Canada entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Kiwis. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | New Zealand passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing takes 2–4 weeks for most applicants. You will need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in New Zealand.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Canadian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservations, Airbnb confirmations, or a letter from your host in Canada. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a fixed itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing you have enough money for your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but around CAD $1,000–$2,000 per month is a safe benchmark. Officers may ask to see proof of funds if you look under-resourced. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can take weeks
Canadian visitor visa processing times are unpredictable. Apply at least 2-3 months before your planned departure. Don't book non-refundable flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand.
Biometrics required
You'll need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in New Zealand. This is a separate step after submitting your online application. Book an appointment as soon as you get the biometric instruction letter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the IRCC website and submit a visitor visa (TRV) application. You'll need to upload documents, pay the fee (CAD 100), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in New Zealand.
2
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 2-8 weeks. You can check your application status online. Don't book non-refundable travel until you have the visa.
3
Receive the visa sticker
If approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. It shows the validity dates and number of entries allowed.
4
Arrive at a Canadian port of entry
At the airport, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker. The border officer may ask about your trip, accommodation, and funds. Answer honestly and briefly.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
Cost$100 CAD (~$75 USD)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
Cost$100 CAD (~$75 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$100 CAD (~$75 USD)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs; requires medical insurance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | $100 CAD (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | $100 CAD (~$75 USD) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most visa applicants. | $85 CAD (~$64 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFee to apply for extending visitor stay. | $100 CAD (~$75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $200 CAD (~$150 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 Canada
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to transit through Canada if they have a valid visa or are from a visa-exempt country. However, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for air transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without an eTA under certain conditions.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (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 = 1.37 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
Yes. New Zealand is not visa-exempt for Canada. You must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before you travel. There is no eTA option for Kiwis.
Processing times vary, but typically 2-8 weeks. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website. Apply well in advance of your planned travel.
The application fee is CAD 100 per person. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) cost an additional CAD 85. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.
Yes, you can apply to extend your stay before your current status expires. The extension fee is CAD 100. You must show you still meet the requirements (funds, onward ticket, etc.).
You'll receive a letter explaining the reasons. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to New Zealand, or incomplete documentation. You can reapply after addressing the issues.
Yes, unless you qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program. New Zealand passport holders generally need a visa even for transit. Check with your airline before booking.
No. A visitor visa only allows tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. You cannot work or study for more than 6 months without the appropriate permit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.