Govt makes improvements to online passport service

Further improvements to the online passport service have been made, with more services now available to users.

Applications for urgent, lost, stolen or damaged passports and those that require a name change can now be made online.

"Urgent applications make up around 7% (44,000) of the total number of passports issued annually," says Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne.

"Urgent passport applications are processed and completed within three working days and can be delivered to most locations in the world within several days," he says.

"The world class reputation and travel accessibility offered by the New Zealand passport makes it a highly valued item but misfortune can strike travellers at any time, so it is reassuring to know that lost or stolen passport applications can now be completed online 24 hours a day anywhere in the world," says Dunne.

"The loss or theft of a passport or travel document is a serious matter," he says.

"It is very important that the loss or theft of a passport is reported to the nearest New Zealand Passport Office or New Zealand Embassy, High Commission or Consulate so it can be cancelled and border control authorities can be notified", explains Dunne.

According to Internal Affairs, since the start of the year nearly every month has seen an increase in the number of passport applications made online with nearly 23,000 applications being received in September.

In another change, participating Australia Post shops are now able to supply New Zealand residents with an emailed photo suitable for them to complete a New Zealand passport renewal online.