New Zealand eTA Requirements for Canadian passport holders
At present, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and Canada are part of the New Zealand Visa Waiver Agreement. Travellers bearing a passport from any of the aforementioned countries are allowed to visit New Zealand for up to 3 months without having to apply for a visa. However, in order to enter the country they require:
- an undamaged, presentable passport with a clear photograph
- either a return flight home or an onward ticket to a destination where they have permission to enter
- a passport with an expiration date at least three months after the departure from New Zealand
- proof of funds to cover all travel expenses for the duration of stay in New Zealand
- compliance to stay for no longer than the time granted
Who needs a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
- All eligible nationals coming to New Zealand by cruise ship
- Crew members of cruise ships and airlines: a special 5-year employment eTA should be requested by the employer on behalf of the crew. In this case, employers can use the bulk upload feature to submit multiple applications.
- Bearers of Australian Permanent Residency
- All eligible travellers transiting through New Zealand’s Auckland International airport, regardless of that being their final destination
Canadian nationals needn’t apply for a visa when travelling to New Zealand if:
- going for short-term business or tourism purposes (no longer than 3 months)
- not intending to carry out medical consultation/treatment during their stay in New Zealand
The countries currently part of the New Zealand visa waiver scheme are:
EU Countries (including the United Kingdom):
Non-EU Countries:
Countries whose passport holders can enter New Zealand through Auckland for transit purposes (transit window under 24 hours) without having to apply for a visa:
Who does NOT need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
- Foreign nationals who either need or currently bear a visa to visit New Zealand
- Australian passport holders
- New Zealand passport holders or New Zealanders travelling with a foreign passport that identifies the bearer as a citizen of New Zealand
- Passengers and crew members of non-cruise vessels
- Crew members of cargo ships registered outside New Zealand
- Visiting members of military and crew
- Foreign nationals registered in The Antarctic Treaty
- Invitees of the Government of New Zealand
How does the New Zealand Visa Waiver Program work
The New Zealand Visa Waiver scheme allows citizens of various countries, including Canada, to enter and travel in New Zealand without the need to apply for a Visitor Visa. Those eligible to the program have nonetheless to comply with general conditions of entry, as well as fill up a Passenger Arrival Card prior to landing in New Zealand. Canadians and other foreign travellers under the visa-waiver program may stay in New Zealand for no longer than 90 days for business or tourism trips. British passport holders, on the other hand, are granted a 180-day permit when visiting New Zealand.
In order to be eligible for entry to New Zealand under the visa-waiver program, travellers require:
- a valid passport from one of the countries in the Visa Waiver Program
- relevant and presentable travel documents
- either a return flight to the country of origin or an onward ticket to a third country where the traveller is allowed to enter. While those applying for a regular Visitor Visa need to show a proof of funds to buy such tickets upon application, those eligible to a visa-waiver must have a reserved seat prior to leaving for New Zealand.
- proof of funds to back up expenses during stay in New Zealand
- a filled out New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card acknowledging and assuring the traveller to be of good character and health
The New Zealand Passenger Arrival card is available at all airports in New Zealand.
All Canadian nationals who are unsure about their visa requirements or have further inquiries about how to apply for a New Zealand visa may reach out to one of the following:
- The Immigration New Zealand website has reliable information regarding all New Zealand visas.
- Contact the New Zealand Immigration Contact Centre (ICC) by phone or email. The centre is open 24/day, 365 days a year and its multilingual staff are able to answer all questions related to immigration regulations and visa procedures.
- For visa procedure-related questions, contact the Visa Acceptance Centre (VAC) in Washington DC ttsnzvisa.com.
Reasons behind the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
Considering that the number of annual visitors is nearly the same as the number of permanent New Zealand residents, the Government of New Zealand aims to optimize the country’s current Entry/Exit system by employing the new Electronic Travel Authority system. Many visitors who cross New Zealand’s borders aren’t required to apply for a formal New Zealand visa before entering the country, which means that a relevant percentage of travellers come into the country without providing detailed information about themselves or their travel plans. With that, New Zealand authorities have understood the need to improve the management of the country’s border security through a more effective entry procedure.
The New Zealand eTA will work on the basis of a pre-screening of travellers even before they depart their home country for New Zealand. By implementing such system, New Zealand authorities will be able to collect information on prospective visitors, verify it against other databases to assess security risks, and thus mitigate immigration-related threats that have been experienced in the past. Moreover, the information gathered by the eTA application process will assist New Zealand border officials with determining the trustworthiness of foreigners arriving in New Zealand. Consequently, the New Zealand Government hopes that this pre-registration system will improve the travel experience of those travellers eligible to enter New Zealand.