New Zealand entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand. You must apply for a visitor visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver for PH passport holders. As of 2026, the standard visitor visa allows stays of up to 9 months.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to New Zealand. Apply online at the New Zealand Immigration website — processing times vary, so submit well ahead of your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand | Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave New Zealand. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or ticket to a third country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having hotel bookings or a letter of invitation can speed up the immigration process. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Carry bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least NZD 1,000 per month. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can take a month
Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved. Processing times vary, and Immigration New Zealand may request additional documents, which can add weeks.
No visa-on-arrival for PH passport holders
Even if you have a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you still need a separate New Zealand visitor visa. There are no exceptions for Filipino passport holders.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months beyond departure), bank statements (last 3 months), return flight booking, accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance. Scan everything as PDF or JPEG.
2
Apply online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and create a RealMe account. Fill out the visitor visa application form. Upload your documents and pay the NZD 246 fee. You'll get a confirmation email.
3
Wait for processing
Processing takes 20–30 days on average. You can check the status online. Sometimes they request additional documents — respond quickly to avoid delays.
4
Receive your visa
If approved, you'll get an eVisa via email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. The visa will state your entry conditions and maximum stay.
5
Arrive in New Zealand
At Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask about your plans, funds, and return ticket. Answer honestly. They'll stamp your passport with your permitted stay.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay9 months
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
For tourism or visiting family.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue
CostNZD 422 (~USD 260)
Allows multiple entries; good for frequent travelers.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
ValidityVaries with job offer
CostNZD 495 (~USD 305)
Requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostNZD 330 (~USD 203)
For full-time study at an approved institution.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 3,310 (~USD 2,040)
For skilled workers with a job offer in an occupation on the skill shortage list. Requires points-based assessment.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~USD 203)
For full-time study at an approved institution. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
Apply investor visa
Investor 1 Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 4,750 (~USD 2,930)
For high-net-worth individuals investing NZD 10 million in New Zealand over 3 years. No age or language requirements.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | NZD 422 (~USD 260) |
| Stay extensionFor extending visitor visa beyond initial stay. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for each day overstay, with possible deportation. | NZD 100 (~USD 62) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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 New Zealand
Transit visa required
Philippines passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in New Zealand, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian permanent resident visa may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid New Zealand resident visa may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Christchurch Airport (CHC) · Wellington Airport (WLG)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (rare)Low risk
Dengue and Ross River virus are rare but possible in some regions.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but standard precautions advised.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Auckland
Immigration New Zealand Auckland Office
Level 3, 20 Amersham Way, Manukau, Auckland 2104
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa applications and inquiries.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 45 Pipitea Street, Wellington 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and complex cases.
Practical information for PH travellers
Country basics
CapitalWellington
LanguageEnglish, Māori
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.7 NZD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+12
vs New York+17h (EST) / +16h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+20h (PST) / +19h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — same as Australia. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout New Zealand.
Emergency numbers
Getting to New Zealand
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to New Zealand — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Filipino passport holders must get a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver for PH passports. Apply online at least a month before your trip.
The standard visitor visa fee is NZD 246 (around PHP 8,500). This is non-refundable even if your application is denied. You pay online by credit or debit card.
Typically 20–30 days. Some applications take longer if additional documents are needed. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date to be safe.
Yes. You must provide a confirmed flight booking out of New Zealand. It can be a return ticket to the Philippines or an onward ticket to another country.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor visa extension before your current visa expires. The maximum total stay is 9 months in an 18-month period. Extension fee is NZD 246.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or incomplete documents. You can reapply, but the fee is not refunded. Address the specific reason before reapplying.
No. The entire application is online. If approved, you'll receive an eVisa via email. You don't need to send your physical passport anywhere.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.