NEW ZEALAND - Take normal security precautions

in New Zealand.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in major cities. Theft generally occurs in the following places:

hotel rooms

tourist sites

recreational areas

unattended vehicles

Make sure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times.

There is a threat of terrorism. Far-right domestic terrorists have carried out attacks in New Zealand, the most recent being the 2019 shootings in Christchurch at two mosques.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:

government buildings, including schools

places of worship

airports and other transportation hubs and networks

public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

The Government of New Zealand maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through social media.

Local terrorism threat - New Zealand Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

There is credit card and ATM fraud.

When using debit or credit cards:

pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards

use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business

avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature

cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN

check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Follow the instructions of local authorities

Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

Serious accidents have occurred in New Zealand and some activity operators have been accused of negligence.

Tour operators may not meet international standards.

If you are participating in adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing, trekking, hiking, parasailing:

obtain detailed information on the activity before setting out

never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company

make sure your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose

make sure your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity

make sure you're well-equipped and informed about weather and other hazardous conditions

consider purchasing or renting a distress or personal locator beacon (PLB)

tell a family member or friend about your itinerary, including when you expect to be back

know the symptoms of high-altitude illnesses, which can be fatal

don't venture off marked trails

don't use the facilities or equipment if you have doubts about their safety

Some regions in New Zealand are very isolated and have small populations. Services may be scarce.

You may have difficulty getting adequate mobile phone coverage if you travel in a remote area by car.

Avoid travelling alone

Inform relatives of your itinerary

Check with local authorities before travelling if alerts have been issued for your destination

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common and can be dangerous. Several drownings occur each year.

In certain areas, sharks, seals and other wildlife pose a risk to swimmers.

Avoid unsupervised beaches

Follow the instructions and warnings of lifeguards

Respect the flag warning system, which provides notice of water conditions and safety risks on beaches

Ensure that your aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition.

Never dive alone. Choose excursions with experienced tour operators.

Road conditions and road safety are very good throughout the country.

Roads can be narrow, curvy and cover hilly terrain. Mountain roads, including those leading to ski hills, may be unpaved and without safety barriers.

Weather conditions can change quickly, particularly during winter. Snow, ice, fog, rain and strong winds can lead to dangerous driving conditions.

Landslides caused by heavy rain can block or wash away roads.

Railway crossings may not have barriers, and bells may ring only during daylight hours, especially in rural areas.  Drinking and driving is common. Many road fatalities involve alcohol or drug use. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds.

Roaming animals in rural areas may pose further hazard. Dairy herds often cross main roads at milking time.

Pedestrians should use caution when crossing streets and be mindful that traffic is coming from the opposite direction than what they may be used to.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of New Zealand. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. 

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave from New Zealand.

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

While the Government of Canada issues passports with a “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Canadian tourists entering New Zealand without a visa need to get an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) online before their arrival, even if transiting to another country.

The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years and allows multiple entries.

You must pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy when you request an NZeTA or apply for a visa.

Travellers to New Zealand must also complete a digital declaration form before they arrive. The New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) can be completed via their website or the NZTD mobile application.

The following documents are required to visit New Zealand:

an onward or return ticket

a visa for the next destination if required

proof of sufficient funds

Learn about travelling with children.

Learn about (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

This section has information and advice about health risks you might face when travelling. Following this advice can help reduce your risk of getting sick. Not all risks are listed here.

It's best to talk to a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads easily. It spreads through the air, and can stay in the air for up to 2 hours. You can also get measles by direct contact with an infected person or by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from measles. In Canada, the measles vaccine is part of the routine immunization schedule. If you’re unsure whether you’re protected, talk to a healthcare provider.

Learn more:

Measles

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

COVID-19 is an infectious viral disease. Most of the time, it spreads when people are in close contact with others who are infected with the virus. It spreads through respiratory particles, or through an infected surface or object.

Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from developing serious complications from COVID-19. Talk to a healthcare provider about the COVID-19 vaccine before travelling. Evidence shows that the COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

In addition to vaccination, use personal protective measures to help protect yourself and others.

Learn more :

Vaccine for COVID-19: How to get vaccinated

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

The flu occurs worldwide. 

 In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.

 In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.

 In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)

Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 

Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin

wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester

wear socks and closed-toe shoes

sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed

do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

travelling in rural or forested areas

camping, hiking, or visiting caves

visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.

stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves

avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick

wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 

if you’re sick and need to be around others 

when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports

cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol

covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible

practise safer sex methods

use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Health care is good and available throughout the country.

If you are injured in a work or a car accident, you may receive treatment at a public hospital.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Some prescription medication may be illegal in New Zealand. 

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you

Always keep your medication in the original container

Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage

Carry a copy of your prescriptions

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

There are very strict rules and quarantine measures regarding the importation of food, animal products and medications.

Information about items which you can and cannot bring to New Zealand is available from New Zealand Customs Service.

List of prohibitions and restrictions - New Zealand Customs Service

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in New Zealand.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of New Zealand, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different .

Dual citizens

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and New Zealand.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in New Zealand, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the New Zealand court.

If you are in this situation:

act as quickly as you can

contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention

consult a lawyer in Canada and in New Zealand to explore all the legal options for the return of your child

report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.

You can drive in New Zealand with your Canadian driver license for up to 12 months. If you plan to stay for more than 12 months, you’ll need to get a New Zealand driver licence.

You should carry an international driving permit.

New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Act covers you for personal injuries if involved in an accident. However, the Act bars you from suing for losses stemming from personal injury resulting from the accident.

The currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

Climate change is affecting New Zealand. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

New Zealand is prone to floods, landslides and avalanches.

Cyclones usually occur from November to April. During this period, even small storms can quickly develop into major cyclones. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to New Zealand during the cyclone season:

know that you may expose yourself to serious safety risks

be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip

stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts

carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator

follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Severe rainstorms can lead to flooding and landslides. Flooding and landslides have resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. These events hamper the provision of essential services. Disruptions to air services and to water and power supplies may also occur.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts

Avoid disaster areas

Follow the instructions of local authorities

Bush and forest fires are common between October and April across the country. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments

follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel

monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Fire weather information – Fire Emergency New Zealand

There are 12 alpine regions in New Zealand and avalanches can occur during any season. Learn about the risks of the terrain at your destination and carry the recommended equipment.

New Zealand is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis occur. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. It can travel long distances across the Pacific.

If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

Tsunami alerts – U.S. Tsunami Warning System

New Zealand has six Volcanic Alert Levels, ranging from no volcanic unrest, through two levels of volcanic unrest, to three levels of volcanic eruption. Currently Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park is at alert level 2 due to high levels of volcanic gas emissions and steam plumes. There are a number of volcanoes and active thermal areas in the country, consider the risk before you go.

In the event of a volcanic eruption:

stay indoors to reduce your exposure to ash

keep windows and doors closed to prevent ash from entering

use a face mask when outdoors for respiratory protection

wear protective clothing if you need to be outdoors for extended periods

monitor local media

follow the instructions of local authorities