Brian GeekIf you’re a New Zealand citizen living in or temporarily staying in the United Kingdom and your passport is approaching expiry — or already expired — you’ll need to understand New Zealand Passport Renewal in UK procedures, costs, requirements, timelines, and the best way to ensure your travel plans or documentation remain valid. This guide covers everything you need, including step-by-step instructions, official contact details, fee breakdowns, and best practices to avoid mistakes.
New Zealand Passport Renewal In UK
Renewing a New Zealand passport while in the United Kingdom is handled by the New Zealand Passport Office, a division of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), operating through the London office and online services. Unlike renewing a UK passport, you are renewing your New Zealand travel document with New Zealand authorities, and the process is distinct — but streamlined for overseas applicants including those in the UK.
Where and How You Apply
There are two main ways to renew your New Zealand passport from the UK:
1. Online Renewal (Best Option)
You can complete the online application from anywhere in the UK through the official New Zealand passport service:
- Go to the official DIA passport portal: passports.govt.nz.
- Create or log in with your RealMe account — this is the NZ government authentication service required for online passport renewals.
- Upload your digital passport photos (matching NZ requirements).
- Provide details from your most recent New Zealand passport.
- Pay the applicable fee and delivery charges.
Online is the most efficient method, typically faster and more secure — with delivery handled by tracked courier.
2. Paper Application by Post
If you cannot apply online, you can fill out a paper form (PAS300) and send it by courier or post to the London Passport Office:
New Zealand Passport Office (London)
1 Pall Mall East
London SW1Y 5AU
United Kingdom
Important Notes
- Do not send cash with your application.
- The office does not accept in-person submissions — everything must be mailed.
- You must pay by card or via online payment if using postal forms.
Documents Required for Renewal
Whether online or paper, you’ll need:
Core Documents
- Your current or expired NZ passport (if lost/stolen, additional declaration forms required).
- Passport photo(s) that meet New Zealand specifications.
- A RealMe login (for online applications).
- An identity referee who meets NZ requirements (usually someone with a current NZ passport or similar criteria).
- A valid payment method (credit/debit/prepaid).
Additional Requirements (If Applicable)
- Proof of name change (if you changed your name since your last passport).
- Parental consent for child passports (for applicants under 16).
Eligibility: Who Can Renew
To renew a New Zealand passport in the UK you must:
- Be a New Zealand citizen (by birth or grant).
- Have had a previous New Zealand passport (to qualify under renewal rather than first-time application).
- Not have a passport that was reported lost, stolen, or damaged (if it was, you must apply as a replace/lost passport).
- Provide correct and up-to-date documentation.
If you do not meet the renewal criteria — such as having never had a NZ passport before — you must follow first-passport application steps instead.
Why Renew Your Passport in the UK?
Renewing in the UK ensures you can continue traveling internationally — including flying back to New Zealand — and satisfies entry requirements of most countries. Most nations, and airlines, require passports to have significant future validity (often 3–6 months) before travel. Renewing proactively avoids being denied boarding or entry.
Cost of Renewal
Renewal costs for New Zealand passports vary depending on service level. Fees are set in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) but must be paid in GBP if renewing in the UK.
Standard Renewal Fees in the UK
| Service Type | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Standard passport renewal | £147.00 |
| Urgent service (3 working days) | £294.00 |
| Callout service (appointment, special) | £565.00 |
| Fees as of 2 May 2025 and in effect for 2026 |
Note: These fees exclude courier delivery charges. Delivery costs from an NZ office to the UK are typically around GBP £14.00 for standard courier.
Courier/Delivery Costs (UK)
Courier fees are charged in addition to your application fee, and typical costs to the UK are:
- Standard delivery: GBP £14.00
Delivery can incur additional charges (customs, handling) depending on your exact address.
Processing Times
Processing times vary based on the service level you choose:
- Standard Processing: Usually takes up to 10 working days to process once received by DIA, plus delivery time.
- Urgent Processing: Up to 3 working days once application is received and verified.
- Callout Service: Appointments and faster handling for exceptional cases.
Delivery time is additional — overseas courier can take several days depending on postal services and customs.
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Ensure photos fully meet the official NZ passport photo rules (size, quality).
- Double-check all personal details before submitting.
- Apply well before travel dates (especially if travelling in busy periods).
- Use tracked courier services when posting applications.
Lost or Stolen Passports
If your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot simply renew it; you must apply for a replacement passport. The process involves additional declarations and, in some cases, security checks. Start this through the same portal — select “replacement” instead of “renewal”.
In emergencies when travel is imminent and you cannot get a passport in time, you may qualify for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) — but these are costly and short-term, intended only for specific emergency travel situations.
New Zealand High Commission (Support in UK)
If you need assistance or have questions, you can contact the New Zealand Passport Office in London:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: +44 (0)20 7968 2730 (10am–2pm, Mon–Fri)
The High Commission also provides general consular services — but remember passport issuance and renewal remains with DIA, not immigration or visa services.
Renewing a Child’s New Zealand Passport in the UK
Children under 16 must have:
- Parental or legal guardian consent.
- A valid identity referee.
- All required documentation in the same way as adult applicants.
Fees for child passports are typically lower (child passports are valid 5 years), but for precise fees in the UK check the current DIA fee schedule on the official site at time of application.
Final Checklist Before You Apply
- Your current passport (or declaration if lost/stolen)
- Correct NZ passport photos
- Details of identity referee
- RealMe login (for online)
- Payment card ready for fees in GBP
- Courier details for delivery
Summary
Renewing your New Zealand passport in the United Kingdom is a straightforward process when you prepare correctly:
- Decide whether to renew online or by postal submission.
- Understand and budget for application fees and delivery costs.
- Submit complete documentation and photos to avoid delays.
- Contact the DIA London office with questions or for special arrangements.
Planning ahead — especially around major travel dates — ensures you won’t be caught with an expired passport when you need it most.