Philippines Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,600 islands offering beautiful beaches, world-class diving, and warm hospitality.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter Philippines without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 30 days. Entry is granted at the port of arrival. Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL) and Cebu (CEB) are the main international entry points. The 30-day visa-free stay can be extended at Bureau of Immigration offices in the Philippines for fees starting PHP 500, up to a maximum of 36 months (with multiple extensions). Immigration authorities may check for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Philippines, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Philippines.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Philippines.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended for all international travel, covering medical emergencies.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Philippines: What You Need to Know
The Philippines is an increasingly popular destination for New Zealand travellers, particularly for diving, island-hopping, and beach holidays. Palawan (El Nido, Coron), Cebu, Siargao (surfing), Boracay, and Manila are top destinations. The country has a significant English-speaking population (English is an official language), making it very accessible for NZ visitors. The 30-day visa-free period can be extended within the Philippines.
How to Get There
Air New Zealand does not fly direct to Manila; Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and Philippine Airlines serve the route via Hong Kong or Singapore. Flight time from Auckland is approximately 12-14 hours with connection. Cebu Pacific flies direct Cebu-various Australian cities and has good connections from Manila. Within the Philippines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines offer cheap domestic connections.
Money & Banking
The Philippines uses the Philippine Peso (PHP). Currently around 34-38 PHP per NZD. The Philippines is very affordable. A chicken adobo rice meal costs PHP 80-150. A beer at a beach bar costs PHP 60-100. Boracay and El Nido are more expensive than other destinations. ATMs are available at major tourist destinations but may run out of cash on remote islands; plan ahead. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.
Practical Tips
Buy a local SIM card at the airport (Globe or Smart networks have good coverage). The Philippines is an archipelago, so domestic travel involves flights or ferries between islands. Cebu Pacific and Philippines AirAsia offer cheap domestic flights. Ferries connect many islands but can be slow. Manila is a large, chaotic city: allow extra time for traffic. Palawan (El Nido, Coron) requires short internal flights from Manila. Haggling is normal at markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for the Philippines?
No. NZ citizens can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. The 30-day stay can be extended at Bureau of Immigration offices within the Philippines.
How do NZ citizens extend their Philippines stay beyond 30 days?
Visit any Bureau of Immigration office in the Philippines (Manila, Cebu, Davao, etc.). Extensions are granted in 29-day or 59-day increments. Fee: starting from PHP 500 per extension. Bring your passport and a completed extension form. The process is straightforward. Maximum stay with extensions is 36 months.
What are the best islands in the Philippines for NZ visitors?
Palawan: El Nido (limestone cliffs, lagoons) and Coron (wreck diving, lake swimming) are extraordinary. Cebu: Moalboal (sardine run, sea turtles), Kawasan Falls. Siargao: world-class surfing (Cloud 9 break). Boracay: white beach, water sports (crowded but beautiful). Bohol: Chocolate Hills, tarsiers. Camiguin: a small island of volcanoes and hot springs.
Is it expensive to travel between Philippine islands?
Domestic flights within the Philippines are inexpensive when booked in advance (Cebu Pacific, Philippine AirAsia). Ferries connect many islands and are very cheap but slower. El Nido (Palawan) requires either a flight from Manila to El Nido airport (1h) or flight to Puerto Princesa (1.5h) plus overland bus. Plan island-hopping logistics carefully as distances are significant.
What is the best time to visit the Philippines?
The dry season runs roughly November-June for most of the Philippines. July-October is monsoon season in many areas. However, the Philippines is large and weather varies: Palawan's dry season is November-May, Siargao's surfing peak is August-November (monsoon season). Check regional weather for your specific destination.
Is the Philippines safe for NZ tourists?
The Philippines' main tourist areas (Manila's Makati district, Cebu, Palawan, Siargao, Boracay) are generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. Petty theft occurs in crowded areas. Some southern islands in Mindanao have security concerns: check NZ MFAT advisories for specific regions. The Sulu Archipelago has ongoing security risks and NZ citizens are advised against travel there.
What is the diving like in the Philippines?
The Philippines is one of the world's top diving destinations. Coron (Palawan) has WWII Japanese shipwrecks among the best wreck diving globally. Moalboal (Cebu) offers the sardine run, a mass of millions of sardines. Tubbataha Reef (Sulu Sea) is a UNESCO site with pristine shark diving, accessible only by liveaboard. Malapascua has resident thresher sharks.
What language do people speak in the Philippines and will English suffice?
The Philippines has two official languages: Filipino (Tagalog-based) and English. English is widely spoken throughout the country and is the medium of instruction in schools. As a NZ English speaker, you will have no language barrier in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and among educated Filipinos. This makes the Philippines unusually accessible for NZ travellers compared to other Southeast Asian destinations.