Canada entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Canada in 2026. It's a quick online application — you'll get approved in minutes in most cases, so no need to visit an embassy. Just make sure you apply before you book your flight.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must get this approval before you travel – it’s linked electronically to your passport. Apply online before flying | New Zealand citizens need an eTA to board a flight to Canada. Apply at the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The eTA costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. It is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityCanadian border officials may refuse entry if your passport is close to expiring. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for your eTA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page for the border officer to stamp when you arrive. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page (not counting the endorsement pages) for entry and exit stamps. Ensure you have a clean, unmarked page available. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket helps show you’re a genuine visitor, not planning to stay permanently. May be requested at the border | Although not always required, Canadian border officers may ask to see proof that you intend to leave Canada before your 180-day stay ends. Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBorder officers want to see you can support yourself during your trip. May be requested at the border | You may be asked to show that you have enough money for your stay in Canada. There is no fixed amount, but you should have access to funds to cover accommodation, food, and other expenses for the duration of your visit. A recent bank statement or credit card is usually sufficient. | Recommended |
| Maximum stayOverstaying can lead to serious consequences, including being banned from re-entering Canada. Up to 180 days per visit | As a New Zealand citizen with an eTA, you can stay in Canada for up to 180 days per entry. This period is set by the border officer at entry and cannot be extended – you must leave before it expires. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don’t need to fill out any extra forms before you land – just have your passport and eTA ready. Not required | Canada does not require a separate arrival declaration for visitors from New Zealand. You will simply go through customs and immigration upon arrival. | Not required |
Apply early — even though it's usually instant
While most eTA applications are approved in minutes, some get flagged for extra review and can take a few days. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
No biometrics needed for eTA
Unlike a full visitor visa, the eTA doesn't require fingerprints or a photo. It's a purely online process — no embassy visit needed.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to https://eta.cic.gc.ca/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, contact info, and a credit card for the CAD $7 fee. Most people get approval by email within minutes.
2
Check your approval email
You'll receive a confirmation email with your eTA number. It's linked to your passport electronically — no need to print anything, but save the email as backup.
3
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At the airport, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Present your passport — the officer will scan it and see your eTA. They may ask about your trip, accommodation, and funds. Answer honestly and briefly.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor status valid for up to 180 days. Note the date — you must leave before it expires.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (TRV)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or until passport expiry
Cost$100 CAD (plus $85 biometrics)
For those who do not qualify for eTA; allows multiple entries.
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay5 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$100 CAD (plus $85 biometrics)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Canadian child or grandchild and proof of medical insurance.
Work permit (employer-specific)
Max stayVaries (up to 2-3 years typical)
ValidityDuration of job offer
Cost$155 CAD (plus $85 biometrics)
Requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA-exempt offer.
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityLength of program
Cost$150 CAD (plus $85 biometrics)
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
$155 CAD (~$116 USD) for work permit
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
$150 CAD (~$113 USD)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
$2,050 CAD (~$1,540 USD) for processing
For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and support from a designated organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory for air travel to Canada; valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry. | $7 CAD |
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feeOnly if you do not qualify for eTA (e.g., if you have a criminal record or are inadmissible). | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired if you need to apply for a visitor visa (TRV). | $85 CAD |
| Extension of stay (visitor record)To extend your stay beyond 6 months; apply before your current status expires. | $100 CAD |
| Restoration of statusIf you overstay and need to restore your visitor status within 90 days. | $200 CAD |
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 Canada
No transit visa needed
New Zealand citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. You do not need a transit visa if you are transiting through a Canadian airport to or from another country, provided you hold a valid eTA (if arriving by air) and meet normal entry requirements.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are inadmissible to Canada (e.g., criminal record), you may need a Temporary Resident Permit.
- If you plan to leave the sterile transit area or enter Canada, you must meet all entry requirements (eTA or visitor visa).
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer in southern regions.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in winter; dress warmly and limit exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
National headquarters; for inquiries only, not walk-in applications.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person appointments for certain services.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No — you need an eTA, not a full visa. It's a quick online application that costs CAD $7 and is usually approved in minutes. You can apply at https://eta.cic.gc.ca/.
You can stay up to 180 days per entry. The eTA itself is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
No, the eTA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Canada and re-enter, or apply for a different type of permit (e.g., work or study) before your status expires.
You'll receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include criminal history or incomplete information. You can reapply after addressing the issues, or apply for a full visitor visa at a Canadian embassy.
No — as a New Zealand passport holder, you don't need a transit visa. Your eTA covers air transit. If you're flying through a Canadian airport, just make sure you have your eTA approved before you travel.
No. An eTA only allows tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. You cannot work or study for more than 6 months without the appropriate permit.
Your eTA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new eTA before travelling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.