New Zealand Tourist Visa
Visitor Visa · For Philippines citizens
Planning a trip to New Zealand as a Filipino citizen? You will need a Visitor Visa to enter New Zealand for tourism. The good news: Filipino applicants have a strong approval rate of around 92%, and the online application process is straightforward. The visa fee is NZD $441, processing typically takes 1-3 weeks, and you can stay for up to 6 or 9 months depending on your visa type. This guide covers everything you need to apply successfully.
New Zealand Tourist Visa for Filipino Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Philippines citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date from New Zealand
Recent digital photograph meeting New Zealand visa specifications
Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand
Evidence that you plan to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay
Documentation proving you have strong reasons to return to the Philippines
Recommended (Optional)
Details of your intended activities and accommodation in New Zealand
Completed sponsorship form and evidence of your sponsor's financial ability
Medical examination or chest X-ray if requested by Immigration New Zealand
Police clearance certificate proving good character
New Zealand offers stunning landscapes, rich Māori culture, and world-class outdoor adventures. For Filipino citizens, visiting requires a Visitor Visa, which can be applied for entirely online through Immigration New Zealand.1
Application Process
The New Zealand visa application process is fully digital, making it convenient to apply from anywhere in the Philippines.1 Here is how to navigate each step:
Step 1: Create a RealMe Account
Visit apply.immigration.govt.nz and create a RealMe account.1 This is the New Zealand government’s identity verification system. You will need a valid email address to receive updates about your application.
Step 2: Start Your Visitor Visa Application
Log in and select “Visitor Visa” as your visa type. The online form will guide you through questions about your identity, travel plans, health, and character.1
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Prepare digital copies of your documents in PDF format (JPEG for photos):1
- Passport data page scan
- Passport photo meeting visa specifications
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
- Employment certificate or business documents
- Travel itinerary and accommodation bookings (recommended)
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The visa fee of NZD $441 includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).2 Payment is made online by credit or debit card.
Step 5: Submit and Wait for Processing
After submission, Immigration New Zealand will process your application. You can track your status by logging into your account.1 They will contact you if additional documents are needed.
Step 6: Receive Your eVisa
If approved, you will receive an electronic visa (eVisa) by email.1 Print a copy to carry with you, though airlines and immigration can verify your visa electronically.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (NZD) | Amount (PHP approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa Application | $341 | ₱11,000 |
| International Visitor Levy (IVL) | $100 | ₱3,200 |
| Total | $441 | ₱14,200 |
The IVL funds conservation projects and tourism infrastructure in New Zealand.2 VFS Global service fees may apply separately if you use their premium services.
What You Need to Prove
Immigration New Zealand assesses your application based on several factors:1
Genuine visitor intent: Officers must believe you will leave New Zealand when your visa expires. Unclear travel plans, minimal ties to the Philippines, or previous immigration issues can raise concerns.
Financial capacity: You need at least NZD $1,000 per month (or NZD $400 if accommodation is prepaid) to demonstrate you can support yourself without working illegally.1
Ties to the Philippines: Employment stability, property ownership, family commitments, and business interests all demonstrate you have strong reasons to return home.
Health and character: You must be in good health and of good character. Depending on your answers and length of stay, you may need medical examinations or police certificates.1
Processing Times
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa | 80% within 3 weeks |
| Median Processing | 6 working days |
| Peak Season (Nov-Feb) | May take longer |
Processing times are measured from when Immigration New Zealand receives your complete application.4 Incomplete applications will be delayed while officers request additional documents.
Tip: Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date, especially during summer (November to February) when New Zealand experiences high application volumes.1
VFS Global Visa Application Centres
While the application is submitted online, you may need to visit a VFS Global centre for biometrics or passport submission:3
Manila Centre
- Address: 6th Floor, Makati Circuit Corporate Centre, Tower Two, AP Reyes Street, Brgy. Carmona, Makati City 1207
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cebu Centre
- Address: 9th Floor, Keppel Centre, Samar Loop, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6000
VFS Global offers additional services including premium lounge access, SMS updates, form-filling assistance, and courier delivery.3
After Your Visa is Approved
Once you receive your eVisa:
Before departure: Complete your New Zealand Traveller Declaration online up to 24 hours before your flight. This covers customs, immigration, and biosecurity information.1
At New Zealand immigration: Present your passport and eVisa to the immigration officer. Be prepared to show evidence of your accommodation, return ticket, and funds if requested.
Biosecurity requirements: New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules. Declare all food, plant materials, and outdoor equipment. Failure to declare items can result in instant fines of NZD $400.1
During your stay: Your visa conditions are recorded in your eVisa. You cannot work (except remotely for overseas employers), but you can study for up to 3 months.1
If Your Visa is Refused
Visa refusals for Filipino applicants are relatively uncommon (approximately 8% rejection rate), but they do happen.5 If your application is refused:
Read the decision carefully: The refusal letter will explain specific reasons why your application was declined. Understanding these reasons is essential before reapplying.
Address the issues: Common fixes include providing stronger financial evidence, clearer proof of ties to the Philippines, or a more detailed travel itinerary.
Request reconsideration: If you are in New Zealand with a valid visa, you can request reconsideration within 14 days for a fee of NZD $220.1 You must provide additional evidence addressing the concerns.
Reapply when ready: There is no mandatory waiting period for a new application. However, resubmitting without addressing the refusal reasons will likely result in another decline.
Most rejections can be avoided by submitting complete documentation, demonstrating strong ties to the Philippines, and showing clear, genuine reasons for visiting New Zealand.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Not a Genuine Visitor
Immigration officers were not convinced you intend to leave New Zealand after your visit. This is often due to weak ties to the Philippines, vague travel plans, or circumstances that suggest you may overstay.
How to avoid: Provide clear evidence of your ties to the Philippines: stable employment, property ownership, family commitments. Include a detailed travel itinerary showing exactly what you plan to do and when.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds to support your stay (NZD $1,000/month minimum), unexplained large deposits, or inconsistent income patterns.
How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least ₱200,000 for several months before applying. Show regular salary credits matching your employment letter. Avoid large deposits close to your application date.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to the Philippines. Common among young, single applicants without property, stable employment, or family dependents.
How to avoid: Include employment certificate showing tenure and approved leave, property documents, family certificates. Highlight investments, ongoing business, or other commitments in the Philippines.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing documents, expired certificates, poor quality scans, documents not translated to English, or information that does not match between documents.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents before submission. Ensure names match exactly as in your passport. Provide certified English translations for all non-English documents.
Health or Character Concerns
Failed to meet health requirements, undisclosed medical conditions, previous visa violations, or character issues discovered during processing.
How to avoid: Answer all health and character questions honestly. Disclose any previous visa refusals or immigration issues. If you have a complex medical history, consider getting a medical examination proactively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Filipino citizens need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Yes, Filipino passport holders must apply for a Visitor Visa to enter New Zealand for tourism. The Philippines is not part of New Zealand's visa waiver program, so an NZeTA is not available for Filipino citizens.
How long does it take to get a New Zealand tourist visa from the Philippines?
80% of visitor visa applications are processed within 3 weeks. The median processing time is about 6 working days. Processing times can vary during peak travel seasons, so apply at least 4 weeks before your travel date.
What is the New Zealand tourist visa fee for Filipino citizens in 2025?
The total visa application fee is NZD $441 (approximately ₱14,000). This includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100. Additional VFS service center fees may apply if you need assistance.
Where do I apply for a New Zealand visa in the Philippines?
Apply online through Immigration New Zealand at apply.immigration.govt.nz. You can submit documents through VFS Global Visa Application Centres in Manila (Makati) or Cebu for passport submission and collection.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on a tourist visa?
With a multiple-entry visa, you can stay up to 6 months in any 12-month period. With a single-entry visa, you can stay up to 9 months in an 18-month period. The maximum total stay is 9 months in any 18-month period.
How much money do I need in my bank account for a New Zealand visa?
You need at least NZD $1,000 (approximately ₱32,000) per month of your planned stay. If you have prepaid accommodation, you only need NZD $400 (approximately ₱13,000) per month. A recommended balance of ₱150,000-200,000 for a typical 2-week trip helps demonstrate financial stability.
Can I include my family in my New Zealand visa application?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children under 20 in your visa application. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship (marriage and birth certificates) and proof of their identity. Each included family member must meet health and character requirements.
What is the approval rate for Filipino applicants?
Filipino applicants have a strong approval rate of approximately 92% for visitor visas to New Zealand. In FY 2024/25, over 26,000 visas were approved for Filipino citizens. Strong documentation and clear travel purposes are key to approval.
Can I work in New Zealand on a tourist visa?
No, you cannot work in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa. However, you are permitted to work remotely for an employer or client based outside New Zealand. You can also study for up to 3 months during your visit.
What happens if my New Zealand visa is rejected?
If rejected, review the refusal letter to understand the specific reasons. Address those issues before reapplying. There is no mandatory waiting period, but submitting the same application without improvements will likely result in another rejection. You may request reconsideration within 14 days if you are in New Zealand.