New Zealand visas and eTAs are only valid with the passport used to apply. You need to update the details on your entry permit if they change your passport.
Without updating the passport details, the document cannot be used again to enter New Zealand. This policy applies to all NZeTA visa waivers and New Zealand visas.
Find out what steps need to be taken to keep an existing travel permit for New Zealand, and other essential information.
What happens to an existing New Zealand visa when a passport is renewed?
A New Zealand eTA or visa is electronically attached to the passport used to apply. When this travel document is replaced by a new one, the travel authority becomes void.
The eTA or visa is not automatically transferred to the new passport. This must be done manually by the passport holder.
A NZeTA or visa for New Zealand is only accepted if it is attached to a valid passport. Travel authorisations that are in a passport that has expired will not be accepted by immigration.
Do I need to change my New Zealand visa to a new passport?
New Zealand visitors who have an existing travel authority with an old passport must change it to a new and valid passport if they wish to use it again.
Visa holders either need to transfer the document to their new passport, or apply for a new travel permit using their new passport.
All types of New Zealand visa and visa waivers must be transferred, including NZeTAs, eVisas and physical visa labels.
How to transfer a New Zealand visa or eTA
The steps to transfer a New Zealand travel permit to a new passport depend on whether it is an NZeTA, eVisa, or paper visa.
An NZ Travel Authority and eVisa are both issued to the applicant by email, while a paper visa is a physical paper attached to the traveller’s passport.
New Zealand visa holders can keep the same form of visa and simply transfer it to their new passport.
It is also possible to transfer a visa label to an eVisa, and to get a physical visa label for an existing eVisa.
Changing a NZeTA to a new passport
New Zealand Visa Waiver holders can check the status of their New Zealand eTA online.
The online service can also be used to update the applicant’s passport details. The request must be done at least 10 days before travelling to New Zealand.
The online service can only be used to update passports that are from the same issuing state as the original. Those who have changed nationality must get a new NZeTA.
Transfer a New Zealand eVisa to a new passport
Individuals who have a New Zealand eVisa must inform the authorities that their passport information has changed.
Applicants need the following to transfer their eVisa:
- Certified copy of old passport
- Certified copy of new passport
- Completed application form
If certified copies of the passport are not possible, the physical travel documents can be sent instead.
An eVisa transfer is free, while there is a cost for a new visa label.
Transfer a New Zealand paper visa to a new passport
To transfer a visa label, applicants need the following documents:
- Certified copy of old passport
- New passport (for the visa label)
- Completed application form
- Visa transfer fee
For families who are requesting a visa transfer for more than one family member, a separate application form and processing fee must be provided.
What if I have lost my passport with my New Zealand eTA?
For NZeTA holders who have a lost or stolen passport with an existing New Zealand Travel Authorisation, a copy of a police report is required.
Travellers who applied for a new passport and their old passport was not returned to them must write a cover letter explaining this.
The same rules apply for New Zealand visas and eVisas.
What if my name has changed on my passport?
Those with a New Zealand visa waiver who have changed their name must apply for a new NZeTA. This includes any other significant changes, such as nationality or declaration answers.
For visa transfer applicants who have a different name on their new passport, evidence of the name change must be provided, such as a marriage certificate or a deed poll.
Any supporting documents must be given during the application process mentioned above.
When do I need to renew my New Zealand eTA or visa?
Visitors to New Zealand who wish to stay longer than their travel permit allows need to renew their document or apply for a new one to avoid overstay consequences.
A visa renewal must be done before the original visa expires, if the individual intends to stay in New Zealand.
