Lost, stolen or damaged passport

The loss or theft of a passport is a serious matter. Standard New Zealand passports can be applied for online through the Department of Internal Affairs [2] passport website.

If you are returning to your country of residence within the next three days *, and you are not in New Zealand, Australia, or the United Kingdom, a New Zealand Embassy or High Commission may be able to issue an Emergency Travel Document. Please note this service is not available through our offices in Austria, Barbados, Ethiopia, Republic of Ireland, Myanmar, New Caledonia, Niue, Poland, Sweden, Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates. New Zealanders requiring assistance in those countries should go to www.passports.govt.nz [3] for further information on applying for a standard New Zealand passport.

If your passport has been lost overseas, you can apply online using the links above, and may also wish to:

• ensure you have thoroughly searched your belongings, accommodation and places you have visited recently.  Note that once DIA are advised that your passport is lost, you will no longer be able to use it, even if it is found later on
• contact the nearest New Zealand Embassy or High Commission for assistance and advice on obtaining a replacement travel document
• obtain a Police report in the location where the passport was stolen
• notify your insurer

If your passport has been stolen overseas, you can apply online using the links above, and may also wish to:

• contact the nearest New Zealand Embassy or High Commission for assistance and advice on obtaining a replacement travel document
• obtain a Police report in the location where the passport was stolen
• notify your insurer

What is an Emergency Travel Document?

As the name implies, an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is for emergencies. You need to be aware that:

• An ETD will be valid for a shorter time than a standard passport.  This is usually seven months and is dependent on your travel circumstances.  
• * Some countries do not permit entry on a New Zealand ETD.  Please refer to your nearest New Zealand Embassy or High Commission. 
• Some countries where visas are not needed for New Zealand citizens travelling on a standard passport require a visa for entry on a New Zealand ETD.
• Multiple entry visas, residence permits and other “long-life” endorsements should not be entered into ETDs.
• Following the issue of an ETD and when you apply for a replacement standard passport, you need to return your ETD.  The ETD, as well as any visas in it, will be destroyed. Therefore, if you need a long term visa (e.g. a residence visa), it may be more practical to obtain a replacement passport.