Citizens of USA, Australia, Canada, UK, and New Zealand only need a valid passport to enter all EU 
countries and the 25 countries that are in the Schengen Agreement which don’t have border controls between them. They can stay up to 90 days within a six month period. After it expires they have to leave the zone and may re-enter only after 3 months.
UK and Ireland citizens can stay in EU countries as long as they would like, however if they want to work long term or live there permanently they will need to fill out some paperwork.
Other nationals can apply for a Schengen Visa at the consulate or embassy of your first entry point. Shop around because for your main entry point because they all have different rates for the Schengen Visa. It is valid up to 90 days within a six month period. You will have to leave the zone and may re-enter only after 3 months.
Regular transit visas are usually cheaper than tourist visas because they are for a short stay 1-5 days and may not be allowed to extend longer. Always carry extra copies of your passport photo if you plan on entering another country because they may require up to 4 for each entry.
It is usually cheaper to get a visa before you arrive. Consulates usually have better rates than at the Embassies. However, the express service may charge you a hefty 50-100% surcharge. They are usually open weekday mornings.
Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Visas in General:
Visa is a document issued by a country’s government allowing the holder to enter. Regulations often change. You can get a Visa before you leave home, or some countries allow you to purchase a visa in a neighboring country through their embassy. Some even allow you to purchase it at the airport right before you take off/arrive. Some visas are valid from when they are issued, but some visas let you enter in your arrival dates if it is within a month. Depending on your location and if you are buying in person the cost can depend on the mood of the worker issuing it and your negation skills. Do your research and come prepared.
Rates: differ depending on your nationality. The price can fluctuate depending on where you buy the Visa from, online may be less expensive than a consulate, embassy or at the airport, so look around for the best price. Depending on the country you are entering, you may even be able to negotiate prices. Some will let you pay in another currency than their own, but you may be charged extra fees. If you go over the expiration date you can be charged a hefty fine. For more than 60 days overstay travelers risk deportation or imprisonment.
Requirements: Most customs require seeing your passport and it must be valid for up to 6 months before entering/departing their country. They usually like to see at least 2 unused pages in your passport. Pay special attention to international flight routing. Some countries require visas for transiting through their airports, even if you are just passing through en route to another country.
Time of Issuance: Some Visas are issued within minutes, and others can take 1-6 business days or longer depending on your situation. Some entry points require up to 6 copies of your passport. If you are in a populated city they may not charge extra, but if you are going remote it is a good idea to make copies before you leave home.
Extensions: Depending on the Visa you may be able to apply for an extension if you need one. Or if you are in a rush you may be able to pay extra for an expedited Visa.
Visa Types: There are different kinds of Visas. Some are for a single entry and others are for multiple entries, if you want to leave the country and come back within a time frame. They have Tourist/Visitor Visas, Student Visas, Artist/Entertainer Visas, Religious Worker Visas, Transit Visas, Immigrant Visas and more.
