How the NZeTA applies to Filipinos
New Zealand is home to a large and growing Filipino community, and many families travel between the two countries. It's therefore important to understand exactly what an NZeTA can and can't do for a Philippine passport holder.
The Philippines is a transit visa-waiver country. That means you can pass through Auckland International Airport on your way to another country without a transit visa, as long as you hold an approved NZeTA. The NZeTA has been required for transit passengers since 1 October 2019, and airlines check it at check-in.
It does not let you enter New Zealand by plane. To spend any time in the country, you need a visa issued by the New Zealand immigration authorities.
Your trip, your document
Connecting through Auckland to Australia, the Pacific or the Americas
You need a transit NZeTA. This is the most common use for Filipino travellers, for example on a Manila–Auckland–Sydney itinerary, or a connection from Auckland to South America. You also need any visa your destination requires.
Visiting family or friends in New Zealand
You need a visitor visa. Apply well in advance, because a visitor visa asks for more information than an NZeTA, such as your travel plans, funds and ties to the Philippines. It is a separate process and is not available through our NZeTA form.
Arriving on a cruise ship
Cruise passengers can apply for an NZeTA as a visitor, even with a Philippine passport. This only applies to arrival by sea, not flights to join a ship. If you work on board as crew, different crew rules apply and your employer usually arranges them. See our cruise NZeTA guide.
Working or studying
You need a work visa or student visa. Young Filipino citizens may be eligible for a working holiday visa for New Zealand, which has its own criteria and limited places. An NZeTA can never be used to work.
Transit rules at Auckland
The transit NZeTA works only at Auckland International Airport. You must stay in the international transit area, leave within 24 hours, and fly on to a third country.
You can't go through immigration, collect your luggage or leave the terminal. If you have separate tickets and need to recheck your bags, you will have to enter New Zealand, which requires a visa. Book a through ticket where possible.
Flights from Manila connect to Auckland either nonstop, when airlines operate the route, or via hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney or Brisbane. If you connect in Australia, Australian transit rules apply to that part of the trip. Read our transit guide for the full conditions, or start your transit NZeTA application if your route qualifies.
Middle names and passport details
Filipino names have a structure that often confuses online forms. A Philippine passport normally shows your surname, your given name(s) and a middle name, which is usually your mother's maiden surname.
| Passport field | Where it goes on the NZeTA form |
|---|---|
| Surname | Family name |
| Given name(s) | Given names |
| Middle name | Given names, after your first names, if it appears in the machine-readable zone |
| Suffix (Jr., III) | Follow the machine-readable zone exactly |
The two lines of characters at the bottom of your passport photo page are what airline systems read. When in doubt, copy the name from there. Make sure your flight booking uses the same spelling. Your passport also needs to be valid for your whole journey, and if you renew it, you need a new NZeTA.
Leaving the Philippines
Philippine immigration officers may ask about your trip when you depart from Manila, Cebu or Clark. Having your documents in order makes the process smoother. Carry printed or digital copies of:
- Your NZeTA approval email
- Your full flight itinerary, showing the Auckland connection and onward flight
- The visa for your final destination
- Accommodation details for your destination
How to apply
Start
Choose "Transit", enter your email and pick a speed.
Travellers
Add passport details for up to 10 people.
Declarations
Answer the health and character questions.
Photo and payment
Upload a photo and pay by card.
| Option | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Normal | 48–72 hours |
| Emergency | 24–48 hours |
| Rush | 12–24 hours |
Transit passengers don't pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). See the fees page for prices. An approved NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years for multiple transits.
Apply for a Philippines transit NZeTA
Already submitted? Track your NZeTA application
Filipino traveller FAQs
No. Philippine passport holders who fly to New Zealand can only use an NZeTA to transit at Auckland. Visiting family requires a visitor visa, which is a separate application.
Yes. If you connect at Auckland within 24 hours and stay in the transit area, you need a transit NZeTA as well as your Australian visa.
Philippine passports show a middle name, usually your mother's maiden surname. Enter it with your given names, following the order in the machine-readable zone of your passport.
No. An NZeTA never allows work. Filipino citizens who want to work need a work visa, and young Filipinos may be eligible for a working holiday visa, which is a separate application.
Yes. Philippine passport holders arriving in New Zealand on a cruise ship as passengers can apply for an NZeTA as a visitor.
Most decisions arrive within 72 hours. Choose Emergency (24–48 hours) or Rush (12–24 hours) processing if you fly soon.