Does New Zealand require proof of onward travel?
Yes — commonly checked
Travellers to 🇳🇿 New Zealand are typically asked at airline check-in (NZeTA travellers). Visitor entry requires evidence of onward travel; systematically verified before boarding.
Safety advisory: Low · official advisory ↗
What to have ready
An onward flight is the safe answer — dated inside your permitted stay, with a booking reference the airline can verify · official source ↗ · entry requirements (Gov. of Canada) ↗. Airlines carry the fines when a passenger is refused entry, so the strictest check usually happens at check-in, before you board.
Don't fabricate a booking — a fake or edited itinerary can be treated as document fraud. If you're travelling one-way, use a real, verifiable reservation.
Before you travel
Travelling one-way to New Zealand? These sort it in minutes.
Planning a trip to New Zealand?
See your visa verdict, the best months, holidays and costs — personalised to your passport.
Who can enter New Zealand visa-free → Open the trip planner