Losing your passport can be a stressful and inconvenient experience. If you find yourself in this situation whilst visiting New Zealand, it’s important to act quickly to avoid problems during your stay and upon your return home.
On this page, we’ll explain the challenges you could face if your passport is lost or stolen in New Zealand, and the steps you can take to resolve the situation. We’ll also answer questions about travelling with a temporary passport or emergency travel document.
Challenges of losing your passport in New Zealand
Losing your passport can lead to complications. You might face delays or problems until the situation is sorted.
Identity verification
You might have difficulties checking into accommodations or renting vehicles. Your participation in certain activities requiring ID can also be limited.
Immigration and border control
You’ll need valid identification when leaving New Zealand or returning to your home country. Without a passport, re-entry into your country may be delayed or complicated.
Impact on your New Zealand eTA
Your NZ eTA is electronically linked to your passport. Losing your passport effectively invalidates your eTA since it cannot be transferred to a new passport number.
This would affect you more if you lose your passport prior to arrival in New Zealand, as the eTA is checked upon entry. In this case, you would need to apply for a new NZeTA linked to your replacement passport before travelling.
What to do if you lose your passport in New Zealand
If your passport is lost or stolen whilst you’re in New Zealand, follow the steps below to resolve the situation. These will help you continue your journey with minimal disruption.
Report the loss immediately
Visit the nearest police station to report your lost or stolen passport. You’ll receive a police report, which is necessary for getting a temporary travel document and proving your identity if needed.
Contact your country’s embassy or consulate
Find your country’s embassy or consulate in New Zealand. They can issue you an emergency travel document (ETD) or temporary passport to help you return home.
Some embassies and consulates allow you to submit an online form to report your passport as lost or stolen. However, you will have to appear in person to apply for a replacement.
Documents required to apply for a temporary passport
Be prepared to provide the following documents to apply for a temporary passport at an embassy or consulate: Here’s what you’ll need:
- The police report or statement regarding the lost passport
- Proof of identity (such as a driver’s licence or a photocopy of your lost passport)
- Evidence of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or a photocopy of the lost passport)
- Passport-sized photos (as per their requirements)
A police report is not mandatory, but it can be useful to verify the details of the loss or theft. However, if time is a concern, you can choose to proceed without filing a report.
Important: A NZeTA is not required for departing New Zealand. If you lose your passport or have it stolen whilst in the country, there should be no problem leaving with a temporary document not linked to an eTA.
However, since the NZeTA is linked to your original passport, you’ll need to reapply for a new eTA with the information from your new passport before you can travel to New Zealand again.
How long is a replacement passport valid for?
Emergency travel documents or temporary passports have limited validity, often from a few weeks up to one year. It depends on your country’s policies.
These documents are usually issued for immediate travel needs. They must be replaced with a fully valid passport upon returning home.
What happens if I need a replacement at the weekend?
Most embassies and consulates operate only during regular business hours. If you lose your passport over the weekend or on a public holiday, check if your embassy has an emergency hotline or after-hours service.
Some embassies also provide expedited assistance for urgent cases. This includes situations like imminent flights.
Even if you’re able to get in contact with an embassy representative over a weekend or holiday, you may still need to wait. The processing of a passport replacement usually happens on the next business day.
What happens if I can’t get a replacement passport?
If you cannot get a replacement passport in time for your flight, you’ll need to adjust your travel plans.
You should contact your airline immediately to explore options for rescheduling your flight, such as postponing it by a few days.
If you must cancel your trip entirely, do so before your scheduled departure to avoid losing your ticket value. Depending on the fare class, you may be eligible for e-credit to use for future bookings.
You should also review your travel insurance or credit card-provided insurance for potential refunds on prepaid activities. This includes hotels and tours.
Can I cancel a lost passport?
Yes, once you report your passport as lost or stolen, it is usually cancelled to prevent unauthorised use. The cancellation invalidates the document and prevents it from being used for travel or identity verification.
Can someone travel with my lost passport?
Although unlikely, there is a small risk. Modern passports contain biometric data, making it difficult for unauthorised users to pass through automated systems.
However, if your passport is not cancelled, someone could try to use it. This is why reporting the loss immediately to your embassy and local authorities is important.
Challenges when returning to your home country
Once you leave New Zealand, there may be further complications upon arriving at your destination. You might need to explain the situation to the authorities in your home country.
Border checks
Entry procedures may take longer if you’re travelling with an emergency travel document. Immigration officers may need to verify additional details.
Replacing your passport
After returning home, you’ll need to apply for a replacement passport through your country’s passport authority. Keep the police report and consular documentation with you, as they may be required during the application process.
What to do if you find your passport after reporting it as lost or stolen
If you’ve reported your passport as lost or stolen but then have found it, follow these steps:
- Inform the same police station where you filed the report. They may require you to present the original passport along with another form of photo ID.
- Reach out to the authority that issued your passport, such as your embassy, consulate, or high commission. They will guide you on the options available to you.
If you’ve already applied for a replacement passport, the original one may have been invalidated. In this case, you’ll need to use the newly issued passport or temporary travel document.
Tips to avoid future complications
Losing your passport whilst in New Zealand can disrupt your travel plans, but knowing what steps to take can help you handle the situation. Follow these tips to avoid problems if your passport is lost or stolen:
- Keep digital copies: Store digital scans of important documents (passport, eTA confirmation, and healthcare card) in a cloud storage or a secure app.
- Carry secondary identification: Bring a secondary form of ID, such as a driver’s licence just in case, for identity verification.
- Use a travel wallet: Keep your passport in a secure, designated place whilst travelling to reduce the risk of losing it.
Losing your passport while in New Zealand can disrupt your travel plans, but knowing what steps to take can help you handle the situation effectively.
