Check paperwork before travel, urges Dalziel
Check paperwork before travel, urges Dalziel
Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel today reminded New Zealanders travelling overseas this Christmas to ensure their paperwork was in order before leaving the country.
"New Zealand citizens need a current passport and, if relevant, an appropriate visa for the country they are visiting, but all permanent residents leaving New Zealand temporarily also need a Returning Resident’s Visa (RRV) to re-enter the country," Lianne Dalziel said.
An RRV is an endorsement in a person’s passport or travel documents that allows them to re-enter New Zealand and continue their residence.
"The most common mistake involves people who came to New Zealand as young children with their parents, and have never obtained citizenship, and then travel on their original passport without thinking about their need to re-enter New Zealand," Lianne Dalziel said.
“With Christmas fast approaching, I'd encourage people who need an RRV to complete the necessary paperwork at their nearest branch of the New Zealand Immigration Service without delay.
"Depending on a branch’s workload, these visas may take from two or three days to a week to process. So, if you haven’t already done so, contacting the Immigration Service now will ensure that your travel plans can proceed without disruption.”
A Returning Resident's Visa is not required
by Australian citizens re-entering New Zealand on an
Australian passport, or Australian residents holding a
current Australian
RRV.