New Travel Document Will Provide Travellers With A High Security Document In Emergencies
21/10/2004
David Philp, Passports Manager for the Department of Internal Affairs, says the ETD will enhance the overall security of New Zealand travel documents by ensuring New Zealanders have access to a short-term, machine-readable document with good security features. “Currently we are issuing short term manual passports to New Zealanders overseas in emergency situations. The new ETD will be machine readable and therefore be more secure and less likely to be targeted by fraudsters.”
“Overall it will reduce the number of manual passports in circulation,” says David Philp.
Currently less than four per cent of all passports are non machine-readable (manual). The issuance of ETDs will allow manual passports to be phased out over time.
The ETD will cost customers $350 or the overseas currency equivalent. “Customers will be entitled to a free full validity passport after surrendering their ETD and on completion of a new application.
“We expect that the number of people requiring ETDs will be small, as overseas travellers will still have the option of applying for a full validity passport at the usual fee, providing they are prepared to wait for a longer period,” says David Philp.
ETDs will only be issued from New Zealand Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates overseas. Full validity passports will be issued from Department of Internal Affairs offices in New Zealand, Sydney and London.
Customers with questions are encouraged to access the passports website at www.passports.govt.nz or call our Free Phone 0800 22 50 50.
For more information please contact
Tony Wallace
Media and Communications Adviser
Identity Services, Department of Internal Affairs
Phone: 382 3437 (direct dial), 0274 402 677 (mobile)
E-mail: tony.wallace@dia.govt.nz
