Machine-readable passports

From 26 October 2004 all New Zealand citizens visiting the United States of America will require a machine-readable passport to satisfy the visa waiver entry requirements.

This change in policy affects New Zealand citizens who currently hold a non machine-readable passport and who intend visiting the USA after 26 October 2004.

If you need to apply for a new passport, you will be required to do so at a Department of Internal Affairs office in New Zealand, London or Sydney as these are the only offices able to issue machine-readable passports.

Full information on the US visa waiver policy change and how/where to apply for a new New Zealand passport is available on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

New Zealand citizens are advised to check the US State Department website for the most current information concerning the requirements for entering the United States.