Announcement
New travel document support for former refugees arriving in New Zealand
Published
21 July 2026
From July 2026, eligible refugees arriving in New Zealand through the Refugee Quota Programme will be supported to apply for a secure and internationally recognised refugee travel document, helping to support their settlement and future travel needs.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) are working together to improve access to travel documents for former refugees, making it easier for them to participate in everyday life and stay connected with opportunities overseas.
People arriving in New Zealand through the Refugee Quota Programme who do not have valid travel documents are currently issued an INZ Certificate of Identity to help them travel safely to New Zealand. This document plays an important role in supporting their journey to New Zealand.
From July 2026, we have started supporting eligible refugees aged 16 and over who arrive through the Refugee Quota Programme to apply for a Refugee Travel Document after they arrive in New Zealand. Refugee Travel Documents cannot be issued overseas, so the INZ Certificate of Identity will continue to be used for refugees’ initial travel to New Zealand if they don’t have a valid travel document.
Refugee Travel Documents are a secure, passport-like travel document issued by DIA to support international travel after their initial arrival in New Zealand. It is a more secure travel document with wider international recognition and a longer period of validity, giving former refugees greater confidence and flexibility when proving their identity or travelling.
This change will help former refugees access a travel document that better meets their needs, supports their settlement in New Zealand and makes it easier to travel, access services and participate in their communities. It reflects New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to supporting refugees as they build their lives here.