An endorsement is a record that allows a New Zealand citizen to enter New Zealand as a New Zealand citizen although they are travelling on a foreign passport. An endorsement may be physically placed in the foreign passport or, if requested, it can be held by Immigration New Zealand as an electronic record linked to the foreign passport.  An endorsement is current for the duration of the foreign passport it is endorsed in (or linked to, if electronic only).

What do I need to provide to get an endorsement?

You will need to provide:

• your non-New Zealand passport,
• evidence of your New Zealand citizenship (if it is the first time you are applying),
• your New Zealand passport (if it was issued on or after 5 November 2005), or
• a passport-sized photo of your head and shoulders
• the completed form New Zealand Citizen Endorsement Application (INZ1174) PDF the correct fee (see our Fees Guide (INZ 1028) PDF. If you are currently in New Zealand, your application must be sent to your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.
  or
  If you are overseas, your application must be sent before you travel to New Zealand. Find out where to send your application.

Evidence of New Zealand citizenship

If you are applying for an endorsement for the first time, you will need to prove you are a New Zealand citizen by providing one of the following;

• a New Zealand passport
• a New Zealand birth certificate (if issued on or after 1 January 2006, the birth certificate must positively indicate the person has New Zealand citizenship)
• a certificate of New Zealand citizenship issued under the Citizenship Act 1977
• a certificate of confirmation of New Zealand citizenship by descent issued under the Citizenship Act 1977, or 
• an evidentiary certificate issued under the Citizenship Act 1977 confirming New Zealand citizenship.

For subsequent endorsement applications, you must provide a declaration that you have previously held a foreign passport with an endorsement confirming New Zealand citizenship.

What happens to New Zealand citizens travelling on a foreign passport with a returning resident’s visa (RRV)?

You may have previously been issued a returning resident's visa (RRV) in your foreign passport under the Immigration Act 1987.

 

If you already hold an RRV on the basis of your New Zealand citizenship, you will be able to continue travel to and enter New Zealand as New Zealand citizens with your foreign passport and RRV until the expiry of that passport. When you renew their foreign passport, you will be able to apply to Immigration New Zealand for an endorsement linked to your new foreign passport.