This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Almost 40,000 New Zealand passports were reported lost, damaged or stolen in 2025, prompting a reminder to travellers to look after their documents and check expiry dates well before travelling.
Department of Internal Affairs says damaged and lost passports remain a common cause of disrupted travel, with many incidents involving children, water and everyday accidents.
Among last year’s reports were several child-related mishaps, including passports torn, cut with scissors or damaged after being taken to the beach.
Water was also a frequent culprit, with passports damaged after being dropped into swimming pools, baths and the ocean, or soaked during boating and jet ski incidents. In one case, a passport was stained after coffee was spilled onto it.
While some of the stories may sound light-hearted, the consequences can be serious. A damaged or lost passport can result in denied boarding, delayed travel plans and unexpected replacement costs.
Travellers are encouraged to report lost or damaged passports online at passports.govt.nz as soon as possible, even if the incident feels minor.
With international travel continuing to increase, travellers are also reminded to check passport expiry dates early, as many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond travel dates.
Tips to keep your passport safe:
- Store your passport in a secure, dry place when not in use.
- Keep it away from water, including pools, beaches and boats.
- Store passports out of reach of children.
- Take care when using a passport as identification at events.
- Check regularly for damage, missing pages and expiry dates before travelling.
Further information on passport safety and replacements is available at passports.govt.nz
