Complete Guide to Traveling to Philippines from New Zealand: Everything you need to know [2025]

Planning a trip to the Philippines? The archipelago in Southeast Asia has lots to offer, from bustling cities with incredible food to breathtaking beaches and mountainsides. Whether you have an active or relaxing holiday in mind or a desire to work or study in the region, you will need to sort a few documents and packing essentials before you go.

This guide will explore the visa-free arrangements open to New Zealanders and outline finance, flight, and customs details to ensure a smooth passage and stay in the 'Pearl of the Orient'. We'll also introduce the Wise travel card – your perfect companion for managing expenses on your travels abroad. Wise offers the mid-market exchange rate with no markups and transparent fees to help save on international transactions.

Table of contents
NZ to Philippines Travel Requirements Applying for a Philippines Visa from NZ Flying to the Philippines from NZ Checklist for NZ to Philippines Travel Managing Your Finances in the Philippines Cash Considerations Using Your NZD Debit/Credit Cards Wise Travel Card for Philippines

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New Zealand to Philippines Travel Requirements

Hassle-free holidays to the Philippines are a luxury New Zealanders can enjoy. You can enter and stay in the country for 30 days without a visa. For longer stays beyond one month, you must apply for a relevant 'non-immigrant' visa.¹

The Philippines has also introduced a new e-Travel Customs System in 2024. This requires all travellers entering the country to complete a customs Baggage Declaration Form (e-CBDF) within 72 hours of arrival.²

Philippines Visa for New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand is one of 151 countries with visa-free privileges in the Philippines. This is enshrined under 'Executive Order 408'. For travel plans up to 30 days, you can simply enter with a valid passport.³

However, if you're traveling for study, work or staying long-term, you need to submit a visa application to the Philippine Embassy in Wellington and wait a couple of weeks for approval.¹

The common types of ‘non-immigrant visas’ include:

• Temporary visitor: Granted to foreigners for tourist-related activities including sightseeing, family visits, and business activities
• Pre-arranged employment: Granted for employment at a registered company
• Student: Granted to over 18s for studying at a recognised institution
• Transit: Granted to foreign nationals transiting via the Philippines. Valid for 72 hours.

The Philippine Embassy in Wellington has comprehensive guidance on each visa type. We recommend contacting them directly for clarity on the validity, entry requirements, and restrictions for non-immigrant visas.

Philippines Visa for New Zealand Residence Permit Holders

If you’re a NZ residence permit holder, you may not be eligible for visa-free travel to the Philippines. It will depend on your nationality. Check the full list of countries that are eligible for visa exemptions.

Again, if you are unsure how to proceed, call the Philippine Embassy in Wellington before finalising any travel plans.

Applying for a Philippines Visa from New Zealand

You won't need to apply for a visa for stays that don’t exceed 30 days. For all other travel purposes, you must acquire a relevant non-immigrant visa type. At the time of publishing this article, the online system for visa applications doesn't appear to be operational "until further notice".¹ All visa applications must therefore be completed and either mailed directly or submitted in person to the Philippine Embassy in Wellington.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for the process:

1. Download the application form for visas from the Philippine Embassy website
2. Fill in the details and collect supporting documents, including:
   1. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond stay in the Philippines
   2. Recent passport-sized photo
   3. Proposed flight itinerary for trip — not flight ticket
   4. Proof of financial solvency such as bank statements
   5. Proof of NZ residence such as property documents
   6. Bank account details for visa payment
   7. Prepaid courier bag
3. Send the application form and requirement documents by courier or submit to the Embassy in person
4. Note down all tracking numbers for the envelope(s) sent
5. Wait for approval
6. Receive visa ready to present on arrival.

Philippines authorities advise travellers not to purchase flight tickets in haste. Hold off on cementing any plans until you’ve been issued an official visa.

You can send your visa application to the following address:

Embassy	Address	Phone
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines	50 Hobson Street, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand, 6011	+64-4-890-3741

Flying to the Philippines from New Zealand

There are no direct flights to the Philippines. However, it’s fairly easy to get a one-stop flight from airports across New Zealand. Airlines that operate between NZ and the Philippines include:

• Air New Zealand
• Philippine Airlines
• Qantas
• Singapore Airlines
• Cathay Pacific

After departing New Zealand, flights transit in cities including Brisbane, Singapore, Sydney, and Hong Kong. These are usually short layovers.

However, flight times can vary. The Philippines is made up of around 7,600 islands, stretching 1,850 kilometres from north to south. The most popular destination by far is the capital, Manila, which received over 45m visitors in 2024⁴. A flight from Auckland to Manila with a single layover will take between 15 and 18 hours.

What can I bring into the Philippines

The Philippines is pretty strict about what can be taken in and out of the country⁵. It recently launched a new customs system with two forms for baggage and currency to enforce these rules.

All visitors must complete the e-CBDF form. This can be downloaded from the official e-Travel website. You must provide details including your passport number, contact information, and flight number, and then answer a yes or no questionnaire about declaring goods.

The Philippines prohibits the import of the following items:

• Counterfeit goods
• Abortion paraphernalia
• Pornography
• Materials advocating treason or insurrection

You must then declare goods including firearms and ammunition, 'dangerous' drugs such as opium, fruits, vegetables, meat products, and gold. Most of these require special permits and clearances.

Duty free allowances include:

• Up to 10,000 USD or foreign currency equivalent (17,677 NZD)
• Up to 50,000 of local currency, the Philippine peso (PHP)
• 2 reams of cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of pipe tobacco
• 2 bottles of liquor valued at less than 10,000 PHP

Anyone exceeding the limit for foreign or local currency must also fill out the electronic Currencies Declaration Form (e-CDF). After completing each form where applicable, you will get a QR code. This must be presented to immigration and/or customs officers on arrival².

Document to carry before flying to the Philippines

You must have a few other documents to smooth your passage into the Philippines. Remember to pack or ready these before departure:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from the Philippines
• Visa: Valid depending on the purpose of your visit
• e-CDF: Completed online declaration form with QR code
• Return ticket: Proof of your onward or return travel
• Travel insurance: Printed copy of your travel insurance policy

Checklist for New Zealand to Philippines Travel

Once you’ve got your documents sorted, it’s time to prepare some essentials for day-to-day life in the Philippines.

Mobile connectivity

You can take advantage of international roaming with your NZ SIM card to use data, calls, and texts in the Philippines. However, it’s easy to rack up charges during longer trips. Spark currently offers a 25 NZD ‘roaming pack’. With this, you get access to a 4G service in the Philippines and 2GB of data for two weeks⁶.

Instead, it might be best to get an eSIM before you fly. Airalo has affordable data plans for between 7 and 30 days. You can also pick up a local prepaid SIM — with the potential bonus of faster, 5G coverage — at airports or street vendors.

To keep your smartphone topped up for daily activities and long excursions, remember to pack in a power bank and universal travel adapter. The Philippines uses Type A, B, and C plugs.

You also need to take:

• Appropriate clothing: The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate. Expect heat and humidity. Pack light clothing like linen and waterproof gear for the rain season between June and November
• Health items: Remember to take sunscreen and a wide-brim hat, plus basic medical supplies. Check the CDC’s Philippines packing list for a complete guide to health and safety items.

Travel Insurance for the Philippines

The availability of emergency medical care can be patchy in the Philippines. Private treatment is also expensive. Don’t take any chances. Always take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers all eventualities, including repatriation.

We have a guide covering the best travel insurance in New Zealand to help you make an informed decision about coverage.

Managing Your Finances in the Philippines

You can use both cash and a card to pay for things in the Philippines. Here are a few tips for managing your finances effectively during your stay.

Cash Considerations

Not all places in the Philippines will accept cards. If you wonder beyond the beaten track, many wet markets and local stores, restaurants, and cafés will be cash-only. A third of consumers expect the Philippines to be cashless by 2030¹¹ — and attitudes are changing — but for now, cash is still very relevant: 87% of locals still use it¹². You won’t have any issues paying with notes and coins in most places. In fact, it’s essential if you are exploring outside urban centres.

When exchanging NZD for the local currency, the Philippines Peso (PHP), be careful about the fees and markups on conversion rates - which can make even simple currency exchanges costly. We recommend having the mid-market rate in mind when comparing providers. For some helpful tips, check out our guide to avoiding foreign ATM fees when traveling abroad 📹.

Plan your activities for the day and allocate cash accordingly. Never carry large quantities at once. And keep all of your money in a hidden belt or deep pocket.

Using Your NZD Debit/Credit Cards

Apple Pay and Google Wallet are currently supported in the Philippines^{9, 10}.

Seven in ten Filipinos use cards for payments. You won't have any problem completing transactions with your NZD debit or credit cards. However, you'll need to watch out any foreign exchange fee and marked up conversion rates for your payment. This differs depending on the bank⁷.

Using a multi-currency travel card such as Wise is an excellent alternative with transparent exchange rates and low fees. Available in residents of New Zealand and supported countries, Wise offers the mid-market rate on currency conversions, which is the usually the same rate you see on Google, ensuring that you don’t lose money to extra fees or hidden mark-ups.

Save on PHP Transactions and Swipe like a local with Wise

Wise offers a convenient travel card and money transfer services that make managing your finances abroad a breeze. The Wise card lets you spend like a local in over 150+ countries.

Get started with Wise 🚀

Here's why Wise is a great choice for your international travels:

• Excellent exchange rates: Always get the mid-market exchange rate – the same one you usually see on Google – so you get the most out of your money.
• Low, transparent fees: Say goodbye to hidden charges and hefty markups. Wise keeps its fees low and transparent, so you know exactly what you're paying.
• Convenient card and app: Use your Wise card to swipe like a local in supported countries. Manage your money, track spending, and even freeze your card if needed, all through the Wise app.
• Cash withdrawals: Easily withdraw cash from supported ATMs abroad with low, transparent fees. But be mindful that ATM providers may charge their own cash withdrawal fees.
• International transfers: Send money abroad with the same mid-market exchange rates and low fees.

Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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Sources:

1. Visa Information - Philippine Embassy in New Zealand
2. Full Implementation of the E-Travel Customs System
3. No Visa Entry for 30-Day Stay Under Executive Order 408 - PDF
4. List of the Busiest Airports in the Philippines
5. Customs Baggage Declaration Form - Philippines
6. International Roaming - Spark Mobile Plans (Philippines)
7. Travel Money - ANZ New Zealand
8. Locate a Family Member in a Crisis
9. Pay in Store with Google Pay
10. Annual Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study
11. Payment Methods in the Philippines - Statista