Philippines entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders can enter the Philippines without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This visa-free entry is valid for tourism or business visits. As of 2026, the policy remains unchanged.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Philippines immigration strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Philippines | Immigration officers at Manila, Cebu, and Clark routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket within 30 days. Budget airlines like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia check this at check-in. A refundable onward booking or a cheap flight to a neighboring country works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a hotel booking. Have a printed or digital confirmation for your first few nights. A hostel booking or a friend's address with their contact number is acceptable. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers occasionally ask to see cash, bank statements, or credit cards. Having at least PHP 10,000 (roughly NZD 300) or a credit card with available limit is enough. ATMs are widely available in cities. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines will not let you board if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. Check your passport now, not at the airport.
Keep your departure card
The departure card (the smaller part of the arrival card) must be handed in when you leave the Philippines. Lose it and you'll have to fill out a replacement form at the airport — annoying but doable.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) or other international airports, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals' immigration counters.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and completed arrival card (usually given on the plane). The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp says '30 days' before leaving the counter.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs (green lane if nothing to declare, red lane if you have dutiable goods).
Download Philippines Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay59 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostPHP 1,500 (~$27 USD)
Apply at Philippine embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay59 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPHP 3,000 (~$54 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (Balikbayan)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostFree for eligible former Filipino citizens or their dependents
Available at Philippine ports of entry for qualified individuals.
retirement visa
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD deposit + $360 USD annual fee
For retirees aged 50+ with a pension or deposit. Allows indefinite stay, multiple entries, and work restrictions. Requires deposit of $10,000–$20,000 USD in a Philippine bank.
Apply work visa
9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreigners with a job offer in the Philippines. Requires employer sponsorship, Alien Employment Permit, and annual reporting.
student visa
Student Visa (9(f))
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (plus school fees)
For enrolled students in accredited Philippine institutions. Requires admission letter, financial proof, and annual renewal.
investor visa
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD application fee + $75,000 USD investment
For investors who deposit $75,000 USD in a Philippine business or stock. Allows multiple entries and permanent residency.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa is required. | PHP 1,500 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries. | PHP 3,000 (~$54 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Available at immigration offices for up to 36 months total. | PHP 1,030 (~$19 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of PHP 10,000 (~$180 USD) plus processing fees. | PHP 500 (~$9 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Philippines
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Philippine airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa-free entry (30 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsNinoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila · Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu · Clark International Airport (CRK), Angeles City
Health & vaccines for Philippines
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food/water; risk higher in rural areas.
RabiesModerate risk
Present in dogs and other mammals; avoid animal contact and seek immediate post-exposure prophylaxis if bitten.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Manila, Cebu, Boracay). Prophylaxis recommended only for travel to rural areas in Palawan, Mindanao, or Luzon.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Manila
Bureau of Immigration Main Office
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila 1002
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, visa, and payment.
Cebu City
Bureau of Immigration Cebu Field Office
G/F, Cebu South Bus Terminal, N. Bacalso Ave., Cebu City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Popular for tourists; expect queues.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalManila
LanguageFilipino, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyPhilippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 61.52 PHP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h (EST) / +12h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +15h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,CType A, B, C — US plugs (Type A) generally fit.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Philippines
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Philippines — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the 30-day visa-free entry cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before travel (e.g., a 59-day tourist visa) or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Philippine immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, no visa is needed. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you'll need the same visa-free entry or a visa depending on your nationality.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or permit before arrival.
You'll be fined 500 PHP per month of overstay (plus a processing fee). Overstaying can also lead to a ban from re-entering the Philippines. Leave before your 30 days are up.
Yes. You'll be given a paper arrival card on the plane or at the airport. Fill it out before you reach the immigration counter. Keep the departure card portion safe — you'll need it when you leave.
No, the Philippines abolished the departure fee for most passengers in 2015. It's included in your airline ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.