New Zealanders with expired passports are being encouraged to renew them, despite borders being closed and international travel remaining largely not an option.
Around 300,000 Kiwis reportedly have expired passports and they're being asked to "avoid the rush" that'll likely occur when borders reopen.
The request is being made by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in an email to people with expired Aotearoa passports, Stuff reports.
"Although international travel looks a bit different right now, we expect that this may change this year," the email reads.
"Adult passports are issued for 10 years and can be used as a trusted ID document. So now is a good time to renew."
Kiwis are generally enthusiastic globe travellers, but the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted most of us to domestic travel. To make the most out of what you pay for a new passport - which is at least $111 - you may want to put it off until you actually need it.
But DIA general manager of services and access Jeff Montgomery tells Stuff there may be "possible delays when overseas travel is available again" due to the rush of so many doing just that.
Current New Zealand passport fees:
Standard passport (processed in up to 10 working days):
- Adult $191
- Child $111
Urgent passport (processed in up to three working days):
- Adult $382
- Child $302
