New Zealand entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders need a visa to visit New Zealand in 2026. Apply online for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel — it covers tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NZeTA applicationNZeTA: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority — required for visa-exempt visitors. Apply at immigration.govt.nz or via the NZeTA app ($17 NZD). Takes minutes to approve. Electronic Travel Authority | Apply for your NZeTA before you fly. The fee is $17 NZD via the app or $23 NZD via the website, plus the $35 NZD International Visitor Levy. Approval usually takes minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.Apply for NZeTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in New Zealand. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by New Zealand Immigration, but some airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservations or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There is no set minimum, but $1,000 NZD per month is a safe benchmark if asked. | Recommended |
Apply for NZeTA early
Don't wait until the last minute. While most applications are approved within 72 hours, some can take longer. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
Biosecurity is strict
New Zealand has some of the world's strictest biosecurity laws. Declare any food, plants, animal products, or outdoor gear (hiking boots, tents). Fines for undeclared items start at NZD 400.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for NZeTA online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website or download the NZeTA mobile app. Fill in your details, pay the fee (around NZD 9–12), and wait for approval. Most applications are processed within 72 hours, but apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Save confirmation emails and screenshots on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport
At check-in, show your passport and NZeTA approval. The airline will verify your eligibility to board. Have your return ticket and accommodation details handy.
4
Go through immigration in New Zealand
At Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airports, join the queue for foreign passport holders. An officer will scan your passport, check your NZeTA, and may ask about your plans. Answer honestly. You'll get a stamp or electronic entry record.
5
Collect your luggage and clear customs
After immigration, pick up your bags and go through customs. New Zealand has strict biosecurity — declare any food, outdoor gear, or animal products. Fines are steep for undeclared items.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor Visa (single entry)
Max stay9 months
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~$130 USD)
For tourism or visiting family. Must leave before expiry.
Visitor Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~$130 USD)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travelers.
Working Holiday Visa
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostNZD 420 (~$260 USD)
For Canadians aged 18-30. Allows work and travel.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 3,310 (~$2,050 USD)
For skilled workers with a job offer in New Zealand. Points-based system. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~$205 USD)
For full-time study at approved institutions. Allows part-time work. Must have acceptance letter.
Apply investor visa
Investor 2 Visa
4 years (leads to residency)
NZD 4,750 (~$2,950 USD)
For investors with NZD 3 million to invest in New Zealand for 4 years. Requires business experience.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| Visitor Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFee for applying to extend a visitor visa. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; overstaying can also lead to deportation. | NZD 100 (~$62 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through New Zealand
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in New Zealand, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or clearing immigration, a visitor visa is required.
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Christchurch Airport (CHC) · Wellington Airport (WLG)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Ross River virus)Low risk
Rare but present in some rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Auckland
Immigration New Zealand Auckland Office
Level 3, 46 Sale Street, Auckland 1010
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa applications and inquiries.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalWellington
LanguageEnglish, Māori
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.68 NZD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+12
vs New York+17h (EST) / +16h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+20h (PST) / +19h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — same as Australia. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout New Zealand.
Emergency numbers
Getting to New Zealand
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to New Zealand — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). It's an online visa waiver that costs around NZD 9–12 and is valid for up to 2 years for multiple visits. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
You can stay up to 3 months per visit. The NZeTA is valid for multiple entries over 2 years, but each stay is capped at 90 days.
Your NZeTA is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you'll need to apply for a new NZeTA with the new passport details.
No, the NZeTA does not allow extensions. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa (like a visitor visa) before your NZeTA expires.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a ticket to any country outside New Zealand. A one-way ticket won't work unless you have a residence visa.
You won't be allowed to board. Airlines check for valid NZeTA approval at check-in. Apply at least a week before to be safe.
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in New Zealand are high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance covers that and trip cancellations.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.