By Kim Wildman
MSN NZ Travel writer
While there are numerous little things you'll need to take care of before you take off on your long-awaited overseas holiday, organising your passport and visas should be at the top of your to-do list.
As a New Zealander, you require a passport to travel to all countries, including our close cousin Australia. A passport is the most important travel document you'll be in possession of, so ensure that it remains in good order and is valid until well after you return. If it is just about to expire, renew it before you go — doing this while you're travelling can be inconvenient, not to mention frustrating and time consuming.
Many countries insist that your passport remain valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure date from that country. Before you travel you should also make sure you have enough empty pages in your passport for immigration stamps. In regions such as Africa you will need around two pages per country — one for the visa and another for the border stamp. If you have any questions about this requirement, check with the consulate or embassy of the country or countries you plan to visit.
Applying for or renewing a passport can be a lengthy process, so don't leave it to the last minute! The application process, naturally, will also go much faster if you do everything in person, rather than relying on snail mail. But before you go to the passport office, be sure to check what you need to take with you, such as two standard passport-sized photographs, your birth certificate and exact payment in cash.
In New Zealand you can apply for a passport at the Department of Internal Affairs offices in Wellington, Auckland, Manukau and Christchurch. On their website you'll find all the information you need, including office addresses and fee costs as well as a downloadable application form. You can also download a declaration form to report a lost or stolen passport from the site. If you have any queries, call the contact centre on free call 0800 22 50 50 (opening hours Monday to Thursday 8am-7pm, Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-2pm).
Once you start travelling, carry your passport at all times and guard it carefully. It is also wise to have copies made and make sure they are kept separate from the originals. If you are travelling with a friend, you could exchange photocopies to minimise the chance of losing all documentation.
Depending on which country or countries you visit and your reason for travelling, you may also need to get a visa. This is a stamp in your passport or on a separate piece of paper permitting you to enter the country in question and allowing you to stay for a specific period of time. Often you can get a visa at the border or at the airport on arrival, but this is not always the case. Again, check with the consulate or embassy of the country or countries you plan on visiting.
The Ministry of New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade website lists the contact details of all foreign embassies in New Zealand. Some countries have websites with visa information — for example, the US Embassy website has details of who needs a visa to travel to the US.
Bear in mind that visa regulations may change without notice, so you should always check with the individual embassies or a reputable travel agent before you depart.
Happy travels!
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