections. This matters for travelers and nomads using rail networks across Europe because it would reduce fragmentation and improve refunds, rerouting, and compensation.
EU gives travelers 14 days for cash refunds under revised directive
The updated EU Package Travel Directive took effect on 2026-05-27, strengthening refund, voucher, and insolvency-protection rules for package travellers across the EU. Nomads and expats who book package trips in Europe should note clearer complaint deadlines and better protections if an organiser becomes insolvent.
Croatia delays new rental registration rules for hosts and nomads until 2027
Croatian travel authorities have clarified that no new registration laws for holiday rentals have been enacted for the upcoming seasons. Digital nomads and medium-term visitors can continue booking Airbnb and other platform rentals under existing regulations without risk of cancellation or legal changes.
Croatia has collected EES biometric data from non-EU travelers since April 10
Croatia switched on the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) on April 10, with ETIAS authorization still due in autumn. Non-EU travelers and nomads now face biometric registration at all border crossings, with pre-travel screening to follow.
US maintains Level 1 travel advisory for Croatia nomads and tourists
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed Croatia remains at the lowest advisory level, requiring only normal precautions. This status reassures digital nomads and expats that there are no elevated security risks or nationwide travel restrictions currently in effect.
Croatia extends stay and work permits to 3 years for non EU expats
The Croatian parliament approved updates to the Foreigners Act, extending residence and work permit validity from one to three years. The law also introduces a Croatian language requirement for permit extensions and allows workers to switch employers more easily without a new permit.
Inside Croatia's Extended Stay Rules for Remote Workers
Croatia has seen a significant rise in digital nomad visa applications from non-EU citizens in 2024. In response to the demand, the government is considering extending the current 12-month permit duration to encourage longer stays for remote workers.