New Zealand Visa RequirementsFor Costa Rica passport holders
Costa Ricans must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or Visitor Visa before travel. The online application costs approximately NZD 275 (USD 170) and allows stays of up to 90 days.
Costa Rica passport holders require a visa to enter New Zealand.
Apply online at immigration.govt.nz. The fee is approximately NZD 275 (about USD 170) including the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Processing takes 1-3 days for NZeTA or up to 4 weeks for a visitor visa. Applications must be submitted before boarding your flight.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
Online Visa/NZeTA Application
Completed application at immigration.govt.nz.
Online Visa/NZeTA Application
Completed application at immigration.govt.nz.
Visa/NZeTA Fee
Payment of approximately NZD 275 (USD 170) including IVL levy.
Visa/NZeTA Fee
Payment of approximately NZD 275 (USD 170) including IVL levy.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from New Zealand within the authorized stay.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from New Zealand within the authorized stay.
Proof of Funds Recommended
Evidence of sufficient funds for the visit.
Proof of Funds Recommended
Evidence of sufficient funds for the visit.
Required at Entry
Passport with Approved Visa or NZeTA
Original passport matching the approved authorization.
Passport with Approved Visa or NZeTA
Original passport matching the approved authorization.
Biosecurity Declaration
Declaration card completed on the aircraft listing all food and plant products.
Biosecurity Declaration
Declaration card completed on the aircraft listing all food and plant products.
Current Travel Situation
Costa Rica to New Zealand: What You Need to Know
New Zealand requires either an NZeTA or visitor visa for Costa Rican passport holders. The NZeTA is a simpler online application available to certain nationalities. Verify whether Costa Rican citizens qualify for NZeTA or need a full visitor visa at the Immigration New Zealand website.
How to Get There
Australia is the natural companion to New Zealand, though Costa Ricans also need a visa for Australia. Fiji is nearby and accessible by air (Costa Ricans may need a visa - check Fiji Immigration).
Money & Banking
Costa Rica uses the Colon (CRC). New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted throughout New Zealand. New Zealand is moderately expensive for accommodation and activities.
Practical Tips
New Zealand is a long-haul destination requiring 15+ hours of flying from Costa Rica. The North Island (Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington) and South Island (Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford Sound) offer completely different landscapes. A campervan or self-drive tour is a popular way to explore. Hobbiton (for Lord of the Rings fans) requires advance booking. New Zealand has strict biosecurity - declare all food and plant products on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Costa Ricans need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Yes. Costa Rican passport holders require either an NZeTA or a Visitor Visa to enter New Zealand. Apply online at immigration.govt.nz before your flight.
Do Costa Ricans need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Yes. Costa Rican passport holders require either an NZeTA or a Visitor Visa to enter New Zealand. Apply online at immigration.govt.nz before your flight.
How much does the New Zealand visa cost for Costa Ricans?
The total cost is approximately NZD 275 (about USD 170), which includes the visa or NZeTA fee plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
How much does the New Zealand visa cost for Costa Ricans?
The total cost is approximately NZD 275 (about USD 170), which includes the visa or NZeTA fee plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
What is the NZeTA?
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a simpler online authorization for eligible nationals. Check immigration.govt.nz to confirm whether Costa Rican citizens qualify for NZeTA or need a full visitor visa.
What is the NZeTA?
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a simpler online authorization for eligible nationals. Check immigration.govt.nz to confirm whether Costa Rican citizens qualify for NZeTA or need a full visitor visa.
How long can Costa Ricans stay in New Zealand?
Up to 90 days per visit on a visitor visa or NZeTA.
How long can Costa Ricans stay in New Zealand?
Up to 90 days per visit on a visitor visa or NZeTA.
Does New Zealand have strict biosecurity rules?
Yes. New Zealand has very strict biosecurity rules to protect its unique ecosystem. Declare all food, plant products, and outdoor equipment. Failure to declare can result in fines. All luggage is X-rayed and may be inspected.
Does New Zealand have strict biosecurity rules?
Yes. New Zealand has very strict biosecurity rules to protect its unique ecosystem. Declare all food, plant products, and outdoor equipment. Failure to declare can result in fines. All luggage is X-rayed and may be inspected.
What are the top experiences in New Zealand?
Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, Queenstown adventure activities, Rotorua Maori culture and geothermal activity, Hobbiton movie set, and the Abel Tasman coastal track.
What are the top experiences in New Zealand?
Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, Queenstown adventure activities, Rotorua Maori culture and geothermal activity, Hobbiton movie set, and the Abel Tasman coastal track.
How do I get from New Zealand to Australia?
Flights from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane take 3-4 hours. Note that Costa Ricans also need a separate Australian visa.
How do I get from New Zealand to Australia?
Flights from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane take 3-4 hours. Note that Costa Ricans also need a separate Australian visa.