Travelling on an almost expired Passport

We are flying home in November for a wedding and my passport expires in January 2011. I know that usually you need to get a new PP if there is less than 6 months remaining due to some countries not accepting them.

Has anyone experienced this with travelling between NZ and Aus?

ETA spelling

Edited by WestiesGirl

Definately get a new one, I know of people who have been turned away!

DP's Samoan passport was almost expired when he had to fly back to Sa in Oct 08 for his Pa's funeral literally expiring 8days after he arrived home

We were worried he would be able to fly out but not get back. To be on the safe side he went to the Samoan Embassy here and they said that he would be able to fly as it was to his "home" country and back to his resident country or something like that. I told him he should have gotten written confirmation but he didn't being a typical male, he did get their business card and they told him to get someone to call if there was any problems. There wasn't.
And then DD arrived 9months later dahahaha... sorry had to put that in

You'll be fine between NZ & Oz

OH traveled on his UK passport with only a few weeks left on it, when we went to Melbourne last year. Apart from being reminded about it every time we went through customs, there was no probs.

It will be no problem. NZers are allowed to live and work in Aus so if your passport expired while you were there it wouldnt be an issue (unless you are flying back soon).

All other countries you need 6 months validity from the date you get home.

my in laws travelled to aussie last year with less than 6 months on their passports - they just contacted the aussie embassy/high commission (can't remember which it is) to check and it was all fine. Maybe they flagged their passports in the system or something?

You can do it, I did. Because you don't actually have to leave they'll allow you in. I do know someone with less than 60 days on their passport who got turned away from the US.

Exactly Becks, they say it is 5 years but really it's 4.5 because it is useless for the last 6 months.

depending when it got issued its not OK.
we are planning to go to Auz departing Nov 20th returning Dec 7th.

DPs will expire in Feb 2011 but because it got issued 9yrs ago (when they were valid for 10yrs) he was 16 when he got it so its not an accurate picture of him and passport technologies have changed.
so he has to get a new one before we can go.

and passport technologies and the sensors and barcodes is why they are only valid for 5 yrs now

Yep Becks I know, it annoys the crap outta me too.

This is what the Department of Immigration (Aus) web site says:

Travel documents required for New Zealand citizens

Most New Zealand citizens are granted an electronic Special Category Visa (SCV) on arrival in Australia, subject to meeting health and character requirements.

To be eligible for the Special Category Visa, New Zealand citizens need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:

a valid New Zealand passport


BUT this is what it says on Aus Smart Traveller web site (which is also an Aus govt web site)

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Talk about contradiction

I am going to renew anyways cos I need a NZ'er to witness for me and my friend thats doing it is about to leave Aus to travel so may as well just do it now.