Change your gender in your passport

While New Zealand recognises gender X on passports, other international travel authorisation systems and eGates may not. As a result, you may be asked to label your gender as either 'male' or 'female' when travelling.

You may want to check with the embassy or high commission of the countries you want to visit or transit through to ask about any entry requirements.

If you have had multiple gender or name changes, and you have previously travelled to a country under different details, you may encounter delays at border controls. It may also affect your ability to confirm your identity.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) recommends you carefully consider these implications before changing your gender in your passport.

Where there has been more than one change in gender, you need to submit your previous passport with your passport application. Your previous passport will be cancelled and returned to you. DIA reserves the right to request the return of your passport or travel document at any time.