A passport is required for travel to
all countries, including Australia. If you have not yet obtained
a passport you can download an application form from the list
below, or contact the Department of Internal Affairs.
Passport Format
New Zealanders travelling on passports
that are not machine readable (i.e. cannot be scanned by computer)
will not be allowed into some countries, e.g. the United States.
(The rule applies equally to those visiting the USA or in transit
through any US airport). New Zealand passports that are machine
readable will have a passport number that begins with the letter
X, L, N or F, or the letters AA. If the New Zealand passport is
not machine-readable then the passport number will begin with
the letters J or M. Passengers travelling on a passport other
than a New Zealand passport, should contact the relevant national
embassy prior to departure if they are unsure as to whether the
passport is machine readable or not.
Passport Security
Always keep your passport in a secure
place. It is a good idea to take a couple of copies of your passport
identification page, your driver’s licence and credit card
and keep them separately so that if you lose your passport you
have some means of identification.
Never hand over your passport as a guarantee (eg when hiring
a vehicle etc). Report the loss or theft of your passport to the
Police immediately and obtain a police report.
