New Zealand ETA for the citizens of Canada: Complete guide

If you're a Canadian citizen planning to visit New Zealand for less than 3 months, you’ll need to apply for a New Zealand ETA (Electronic Travel Authority).

The great news for Canadian citizens is that the New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) application can be completed entirely online through our platform.

Find out more in this article.

What are the New Zealand ETA requirements for Canadians?

Applying for a New Zealand ETA from Canada is simple. Here’s what you need:

• Passport: Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.

• Digital photo: A recent passport photo.

• Proof of financial ability: When you arrive in New Zealand, you may need to show that you can financially support yourself during your stay (a bank statement typically works).

• Return flight ticket: You may be asked to show proof of a return or onward flight. If you don’t have one, you'll need to show proof that you can purchase one.

• Meet health and character requirements: If you’ve been convicted of a felony and served time in prison, you’ll need to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa instead, even if you’re from a visa waiver country such as Canada.

Difficulty rating: Easy

With a difficulty rating of 5/100, the NZeTA application process is very easy to navigate for Canadians. Here’s what you can expect:

• The form contains just 9 questions that cover your basic travel information and some personal details.

• Only a couple of documents are required, such as a copy of your passport and a photo.

How to apply for the New Zealand ETA

The New Zealand ETA application is very easy to complete when you use our platform:

• Step 1: Fill out your personal and travel details on our website or the mobile app.

Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert: "Our form takes just 6 minutes to complete on average, making iVisa one of the quickest ways to apply for a New Zealand ETA."

• Step 2: Double-check your details carefully before selecting your preferred processing time. Pay the visa and service fees securely using PayPal, Venmo, or a credit/debit card.

• Step 3: Complete the rest of the application, upload the required documents, and submit your application. We'll email you when your ETA is ready.

More information can be found in this video:

What is the conservation levy, and how do I pay?

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is already included in the fees you’ll pay, so you won’t have any surprise costs when you arrive in the country.

"The conservation levy helps protect New Zealand’s stunning environment for generations to come. It's a mandatory levy and is included in the total ETA price on our platform," says Femke.

Why choose us for your New Zealand ETA?

We make the New Zealand ETA application process as simple and efficient as possible. With a low rejection rate, we ensure that your application is accurate and complete.

We also offer:

• Three convenient processing options: You can choose from Standard, Rush, or Super Rush processing, depending on how quickly you need your ETA.

• Fast approval times: The New Zealand ETA is typically processed within 72 hours, allowing you to plan your trip with ease.

"I chose the rush option and got my New Zealand ETA within a day! Such good service." - Paula M., Vancouver

• Full support: Our customer support team is available to assist with any questions or concerns, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.

“I was really impressed with how easy it was to apply for my New Zealand ETA through iVisa. The form was quick to fill out, and I appreciated the support team helping me with my questions. I received my ETA in just a few hours, which gave me peace of mind!" - Emily D., Montreal

More tips for your arrival in New Zealand

Here are some extra tips for visiting New Zealand and a smooth arrival process.

Staying for longer than 3 months

You can visit New Zealand for up to 3 months with an ETA, but for anything beyond that, consider applying for the Visitor Visa instead.

With this visa, you can stay for up to 9 months in an 18-month period. We work with a licensed immigration lawyer to provide the Visitor Visa to eligible travelers. Contact us for more info via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.

Prepare for biosecurity checks

New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules to protect its unique environment. You’ll need to declare any food, plants, animal products, or outdoor equipment (like hiking boots).

Even small snacks (like fruit or nuts) must be declared. If you’re unsure, declare it to avoid fines.

Clean your hiking or camping gear thoroughly to ensure there’s no dirt or plant material. Michael Angelo from Project Kosmos explains:

"My arrival was smooth, but somewhat delayed because they had to double-check my hiking boots for soil and dirt and they hosed them down. I've never seen such strict measures when it comes to shoes!"

Australia Visa requirements

If you're visiting New Zealand with a visitor visa instead of an ETA, and you have provided an onward ticket to Australia as part of your documentation, you may need to show an Australian visa too for your application.

Time zone and jet lag

New Zealand is in NZST (New Zealand Standard Time) or NZDT (Daylight Time) during the summer months.

Jet lag can be tricky, especially if you’re arriving from Europe or the Americas, so hydrate and adjust your sleep gradually.

Need more information about traveling to New Zealand?

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about traveling to New Zealand or the ETA application. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.