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Get or renew a New Zealand passport

Renew or replace your adult passport.

Renewing an adult New Zealand passport costs $215. Adult passports are valid for 10 years.

Apply for your first adult passport

If you are 16 or older, you need an adult passport. Adult passports cost $215 and are valid for 10 years.

Renew or replace a child passport

Renewing a child's passport costs $125. Child passports are valid for 5 years. Once a child turns 16 their passport is valid until it expires or is cancelled. After that, they must renew their passport as an adult.

Apply for a child's first passport

Child passports are for children aged 15 and under. They cost $125 and are valid for 5 years. When a child turns 16, their passport is still valid until it expires or is cancelled.

Get your child a New Zealand passport when born overseas

If you are a New Zealand citizen by birth or grant and have a child overseas, you can register them as a citizen by descent and get them a New Zealand passport.

Get yourself a New Zealand passport when born overseas

If you were born overseas and at least 1 of your parents was a New Zealand citizen by birth or grant when you were born, you can register as a citizen by descent and get a New Zealand passport.

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Before you travel I mua i tō haerenga

Get organised before you travel to make your arrival into New Zealand as easy as possible.

New Zealand entry requirements

Check that you have the right documentation to enter New Zealand, including a valid passport and visa or NZeTA, if required.

Valid passport

You must have a valid passport to enter New Zealand. Check its expiry date to make sure it meets the rules for acceptable travel documents. If you are a New Zealand citizen and you need to renew your passport, make sure you allow plenty of time before you travel.

Renew or replace your adult passport – Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Government

Before you travel to New Zealand – Immigration New Zealand

Visa or NZeTA, if required

If you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you may need to apply for a visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to enter New Zealand.

Check if you need a visitor visa or an NZeTA – Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Government

Information about NZeTA – Immigration New Zealand

Travel insurance

When coming to New Zealand to visit, study or work, you are strongly encouraged to get travel insurance. Some visa categories require you to hold insurance as a condition of your visa.

Before you buy travel insurance, check what cover it provides. New Zealand has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom.

Reciprocal health agreements – Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand

What you can't bring into New Zealand

There are strict rules for what you can and cannot bring into New Zealand. If you do not declare prohibited or restricted items, you could be fined or prosecuted. This includes items in your checked in luggage and carry-on bags.

Check if you can bring or send an item to NZ – Mānatu Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries

Prohibited and restricted items – Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa New Zealand Customs Service

Check to see if items or products you are bringing into NZ need a CITES permit (CITES protects many plants and animals globally) – Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation 

Travel restrictions for New Zealand

There are no longer any COVID-19 related travel restrictions for New Zealand. You do not need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand.

Unite against COVID-19

New Zealand Traveller Declaration: Before you travel

Kia ora, Travellers arriving into Aotearoa New Zealand by air need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Children and infants need their own declaration too. It’s free, takes about 10 minutes, and you can do it on your mobile device or computer. You can complete your digital declaration within 24 hours of starting your trip to New Zealand.

Go to TravellerDeclaration.govt.nz or download the NZTD app.

Remember, check if you need a visa or NZeTA to enter New Zealand.

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Last updated: 10th July 2023

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Page updated:7/2/23 Print page

A passport is required for travel to all countries, including Australia. If you are planning to travel and your passport is due to expire in less than a year, you may need to renew your passport. Some countries require that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended departure from the country you are visiting. Check with Embassies of the countries you are planning to visit for validity requirements. You should also make sure you have at least one clear visa page in your passport for immigration stamps. Your passport should be signed. Signatures are not required if the passport holder is unable to sign or is a child under 10 years.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not issue passports.

How do I get a passport in New Zealand?

The Department of Internal Affairs issues passports. Their website provides information about passports, and application forms .

How do I get a passport overseas?

Only the Passport Offices in London, Sydney or New Zealand can issue a passport.

In an emergency, a New Zealand Embassy overseas may be able to issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).  Please note this service is not available through our offices in Austria, Barbados, Iraq, Niue, New Caledonia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia or Poland.   People requiring assistance in those locations should go to http://www.passports.govt.nz/ for further information on applying for a standard New Zealand passport.

In addition our offices in Guangzhou and Honolulu are not able to issue Emergency Travel Documents, however an ETD can be obtained from Beijing and Los Angeles.

How do I get a visa for another country?

You should check with your travel agent or with the Embassy or High Commissions of the countries you intend to visit or transit to find out their visa / entry requirements and if you need to apply for a visa. You should do this well before your planned departure date to ensure you have the correct visa. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade can not provide this information. If you do not have the required visa, you may be refused entry to a country. Having a visa does not necessarily guarantee entry into another country; this decision rests with immigration officials.

How do I get a visa for New Zealand?

Check Immigration New Zealand for information .

Tips for keeping your passport secure

Make a note of your passport number, take a photocopy of the personal details page, and keep this separately from the passport.

• keep your passport in a secure place
• don’t carry your passport in your pocket
• have an additional means of photo identification to carry with you
• never hand your passport over as a guarantee
• if your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it to the police and then contact the nearest New Zealand Embassy.

Working Holiday Schemes

Working Holiday Schemes are reciprocal arrangements that allow people aged 18 to 30 years, who are not accompanied by children, to spend up to 12 months on holiday in the host country. You can find more details on Working Holiday Schemes from the Embassy or High Commissions of the countries you intend to visit or from the relevant country pages in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's main website .  

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Related links

• Foreign embassies in New Zealand
• Immigration New Zealand
• Working holiday schemes

Other pages in this section:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade 195 Lambton Quay Private Bag 18 901 Wellington 5045 New Zealand

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• Passports Office

Renew or replace your adult passport

Renewing an adult New Zealand passport costs $215. Adult passports are valid for 10 years.

Passport timeframes:

For current passport processing timeframes, visit the passports website.

Passport timeframes

Renew your adult passport

You can apply online if you want to:

• renew or replace a current or expired passport
• change your name or gender on your passport
• replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport.

To renew your passport online you must be aged 16 or older and have a:

• passport already, even if it’s expired, lost, stolen or damaged
• RealMe login — if you don't have one, you can create one during the online application
• passport photo
• identity referee
• credit, debit or Prezzy® card.

Apply for your passport

If you need to travel urgently

If you need to travel in a hurry you can apply to have your passport renewed urgently. It costs $430 and is processed within 3 working days.

Urgent travel

Other ways to apply

The fastest way to apply for your passport is online – no paper, postage or visits to the office needed. Paper applications can take longer as they need extra processing.

If you do need to apply by post or in person, go to Apply for a New Zealand passport and look for the PDF form under 'Other ways to apply' at the bottom of the page.

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Last updated 26 May 2024

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Immigration requirements for visitors to New Zealand

The information below is a basic snapshot of the immigration requirements for entering New Zealand.

Please note, we cannot advise you on any specific individual prerequisites.

For any further information or questions, we recommend you check the  Immigration New Zealand  website.

All visitors to New Zealand must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after departure from New Zealand if your country does not have consular representation in New Zealand or one month after departure if it does.

After 01 October 2019 it is a requirement that most travellers obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Tourist Authority) and pay the International Visitor Conservation Levy (IVL). There is a different arrangement with those holding an Australian passport but you can check if you will need to apply for a NZ Visa and how here.

Visa Exemptions - Note: A visa is NOT the same as a passport

You do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen or Resident Permit holder
• An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
• An Australian resident with a current Australian resident return visa
• If you are a citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.

Further Information

Please refer to the Immigration New Zealand website for more information. 

Categories: - Essential Info

We have lots more information to share with you if you need it. Our team lives and works within New Zealand. We have travelled to every region and experienced the best (and worst) of what there is to offer.  If you have any questions about tours, locations or just want some friendly advice please reach out to us by chat, email , or phone . There is no penalty for getting in touch, we do NOT charge any consultant fees so you can take the hassle out of your travels for free!

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US passport validity needed to enter - 3 months or 1 month? - New Zealand Forum

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US passport validity needed to enter - 3 months or 1 month?

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NZ entry question that has me a bit stressed out and would appreciate advice. We are traveling to NZ in 10 days but one of our party has a US passport that expires 2 months after we return. According to the NZ immigration website(and their call center) you typically need 3 months of passport validity unless your country has a passport issuing embassy in NZ - in which case you need 1 month of post-return passport validity.

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/your-journey-to-new-zealand/before-you-travel-to-new-zealand

12 replies to this topic

Has everyone applied for and been granted a NZETA?

If yes, I think, but I am not an authority, that it will be OK. Fairly sure you need to put in expiry date of passport when applying.

Appreciate the quick answer! Yes everyone has gotten the NZeta which scans your passport - but it doesn’t ask when you are entering or departing…

Some countries require 6 months or a year so its a good outcome for you.

this is the official site https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/your-journey-to-new-zealand/before-you-travel-to-new-zealand#:~:text=Check%20your%20passport&text=Check%20that%20it%20will%20not,issues%20passports%20of%20that%20country.

Please please please please please ask NZ immigration and not the Internet. One phone call is the only way to get the actual answer, you do not want to be surprised at immigration and your only defense to be "but that's not what the Internet said."

#7ozzyh - thats a great outcome and option. takes away the stress and worry. Enjoy your visit to NZ.

While you are in NZ, we are heading to your area of the world. its a small world!

It is a small world! Safe travels and have a great holiday, let me know if I can help with suggestions or otherwise.

thanks ozzyh - my son and partner live in La jolla, but we exploring northern california this trip. the male elephant seals have arrived on north california coast and the first pup is due anyday. plenty of wet weather gear being packed. we might even fit in JTNP in winter. We are kiwis - winter is safer for us at JTNP - less snakes and spiders and crawlies!

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• Do you need a Passport or Visa for NZ

Passports and Visas to New Zealand

Before you travel to New Zealand, please check that your passport is ready for the trip.

For Australian and New Zealand passport holders, or New Zealand residents/Australian permanent residents (with current travel conditions), your passport must be valid at least on the date you travel to New Zealand, and must be valid on the date you enter/leave New Zealand.

In the case of other visitors to New Zealand who are coming to New Zealand temporarily as visitors, students or workers, your passport must be either:

• Valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave New Zealand.
• Or one month in the case of nationals that have consular representation in New Zealand, that is able to issue and renew travel documents. Please check with your countries issuing passport office before travelling.
• Not damaged, defaced or excessively worn.
• Showing a visa or permit, if you require one.

To check validity requirements for any international passport, please visit the IATA Travel Centre .

Do you need a visa or permit from Australia?

Do you need a visa to go from Australia to New Zealand? You do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand if you are an Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport; or if you are an Australian resident with a current Australian permanent residence visa or a current Australian resident return visa.

(Please Note: If you hold an Australian provisional or temporary residence visa, then you will need to obtain a visitor visa).

If you are calling from outside New Zealand, and have further questions, you can contact New Zealand Immigration on:

Phone: +64 9 914 4100 (Monday to Friday 08.00 – 22.00 NZT (GMT +11:30))

How long can you stay?

Citizens and permanent residents of Australia (who do not have certain criminal convictions) may visit, live, study and work in New Zealand indefinitely.

Visa Waivers

Currently travellers from more than 50 countries, including USA, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and most EU Countries; do not require a Visitor's Visa for stays less than three months. You do require:

• A passport that is valid for at least three months (1 month if your country has consular representation) after your planned departure from New Zealand
• An onward or return ticket to a country that you have permission to enter
• Sufficient money to support yourself during your stay - approximately NZ$1000 per month per person
• if you have stayed in New Zealand for up to three months previously you may need to apply for a visa

To find out if your country qualifies for a visa waiver, check out the Visa Free Countries of the New Zealand Immigration Service website, where you'll find a list of all eligible countries and other useful visa information. Your airline or nearest New Zealand Embassy will also be able to advise you if you require a visa. British citizens and other British passport holders who have evidence of the right to live permanently in the UK may be allowed to stay in New Zealand for up to six months.

NZeTA - New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority

If you plan to travel without a visa on a passport from a visa waiver country or if you're a permanent resident of Australia, obtaining an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is mandatory. 

If you possess an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), you can journey to New Zealand without the need to apply for a visa beforehand. This applies to individuals traveling on a passport from a visa waiver country, cruise ship passengers, or permanent residents of Australia. Please note:

• In case you lack a valid visa and fall into either of the following categories - traveling on a passport from a visa waiver country or traveling as a permanent resident of Australia - it is obligatory that you obtain an NZeTA.
• The NZeTA remains valid for two years for travelers and five years for crew members, enabling multiple visits within its validity period.

You do not need an NZeTA if you are:

• a New Zealand citizen travelling on:
• a New Zealand passport, or
• a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
• an Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
• a holder of a valid visa for New Zealand — including a Permanent Resident Visa
• a member of, or someone associated with, a scientific programme or expedition under the Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty
• a member of a visiting force, including one of its civilian employees, travelling in the ordinary course of your employment or duty.

How long can you stay with an NZeTA?

To visit New Zealand for a brief duration, you need to apply for an NZeTA prior to your trip if you:

• Hold a passport from a visa waiver country or territory, and
• Intend to stay for a maximum of 3 months (or 6 months for British citizens).

Visitor's Visa Applications

If your country is not on the visa waiver list, or you wish to stay longer than three months, you will need to apply for a Visitor's Visa. You can download application forms from the Visitor Visa from the New Zealand Immigration Service website.

Australian Passports

If you are an Australian citizen, you can obtain an Australian Passport Application Form from the Australian Passports website, or from your local Australia Post office. Once the forms are received by the Passport Office, this normally takes about 3 weeks to process. However you should allow a little more time than this to allow for Australia Post delivery.

If you need a passport faster than this, then you can use their Priority Processing Service . This service guarantees that an eligible applicant's passport will be ready for despatch within two working days of a passport office receiving everything it needs. There is a Process Fee for this service.

Existing Australian Passport Holders that is current, or has expired less than 24 months ago, can renew their passport online .

New Zealand Passports

If you are a New Zealand citizen living overseas. Australian or United Kingdom residents should contact the New Zealand Passport Office in Sydney or in London . Residents in any other country should contact their nearest New Zealand Embassy, High Commission or Consulate office.

Online Traveller Declaration

Presently, travelers are required to complete a physical Passenger Arrival Card distributed during their flight to New Zealand. However, starting July 2023, passengers landing at certain international airports in New Zealand will have the option to fill out an online traveller declaration .

Starting from the week of 10th July 2023, those flying into Christchurch or Wellington airports will be able to avail of this new online procedure. Following that, the same service will be accessible for those landing at Queenstown airport from mid to late July. Lastly, passengers landing at Auckland airport will have the option to complete an online declaration by August 2023. Notwithstanding these changes, the Passenger Arrival Card will still be accepted for some time after the introduction of the New Zealand Travel Declaration (NZTD).

Customs New Zealand, in collaboration with other border agencies, including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry for Primary Industries, and the Ministry of Health, are in the process of upgrading our border processes. This endeavor is aimed at facilitating smoother transitions for travelers through our ports while enhancing New Zealand's safety and security.

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You can continue a saved passport application or check the status of a submitted application.

Continue your saved application

To continue a saved passport application, log into your application dashboard.

To get to the dashboard:

• go to  Apply for a New Zealand passport
• click 'Continue saved application'
• log in with RealMe.

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To check the status of your passport application, log into your application dashboard.

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On the dashboard page, select your application to get more information about its status and what happens next.

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Page last updated: 10 March 2024

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Passport expiry and residency

Thread: passport expiry and residency, thread tools.

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Hello my passport will be expired after 2 years. I am in the process of applying to residency. Maybe submit next month. Consider the time takes for approving my residency and it will be two years, what should I do? Any problem or I just need to inform immigration when I change my passport to a new one and it will be automatically assigned to new one?

Also, it is written "If you’re outside of New Zealand when your travel conditions expire, your visa will expire as well." This means when my passport expires I should be inside NZ right otherwise my residency even will be ceased?

Originally Posted by Torki Hello my passport will be expired after 2 years. I am in the process of applying to residency. Maybe submit next month. Consider the time takes for approving my residency and it will be two years, what should I do? Any problem or I just need to inform immigration when I change my passport to a new one and it will be automatically assigned to new one? Sorry, I missed seeing this before. Yes, as with any change in your circumstances, contact INZ mentioning all your details and any reference number you may have been given by that time. In this case, tell them the new passport, number (whatever), is now in use instead of old passport, number (whatever). Also, it is written "If you’re outside of New Zealand when your travel conditions expire, your visa will expire as well." This means when my passport expires I should be inside NZ right otherwise my residency even will be ceased? Two things: when you gain Residence, you will have two years' travel conditions (the strange name for permission to enter NZ freely). As the two years come to an end, you need to apply for Permanent Residence, if eligible, or a further Residence visa - see here. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...anent-resident Otherwise, you will no longer have the right to re-enter NZ from outside. However, while you are inside NZ and not travelling overseas, your Resident visa lasts forever. If someone is outside the country with no travel conditions, in effect, their visa lapses, because they can no longer get back in to take advantage of their right to live and work in NZ. As it says on that page, for a short while, it is still possible to apply for PR or residence to put the situation right, but it is much more simple to think ahead and be onshore when the changeover needs to happen. Whenever your passport expires, wherever you are in the world, you can't pass an international border. So if you were outside NZ, wanting to travel back, even if your travel conditions were still valid, you would not be allowed to do it. The visa does not depend on the passport - it's something that has been granted to you, the person, and is on record in the INZ computer. But anyone needs a valid visa AND a valid passport to enter the country, hence needing to tell INZ your new passport number when it has been renewed, and to get whatever visa you are then on transferred to relate to the new passport, which is your identity document. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...a-new-passport

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Originally Posted by JandM Sorry, I missed seeing this before. Yes, as with any change in your circumstances, contact INZ mentioning all your details and any reference number you may have been given by that time. In this case, tell them the new passport, number (whatever), is now in use instead of old passport, number (whatever). Two things: when you gain Residence, you will have two years' travel conditions (the strange name for permission to enter NZ freely). As the two years come to an end, you need to apply for Permanent Residence, if eligible, or a further Residence visa - see here. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...anent-resident Otherwise, you will no longer have the right to re-enter NZ from outside. However, while you are inside NZ and not travelling overseas, your Resident visa lasts forever. If someone is outside the country with no travel conditions, in effect, their visa lapses, because they can no longer get back in to take advantage of their right to live and work in NZ. As it says on that page, for a short while, it is still possible to apply for PR or residence to put the situation right, but it is much more simple to think ahead and be onshore when the changeover needs to happen. Whenever your passport expires, wherever you are in the world, you can't pass an international border. So if you were outside NZ, wanting to travel back, even if your travel conditions were still valid, you would not be allowed to do it. The visa does not depend on the passport - it's something that has been granted to you, the person, and is on record in the INZ computer. But anyone needs a valid visa AND a valid passport to enter the country, hence needing to tell INZ your new passport number when it has been renewed, and to get whatever visa you are then on transferred to relate to the new passport, which is your identity document. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...a-new-passport You are great thanks got it totally!

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Warning issued to anyone who still has a red passport

Do you still have one of the red passports.

Lucy Devine

Holiday season has begun, with thousands of Brits jetting off for sun-soaked weeks in the sun.

Before you head off abroad to relax, there's always plenty of logistics to sort out first. From making sure you've not overpacked, to sorting out transfers and ensuring you have all your flight documents.

Of course, you'll also need to make sure your passport is present and correct.

But if you still own a burgundy-coloured passport - aka the ones Brits had pre-Brexit - then take note.

A large number of countries have a rule about your passport before entering, which may impact those who haven't got the new blue British passports that were introduced post-Brexit.

Red passport holders would have had theirs issued prior to Brexit , which leaves them at risk of violating the 'six-month validity rule'.

What is the 'six-month validity rule'?

A number of countries require your passport to be valid for another six months before you leave for travel, so older passport holders are at risk of their documents not having long enough left.

There are actually 70 countries that follow this six-month passport rule, with 41 countries following a more laid-back three-month passport validity rule.

So by applying the same rules, your passport would need at least three more months of validity to enter these countries.

This means that it is crucial for red passport holders to check the expiry date of their document to ensure they aren't turned away at any borders.

Since Brexit, your passport must also be less than 10 years old upon arrival.

You can easily check if your passport will be valid for any trip on the gov.uk website, just by selecting a country and checking entry requirements.

Popular holiday destinations that have the six-month rule are:

A few other destinations that have a three-month rule are:.

• Netherlands

If you're travelling to Spain this year, Brits are being issued a warning over a ‘six drink rule’ in the Spanish Islands as part of a crackdown on tourists - which has seen multiple new rules brought in around alcohol .

Travel agent Thomas Cook issued a warning to its customers, updating them on package holidays.

The email explained: "Please be advised that a decree has been issued by the Balearic Government on a new restriction for All Inclusive meal option.

"There is a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per person per day that can be served and these drinks will be provided only during lunch and dinner (3 each)."

You can have more, but you have to pay for them on top of your package.

The rule was brought in following a rise in rowdy behaviour from tourists reportedly fuelled by those all-inclusive drinks.

Four areas are enforce the rule, which will be in place until at least 2028. They are:

• Playa de Palma, Majorca
• El Arenal, Majorca
• Magaluf, Majorca
• West End of San Antonio, Ibiza

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• Transferring your visa to a new passport

If you have renewed your passport, you need to transfer your valid visa into your new passport before you use it to travel. This applies for both physical visa labels and eVisas.

Managing your visa and passport

• Application for transfer or confirmation of a visa
• If your passport is lost or stolen
• If you cannot get a passport
• If you do not leave New Zealand before your visa expires
• Deportation and how you can appeal
• Application for a transfer of a visa for Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Interim Visa holders
• New Zealand citizens travelling on a foreign passport

Visas that are issued by letter are known as eVisas. Visa labels are physical labels for your passport. Both are recorded against your passport in our system.

We recommend you request an eVisa, as this is the quickest way to transfer your visa to your new passport and there is no application fee. You can do this online.

You must inform us if you get a new passport issued so that your records can be updated and you can travel to and from New Zealand.

Check our Fees, decision times and where to apply page to find out how long it takes to transfer your visa to a new passport.

Fees, decision times and where to apply

There is no application fee for an eVisa. There is a fee for a visa label.

Transferring an eVisa

To request a transfer of your visa and get an eVisa, complete the application form and include:

• a copy of your new passport
• a copy of your old passport, if available.

If your name has changed in your new passport, you must upload evidence of your name change. Examples of evidence include a marriage certificate, new birth certificate or another name change document.

Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa form

Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa

If you have an Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa, apply online using the Application for a transfer of a visa for Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa holders form.

You must include:

• a copy of your old passport.

Application for a transfer of a visa for Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa holders form

See the section 'If you do not want to apply online' if you want to apply using the paper form.

If you do not want to apply online

Transferring a visa label.

To request a transfer of your visa and get a visa label, complete the Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa form and include:

After you have completed the online form and paid the fee, you must send your new passport with a copy of your application confirmation email to Immigration New Zealand. Further instructions will be provided to you after you have completed the online form.

Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa form Fee for Transfer a visa label to a new passport

If you have a Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Interim Visa you cannot get a visa label.

Where to send your new passport if you want a physical visa label

After you have submitted an application online for a physical visa label, you must send us your passport and a copy of your application confirmation email.

We recommend you courier your passport to us. If you are outside New Zealand, include a pre-paid return courier bag.

Within New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand DX Box: EP71514 20 Fairfax Avenue Penrose Auckland 1061

We will courier your passport back to you as soon as your visa transfer has been completed.

How long it takes to process an application

Outside New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand DX Box: EP71514 20 Fairfax Avenue Penrose Auckland 1061

Applying for the balance of your visa

If your temporary visa was granted for a shorter length than requested because your passport was about to expire, you can apply for the balance of the visa to be transferred to your new passport.

The balance can be transferred as an eVisa or a visa label. If you want a visa label, you will need to send your passport to Immigration New Zealand and pay a fee.

To apply, complete the Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa form and include:

• a copy of your old passport, if available
• the letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming your visa balance.

Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa form 

If you do not have your old passport

If your old passport was lost or stolen, upload or include a copy of a police report, showing that the loss was reported.

If your old passport was not returned to you with the new passport, provide a cover letter with your application to let us know.

If your old passport was damaged

If your old passport was damaged, upload a letter confirming this from your embassy or high commission.

If your name has changed

If your name is different in your old passport, you will need to provide evidence of a name change — for example, a copy of your marriage certificate or a deed poll.

If you are making a request for more than 1 person

If more than 1 family member is requesting a visa transfer at the same time, a separate completed application form and a separate fee (if requesting a physical visa label) is required for each person requesting a transfer.

If you are a New Zealand citizen but also hold a foreign passport

A resident or permanent resident visa cannot be transferred into a new foreign passport if you are now a New Zealand citizen. This is because a New Zealand citizen is not able to hold a visa under the Immigration Act 2009.

To use your foreign passport for travel and still be allowed to return to New Zealand as a citizen, request a New Zealand Citizen Endorsement in your foreign passport before you travel.

Request a New Zealand Citizen Endorsement

If you do not want to apply online or you cannot apply online, download and complete the Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa (INZ1023) form.

You must send us:

• your completed application form
• a certified copy of your new passport, if you are requesting an eVisa
• your new passport, if you are requesting a visa label
• a certified copy of your old passport, if available
• the processing fee, if you are requesting a visa label.

If you have a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa you cannot request a visa label.

Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa form (INZ1023) PDF 375KB