New Zealand Entry Portal 2026
Canada 🇨🇦 New Zealand 🇳🇿
Canada to New Zealand Visa Guide
Official 2026 entry protocols for Canadian citizens. From 90-day visa-free social visits (via NZeTA) to the 23-month Working Holiday pathway.
| Travel Path | Document Needed | Max Stay | 2026 Key Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Visit / Social | NZeTA + IVL | 90 Days | NZD 117 (App) / 123 (Online) |
| Working Holiday (417) | WHA Approval | 12 - 23 Months | NZD 770 |
| Student (Long-Term) | Student Visa | Course Length | Varies + IVL Fee |
1. Tourism & Short-Term Visits NZeTA Required
Canadian citizens do not require a traditional visitor visa for stays up to 90 days, but must obtain an **NZeTA** (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
- Application: You must request the NZeTA online or via the mobile app before traveling. Approval can take up to 72 hours.
- IVL Levy: From October 2024, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is **NZD 100** per person, paid during the NZeTA request.
- Validity: The NZeTA is valid for multiple visits for up to **2 years**.
- Passport: Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from New Zealand.
2. Working Holiday (International Experience) Up to 23 Months
A special bilateral agreement allows young Canadians to work and holiday in New Zealand for an extended period.
- Eligibility: Must be a Canadian citizen aged **18-35** (inclusive).
- Stay Duration: You can apply for a 12 or 23-month visa. If you choose 23 months, you must provide medical and chest X-ray certificates.
- Funds: You must show proof of at least **NZD 4,200** in savings for your living expenses.
- Study: This visa allows you to study or train for a total of up to 6 months.
3. Traveller Declaration (NZTD) Mandatory
All travelers, including Canadians, must complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration before arriving.
- Timing: You can submit the declaration a maximum of **24 hours before departure**.
- Submission: Complete it online or via the NZTD mobile app. It is free to complete.
- QR Code: You will receive a QR code or confirmation which you must show at border control.
4. Border Security & Customs Strict
New Zealand has some of the world's strictest biosecurity laws to protect its environment.
- Declarations: You must declare all food, plant material, and animal products. Failure to declare "risk goods" can lead to an instant **NZD 400 fine**.
- SmartGates: Canadians with biometric passports (12+) can use automated eGates for faster immigration clearance.
- Onward Travel: You must have proof of an onward or return ticket to a country you have the right to enter.
© 2026 Global Visa Guide | Verified via Immigration New Zealand & Customs NZ Official Data.