Costa Rica travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica as tourists for stays up to 90 days. You will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure and, in practice, proof of onward travel (a return or onward ticket) is often requested at check-in or immigration. Entry rules can change, so confirm with the Costa Rican embassy or your airline before you book.

The flight from Auckland takes about 16–18 hours with one stop, typically via the US or Australia. There is no direct service. Budget roughly NZ$100–250 per person per day depending on your travel style, plus flights.

Citizens of New Zealand can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days. The main conditions are a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds for your stay. You may also be asked to show a return or onward ticket at immigration.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or work, study, or volunteer, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban on re-entry. Always check the latest entry requirements with the Costa Rican consulate or your airline before departure.

New Zealand does not have an embassy in Costa Rica. The nearest New Zealand embassy is in Mexico City, Mexico, which covers Central America. For consular assistance, New Zealanders can also contact the New Zealand High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) 24/7 emergency line.

For visa or entry questions, contact the Costa Rican embassy in your region or the immigration authority (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería). For consular help while in Costa Rica, register with MFAT's SafeTravel service so the government can reach you in an emergency.

Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America. For a New Zealander, budget roughly NZ$100–150 per day for a backpacker, NZ$300–500 for mid-range, and NZ$800+ for comfort. These figures exclude international flights. A casado at a local soda costs about NZ$12–20, an Imperial beer NZ$5–9, and a guided park walk NZ$60–120.

International flights from Auckland typically cost NZ$1,500–2,500 return in 2026, depending on the season and how far ahead you book. Domestic flights within Costa Rica add about NZ$200 one way. Rental cars with mandatory insurance add NZ$80–200 per day.

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to Costa Rica. The typical route is Auckland to Los Angeles or Dallas, then a connection to San José (Juan Santamaría International Airport, SJO). Total travel time is about 16–18 hours plus layover, so plan for a full day of travel each way.

Book early for the best prices, especially for travel during Costa Rica's dry season (December to April) and New Zealand school holidays. Use the flight-time planner to compare routes and time differences.

Costa Rica uses 120V, 60Hz electricity, the same as the US and New Zealand. Outlets are type A and B (two flat pins, with or without a ground pin). New Zealand uses type I plugs, so you will need a travel adapter for most devices. Voltage is compatible, so no converter is needed for NZ appliances.

Power outages are rare but can happen in rural areas. Bring a power bank for long bus rides and tours.

A 10% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills, so an extra tip is not expected but is appreciated for good service. Tour guides often receive tips of US$5–10 per person per day. Taxi drivers and hotel staff do not expect tips, though rounding up is common.

In sodas (local eateries) and small businesses, tipping is not customary. Check your bill: the service charge and 13% VAT are typically already included.

In Costa Rica, the universal emergency number is 911, which works for police, fire, and medical emergencies. For non-emergency police, call 117. The tourist police (Policía Turística) can be reached at 2299-5800 (check). For consular help, contact the New Zealand embassy in Mexico City or MFAT's 24/7 emergency line.