Transferring New Zealand Visa or eTA to a New Passport

Updated on Aug 12, 2023 | New Zealand eTA

To ensure the validity of your travel permit for New Zealand, it is crucial to update the details on your entry permit if there are any changes to your passport. New Zealand visas and eTAs (Electronic Travel Authority) are only considered valid when used with the passport that was initially used for the application. Failure to update the passport details would render the document unusable for future entries into New Zealand. This policy applies to all NZeTA visa waivers and New Zealand visas. You must update the New Zealand Visa and transfer to New Passport when it is renewed or lost or stolen.

New Zealand Visa Application Form now allows visitors from all nationalities to obtain New Zealand eTA (NZETA) by email without visiting New Zealand Embassy. Government of New Zealand now officially recommends New Zealand Visa or New Zealand ETA online rather than sending paper documents. You can obtain NZETA by filling out a form in under three minutes on this website. The only requirement is to have a Debit or Credit Card and email id. You do not need to send your passport for Visa stamping. If you are arriving to New Zealand by the Cruise Ship route, you should check the New Zealand ETA eligibility conditions for Cruise Ship arrival to New Zealand.

To keep your existing travel permit for New Zealand, you must take the following steps:

Update your passport details: If you have obtained a new passport or if there have been changes to your passport information (such as passport number, issue or expiry date, or name), it is essential to update these details on your entry permit.Follow these steps for transferring New Zealand Visa to New Passport
Contact the relevant authorities: Reach out to the appropriate authorities responsible for processing New Zealand visas or eTAs for transferring New Zealand Visa to New Passport. This may include the New Zealand Immigration Department or the consulate/embassy representing New Zealand in your country. Inquire about the specific process and requirements for updating your passport details on your travel permit.
Provide necessary documentation: Prepare the required documents to support your passport update for transferring New Zealand Visa to New Passport This typically includes your new passport, your previous passport (if applicable), and any other supporting documents requested by the authorities. Ensure that all documents are up to date and valid.
Submit the application: Follow the instructions provided by the authorities and submit your application for Transferring New Zealand Visa to New Passport by updating the passport details on your travel permit. This may involve filling out forms, paying fees (if applicable), and providing the necessary documents.
Await confirmation: Once you have submitted your application for Transferring New Zealand Visa to New Passport, allow sufficient time for the authorities to process your request. They will review your updated details and verify the information provided. It is advisable to refrain from any travel plans to New Zealand until you receive confirmation that your travel permit has been successfully updated.

Updating New Zealand Visa or eTA After Passport Renewal

When you renew your passport, it is important to take the necessary steps to update your existing New Zealand visa or eTA (Electronic Travel Authority). This is because a New Zealand visa or eTA is electronically linked to the passport used during the application process. If you replace your passport with a new one, your travel authority becomes invalid and cannot be automatically transferred to the new passport. Therefore, it is essential to manually update your visa or eTA to ensure its validity.

To update your New Zealand visa or eTA after passport renewal, follow these steps:

Obtain a new passport: Apply for and obtain your new passport before initiating the update process for your visa or eTA. Make sure your new passport is valid and ready for use.
Contact the relevant authorities: Get in touch with the appropriate authorities responsible for processing New Zealand visas or eTAs. This may include the New Zealand Immigration Department or the consulate/embassy representing New Zealand in your country. Inquire about the specific procedure and requirements for updating your travel authority.
Provide necessary documentation: Prepare the required documents to support the update process. Typically, you will need to submit your new passport, along with your previous passport (if available) and any other supporting documents requested by the authorities.
Submit the application: Follow the instructions provided by the authorities and submit your application for updating your visa or eTA. This might involve filling out forms, paying fees (if applicable), and providing the necessary documents.
Await confirmation: Allow sufficient time for the authorities to process your request. They will review your updated passport details and verify the information provided. Until you receive confirmation that your visa or eTA has been successfully updated, avoid making any travel plans to New Zealand.

Updating Your New Zealand Visa to a New Passport

If you have an existing New Zealand visa and you obtain a new passport, it is necessary to update your travel authority to ensure its validity. Visitors who hold a New Zealand visa or visa waiver with their old passport must transfer it to their new and valid passport if they intend to use it for future travel to New Zealand.

Whether you have an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), an eVisa, or a physical visa label, it is important to follow the appropriate procedure to update your travel permit. There are two options available:

Transfer the visa to the new passport: In this case, you will need to contact the relevant authorities responsible for processing New Zealand visas. This may involve reaching out to the New Zealand Immigration Department or the consulate/embassy representing New Zealand in your country. They will provide guidance on the specific process and requirements for transferring your existing visa to your new passport. Ensure that you have your new passport and the old passport containing the visa when you initiate this process.
Apply for a new travel permit: If transferring the visa is not possible or not required, you can apply for a new travel permit using your new passport. Follow the application process as outlined by the New Zealand Immigration Department or the appropriate consular/embassy services. Be prepared to provide all the necessary documentation and meet the requirements for obtaining a new travel permit. Remember to inform the authorities about your previous visa held in your old passport during the application process.

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Transferring a New Zealand Visa or eTA to a New Passport

The process of transferring a New Zealand travel permit to a new passport depends on the type of travel document you hold, whether it's an NZeTA, eVisa, or a physical visa label.

NZeTA or eVisa issued by email:
Contact the New Zealand Immigration Department or the appropriate consulate/embassy to inform them about your new passport.
Provide them with the details of your previous travel permit and your new passport.
They will guide you on the necessary steps to transfer your existing visa or eTA to your new passport.
Follow their instructions and provide any supporting documentation required.
Once the transfer is complete, you will receive confirmation that your travel permit is now linked to your new passport.
Paper visa label attached to the passport:
If you have a physical visa label in your current passport and you obtain a new passport, you need to apply for a transfer.
Contact the New Zealand Immigration Department or the relevant consulate/embassy to inform them about your new passport.
They will provide you with the necessary instructions and requirements for transferring your visa label to the new passport.
Follow their guidelines and submit any requested documentation.
Once the transfer is approved, you will receive a new physical visa label to affix to your new passport, ensuring the validity of your travel permit.

It is also worth noting that, in some cases, it may be possible to transfer a visa label to an eVisa or obtain a physical visa label for an existing eVisa. If you wish to explore this option, contact the New Zealand Immigration Department or the appropriate consulate/embassy to inquire about the specific process.

Updating a New Zealand eTA to a New Passport

If you hold a New Zealand eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) and have obtained a new passport, you can update your passport details using the online service provided by the New Zealand Immigration Department. The following information outlines the process:

Check the status of your eTA: Visit the official New Zealand Immigration Department website and access the online service designed for eTA holders. Use this service to check the current status of your eTA.
Update passport details: Within the online service, you will find an option to update your passport details. Select this option and proceed with providing the necessary information related to your new passport.
Timing of the request: It is recommended to update your passport details at least 10 days before your planned travel to New Zealand. This allows sufficient time for the processing of your request and ensures that your eTA is linked to your new passport before you travel.
Restrictions based on issuing state: It is important to note that the online service can only be used to update passports from the same issuing state as the original. If you have changed your nationality or obtained a passport from a different issuing state, you will need to apply for a new NZeTA rather than updating your existing one.
Follow the instructions: Complete all the required fields accurately and provide any supporting documentation as requested within the online service. Ensure that you follow all instructions provided to ensure a smooth and successful update process.

By using the online service provided by the New Zealand Immigration Department, you can update your New Zealand eTA to reflect the details of your new passport. This will ensure the validity of your eTA for future travel to New Zealand.

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From the 1st October 2019, visitors from Visa Free countries also known as Visa Waiver countries must apply on https://www.visa-new-zealand.org for an online electronic Travel authorisation in the form of New Zealand Visitor Visa. Learn about New Zealand Tourist Visa information for all Visitors seeking short term travel to New Zealand.

Transferring a New Zealand eVisa to a New Passport

If you possess a New Zealand eVisa and have obtained a new passport, it is important to inform the relevant authorities about the change in passport information. To transfer your eVisa to your new passport, follow these steps:

Gather the necessary documents: Prepare the following documents for the transfer process:

Certified copy of your old passport: Obtain a certified copy of the passport containing your current eVisa. Contact a certified authority (such as a notary public) to certify the copy.
Certified copy of your new passport: Obtain a certified copy of your new and valid passport. Again, ensure that the copy is certified by an authorized authority.
Completed application form: Fill out the application form required for transferring your eVisa to the new passport. You may find this form on the official website of the New Zealand Immigration Department or through the relevant consulate/embassy.
Submit the application: Send the completed application form along with the certified copies of your old and new passports to the appropriate authorities. Follow the instructions provided by the New Zealand Immigration Department or the consulate/embassy for submitting the application. If certified copies of the passports are not possible, you may be required to send the original physical travel documents instead.
Consider the associated costs: Transferring your eVisa to the new passport is typically free of charge. However, it's important to note that there may be a cost involved if you opt for a new visa label instead of a transfer. Confirm the fees and payment methods with the authorities when submitting your application.
Await confirmation: Allow sufficient time for the authorities to process your application. Once the transfer is completed, you will receive confirmation that your eVisa has been successfully linked to your new passport.

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For short stays, vacations, or professional visitor activities, New Zealand now has a new entrance requirement known as the eTA New Zealand Visa. All non-citizens must possess a current visa or digital travel authorization to enter New Zealand. Apply For NZ eTA with the Online New Zealand Visa Application.

Transferring a New Zealand Paper Visa to a New Passport

If you have a New Zealand paper visa label in your old passport and have obtained a new passport, you can transfer the visa label to your new passport by following these steps:

Gather the required documents:
Certified copy of your old passport: Obtain a certified copy of the passport containing your current visa label. Ensure that the copy is certified by an authorized authority such as a notary public.
New passport: Have your new and valid passport ready to affix the transferred visa label.
Completed application form: Fill out the application form provided by the New Zealand Immigration Department or the appropriate consulate/embassy.
Visa transfer fee: Check the applicable fee for transferring the visa label and make the payment accordingly.
Submit the application:
Complete the application form with accurate information and attach the certified copy of your old passport.
Include the processing fee with your application as per the instructions provided by the authorities.
If you are applying for a visa transfer for multiple family members, ensure that each family member has a separate application form and processing fee.
Await processing and confirmation:
Allow the authorities sufficient time to process your application and transfer the visa label to your new passport.
Once the transfer is completed, you will receive confirmation that the visa label has been successfully transferred.

Lost or Stolen Passport with a New Zealand eTA

If you are an NZeTA holder and have lost or had your passport stolen, and you had an existing New Zealand Travel Authorisation (eTA) in that passport, the following steps should be taken:

File a police report: Obtain a copy of the police report documenting the loss or theft of your passport. This report will serve as official documentation and may be required as part of the process to address the situation.
Notify the relevant authorities: Contact the New Zealand Immigration Department or the appropriate consulate/embassy as soon as possible to report the loss or theft of your passport and inform them about your existing eTA.
Provide a cover letter: If you have applied for a new passport and your old passport was not returned to you, it is important to write a cover letter explaining the situation. Include details such as the date of the passport application, the passport number, and any other relevant information regarding the loss of the old passport.
Follow instructions: The authorities will provide specific guidance on the steps to take and the documentation required in order to address the situation and potentially transfer your eTA to the new passport. Adhere to their instructions and provide any necessary supporting documentation as requested.

It is essential to note that the same procedures and requirements generally apply to New Zealand visas and eVisas as well.

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Name Change on Passport for New Zealand Visa or NZeTA

If you hold a New Zealand visa waiver and have changed your name, it is necessary to apply for a new NZeTA with your updated name. This requirement also applies to significant changes, including changes in nationality or answers to declaration questions.

For visa transfer applicants who have a different name on their new passport, it is essential to provide evidence of the name change during the application process. Examples of supporting documents for a name change include a marriage certificate or a deed poll.

To ensure a smooth transition and update your travel permit, follow these steps:

Apply for a new NZeTA: If you have changed your name, complete the application process for a new NZeTA, providing your updated name and all other required information.
Gather supporting documents: If your new passport reflects a different name from your previous one, gather the necessary supporting documents to verify the name change. This may include official documents such as a marriage certificate or a deed poll.
Submit supporting documents: Include the supporting documents alongside your application for the new NZeTA. Ensure that you follow the instructions provided by the New Zealand Immigration Department or the relevant consulate/embassy for submitting these documents.
Complete the application process: Follow all instructions and complete the application process for the new NZeTA, providing accurate and up-to-date information.

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Renewing a New Zealand eTA or Visa

If you plan to stay in New Zealand beyond the validity period of your existing travel permit, it is important to renew your eTA or visa to avoid any potential consequences related to overstaying.

Here are some key points to consider:

Renewal before expiration: To ensure a continuous and lawful stay in New Zealand, it is necessary to renew your eTA or visa before the original permit expires. It is crucial to submit your renewal application in a timely manner to avoid any gaps in your legal status.
Intent to stay in New Zealand: Renewing your travel permit is essential if you intend to stay in New Zealand beyond the initial authorized period. Failing to renew your eTA or visa may result in your stay becoming unlawful, which can lead to penalties, deportation, or difficulties with future travel to New Zealand.
Application process: The specific process for renewing your New Zealand eTA or visa may vary depending on the type of permit you hold. It is recommended to visit the official website of the New Zealand Immigration Department or consult with the appropriate consulate/embassy to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on the renewal process.
Plan ahead: To avoid any last-minute complications, it is advisable to initiate the renewal process well in advance of the expiration date of your current travel permit. This allows sufficient time for processing, potential interviews, and any additional documentation that may be required.

By being proactive and renewing your New Zealand eTA or visa before it expires, you can maintain your lawful status and enjoy a continued stay in the country without any complications.

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Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, European citizens, Hong Kong citizens, and United Kingdom citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.

Please apply for a New Zealand eTA 72 hours in advance of your flight.

APPLY NZeTA APPLICATION