Passport and Citizenship Applications

With effect from 1 April 2004 New Zealand Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates will no longer issue full validity manual passports or first time passports. In limited emergency situations New Zealand citizens will be able to obtain a manual passport limited to 12 months validity for New Zealand citizens who have previously held a New Zealand passport. All other applications for New Zealand passports will have to be forwarded to the nearest Department of Internal Affairs issuing office. These are located in New Zealand, Sydney or London. Further information is available through the Department of Internal Affairs.

This change also extends to all applications for New Zealand citizenship by descent, which are to be forwarded to citizenship Branch of Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand. A passport application can be included with the descent registration, with the appropriate fee, to reduce turnaround time. Further information is available through the Department of Internal Affairs.

New Zealand Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates have relevant passport and citizenship application forms. Staff will also be able to assist with questions you may have about completing the forms and requisite supporting documentation. These offices will however not be in a position to determine an individual’s eligibility for citizenship.