Find out how to apply for a New Zealand vacationer visa? On this article, we’ll be enumerating all the necessities we submitted and the steps we’ve taken as a way to be granted a short-stay New Zealand visa for tourism or visiting household or pals. Please word that that is merely a compilation of all the pieces I do know primarily based by myself and my pals’ private expertise. This could NOT be taken as official Immigration recommendation. When you’re after a Resident visa, scholar visa, or work visa, know this text won’t be able that will help you as it’s targeted solely on Customer Visa.
New Yr, new journey! It does really feel like a brand new begin as a result of final yr, we’ve closed our nation depend at 60. And what higher technique to kick off a brand new period than by exploring the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand! Sure, New Zealand is our Nation #61!
Whether or not you’re dreaming of mountain climbing by Milford Sound, saying whats up to the glowworms of Rotorua, or lastly dwelling out your Lord of the Rings fantasy, there’s one factor you’ll want earlier than reserving that flight: a New Zealand visa.
The excellent news? Your complete software course of may be finished on-line! No want for embassy visits or lengthy queues: just some clicks, some paperwork, and also you’re in your technique to Center Earth. On this information, we’ll stroll you thru the step-by-step strategy of making use of for a New Zealand visa for Filipinos, together with necessities, charges, and a few tricks to increase your possibilities of approval. Let’s get began!
1. Decide the best visa kind for you.
New Zealand presents loads of go to visa choices, with various lengths of keep allowed and paperwork required. In case your goal of go to is tourism and also you enter it on the official Immigration web site, you’ll primarily be offered with three varieties:
- New Zealand Digital Journey Authority (NZeTA), the e-visa model, however sadly, most Filipinos aren’t eligible for this for now except they’re arriving by cruise ship. Chances are you’ll test eligibility standards right here.
- Customer Visa, which can assist you to go to on a vacation or for tourism, stick with household and pals, play beginner sport, or get married in New Zealand.
- Group Customer Visa, just like the common Customer visa however a extra handy possibility for teams touring along with the identical goal and journey preparations (similar flights, similar lodging).
On this article, we’ll be specializing in the Customer Visa solely as a result of that’s what I utilized for.
2. Full the necessities.
Whereas the complete software may be finished on-line, earlier than you begin the method, you should first collect all the necessities. However pay attention to the next:
- Scan all these paperwork and save them as a PDF file, besides the photograph which have to be JPEG.
- You possibly can solely add one file per merchandise. In case your doc has a number of particular person pages, mix them multi functional file. For instance, in case your financial institution assertion has one web page per 30 days, be certain that to merge all these pages to create only one file.
- Submit as many doc varieties as you possibly can for higher possibilities of approval. Solely the primary three objects — passport, photograph, and itinerary — are tagged as “required” on the web site. The opposite objects on this checklist are marked “Elective”. Technically, you possibly can submit your software with simply the passport, photograph, and itinerary. However in fact, we extremely urge you to additionally submit the opposite paperwork, too, as a result of it isn’t lifelike to count on being granted a visa with solely these three.
Anyway, under is the checklist of the paperwork to submit to your New Zealand visa software.
a. Passport
Have to be legitimate. Be sure to nonetheless have not less than 6 months of validity so that you gained’t run into PH Immigration issues later.
Textual content have to be readable.
b. Photograph
- Passport-size. Dimensions ought to NOT be smaller than 900 x 1200 pixels, however not bigger than 2250 x 3000 pixels.
- Smooth copy (JPEG). File measurement ought to be between 500 KB and three MB.
- Non-white background. Grey, ideally.
You possibly can take the photograph your self so long as you comply with the specs listed by the federal government. You will discover the full photograph pointers right here.
However I counsel that you simply simply go to a photograph studio and let the professionals do it.
c. Proof of Objective of Go to
This may be an itinerary detailing your day-by-day keep in New Zealand.
That is the format I submitted:
d. Proof of Real Intent
With this, you should show that the aim of journey that you simply declared is true, and that you may be coming again house after your journey. You possibly can submit any or all the following:
- Proof of depart of absence from work, displaying that you’ve a job to return to after the journey. I submitted a Certificates of Employment that additionally signifies that my depart of absence has been filed and authorised.
- Passport stamps and visas, proving you could have visited different nations earlier than.
- Proof of lodging, which is usually a resort reserving for vacationers. That is elective and you could select to skip this. However if you wish to submit to extend your odds, e-book a resort that has a FREE CANCELLATION coverage so you possibly can simply refund must you be refused a visa. Seek for free-cancellation resorts right here! Ensure that the room you’re reserving is marked “Free cancellation.” Use promo code THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK for further low cost!
- Flight reserving, to indicate you propose to exit New Zealand. Once more, that is elective solely. If you have already got this, then go forward and submit. However when you don’t have it but, you could choose to not submit. However when you actually wish to submit this for higher possibilities, don’t submit an precise ticket. Submit a flight reservation as an alternative, which may be cancelled in case you get denied a visa. You will get this from journey businesses. We normally get ours from Gazelle Journey & Excursions, a licensed and accredited journey company right here within the Philippines. You possibly can order flight reservations on-line right here!
- Australian visa, provided that relevant. When you don’t have this, you possibly can ignore this. When you do, submit it. I believe this might massively assist your software. In our group, those that submitted an Australia visa received authorised rather a lot sooner than those that didn’t.
e. Proof of Funds
This may be financial institution statements and/or financial institution certificates.
I submitted two financial institution accounts: payroll account and financial savings account. I created one PDF file per checking account. One file, I uploaded beneath Proof of Funds, whereas the opposite beneath Different Proof (which I’ll focus on under).
f. Proof you’re visiting household or pals
Provided that relevant. When you’ve got household or pals in New Zealand that you simply plan to go to, you should present your contact’s:
- names
- addresses
- contact numbers
- their New Zealand visa or citizenship standing
I didn’t present any of those as a result of I used to be touring for tourism.
When you’re visiting a accomplice or member of the family working in New Zealand however they can’t help a visa for you, you may additionally be requested to submit a canopy letter stating the small print of your journey and the aim of your go to.
g. Bank card or debit card
You can be paying the NZD 100 visa payment on-line, so ensure you have a sound bank card of debit card.
Different Elective Paperwork
You’ll additionally encounter a piece for “Different Proof.” This refers to different paperwork that may assist show your character and real intent. It may be any of the next:
- Cowl letter
- ITR (tax doc)
- Certificates of Employment
- Extra financial institution accounts (different monetary data)
- Start certificates
Sure, I additionally uploaded a canopy letter as a result of bear in mind, all the pieces’s on-line. Having a canopy letter allowed me to correctly clarify my goal of journey and make clear any facet that wants clarification. You should utilize the duvet letter to elucidate when you’re simply new at your present job or why your checking account is newly opened, or no matter.
I additionally uploaded a start certificates solely as a result of I had a digital copy of it. When you don’t have one, it’s OK. I don’t suppose it’s going to make or break your software. However when you have it, be happy to submit it.
3. Create a RealMe Account.
RealMe is the official account administration portal of the New Zealand Immigration division. To have the ability to apply for a New Zealand visa, you should first register for a RealMe account. Right here’s how:
- Go to the Customer Visa web page.
- Click on on APPLY ONLINE.
- Click on on the LOG IN button. It would then take you to the REALME web page.
- Click on on CREATE A REALME LOG IN button. When you’re viewing the positioning on a cell phone, you first have to tick off “I have to create a log in” to ensure that the log-in button to look.
- Enter a sound e-mail handle. Then click on SEND CODE. Test your inbox and enter the affirmation code within the designated subject. Click on CONFIRM CODE.
- Set a username and password. Click on CONTINUE.
- Enter your cellular quantity. You’ll even be requested a select safety questions and supply solutions. Click on the CONTINUE button.
That’s it!
You’ll be redirected to your RealMe dashboard. Chances are you’ll be requested to log in once more.
4. Begin your on-line software.
To do that:
- Click on on MY VISAS. On the following web page, you’ll discover a part known as DRAFT APPLICATIONS.
- Click on on APPLY FOR A VISA. On the following web page, scroll down.
- Beneath YOUR SITUATION, choose TEMPORARY VISA. Since this information is for these touring for tourism solely, ensure you choose solutions pertaining to TOURIST or HOLIDAY goal. In the direction of the underside of the web page, it is best to see GENERAL VISITOR VISA.
- Click on on START MY APPLICATION.
That’s it. Now, it’s time to fill out the appliance type.
5. Fill out the appliance type.
When you’re coming from the appliance dashboard and also you’re making use of for your self, search for the row labeled PRINCIPAL APPLICANT beneath the APPLICANTS part. Then click on CONTINUE on the identical row. It would then take you to the appliance type.
The excellent news is: this type will not be too sophisticated. There are only some questions. Not like the US Visa and Australian visa software type which have round 20 pages, the New Zealand visa software type has solely seven (7) pages, that are concerning the following:
- Web page 1: Id Particulars. You’ll be requested to enter your title, passport particulars, immigration historical past, photograph with grey background, e-mail handle, contact numbers, and bodily handle.
- Web page 2: Objective of Go to. You’ll be requested to declare which you could afford to pay for this journey. It would additionally ask you when you possess NZD 1000 per individual per 30 days, when you have already booked your lodging, and if there’s anybody under 16 on this software.
- Web page 3: Character. Questions are about whether or not you could have been convicted for a criminal offense, deported from one other nation, or refused a visa earlier than. It’s essential to reply in truth.
- Web page 4: Well being. Specifically, you’ll be requested whether or not you could have tuberculosis, whether or not you’ll be needing medical care throughout your keep in New Zealand, and whether or not you could have undergone a medical examination for this software. The final bit made me pause for a bit as a result of it made me suppose a medical take a look at was required. However don’t panic. I answered NO to this however I used to be not requested for medical take a look at outcomes.
- Web page 5: Employment Historical past. Enter your employer’s particulars together with the title of the corporate and the way lengthy you could have been employed. When you’re self-employed, enter what you are promoting data. The shape solely requires your CURRENT employment.
- Web page 6: Relationships. You’ll be requested to your relationship standing: single, married, engaged, widowed, and so on. You’ll spot a Associate/De Facto possibility, which refers to folks in a relationship and reside collectively in the identical handle for a substantial size of time. Straight and LGBTQIA+ relationships are coated right here. You’ll even be requested in case your accomplice is included on this visa software. If that’s the case, enter their particulars.
- Web page 7: Immigration Help. You have to declare whether or not you’re conducting the shape on behalf of another person or you could have sought the help of an Immigration adviser. I answered NO to each questions.
That’s it!
💡 TIP! At any level, you possibly can SAVE your progress. You don’t want to finish the shape in a single sitting. If there are particulars that you simply don’t have but or are not sure of otherwise you merely can’t end it, you possibly can click on on SAVE & EXIT to save lots of your progress and decide up the place you left off one other time.
However when you’re by, you’ll be led to the following part, which is….
6. Add supporting paperwork.
Earlier than you could possibly add, you’ll be requested if all of the paperwork you’re submitting are in English. If that’s the case, choose YES. Having your paperwork in English will make issues simpler.
Then it’s time to add your supporting paperwork. To do this, simply click on on BROWSE and choose the file you plan to add.
- Id proof: a duplicate of your passport. You’ll additionally discover this query: Are you dwelling in a rustic that isn’t your nation of citizenship? When you’re primarily based within the Philippines, reply NO.
- Objective of go to proof: detailed itinerary.
- Proof of real intent. proof from employer that your depart of absence is authorised. There may be additionally a piece about Australian visa. An AU visa is NOT required, however when you have one, add it as a result of it’ll assist enhance your possibilities. In any other case, you possibly can simply skip this half. You’ll even be inspired to add different paperwork that may function proof of real intent. I hooked up a Certificates of Employment, flight reservation, and resort reserving.
- Proof of funds. Beneath “Are you offering financial institution or monetary statements…?”, reply YES, add your financial institution paperwork, and enter the small print of your checking account.
- Different proof. You possibly can add your BIR Revenue Tax Return (ITR) and extra financial institution accounts beneath OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION. You too can submit a canopy letter.
💡 IMPORTANT NOTES!
- Your paperwork should all be in PDF file format. Ensure that they’re all readable and NOT password-protected. Financial institution statements, particularly these downloaded on-line, are normally encrypted. If that’s the case, be certain that you take away the password earlier than importing so the evaluator might entry them.
- When you add the incorrect file, you possibly can delete and change it with the best one. It’s not last till you submit the appliance.
If all the pieces seems good and proper, test the tickboxes beneath DECLARATION and click on SAVE & CONTINUE.
7. Submit and pay to your software.
After importing, on the following web page…
- Assessment all the data you entered. When you spot a mistake, you possibly can return and proper it.
- If all the pieces is so as, click on READY FOR SUBMISSION. You’ll be redirected again to the Utility dashboard.
- On the best facet of the dashboard, discover the button labeled PAY & SUBMIT APPLICATION. Hit it and evaluation the appliance prices.
The overall quantity for a Customer Visa is just NZD 100 (roughly PHP 3,300).
You possibly can pay through bank card, debit card, or Union Pay. As soon as finished, it is best to obtain a message stating that the transaction is profitable.
After this, there’s nothing else you are able to do however wait.
8. Look forward to the end result.
In line with the New Zealand Immigration web site, the same old wait time is 4 weeks.
However to be trustworthy, I received my visa after solely 2 days, whereas Vins received his after 6 days. Beneath are our timelines:
- YOSH
December 11 – I submitted my software
December 13 – I obtained the visa (authorised) - VINS
December 21 – Vins submitted his software
December 27 – Vins obtained the visa (authorised)
Word that each Vins and I had legitimate Australian visas, too, and submitted them as supporting docs. Certainly one of our companions who didn’t have an AU visa received authorised after precisely two (2) weeks or 14 days.
That stated, you’re extremely inspired to use early and have not less than 4 weeks of allowance to be protected. We truly utilized two months earlier than our journey date.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s the validity interval of the visa?
I used to be granted a multiple-entry customer visa, legitimate for one (1) yr, beginning on the day the visa was issued.
How lengthy can I keep in New Zealand?
Two months per journey, in our case.
How a lot cash ought to you must get authorised?
No concept. On the very least, it is best to have NZD 1000 per 30 days as a result of that’s what’s indicated on the appliance type. However in fact, it is best to have extra.
At one level within the importing course of, you may be requested the next questions:
It’s vital to recollect, nevertheless, that it’s not simply the funds which might be being inspected. Extra importantly, it is best to be capable to present that you’ve robust rootedness or ties to the Philippines and that you haven’t any purpose to overstay in New Zealand.
Is flight ticket required?
No, flight reserving is elective. But when you have already got one — say, you bought it from a seat sale — go forward and submit. When you don’t have one but, you could choose to not submit.
However when you actually wish to submit this for higher possibilities, don’t add an precise ticket. Use a flight reservation as an alternative. That is completely different from an precise flight reserving as a result of a flight reservation may be cancelled in case your software is rejected. You will get one from journey businesses.
We normally get our flight reservation from Gazelle Journey & Excursions, a licensed and accredited journey company right here within the Philippines. Since we’re at all times requested about the place we get ours, we determined to place up a web page the place you possibly can simply order one.
✅ GET A FLIGHT RESERVATION HERE!
Is resort reserving required?
No, that is elective and you could select to skip this. However if you wish to submit to extend your odds, e-book a resort that has a FREE CANCELLATION coverage so you possibly can simply refund must you be refused a visa. Seek for free-cancellation resorts right here!
Listed below are some top-rated resorts obtainable on-line. Ensure that the room you’re reserving is marked “Free cancellation.” Use promo code THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK for further low cost!
✅ SEARCH FOR MORE AUCKLAND HOTELS!
Is a canopy letter required?
NO, a canopy letter is NOT required. However we advocate submitting one particularly in case your case is sophisticated or if you must clarify one thing.
Keep in mind, there can be NO interview, so a canopy letter is your solely alternative to elucidate away something that could possibly be complicated or doubtful.
What are the frequent causes for visa denial?
I don’t know what probably the most typical causes for refusal are, however a good friend of mine who was denied a visa confirmed me the refusal letter. In her case, the principle causes cited have been “weak ties in house nation” and “weak household ties.”
This is the reason it is best to submit as many related supporting paperwork that you could possibly, particularly these proving real intent and rootedness within the Philippines. It’s essential to be capable to present that you’ve an excellent life right here within the Philippines and you’ve got a steady job or supply of earnings right here.
We expect that particularly, the explanation for her denial was that she has simply transferred to a brand new firm, so the employer particulars within the software type and the employer in her ITR didn’t match. And she or he didn’t submit a canopy letter to elucidate this, both.
Are you able to enchantment after being rejected a visa?
NO, when you utilized exterior New Zealand. I’m assuming most of you studying this text aren’t primarily based in NZ.
What you are able to do is reapply. This implies you’ll want to start out a brand new software and pay one other visa payment. However earlier than you reapply, ensure you have new supporting paperwork so as to add that would handle the explanations for refusal. When you’ll be submitting the very same pile of paperwork, you may simply be losing one other NZD 100.
When you’re at the moment in New Zealand, YES, you possibly can enchantment so long as you make the request inside 14 days.
What does a New Zealand visa appear to be?
Like this:
It’s a easy PDF file with an NZ Immigration brand and visa circumstances. It’s NOT the sticker kind that’s affixed on the passport.
Are vaccinations required when visiting New Zealand?
NO, in our expertise.
It wasn’t required after we utilized for a New Zealand visa and it wasn’t requested for after we arrived or at any level of our journey.
How a lot is the New Zealand visa payment?
NZD 100 for Filipinos making use of for a customer visa (for lower than 59 days) from exterior of New Zealand.
In concept, the full payment ought to be NZD 441 (together with NZD 300 visa payment, NZD 100 Worldwide Customer Conservation and Tourism Levy or IVL, and NZD 41 Immigration levy). Nonetheless, the Philippines is among the many nations that New Zealand has a bilateral fee-waiver settlement with. The visa payment and immigration levy are waived, and solely the IVL is being charged.
In our expertise and all my pals who utilized, we have been solely charged the NZD 100 IVL. That’s what we paid.
Now we have been getting messages from a couple of candidates asking why they have been charged the total NZD 441 quantity. I do not know why. However once more, in our case, we solely paid NZD 100.
Updates Log
2025 04 18 – First up
2025 08 11 – Added questions on visa payment waiver and vaccination necessities (or the shortage thereof) to the FAQs.
