New Zealand Passport

New Zealand Passport (2025): How to Apply, Renew & Use It Abroad

The New Zealand passport is an official travel and identity document issued to New Zealand citizens by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). It allows international travel and serves as proof of New Zealand citizenship.

This comprehensive guide explains how to apply, renew, and use your NZ passport in 2025, including eligibility, processing times, and visa-free travel information.

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Types of New Zealand Passports

Type	Who It’s For	Validity
Adult Passport	Citizens 16 years and older	10 years
Child Passport	Citizens under 16 years	5 years
Emergency Travel Document	For urgent travel or replacement needs	Short-term
Official/Diplomatic	Government officials and diplomats	Varies by role

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Features of a New Zealand Passport

• Biometric e-passport with embedded chip
• Full name, DOB, gender, passport number
• High-security design and digital photo
• ICAO-compliant layout
• Visa-free access to 180+ countries
• Contains Māori and English text

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Who Can Apply?

✅ New Zealand citizens (by birth or naturalization)
✅ Children born abroad to NZ citizens (must register their birth first)
✅ Citizens with dual nationality

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Required Documents

For first-time applicants or renewals, you will need:

• Original or expired NZ passport (if renewing)
• Identity referee details (non-family member with a NZ passport)
• Digital photo that meets NZ standards
• Birth certificate or citizenship certificate (if first-time)
• Application fee

📸 Photos must be less than 6 months old, in color, and meet facial visibility and background requirements.

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How to Apply (Online or In Person)

🖥️ Online Application (Recommended)

1. Go to www.passports.govt.nz
2. Create or log in to your account
3. Upload your passport photo
4. Provide identity referee details
5. Pay by credit/debit card
6. Receive passport by mail (usually within 10 working days)

🏢 Paper Application (Inside or Outside NZ)

• Collect or download a form
• Attach printed photos and ID referee signature
• Send by post or apply at a NZ embassy or consulate
• Processing times may vary by country

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Passport Fees (2025)

Type	Cost (NZD)
Adult Passport	$206.00
Child Passport	$120.00
Urgent Service	+$189.00 (extra)
Emergency Travel	Varies by region

🕐 Urgent service delivers within 3 working days in New Zealand.

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Processing Time

Application Type	Timeframe
Online (NZ)	10 working days
Paper (NZ)	20 working days
Overseas applications	Varies by location
Urgent applications	1–3 working days

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Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

1. Report loss/theft immediately to DIA
2. Complete a lost/stolen passport form
3. Apply for a replacement or emergency passport
4. Travel may still be possible with an Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

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Visa-Free Travel with a New Zealand Passport

As of 2025, a New Zealand passport ranks among the top 10 globally, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180+ countries, including:

• All EU/Schengen countries
• United Kingdom
• United States (with ESTA)
• Canada (with eTA)
• Australia
• Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Chile

⚠️ Always check the visa or ETA requirements of your destination before traveling.

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