So, you've lost your passport

Whether your passport has been stolen or lost, there’s no need to panic. It happens to the best of us, but make sure you’re proactive about it. Follow these steps to replace your passport. For most New Zealand citizens, you can replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport from anywhere in the world. 

Replacing a lost or stolen passport

Your first step, after you realise you’re without your passport, is to get in contact with the local police. They will file a report and give you a reference number. 

Your second step is to let the New Zealand government know. This is important because they will flag the passport as missing and help you avoid any incidences of identity theft. Try and contact them as soon as you have confirmed the passport is missing. Before you call, make sure you have lost your passport because once it is cancelled, you can’t use it again.

The numbers to call are:

If you’re in New Zealand: 0800 22 50 50 

And if you’re overseas: + 64 (4) 463 9360

When you call, you will be connected with someone from the Department of Internal Affairs, and you will need to have the following information:

• Your passport number. Top tip: Make some photocopies of your passport and other important identity documents before you leave. Keep one on you, email one to yourself, and give one to a friend.
• When (approximately) was it lost or stolen.
• Where it was lost or stolen.
• What were the circumstances (no need for a novel, just a brief description).
• The police report reference number if you have it.

Once you’ve reported it to the police and let the New Zealand government know, you can start the steps to replace your passport.

If you need to travel urgently (within two days), calling the numbers above and letting them know your situation is your best bet. But you might find that it is just as quick online because New Zealand has a very efficient online application process. To apply online: https://www.passports.govt.nz

If you’re overseas and urgently need to travel, you can apply for an emergency travel document. This is a ‘last resort’ option, and you might find that waiting for your urgent passport to come through is a better idea. Emergency travel documents are expensive (a flat fee of NZD$500), only last a year, and are not accepted everywhere. To get an emergency travel document, you will have to go to your closest NZ consulate or high commission.

If you’re in a situation where you can wait a few days but need a passport ASAP, an urgent passport is the way to go. If you apply online, this should take three days to process, and then however long it takes to be delivered to you. An urgent passport costs NZD$360.

If you’re not under any stringent time restraints, it’s best to apply for a standard adult passport. This will cost NZD$180 and will take up to ten business days to process, and then however long to be delivered. This can be done online.

Remember if you’re insured with Cover-More insurance, we’re always here to help. Make sure you give us a call, and we can point you in the right direction. Losing your passport is never a good thing, but there is no point in letting it ruin a holiday or a trip. Just take a deep breath and carry on!

Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the Combined PDS/FSG (available covermore.co.nz) before deciding about this insurance.