The New Zealand Visa for Canadian citizens

Updated on Sep 13, 2024 | New Zealand eTA

Only travelers from visa waiver countries have the privilege to apply for NZeTA. It is an electronic visa, under the visa waiver scheme of New Zealand. The NZeTA was introduced in October 2019, allowing travelers to enter the country for reasons related to transit, tourism and business.

Travelers who belong to a visa-waiver nation are granted to obtain the NZeTA, which is a travel authority launched by the New Zealand government, under the visa-waiver scheme which is a short-stay scheme.

New Zealand is filled with beauty, the land is home to some of the majestic mountain ranges, rich vegetation, exotic wildlife, Lord of the Rings scenic backdrop, enchanting winelands and rich cultural heritage. So, if you are planning to discover New Zealand, you need to obtain the NZeTA in advance.

Travelers applying for the NZeTA, you have to fill the form online wherein, you have to fill basic details, passport information, some secret questions to qualify you like whether you have been convicted in the past, serious health issues or have been deported in the past, answer each of the questions honestly. Once the NZeTA is approved you can visit New Zealand for unlimited times for two-years, but each stay is limited for 3 months (90 days).

Canadians can apply for the NZeTA, which is a quick and easy process, they can visit the county for multiple-times for two-years.

New Zealand Visa (NZeTA)

So the NZeTA is a travel authority launched for visa-waiver countries by the immigration of New Zealand, the travelers coming from visa-waiver countries and cruise ship passengers from any nation should get the approved NZeTA before they enter the nation. From the time the NZeTA was introduced it has been able to strengthen the border security and enhance smooth entry for the travelers, thus making it easy for both the immigration department and the travelers to have a convenient experience.

By making the NZeTA compulsory, the immigration department works towards making the border control strict, smoothening the way for permitted travel, reducing the risk of illegal travelers and pre-screening the travelers based on their health and character.

Who is eligible to apply for NZeTA?

The NZeTA is applicable for only designated visa-waiver country travelers, but those fulfilling the following eligibility criteria can apply:

  • Travelers from visa waiver countries who want to visit for short-stays.
  • Passengers transiting (layover or stoppage) through New Zealand who are from transit visa waiver countries.
  • Travelers from any nation entering New Zealand by cruise ship
  • Crew members of cruise ship and flights who are working

Who are the fortunate travelers who do not need NZeTA?

Travelers who are granted to visit New Zealand without having to obtain the NZeTA, the lucky travelers are listed below:

  • New Zealand visa thats valid
  • Foreign passport holders who have valid New Zealand citizen declaration
  • Australian citizens who are traveling to New Zealand with Australian passport
  • Passport holders with New Zealand passport
  • Members of countries who are a part of the Antarctic Treaty
  • Member of military forces who are working in the armed forces and are traveling on duty

Do Canadians Need a Visa to Visit New Zealand?

Canadians do not need to obtain the New Zealand visa, but they have to obtain the NZeTA in order to visit the country. This travel authority allows official entrance into New Zealand. Only the travelers belonging to a visa-waiver country can apply for the NZeTA. Canadian citizens, if they want to visit New Zealand for short-stays related to business, transiting or tourism can apply for the NZeTA instead of applying for the New Zealand Visa.

What is NZeTA? How does it help the Canadian Nationals?

The NZeTA is a travel authority visa which was introduced to maintain the security of the country and at the same time help the minor communities to revive and for developing the tourism infrastructure of the country. Canadians are a part of the visa-waiver scheme, they can apply for the NZeTA, this travel authority gets connected to the passport and offers convenient official entry into the nation.

So, Canadians who are interested in visiting New Zealand can apply for the NZeTA instead of a regular visa for enjoying short-visits for purposes related to transiting, tourism and business meetings.

The NZ visa for Canadian citizens offers a validity period of two years which allows multiple visits, but each stay has a duration of maximum 3 months (90 days). Those wanting to visit New Zealand for short stays, opt for this travel authority.

Do Canadians need to obtain the NZeTA to visit New Zealand?

NZ visa for Canadian citizens, travelers who simply have to visit the nation for short-stays can opt for the electronic visa, they simply need to have a passport from a visa waiver country. So, with the approved NZeTA, travelers can stay for 3-months, they cannot extend it at any cost. And the travelers can utilize the NZeTA for travel related to:

  • Tourism activities, travelers who desires to explore the country
  • Business activities like attending meetings, events, seminars, conferences, etc. It should not involve earning income.
  • Passengers who are only transiting (layover or stop) through the International Airports in New Zealand.

NZeTA Regulations for Canadians Traveling to New Zealand

As mentioned earlier the NZeTA can be applied by the Canadian citizens to enter New Zealand, based on the prerequisite reasons:

  • Passengers who are from transit visa-waiver countries, transiting or who have a stoppage in New Zealand.
  • For exploring the sightseeing places of the nation, travelers can opt for NZeTA for tourism purposes.
  • Business travelers who are from visa-waiver countries, if they have business activities like attending conferences, events and meetings.
  • Cruise ship passengers, despite their nationality or whatever their visa status is, are required to apply for the NZeTA, if arriving by cruise ship.
  • Crew members who are working on flight or cruise ship
  • Those travelers who are Permanent residents of Australia, but are not the citizens of Australia are required to obtain the NZeTA.

How can travelers apply for the NZeTA to New Zealand from Canada?

NZ Visa for Canadian Citizens, those who are planning to apply for the NZeTA, they simply need to visit the website and fill the form online. Here is a brief step-by-step guide to help you fill the form online:

  • Applicants visit the site and apply for the NZeTA, herein you have to fill in details like your nationality, passport number, passport issuing country, passport issuing date and expiry.
  • Fulfill filling other important details like your last name, middle in case you have, date of birth, etc.
  • Answer honestly basic eligibility questions like have you ever been convicted, are you traveling for medical treatment, have you ever been deported, etc.
  • Upload the scanned copy of your passport size photo, while uploading do follow the important photo requirements.
  • Before submitting the form, it is important to check that the details are filled correctly, if you are sure, click on the confirmation button.
  • Next is the declaration page, wherein you have to declare that the details you have entered are correct and that you agree to the terms of the declaration, simply declare by clicking on the button.
  • When you declare the application, you will be taken to the payment page, where you will have to make the NZeTA and IVL (tourism levy) fees with your credit/debit card.

Applied for the NZeTA? Wondering how you will receive the approved NZeTA?

If you have filled all the details correctly and provided genuine documents, then your NZeTA will be approved, you will receive the approved NZeTA by email which you have provided during the filling of the form. The applicant should provide a working email address. Also, all the information regarding the NZeTA will be communicated by the provided email address and SMS.

The approved NZeTA will be mailed to you within 72 hours (3 days) business working days, if everythings goes well.

READ MORE:
Travelers who have to visit New Zealand for short-stays related to important and leisure purposes like vacations, business activities and transiting, should Apply For NZ eTA with the Online New Zealand Visa Application, this is offered to only visa-waiver country citizens. Travelers not belonging to a visa-waiver country should apply for a normal visa.

How can we check the status of NZeTA?

Those applicants who have applied for the NZeTA and anxiously want to know the status of the electronic visa, don't worry, whatever the status is you will be mailed and an sms will be sent too. However, applicants can also check the status of NZeTA online by logging in and entering the reference number, based on the current state, it will be shown as approved, declined and pending.

What to do post-approval of your NZeTA application?

If the NZeTA application is accepted, and that you have filled in the details correctly and completely and provided genuine documents, you will receive the NZeTA in your mail ID. The NZeTA is linked to your passport, you don't have to visit the embassy for stamps in the passport.

What is the NZeTA Processing Time?

After submitting the NZeTA, applicants have to wait for 72 hours (3 days) working days. The immigration department officials will verify your application, based on the details filled and documents submitted, you will get the final result. The applicant should ensure filling the application form completely and accurately, as to avoid unwanted delays and rejection.

What to do next when your NZeTA is not approved?

If your NZeTA is not approved, you will be notified via email, the reason for your rejection. You can check the reason for your rejection, try filling the application and provide the details and documents correctly which you have failed to provide in your previous application. Travelers can choose to apply for the regular visa. In case you need help, applicants can check out the helpdesk for guidance.

Have you received your approved NZeTA? Planning to visit New Zealand, what are the list of documents?

Canadians with the approved NZeTA, planning to visit New Zealand, should carry the following documents as they need to show when they arrive in New Zealand:

  • Printed and digital copy of approved NZeTA.
  • Valid Canadian passport.
  • Return ticket or onward ticket if transiting through the country
  • Canadian citizens traveling to New Zealand need to have a minimum NZ$1000 to support his stay.
  • Accommodation or places you will be staying.
  • Canadian citizens must have travel health insurance.
  • New Zealand Traveller Declaration (or Passenger Arrival Card), declare the biosecurity risk items, which the immigration department of New Zealand considers to be biosecurity risk.
  • In case of plans to drive in New Zealand, travelers must have a valid International Driver's License/ International Driving Permit. 
  • Present documents in support of your visa for purposes like transiting, tourism or business activities.

Note:

The traveler should bring the passport, which they have used to apply for the NZeTA, as the NZeTA gets automatically connected so when you enter or leave the country you have to present the same passport.

READ MORE:
From 1st October 2019, travelers from visa-waiver countries are permitted to obtain the NZeTA, a travel authority which can be applied online. If you want to know more about this New Zealand Tourist Visa for Short-Term Travel read this article.

The NZeTA has certain conditions, what are they?

The important conditions laid-down by the NZeTA include:

  • This visa allows 90 days (3 months) short-stays related to transiting, tourism, and business activities.
  • Tourists are strictly not allowed to extend their stay for more than 90 days.
  • Tourists cannot use it for work, study, voluntary work, etc.
  • Travelers should not have serious health issues which are communicable or any criminal record, which may pose a threat to the society.

What is the number of days Canadian citizens are allowed to stay in New Zealand with the NZeTA?

The NZeTA validity period is of 2-years and allows unlimited entries into the nation, but the travelers should know that each visit has a limited stay of 3 months.

Are Canadian citizens permitted to renew or extend the NZeTA?

Canadians are not allowed to opt for extension or renewal of the NZeTA. The NZeTA allows a 90 days stay limit and you have to abide by the rules of the NZeTA. If the traveler extends the 90 days stay-limit or if the NZeTA expires, you will have to apply for a new NZeTA. Travelers are not allowed to overstay or extend their stay, doing so will lead to heavy fines, deportation and other legal issues. Those wishing to visit again should apply for a new NZeTA.

Are there any requirements to renew or extend the NZeTA?

There are no requirements for renewing or extending the NZeTA as travelers are not allowed to extend or renew the NZeTA.

How to renew or extend a NZeTA?

Canadians cannot extend or renew the NZeTA, you can apply for a new NZeTA when your current NZeTA expires or you have used the 90 days stay-limit.

Information related to the Address of New Zealand Embassies in Canada

The New Zealand government has one embassy and consulate office in Canada. The location of the New Zealand High Commission is at Ottawa in Canada.

Address of the New Zealand Embassy in Ottawa:

Ontario K2P 1L4, Suite 1401, 150 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Canada
Fax +1 (613) 238 5707
Phone: +1 613 238 5991

The New Zealand Consulate General is located in Auckland and provides consular services, in order to apply for visas, citizens will have to visit the New Zealand High Commission located in Ottawa.

Address of the New Zealand Consulate General in Vancouver:

Vancouver, 1050 W Pender St, BC V6E 3S7, Canada
Phone: +1 604 684 7388
Fax: +1 604 684 7333

Important information: New Zealand citizens living in Canada or traveling to Canada should register with the consulate or embassy, in order to get information and updates and get help during emergency situations.

Information related to the Address of Canadian Embassies in New Zealand

The Canadian government has one embassy and consulate office in New Zealand. The Canadian High Commission is situated in Wellington, New Zealand.

Address of the Canadian Embassy in Wellington:

Wellington 6011, Level 11/125 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 473 9577
Email: [email protected]

The Consulate General of Canada is located in Auckland and provides consular services, in order to apply for visas, citizens will have to visit the Canadian High Commission in Wellington.

Address of the Consulate General of Canada in Auckland:

48 Emily Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
​Email: [email protected]
Phone: +64 9 309 3690
Fax: +64 9 307 3111

Note: In addition to the embassy and consulate office, there are many Honorary Consuls located in New Zealand to assist the Canadians living in New Zealand.

What are the guidelines for Canadian Citizens to follow on arriving in New Zealand?

Canadian citizens with NZeTA when they finally land in New Zealand Airport, when they exit from the flight, they have to follow the sign leading towards the passport controls, here the immigration officials will verify your passport, check your NZeTA and the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (you must submit the NZeTA before landing in New Zealand airport).

When travelers fill the NZTD form and submit it, it automatically gets linked to the passport. So when your passport is scanned at the eGate, the NZTD gets verified as well. If you have filled in the hard copy, you can show that at the eGate.

What is the New Zealand Traveller Declaration?

To apply for the NZTD it is free and every traveler visiting New Zealand with the NZeTA should submit the NZTD form online or offline that is at least 24 hours before landing in New Zealand.

The main objective of NZTD is to collect important information from travelers, related to customs and biosecurity risk items.The initiative has helped the immigration of New Zealand to keep a check on the border security for the safety of the nation and allowing the travelers to enjoy a hassle-free entry into the nation.

At the customs control, Canadian citizens will have to deposit their personal items like mobile phones, laptops, tablets , powerbank, cameras, etc for scanning them. Sometimes the custom control officers may ask you to provide the password to check your phone, do not argue or hesitate to provide.

What are the important authorized designated ports of entry into New Zealand?

Canadian citizens traveling to New Zealand can enter the country through designated authorized immigration check points only, here is a list of some important ports:

  • Auckland Airport
  • Christchurch Airport
  • Wellington Airport
  • Queenstown Airport

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a NZeTA?

The NZeTA is a travel authority, it was initiated on 1st October 2019 to keep a tight check on border control and enhance the security of the country. The NZeTA automatically gets connected to the passport. But, the NZeTA is permitted for citizens belonging to visa-waiver nations. So citizens belonging to a visa-waiver nation before traveling into the nation, it is mandatory for them to get it approved

Why do Canadian citizens need a NZeTA?

Canadian citizens who are visiting New Zealand should get the NZeTA, for short stays for purposes related to business meetings, transiting and tourism. This can be applied by travelers traveling by both airline and cruise ship. If anyone fails to obtain the NZeTA, entry may be denied.

How to exit from New Zealand airport? What are the steps to follow?

If you are confused how to exit from the airport, here are the following steps to follow:

  1. When you exit from the plane, follow the line towards the passport controls, here your passport, NZeTA and NZTD will be checked.
  2. Next collect your baggage
  3. Follow the line towards the custom officials
  4. Here give your luggage for scanning
  5. Declare the biosecurity risk items
  6. If you do not have any biosecurity risk item, collect your baggage and exit from the airport

Note: At every point in the airport you have to present the passport, approved NZeTA.

Received your NZeTA? Want to change some details in your NZeTA, what are the changes you can and what you can't?

If you have received your NZeTA and you want to make some changes, here are some changes which you are allowed:

  • Applicants can make corrections like entering wrong spelling of your name, incomplete passport number, etc.
  • Updating the passport number, in case you have applied for a new passport.
  • Updating or proving the latest email address in use

Changes which the applicant cannot make:

  • Nationality of the applicant
  • State from which the passport was issued
  • Declaration answers
  • Change in the NZeTA type you have applied for, .i.e. you cannot change a transit NZeTA into a business NZeTA.

In case the traveler wants to update the above listed points, he has to apply for a new NZeTA. Travelers who have already received the NZeTA and have such issues, you can check out the helpdesk for guidance.

What will happen if you carry a biosecurity risk Item?

Travelers bringing biosecurity risk items will have to declare at the custom controls. The biosecurity department at the airport is very strict. They will inspect every item, if they think that the item does not possess any threat, you will be allowed to leave with the item. But in case they think that the item possesses risk, it will be taken for treatment and you will have to pay the treatment fees. You can collect the item later on a given date, but if the reports come as the item being at risk it will be destroyed.

What happens at customs and biosecurity checking?

At the customs control, you will have to submit your bag for biosecurity screening, after you have passed the passport control check-in process and collected your baggage. The luggage is checked in case you have any biosecurity risk item in your baggage. If they find any and you haven't declared the item, you are liable to pay a fine of NZ$400 instantly.

READ MORE:
Those tourists wishing for some adventurous camping activities in New Zealand, there are a few things that you should know to have a stress-free experience. Read this Tourist Guide to Camping in New Zealand if you want to add some thrill to your vacation.

What are the top-sightseeing sites in New Zealand that Canadians should definitely visit?

New Zealand is filled with endless enchanting places to visit, to make your travel plan easy we have listed some of the breathtaking serene and exotic places that are worth visiting.

Mount Cook National Park: This is the highest mountain peak of New Zealand and has the largest glaciers in the world. One of the important highlights of this peak is that it was in Mount Cook wherein Sir Edmund Hillary practiced climbing the mountain ranges so that he will be able climb Mount Everest (which is the highest peak in the world).

Rotorua: This place is filled with mesmerizing scenic views, hot springs, mud pools and the Maori village. One of the spotlight of this place is the Pohutu Geyser which erupts countless times on a daily basis.

Queenstown: It is popular for having many stunning tourist places and is often described as the adventure hub. The important places to visit here include the Kiwi Park, Queenstown Gardens, The Remarkables Ski Area, Skippers Canyon, bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, Shotover River for jet boating, etc.

Hobbiton: If you want to have the famous "Lord of the Rings" experience visit Hobbiton. This is the shooting place of the movie which was later converted into a Hobbit tourist spot to visit.

Auckland: This is one of the largest cities of New Zealand, wherein tourists can engage in cultural experience, visit beautiful attraction-sites and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Top interesting spots to visit in the region include Auckland Harbour Bridge, Auckland Museum, Sky Tower, and so on.

Tongariro National Park: This national park has 3 active volcanoes which are 500,000 years old and are still active till date. The sloped of the 3 volcanoes , i.e. Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe are used as ski slopes. Tourists can also engage in hiking in the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Waiheke Island: This is one of the serene and beautiful places which attracts tourists from around the world for its vineyards, stunning beaches and art galleries. If you want to visit Waiheke Island, you can enjoy a soothing short ferry ride from Auckland.

Franz Josef Glacier: It is one of the amazing places to visit, attracting the attention of the tourists who want to have some thrilling experiences like guided hiking to the Franz Josef Glacier or opt for a helicopter ride.

Travelers might also like to know

What is Glacier Hiking and which are the top places for glacier hiking in New Zealand?

Glacier hiking is one of the most adventurous and daring summer activities in New Zealand. The top enthralling places for Glacier hiking in New Zealand are:

  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing situated in North Island, which is a 4 hour drive from North of Wellington on State Highway 1
  • Fox Glacier National Park perched in the scenic South Island, which is a 4 hour drive from North of Queenstown on State Highway 6
  • Mount Cook National Park/ Aoraki situated in South Island, which will take around 3 hour if you drive from North of Queenstown on State Highway 8

Which place is popular as the adventure capital of New Zealand?

Queenstown is famous among adventure lovers for its spine-chilling adventures. Perched in between a vast glacier, it acts as an adventure ground. Thrilling adrenaline activities like paragliding, white water rafting, bungee jumping, sledging, river surfing, etc are available here.

Which part of New Zealand is considered to be the most beautiful?

Tongariro National Park, Milford Sound, Waikato River, Franz Josef Ranges, Napier, The Coromandel, etc are considered to be the most beautiful part of New Zealand.

Which is the cheapest month to book your tickets to New Zealand?

The peak season in New Zealand is the autumn season that starts from September to November, and the off season is in the months of May to June. In the month of May you can get some cheap flight deals.

What are the activities you should try for an action-packed experience in New Zealand?

  • A visit to Mount Doom in Tongariro National Park
  • Explore the Waipoua Kauri Forest, an amazing ancient forest
  • Enjoy kayaking underground in Waitomo
  • Explore the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve
  • Visit the fantasy land, Hobbiton

Besides the above fascinating places, there are many other places in New Zealand that you can visit and explore the natural wonders and engage in endless adventurous activities. Those tourists who are longing to visit this enchanting place, apply for the NZeTA, which apart from tourism is available for business and transiting through the country.

Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). Swedish citizens, Spanish citizens, Israeli citizens, Icelandic citizens and Bahrain citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA.

 
Apply NZeTA from Canada