Topic · 44 practice questions
Travelling on a New Zealand passport
“Travelling on a New Zealand passport” is one of the six topic areas govt.nz lists for the citizenship test. It covers what a New Zealand passport gives you (visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries), how dual citizenship works, what consular help the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can provide overseas, and the basics of passport renewal. The practice questions below are written from publicly available guidance and are not the real test.
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What this topic covers
- What rights a New Zealand passport gives you
- Dual and multiple citizenship in New Zealand
- How long a New Zealand passport is valid
- Consular assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- SafeTravel.govt.nz and travel advisories
Practice questions (44)
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Question 1
Which agency manages New Zealand passports?
- A Immigration New Zealand
- B The Department of Internal Affairs Correct
- C The Reserve Bank
- D The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Why
The Department of Internal Affairs issues New Zealand passports. You can apply online at passports.govt.nz.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 2
How long is a standard adult New Zealand passport valid for?
- A 2 years
- B 5 years
- C 10 years Correct
- D 15 years
Why
Adult New Zealand passports (for people 16 and over) are valid for 10 years.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 3
How long is a standard child New Zealand passport (for children under 16) valid for?
- A 1 year
- B 5 years Correct
- C 10 years
- D 15 years
Why
Child passports for those aged 15 and under are valid for 5 years. Once a child turns 16, they need an adult passport.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 4
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least how long after you arrive?
- A 1 day
- B 1 month
- C 6 months Correct
- D 5 years
Why
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after you intend to leave that country. Always check before you travel.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 5
SafeTravel.govt.nz is the official website that:
- A An online travel agency that sells discounted flights and accommodation to NZ residents
- B Gives travel advisories and lets New Zealanders register their travel overseas Correct
- C An agency that issues international driving permits and travel insurance to NZ travellers
- D A scheme that pays out injury claims to New Zealanders injured while travelling overseas
Why
SafeTravel is run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It posts travel advisories and lets New Zealanders register their plans so they can be contacted in an emergency.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 6
Who can give consular help to New Zealanders overseas?
- A The Reserve Bank of New Zealand's overseas branches in major financial centres
- B New Zealand embassies, high commissions, and consulates (run by MFAT) Correct
- C The local New Zealand Police international liaison officers stationed overseas
- D The Inland Revenue overseas tax assistance team based at the High Commission
Why
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) runs New Zealand embassies, high commissions, and consulates. They can offer help and advice to New Zealanders in trouble overseas.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 7
Before travelling overseas, you should check:
- A Travel advisories on SafeTravel and the rules of the country you are visiting Correct
- B Only the cost of return flights and any baggage fees charged by the airline you choose
- C Only the local weather forecast for the time of year that you intend to be travelling
- D Only the main language spoken in the destination country and any common phrases used
Why
Before you travel, check SafeTravel advisories, your passport validity, visa rules, and any health and entry requirements for the country you are visiting.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 8
New Zealand citizens travelling overseas should:
- A Travel without a passport
- B Carry a current New Zealand passport Correct
- C Use a driver licence as a passport
- D Carry only a birth certificate
Why
To enter most countries you must hold a valid passport. New Zealand citizens normally travel on a New Zealand passport.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 9
Which agency is the main border control body for people arriving in New Zealand?
- A Immigration New Zealand and the New Zealand Customs Service Correct
- B The Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the Treasury
- C The Electoral Commission and Department of Internal Affairs
- D The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health
Why
Immigration New Zealand checks people's right to enter, and the New Zealand Customs Service checks goods. The Ministry for Primary Industries handles biosecurity.
Source: www.immigration.govt.nz
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Question 10
A New Zealand passport allows you to travel as a citizen of which country?
- A The United Kingdom
- B Australia
- C New Zealand Correct
- D The European Union
Why
A New Zealand passport is proof of New Zealand citizenship. It does not give you the right to live or work in any other country, although some countries offer easy travel or visa rules for New Zealanders.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 11
In New Zealand, the easiest and fastest way to apply for a passport is usually:
- A In person at the local New Zealand Police station, with paper documents only
- B Online through the Department of Internal Affairs at passports.govt.nz Correct
- C By a registered letter sent to Government House in Wellington with a photo
- D At your closest local council customer service desk during business hours only
Why
Most adults and children can apply for a passport online through the Department of Internal Affairs. Online applications are usually faster than paper applications.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 12
Travel insurance is recommended when travelling overseas because it:
- A Replaces the need for a valid New Zealand passport while you are travelling overseas
- B Can cover medical costs, lost luggage, and unexpected cancellations during your trip Correct
- C Allows you to skip border checks at any country's customs counter on arrival
- D Pays your tax bill back home in New Zealand for the duration of your overseas trip
Why
SafeTravel and MFAT recommend travel insurance. It can cover medical costs, lost or damaged baggage, and unexpected events. Reciprocal health agreements do not cover most costs.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 13 · medium
Which government department issues New Zealand passports?
- A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- B Department of Internal Affairs Correct
- C Immigration New Zealand
- D New Zealand Police
Why
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is responsible for issuing New Zealand passports. It also handles citizenship, births, deaths, and marriages.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 14 · medium
New Zealand passports are usually issued in two main types of cover. The most common cover is:
- A Black Correct
- B Silver
- C Red
- D Green
Why
The standard New Zealand passport has a black cover with the silver fern and coat of arms. There are also other types for officials and diplomats.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 15 · medium
Before or on arriving back in New Zealand from overseas, you usually need to:
- A Show your New Zealand passport or travel document and complete a traveller declaration Correct
- B Take a short driving test before you are allowed to leave the airport behind the wheel
- C Pay an arrival tax of around fifty dollars at the customs counter as you come through
- D Sign in at the nearest police station within twenty-four hours of arriving in the country
Why
On arrival, you go through Customs and Biosecurity. You usually show your passport and complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration about goods, food, and risk items.
Source: www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz
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Question 16 · medium
When entering New Zealand, you must declare:
- A All food, plant, and animal items Correct
- B Only items each worth more than $10,000 in value
- C Only clothing that is brand new and still in packaging
- D Only books, DVDs, and other printed paper materials
Why
New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules. You must declare any food, plants, animal products, and outdoor equipment so they can be checked.
Source: www.mpi.govt.nz
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Question 17 · medium
To drive in New Zealand on a long-term basis, you usually need to:
- A Convert to a New Zealand driver licence within a year of arriving (if you stay long-term) Correct
- B Continue using your home country's driver licence forever, with no time limit on its use here
- C Walk or use public transport only, since cars are not legally allowed for new arrivals here
- D Pay an extra annual road-user tax to keep using your foreign licence in New Zealand long term
Why
Visitors can drive on a valid overseas licence for up to 12 months. After that, you generally need to convert to or apply for a New Zealand driver licence.
Source: www.nzta.govt.nz
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Question 18 · medium
Public schools in New Zealand are free to attend for:
- A Only New Zealand citizens born inside the country to a citizen parent
- B Domestic students (citizens, residents, and most other long-term visa holders) Correct
- C All visitors and tourists travelling on short-term visitor or working-holiday visas
- D Only people whose families live in the Auckland or Wellington council areas
Why
Free schooling at state schools is available to domestic students. Some smaller fees (donations, trips) may still be requested.
Source: www.education.govt.nz
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Question 19 · medium
Most New Zealand passport applications can be made:
- A Online through the Department of Internal Affairs Correct
- B Only at a police station with a printed form
- C Only at the airport during international travel
- D Only at the local council customer service desk
Why
Most adult and child passport applications can be made online through the Department of Internal Affairs at passports.govt.nz.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 20 · medium
New Zealand Customs at the border can ask you to declare cash you are bringing in if it is NZ$10,000 or more. This is to:
- A Charge a customs tax on the cash brought across the border
- B Help fight money laundering and other financial crime Correct
- C Take a fixed share of the cash for the government
- D Make sure you have enough cash to support your trip
Why
If you bring NZ$10,000 or more in cash into or out of New Zealand, you must declare it. This is a money laundering and financial crime control measure, not a tax.
Source: www.customs.govt.nz
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Question 21 · medium
If your New Zealand passport is lost or stolen overseas, you should usually first:
- A Contact the local airline and ask them for a replacement boarding document on the spot
- B Report it to the local police and the nearest New Zealand embassy or high commission Correct
- C Wait until you return home to New Zealand and then report the loss to the DIA office
- D Buy a temporary travel document at any local government office in the country you are in
Why
SafeTravel advises reporting a lost or stolen passport to local police and to the nearest New Zealand embassy, high commission, or consulate. They can help with an emergency travel document if needed.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 22 · medium
If you need to travel urgently and cannot wait for a full passport, the New Zealand government may issue you:
- A A free standard passport with priority processing within twenty-four hours of request
- B An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) for limited urgent travel Correct
- C A foreign passport on behalf of your destination country during the trip itself
- D A free Electronic Travel Authority for any country you might want to visit later
Why
An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is issued in emergencies. It is valid for limited travel and a shorter time than a full passport. Not every NZ overseas post can issue one.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 23 · medium
A New Zealand citizen by descent generally:
- A Was born inside New Zealand to two parents who are New Zealand citizens
- B Was born outside New Zealand and has at least one parent who is a NZ citizen by birth or grant Correct
- C Was granted citizenship by Cabinet under the Special Cases route in the Citizenship Act
- D Has lived in New Zealand for at least 20 years on a permanent resident visa
Why
Citizenship by descent applies to people born outside New Zealand whose parent was a New Zealand citizen otherwise than by descent. It must be registered with the Department of Internal Affairs.
Source: www.govt.nz
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Question 24 · medium
Before children under 16 are issued a New Zealand passport, the application generally needs:
- A Approval from a District Court judge in every case before any application can begin
- B Consent from the child's legal guardian (usually one parent or guardian) Correct
- C A signed statement from the school principal of the child's primary or secondary school
- D A character reference from at least three other parents who already hold a NZ passport
Why
A children's passport application generally needs consent from a parent or legal guardian. Only one consent is required, but Passports may ask for more if there's a dispute.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 25 · medium
New Zealand has reciprocal health agreements with which two countries?
- A Australia and the United Kingdom Correct
- B The United States and Canada, covering all medical and dental treatment in both countries
- C Japan and South Korea, covering all dental and optometry care in both countries
- D All other Commonwealth countries, providing free hospital care for any NZ citizen
Why
New Zealand has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom. They cover urgent and medically necessary care for short stays. They are not a substitute for travel insurance.
Source: www.tewhatuora.govt.nz
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Question 26 · medium
When New Zealanders register their travel plans on SafeTravel, MFAT can:
- A Pay their hospital bills if they get sick or injured during their overseas trip
- B Contact them in an emergency such as a natural disaster or major civil unrest Correct
- C Buy them comprehensive travel insurance for free for the entire length of their trip
- D Issue them a duty-free shopping voucher for use at any international airport in NZ
Why
Registering on SafeTravel helps MFAT contact New Zealanders in an emergency, for example after a major earthquake or political unrest in their country of travel.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 27 · medium
A New Zealand citizen who travels to Australia generally needs:
- A To apply for a full Australian work visa about 6 months before flying out
- B To enter as a Special Category Visa (SCV) holder at the Australian border Correct
- C To register with the Australian High Commission once a year while resident there
- D To pay an annual fee at the Australian Department of Home Affairs while in Australia
Why
New Zealand citizens are usually granted a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) on arrival in Australia. The Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement underpins this, but the SCV is the legal mechanism.
Source: www.mfat.govt.nz
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Question 28 · medium
A New Zealand citizen who also holds another country's passport (dual citizenship) should:
- A Always travel into and out of New Zealand on their other country's passport, not their NZ one
- B Use their New Zealand passport to enter and leave New Zealand, in most cases Correct
- C Hand back their other passport at the New Zealand border before any flight
- D Pay an extra fee at the New Zealand border each time they fly into the country
Why
New Zealand allows dual citizenship. New Zealand citizens are generally expected to use their New Zealand passport when entering and leaving New Zealand. Some other countries have similar rules.
Source: www.govt.nz
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Question 29 · medium
When New Zealand consular officers help citizens overseas, they generally CANNOT:
- A Issue Emergency Travel Documents in urgent cases that meet MFAT's set criteria
- B Pay a citizen's medical, hotel, or legal bills from New Zealand government funds Correct
- C Help a citizen contact family or a lawyer back in New Zealand from overseas
- D Visit a citizen who has been arrested or detained by local police of that country
Why
Consular officers can help in many ways but they cannot pay your bills, take over a foreign court case, or get you released from detention overseas. Travel insurance is important.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 30 · hard
New Zealand allows its citizens to:
- A Hold New Zealand citizenship and citizenship of another country (dual citizenship) Correct
- B Hold only New Zealand citizenship, and lose any other nationality on becoming a citizen here
- C Hold only Commonwealth citizenship from a member country such as the United Kingdom or Canada
- D Choose between two different national passports each calendar year, depending on travel plans
Why
New Zealand allows dual or multiple citizenship. Some other countries do not, so holding more than one citizenship can have effects in those countries.
Source: www.govt.nz
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Question 31 · hard
A New Zealand citizen by descent is generally a person who was born outside New Zealand and has at least one parent who was a New Zealand citizen by birth or grant. This means citizenship by descent:
- A Is automatic at birth and never has to be registered with any New Zealand government agency
- B Has to be registered with the Department of Internal Affairs to get a passport Correct
- C Cannot be passed to the next generation of children at all, no matter where they are born
- D Only applies to children born to NZ-citizen parents who are living in Australia at the time
Why
Citizenship by descent must be registered with DIA before you can be issued a New Zealand passport. There are limits on passing citizenship by descent down further generations born overseas.
Source: www.govt.nz
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Question 32 · hard
A New Zealand citizen who is overseas and loses their passport should usually contact:
- A The mayor of the nearest sister city of Wellington
- B The nearest New Zealand embassy, high commission, or consulate Correct
- C The local airline staff at the airport you departed from
- D The Reserve Bank's overseas customer assistance helpline
Why
The nearest New Zealand embassy, high commission, or consulate can help you get an emergency travel document or a replacement passport. They are run by MFAT.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 33 · hard
New Zealand consular officers overseas CAN help by:
- A Paying your medical bills directly to the overseas hospital
- B Issuing emergency travel documents and contacting family on your behalf Correct
- C Securing your release from a foreign prison or police cell
- D Taking over your case in another country's local court system
Why
Consular staff can issue emergency travel documents, help you contact family or lawyers, and provide advice. They cannot pay your bills, give legal advice, or interfere in another country's legal system.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 34 · hard
Many countries refuse entry if your passport will expire within how long after you plan to leave?
- A 1 day
- B 1 week
- C 6 months Correct
- D 5 years
Why
Many countries require at least 6 months of passport validity after the date you plan to leave. SafeTravel recommends checking each country's rules before you go.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 35 · hard
When New Zealanders register their travel on SafeTravel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade can:
- A Pay for emergency replacement flights and accommodation while their travellers return home
- B Contact them in an emergency such as a natural disaster or political unrest Correct
- C Issue them a free replacement New Zealand passport while they are still travelling overseas
- D Buy comprehensive travel insurance on their behalf for the duration of the overseas trip
Why
Registering on SafeTravel helps MFAT contact you and your family in an emergency overseas. It does not provide free flights or insurance.
Source: www.safetravel.govt.nz
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Question 36 · hard
Which special arrangement allows New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia indefinitely without a visa?
- A The Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement Correct
- B The Schengen Agreement covering most of Europe today
- C The Commonwealth Citizens Settlement Treaty of 1983
- D The CER Free Trade Agreement signed back in the 1980s
Why
The Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, in place since 1973, lets New Zealand and Australian citizens live and work in each other's country, in most cases without a visa. The arrangement does not give automatic citizenship.
Source: www.mfat.govt.nz
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Question 37 · hard
A New Zealand permanent resident visa (compared to a resident visa) gives the holder:
- A The same general entry rights as a tourist on a visa
- B The right to travel in and out of New Zealand indefinitely as a resident Correct
- C Full New Zealand citizenship taking effect immediately on arrival
- D The right to vote in presidential elections held overseas
Why
A permanent resident visa allows the holder to leave and re-enter New Zealand as a resident at any time. A standard resident visa has travel conditions that expire.
Source: www.immigration.govt.nz
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Question 38 · hard
The minimum age at which an adult New Zealand passport (10-year validity) is issued is:
- A 12
- B 14
- C 16 Correct
- D 18
Why
From the age of 16, New Zealand passports are issued as 10-year adult passports. Children under 16 are issued 5-year child passports.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 39 · hard
A New Zealand citizen returning to New Zealand on a foreign passport must usually present what when they board a flight home?
- A A New Zealand passport, or evidence of New Zealand citizenship or residence Correct
- B Only a New Zealand driver licence with photo identification and a recent utility bill as proof
- C Only a New Zealand-issued birth certificate or citizenship certificate, plus a return ticket
- D Just a confirmed return airline ticket and a printed boarding pass for the home-bound flight
Why
Airlines and border officials need to see proof of your right to enter New Zealand, most easily a current New Zealand passport. Travelling on a foreign passport without proof of citizenship or residence can cause problems boarding.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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Question 40 · hard
Visitors to New Zealand can usually drive on a valid overseas driver licence for up to:
- A 1 month
- B 6 months
- C 12 months Correct
- D 5 years
Why
Visitors and new residents can usually drive on a valid overseas licence for up to 12 months. After that, you must convert to or apply for a New Zealand driver licence.
Source: www.nzta.govt.nz
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Question 41 · hard
Bringing food, plants, or animal products into New Zealand without declaring them at the border can result in:
- A A small written warning posted out by mail later
- B Instant fines and possible prosecution under biosecurity law Correct
- C A free meal voucher to spend at the airport food court
- D Free entry to the country with no further checks made
Why
The Biosecurity Act 1993 sets strict rules. Failing to declare risk goods can lead to instant fines, confiscation of goods, and possible prosecution.
Source: www.mpi.govt.nz
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Question 42 · hard
For travellers from visa-waiver countries arriving in New Zealand by air, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is:
- A A separate paper visa that must be picked up at the airport on arrival each visit
- B A required electronic travel authority that must be applied for before they travel Correct
- C A type of duty-free shopping pass that can be claimed at any international airport
- D A type of frequent-flyer card linked to the New Zealand Customs Service systems
Why
Since 1 October 2019, most visa-waiver visitors travelling to New Zealand must hold an NZeTA before they board their flight. Australian citizens are exempt.
Source: www.immigration.govt.nz
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Question 43 · hard
A "visa waiver" country, in New Zealand passport terms, generally means:
- A A country whose citizens can come to NZ for short stays without a visa, but must hold an NZeTA Correct
- B A country whose citizens are completely free to live and work in NZ without any documents
- C A country whose citizens get free flights to NZ paid for by the New Zealand government
- D A country whose citizens are exempt from passing through any biosecurity checks at NZ borders
Why
Visa waiver country citizens can enter New Zealand for short visits without a visa, but they generally still need an NZeTA before they travel. Stay length and rules differ by country.
Source: www.immigration.govt.nz
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Question 44 · hard
New Zealand passports for citizens overseas:
- A Are issued from a small number of overseas offices, including London and Sydney Correct
- B Can be picked up only in New York or Paris by NZ citizens overseas at any time
- C Are printed in Tokyo or Singapore for any NZ citizen living in the Asia region
- D Are mailed only from Suva or Apia for citizens in the Pacific region near NZ
Why
Most overseas passport applications are processed by Wellington. A small number of overseas offices, including London and Sydney, also handle some passport services. Other embassies, high commissions, and consulates can issue Emergency Travel Documents in urgent cases.
Source: www.passports.govt.nz
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