Costa Rica passport → New Zealand

New Zealand visa for citizens of Costa Rica

eVisaNZeTA · Visitor (up to 3 months)

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for New Zealand and can apply online for an eVisa.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	eVisa · NZeTA · Visitor (up to 3 months)
How to apply	Fully online — no office visit
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	730 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	Up to 3 days
Government fee	NZ$17
Passport validity	At least 3 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Sufficient funds for stay (e.g., NZ$1,000 per month).

How to apply

1
Prepare documents
Have your passport, digital photo, debit/credit card, and travel details ready.
2
Go to the official NZ Immigration website
Visit immigration.govt.nz and select 'Apply for NZeTA'.
3
Complete the online application
Fill in personal details, passport info, and travel plans.
4
Upload digital photo
Upload a recent passport-style photo.
5
Pay the fee
Pay NZ$17 using a credit or debit card.
6
Submit and wait for approval
Most applications are processed within 72 hours.
7
Receive NZeTA by email
The NZeTA is sent as a PDF; keep it with your travel documents.
8
Travel to New Zealand
Present your NZeTA (printed or on phone) upon arrival.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid Costa Rican passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand.
Digital photo (passport-style)
Uploaded during application.

Travel

Travel itinerary or onward ticket
Evidence of onward travel from New Zealand.

Financial

Credit or debit card for payment
Used to pay the NZ$17 processing fee.
Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statements or credit card statements showing at least NZ$1,000 per month.

Supporting

Email address
For receiving the NZeTA confirmation.
Health / character declarations
Optional
May be requested if relevant medical or criminal history.

Good to know

You may transit without a visa at Auckland Airport for up to 24 hours if you meet character requirements and have obtained a NZeTA.
Holders of an Australian Permanent Resident Visa do not need a NZeTA for entry.

Common refusal reasons

Invalid or expired passport

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from New Zealand.

Insufficient funds

Provide bank statements showing at least NZ$1,000 per month of stay.

Criminal record or previous immigration issues

Disclose any relevant history truthfully; some issues may be waivable.

FAQ

Do citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for New Zealand?

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for New Zealand and can apply online for an eVisa. Visa type: NZeTA · Visitor (up to 3 months).

How long can citizens of Costa Rica stay in New Zealand?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the New Zealand visa cost for citizens of Costa Rica?

Government fee: NZ$17.

How long does New Zealand visa processing take?

Typically Up to 3 days.

What documents do citizens of Costa Rica need for New Zealand?

Valid Costa Rican passport; Digital photo (passport-style); Credit or debit card for payment; Email address; Travel itinerary or onward ticket; Proof of sufficient funds; and 1 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for New Zealand?

At least 3 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

Sources

immigration.govt.nz

Plan your trip to New Zealand

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