An NZeTA is electronically linked to a single passport number and becomes invalid the moment that passport expires or changes. You must request an NZeTA transfer to new passport through the Immigration New Zealand online portal or submit a fresh application (NZ$17 + NZ$100 IVL). Processing takes up to 72 hours, and you need to apply at least 10 days before departure. This eVisa functions as a travel authority for visa waiver visitors, not a full visa, and carries a 2-year validity from approval.
This guide was last updated in September 2026. All fees and processing times reflect Immigration New Zealand’s current policies. For the latest information, always check the INZ website at.
This guide covers every scenario UK travellers face: transferring an approved NZeTA to a renewed passport, correcting a wrong passport number, managing dual passport situations, and handling last-minute emergencies at the airport.
How to transfer an NZeTA to a new passport in 2026: Log in to your Immigration New Zealand account at, select “Request or change your personal information,” upload a certified copy of your new passport, include your old passport details, and submit. Processing takes up to 72 hours. Apply at least 10 days before departure. A new application costs NZ$17 online plus the NZ$100 IVL.
What Happens When Your Passport Expires or Changes After NZeTA Approval
An NZeTA tied to an expired or replaced passport is immediately invalid, denying boarding and entry to New Zealand.
The NZeTA transfer to new passport is required whenever your linked travel document changes through renewal, loss, theft, name change, or nationality change. The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is electronically assigned to one specific passport number and is not automatically transferred to a replacement document. Your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.
The Advance Passenger Processing (APP) system checks passport vs NZeTA at check-in; any mismatch causes boarding denial the airline cannot override. This happens because the APP system compares passport numbers against the INZ database and automatically blocks boarding.
NZeTA transfer to new passport follows a simple decision path: passport expired or replaced? Transfer possible at least 10 days before travel? If yes, submit a change request via the Immigration New Zealand portal at. If no, apply for a new NZeTA on your current passport.
How to Transfer Your NZeTA to a New Passport: Full Process
Transfer your NZeTA by logging into the INZ portal, uploading a certified passport copy, and submitting at least 10 days before departure.
Log in to your account
Access your Immigration New Zealand account online.
Select “Request or change your personal information”
Choose the relevant option from the portal menu.
Upload a certified copy of your new passport bio-data page
Ensure the copy is clear and certified.
Enter your old passport details
Provide number, expiry date, and issuing country.
Include your NZeTA application reference number
Link the transfer to your existing approval.
Submit and wait for confirmation email
Processing takes up to 72 hours.
Document checklist: certified copy of new passport bio-data page, old passport number, NZeTA reference number, and marriage certificate or deed poll if your name has changed. When I renewed my UK passport in 2025, I submitted the NZeTA transfer to new passport request through the INZ portal and received confirmation in 48 hours, well within the 72-hour window. The key was uploading a clear certified copy of the bio-data page.
An NZeTA transfer to new passport takes up to 72 hours to process and carries no additional fee via the INZ application form. If transfer is not possible, a new application costs NZ$17 online or NZ$23 paper, plus the NZ$100 IVL.
| Detail Update (Transfer) | New NZeTA Application |
|---|---|
| No additional fee | NZ$17 online / NZ$23 paper + NZ$100 IVL |
| Same INZ portal form | Standard application portal |
| Up to 72 hours | Up to 72 hours |
| Same nationality required | Different passport or nationality |
Passport Expires After NZeTA Approval: What Are Your Options?
Travellers with an expiring passport can transfer the NZeTA, apply for a new one, or carry both passports with restrictions. An NZeTA transfer to new passport must be initiated at least 10 days before travel; if that window is missed, a fresh application is the only route.
| Option | When to Use | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Transfer NZeTA | Passport renewed; 10+ days before departure | Submit “Request or change your personal information” on |
| 2. Apply for new NZeTA | Transfer window missed | New application: NZ$17 online / NZ$23 paper + NZ$100 IVL |
| 3. Carry both passports | NZeTA still valid on old passport; airline accepts both | Present old passport at check-in; new passport at NZ immigration |
You cannot transfer if fewer than 10 days remain before your flight. At the airport, contact your airline immediately; reapplying on the spot is not possible because processing takes up to 72 hours.
Case study: In January 2026, a UK traveller arrived at Heathrow with a renewed passport but an NZeTA still linked to the old one. The airline agent flagged the mismatch via the APP system. The traveller contacted INZ on +64 9 914 4100 but was denied boarding and had to rebook 3 days later after a new NZeTA was processed.
UK travellers: HMPO renewal takes 10 weeks standard, 1 week Fast Track, or 1 day Online Premium. If your passport is due for renewal within 3 months of your NZ departure, renew before applying for NZeTA. The NZeTA transfer to new passport is not automatic; the traveller must actively initiate every update.
How to Correct a Wrong Passport Number on Your NZeTA
Correct errors via INZ portal 10 days before travel; dual citizens use the exact passport linked to their NZeTA.
| Error Type | Example | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Transposed digits | 123456789 entered as 123456798 | APP mismatch, boarding denied |
| Wrong country code | GBR entered as GRB | Record not found in system |
| Old passport format | Using pre-2020 number format | Invalid entry length |
Log in to your INZ account
Access the Immigration New Zealand portal.
Select “Request or change your personal information”
Navigate to the relevant form section.
Correct the passport number field
Enter the accurate passport number.
Submit the form
The 10-day advance rule applies.
Receive confirmation email with updated NZeTA
Processing takes up to 72 hours.
The APP system compares the passport number in the NZeTA against the passport scanned at check-in. Any mismatch results in boarding denial the airline cannot override. At the airport, alert airline staff. There is no INZ service for same-day corrections. Having a printout of your NZeTA approval email may help escalate the issue.
While a simple number correction uses the same form, an NZeTA transfer to new passport requires uploading a certified copy of the new document. The NZeTA transfer to new passport process also takes up to 72 hours.
Dual Passport Rules: Which Passport Should You Use with Your NZeTA?
An NZeTA is linked to a single passport number; dual citizens must use the exact passport specified in their approved NZeTA application.
Key rules: One NZeTA equals one passport. You cannot use the same NZeTA with two different passports. At airline check-in, present the passport whose number appears on your NZeTA. At New Zealand border control, present the same passport. Want to switch passports? Apply for a new NZeTA using the other passport (NZ$17 online + NZ$100 IVL).
An NZeTA transfer to new passport is not possible between passports of different nationalities; you must apply for a new NZeTA instead. The NZeTA transfer to new passport process only works when the nationality remains the same.
| Scenario | Passport to Use | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| UK passport only | UK passport | None |
| UK + NZ dual citizen | Either, must match NZeTA | NZ citizens may not need NZeTA; check INZ guidance |
| UK + EU dual citizen | Passport applied with | To switch: new NZeTA (NZ$17 + NZ$100 IVL) |
| UK + other visa-waiver country | Passport applied with | To switch: new NZeTA (NZ$17 + NZ$100 IVL) |
Can you hold two NZeTAs for two passports? Yes, submit separate applications (NZ$17 + NZ$100 IVL each). Use only the passport matching your NZeTA at check-in and border control. Carrying two active NZeTAs is legal but costs double.
FAQ: NZeTA Transfer to New Passport
Can I transfer my NZeTA to a new passport after renewal?
Yes. Log in to INZ at, use “Request or change your personal information,” upload a certified passport copy, and provide old passport details and NZeTA reference. No fee; up to 72 hours.
How long does an NZeTA transfer to a new passport take?
Standard processing is up to 72 hours. Submit at least 10 days before travel. If within 10 days of departure, a transfer may not be possible and you may need a new NZeTA.
What happens if I travel with an expired passport but a valid NZeTA?
Your NZeTA becomes invalid once the linked passport expires. The APP system detects the mismatch at check-in, resulting in boarding denial. Transfer the NZeTA or apply for a new one before travelling.
Do I need to pay again for a new NZeTA if my passport expired?
Updating details via the INZ form carries no additional fee. A new NZeTA application costs NZ$17 online or NZ$23 paper, plus the NZ$100 IVL.
Can I use two passports with one NZeTA?
No. An NZeTA is linked to a single passport number. You must present the same passport at check-in and NZ border control. To switch, apply for a new NZeTA (NZ$17 + NZ$100 IVL).
How do I correct a wrong passport number on my NZeTA?
Log in to your INZ account, select “Request or change your personal information,” and correct the passport number field. The 10-day advance rule applies.
What documents do I need for an NZeTA transfer to a new passport?
A certified copy of your new passport bio-data page, your old passport number and expiry date, and your NZeTA application reference number. If your name has changed, include a marriage certificate or deed poll.
Can I carry both my old and new passports when travelling to New Zealand?
Yes. Present the passport linked to your NZeTA at airline check-in. At NZ immigration, present the passport matching your NZeTA, or your new passport if the
