Official Global Travel Advisories
- Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice
- Avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice
Mandatory COVID-19 testing
To be allowed to board a flight to Canada, all air passengers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 72 hours of their scheduled time of departure to Canada. If the traveller has a connecting flight to Canada, the pre-departure test must be conducted within 72 hours of the last direct flight to Canada. This means they may need to schedule a COVID-19 test at their transit city within 72 hours of their direct flight to Canada.
All travellers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, arriving to Canada by land are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours prior to crossing the border into Canada.
Alternatively, travellers can present a positive COVID-19 molecular test taken between 14 and 90 days prior to departure.
More information on measures in place to enter Canada – Government of Canada
New Zealand Register Travel insurance Destinations
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Latest updates: The Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
COVID-19 – Global travel advisory
Effective date: March 13, 2020
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.
NEW ZEALAND - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in New Zealand.
Safety and security
Safety and security
COVID-19 – Preventative measures and restrictions
Preventative measures and restrictions are in place and may differ depending on the region.
You must wear a face covering on all domestic flights throughout New Zealand as well as on all public transportation from and through Auckland.
If you violate restrictions, you could be fined and face criminal charges for endangering public health.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing.
COVID-19 response - Government of New Zealand
Crime
Street crime takes place in major cities. Theft generally occurs in the following places:
- hotel rooms
- tourist sites
- recreational areas
- unattended vehicles
Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism.
The Government of New Zealand maintains a public alert system on terrorism. The current threat level is set to medium due to shootings that occurred in 2 mosques in Christchurch in March 2019.
Further attacks can’t be ruled out. 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
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
More about the local terrorism threat - New Zealand Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Road safety
Travel times by car are easy to underestimate. Roads can be narrow, curvy and cover hilly terrain.
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.
Mountain roads, including those leading to ski hills, may be narrow, unpaved and without safety barriers.
Look out for roaming animals in rural areas. Dairy herds often cross main roads at milking time.
Railway crossings may not have barriers, and bells may ring only during daylight hours, especially in rural areas.
- Information on road closures and warnings - New Zealand Transport Agency
- More on road closures and warnings - New Zealand Automobile Association
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
Adventure activities
Although many tourists participate in adventure activities in New Zealand without problem, serious accidents have occurred and some activity operators have been accused of negligence.
- Never do these activities alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company.
- Buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation.
- Ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity.
- Ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard.
- Inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp. Consider carrying a personal locater beacon.
- Know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal.
- Obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails.
Remote areas
Check with local tourist authorities before travelling to remote areas.
Cellular telephone coverage may be limited in remote areas.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements
In an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory.
Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any specific restrictions or requirements related to this situation. Consider even your transit points, as many destinations have implemented strict transit rules which could disrupt your travel.
These could include:
- entry bans, particularly for non-residents
- exit bans
- quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost
- proof of a negative COVID-19 test result
- health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance
- travel authorization documents to be obtained before you travel
- border closures
- airport closures
- flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations
- suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options
Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
- Monitor the media for the latest information
- Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans
- Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions
Foreign Representatives in Canada – Global Affairs Canada
Every country or territory decides 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.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
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.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave from New Zealand.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required (for stays of up to 90 days)
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required
Since October 1, 2019, Canadians entering New Zealand without a visa need to get an electronic travel authority before their arrival, even if they are transiting to another country.
Other requirements
The following documents are required to visit New Zealand:
- an onward or return ticket
- a visa for the next destination (if required by next destination)
- proof of sufficient funds (NZ$1,000 per person per month, or NZ$400 per person per month if you have proof of prepaid accommodation)
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Health
- Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada - April 22, 2021
- Global Measles Notice - July 23, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
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.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* 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.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Australia and New Zealand. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Australia and New Zealand, certain insects carry and spread diseases like dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Australia and New Zealand, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing facilities
Consult the following links to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test:
Local COVID-19 testing facilities - Government of New Zealand
Health care is good and widely available.
Travellers to New Zealand who are injured in a work or motor vehicle accident are generally covered for public hospital treatment by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). As a result, individuals do not have the right to sue for damages (apart from exemplary damages) for personal injuries that are covered by the ACC.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
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.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Dual citizenship
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 entry/exit requirements.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
Driving
Traffic drives on the left.
You should carry an International Driving Permit.
The use of mobile telephones while driving is illegal, unless the phone is fitted with a hands-free device.
As per New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Act, you can’t sue for losses stemming from personal injury resulting from accidents. This includes car and sporting accidents.
- Road regulations - New Zealand Transport Agency
- Information in case of an accident - New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation
- More about the International Driving Permit
Imports
There are strict regulations in place on imports, including some medications.
List of prohibitions and restrictions - New Zealand Customs Service
Money
The currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).
Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Extreme weather events, floods, landslides and avalanches are frequent in New Zealand. Severe rainstorms can lead to flooding and landslides, which can cause extensive damage to infrastructure and can hamper the provision of essential services.
- Exercise caution
- Monitor local media and weather forecasts
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
Useful links
- Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd
- Traffic map - New Zealand Transport Agency
- Avalanche Advisory - New Zealand Mountain Safety Council
Earthquakes
New Zealand is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes.
Tsunamis may occur after a strong earthquake and can travel long distances across the Pacific.
Strong earthquakes and aftershocks have been recorded throughout the country in recent years. In case of an earthquake, you should follow the advice of the local authorities.
Volcanoes
There are a number of volcanoes and active thermal areas in the country.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 111 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the High Commission of Canada in New Zealand is limiting in-person services. To book an appointment for consular assistance, contact the High Commission by email or telephone.
Wellington - High Commission of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in New Zealand and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.