Canadian citizens need an NZeTA to enter New Zealand under the Visa Waiver Programme. The NZeTA costs NZD $17 via mobile app or NZD $23 via web portal, plus a mandatory NZD $100 IVL. Standard processing takes up to 72 hours; the NZeTA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
This article was last checked against Immigration New Zealand rules and the Canadian Government travel guidance on 11 September 2026.
NZeTA for Canadian citizens requires a valid Canadian passport (valid at least 3 months beyond departure), costs NZD $17 (app) or NZD $23 (web) plus NZD $100 IVL, and is processed within 72 hours. Apply via the mobile app or web portal before departure.
Our editor, a Canadian citizen, applied for an NZeTA from the UK in 2026. The app approval arrived in about 32 hours, and the most confusing part was the IVL payment being bundled with the NZeTA fee.
NZeTA Eligibility and Pre-Departure Checklist for Canadian Citizens
Required for all Canadian passport holders under the Visa Waiver Programme, covering tourism, business, and transit. The NZeTA for Canadian citizens applies to transit passengers at Auckland International Airport (airside, departing within 24 hours) and cruise ship passengers arriving at any New Zealand port. If you are only transiting airside through Auckland Airport for less than 24 hours and will not pass through border control, confirm whether the NZD $100 IVL applies to your itinerary; the NZeTA itself is still required.
Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand. Canadians who hold New Zealand citizenship, Australian citizenship or residency, or a valid New Zealand visa are exempt from the NZeTA for Canadian citizens requirement.
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Canadian passport | Valid at least 3 months beyond planned departure from NZ | ☐ |
| Confirmed return or onward ticket | Required by airlines and NZ border officials | ☐ |
| Proof of sufficient funds | NZD $1,000/person/month or NZD $400/month with pre-paid accommodation | ☐ |
| Individual NZeTA per traveller | Each traveller, including infants, requires a separate NZeTA | ☐ |
The NZeTA for Canadian citizens can be applied for from anywhere in the world, including the UK, via the NZeTA portal or mobile app.
Step-by-Step NZeTA Application Process and Cost for Canadian Citizens
Apply in 5 steps via mobile app (NZD $17) or web portal (NZD $23), plus a mandatory NZD $100 IVL. Use the app’s passport scanner to avoid typos, as incorrect passport numbers are the leading cause of delays. The NZeTA for Canadian citizens requires a valid passport, email address, and credit or debit card (Mastercard confirmed).
Traveller information
Enter personal details and Canadian passport data manually or via the app’s passport scanner.
Traveller photo
Upload a biometric photo (face visible); classified as biometric information used to assess your request.
Review and confirm details
Verify all entries for accuracy before submission.
Declaration
Declare any criminal convictions, deportations, or previous New Zealand immigration breaches.
Pay and submit
Pay by credit or debit card through the NZeTA portal.
| Fee Type | Mobile App | Web Portal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZeTA application fee | NZD $17 | NZD $23 | Paid at time of application |
| IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) | NZD $100 | NZD $100 | Funds tourism infrastructure and conservation |
| Total payable | NZD $117 | NZD $123 | Both paid together at checkout |
A family of four pays NZD $468 through the app. NZeTA for Canadian citizens fees are non-refundable, even if an application is denied or withdrawn. For comparison, Canada’s own eTA costs CAD $7 and is valid for 5 years; New Zealand’s NZeTA costs NZD $17 to $23 plus NZD $100 IVL and is valid for 2 years.
NZeTA Processing Time and Validity Period for Canadian Passport Holders
The NZeTA for Canadian citizens is processed within 72 hours, though complex cases involving character declarations may take longer. No fast-track or expedited service exists. If processing exceeds 72 hours, contact Immigration New Zealand at +64 9 914 4100 (international) or 0508 558 855 (NZ toll-free), Monday to Friday.
Once approved, the NZeTA for Canadian citizens is valid for 2 years with multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 3 months per visit and a maximum of 6 months total within any 12-month period. The NZeTA is linked to your passport number; a new passport voids it. No work or study rights apply under this authorisation.
| Feature | NZeTA | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay per visit | Up to 3 months | Up to 6 or 9 months |
| Validity | 2 years (multiple entries) | Varies (single or multiple entry) |
| Purpose | Tourism, business, transit | Tourism, business (extended) |
| Work rights | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Study rights | Not permitted | Permitted for a limited period |
| Cost | NZD $117 (app) / NZD $123 (web) | NZD $211+ |
Troubleshooting NZeTA Rejections and Travel Consequences
No NZeTA means denied boarding or border refusal, with no refund on fees paid. The NZeTA for Canadian citizens is mandatory for all Canadian passport holders.
- Denied boarding: Airlines will not issue a boarding pass without a valid NZeTA for Canadian citizens linked to the traveller’s passport.
- Common rejection reasons: Photo mismatch with passport, undeclared criminal history, or a previous New Zealand immigration breach.
- No edit function after submission: If details are incorrect, the applicant must re-apply from scratch; the original fee is non-refundable.
- Processing delays beyond 72 hours: Contact Immigration New Zealand at +64 9 914 4100 (international) or 0508 558 855 (NZ toll-free), Monday to Friday.
- Passport change: An approved NZeTA is linked to the passport number used at application; a new passport requires a completely new application.
FAQ: NZeTA for Canadian citizens
Do Canadian citizens need an eTA to visit New Zealand?
Yes, Canadian citizens need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), not an eTA. New Zealand uses different terminology.
Does a Canadian citizen need a visa for New Zealand?
No, Canadians are visa-waiver nationals. An NZeTA suffices for stays up to 3 months for tourism, business, or transit. A full Visitor Visa is needed only for stays over 3 months or work and study purposes.
How long does it take for an NZeTA application to be processed?
Standard processing is within 72 hours. Complex cases may take longer. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Can I enter New Zealand without an eTA?
No. Without a valid NZeTA, you will be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the New Zealand border.
How much does the NZeTA cost for Canadian citizens in 2026?
NZD $117 (app) or NZD $123 (web), including the NZD $100 IVL.
How long is the NZeTA valid for Canadian passport holders?
Valid for 2 years with multiple entries. Each visit is capped at 3 months, with a maximum of 6 months total within any 12-month period.
What happens if my NZeTA application is denied?
If denied, you will need to apply for a full Visitor Visa. Common reasons include mismatched photos, undeclared criminal history, or previous immigration breaches. There is no refund for denied applications.
Do I need a separate NZeTA for each family member?
Yes, every traveller including infants must hold their own individual NZeTA. A family of four pays NZD $468 via the mobile app.
Can I apply for an NZeTA from the UK as a Canadian citizen?
Yes. The NZeTA can be applied for from anywhere in the world via the mobile app or web portal.
What documents do I need to apply for the NZeTA?
A valid Canadian passport (valid at least 3 months beyond departure), a biometric photo, an email address, and a credit or debit card for payment.
Sources and Further Reading
This is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with Immigration New Zealand. For authoritative details, consult:
- Immigration New Zealand NZeTA portal:
- Immigration New Zealand main site:
- Government of Canada travel advice: travel.gc.ca
About the author: Our editorial team specialises in Canadian passport travel requirements and has held an NZeTA since 2026.
