Kiwis are encouraged to verify their passport expiry dates ahead of summer, anticipating a huge spike in applications next year.
In November 2015, passport validity extended from 5 to 10 years, so those renewed in 2015 or 2016 are nearing expiry.
“The Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is forecasting a surge in applications due to the anniversary of the ten-year passports. I encourage you all to ensure yours is up to date before you will need it,” Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden said.
The Department anticipates over 1.3 million passports expiring in the next two years. In 2026, it expects around 622,000 applications, while 759,000 passports are set to expire in 2027.
“So, if your passport needs renewing soon, so will 622,000 others,” Van Velden said.
“New Zealanders rightly expect excellent service, and I’m proud that our passport team has delivered exactly that. Through their efforts and operational improvements, we’ve dramatically reduced passport processing times from 25 days in 2023 to just 3 days – and that’s for all passport applications, not just urgent ones.”
“This represents a great improvement in service delivery that will benefit every New Zealand family planning to travel overseas.”
“If your passport expires in 2026, renew now before the rush. Don’t let an expired passport get in the way of your travel.”