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The Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand is urging travellers to check their passport expiry dates before heading overseas this summer, as the first wave of 10-year New Zealand passports begins to expire.
From November 2025, passports issued in late 2015 will start reaching their expiry dates, and the expected surge in renewals could lead to processing delays.
The Department of Internal Affairs currently processes most applications within 10 working days, though the official timeframe is up to 20 working days. TAANZ warns that with thousands of renewals likely to arrive at once, travellers who leave it too late could face longer waits — or be unable to travel.
TAANZ says many travellers underestimate how soon they need to renew.
“It’s easy to forget to check your passport, especially if you haven’t travelled for a while. But airlines and immigration authorities often require between three and six months’ validity beyond your return date. Waiting too long can mean cancelled trips, denied boarding or costly last-minute stress,” the Association says.
TAANZ advises that anyone with a passport due to expire before May 2026 should renew it now if planning to travel from December 2025 onwards.
The Association also reminds travellers to check the rules of all transit countries, not just their final destination.
“Your destination might allow three months’ validity, but if you’re connecting through a country that requires six months — or a transit visa — you could still be refused boarding.”
By checking early and renewing well ahead of travel dates, TAANZ says passengers can avoid unnecessary disruption and ensure a smooth journey through check-in, transit and border control.
