Woodlea

I have just had to renew my pommie passport and was then going to go through the process of getting the old blue stickers transferred when I read this on the form (INZ1023)

Note: You do not need a visa label in your passport to
travel to, enter, or remain in New Zealand. Your visa is held
in Immigration New Zealand’s electronic system. Airlines,
New Zealand government agencies, education providers
and employers can check your visa electronically, or
through the Immigration Contact Centre.

Looks like I will save myself $105 and not bother with them, just wondered if anyone else has done likewise?

Reylan

Bum.....I've just renewed mine!

Snap Shot

That's an interesting new development. I renewed my British passport last year. When it was returned to me, I dutifully sent it to my local NZIS office, paid the fee and got replacement blue stickers put back in my passport. If this information is now stored electronically and a saving can be made then great.

Tom H

This has been the case for at least a year. It's happened since the new electronic passport systems have been introduced for UK, NZ, AU, USA, Canada and Singapore residents. It's your option now that if your passport has the key at the bottom -()- , then you can use the electronic machines to go through. A life saver for those travelling to Australia who's flights land the same time as the flights from South East Asia.It's only valid for PR. For those who's passports have travel conditions and expire, you'll still need to get the sticker inserted. I checked this when the wife's passport was renewed.

Woodlea

Good info, thanks

Bo-Jangles

I think I would be inclined to opt for the sticker. My OH does have blue stickers and still had some dramas get back here from Aussie. The check-in chick kept asking him for details of his onwards flight from Auckland - she didn't explain well and he of course didn't have a clue or understand why she should have any issues with his ticket or what exactly it was she was wanting but transpired that she was refusing to check him in for the homeward flight because he did not have appropriate visa to stay here. Duh! Check the big blue sticker lovey!!

Woodlea

UPDATE:
Returning from Fiji yesterday I was stopped by customs as I didn't have an apparent visa. I showed them the form that said the blue stickers were no longer required and the visa was held electronically, they didn't buy it and had to phone immigration who said I need to come and see them when I get a chance! So I'll pop in and see them next week and see what the story is. The form definitely says the blue stickers aren't needed - confusing!

escapedtonz

Didn't know anything about this.
Just renewed the boys passport and then renewed the Bluey.
As far as I understood it there wasnt any other option or I would have left it and saved myself the $'s

Daisy616

You don't need the blue stickers to get into NZ as they're filed electronically. However, airlines don't necessarily have access to that system and will be fined if they bring passengers to a country without the appropriate visa or onward travel evidence. So they are super careful. It's worth having the physical stickers - travel is stressful enough without having to deal with problems that can be avoided with a payment of $105 every 10 years.

LauraNotts

Also it's handy to have the stickers in your passport for when you need to prove to people like your GP, or employer or bank or any other myriad institutions in NZ who need to see your visa to give you access to services.

Woodlea

Well I went to see Immigration like a good boy and they said "You need the blue stickers as they have your visa number printed on them!" DOH - so much for them being held electronically, and the statement on their form saying that they are not required.
Anyway I won't bother getting them as I am due to get my kiwi passport soon