ICYMI: New Zealand is ready to bid Filipinos welcome again

Angelique Agarap

September 13, 2022

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  New Zealand, one of the world’s top-rated tourist attractions, has finally reopened its borders to international visitors — the first time since the COVID-19 crisis began in March 2020. New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell announced in a tweet that they have begun accepting VISA applications from Filipinos who want to visit New Zealand.

  Planning a trip to the Paradise of the Pacific anytime soon? Here’s a guide on what you need to do to travel to New Zealand by air and meet the COVID-19 requirements:

  Before You Travel

  1. Check your passport and apply for a visa if you need one.
  According to the New Zealand Embassy in Manila, Philippine passport validity should be:

  – For at least 3 months beyond the date you intend to depart New Zealand, or
  – For one month beyond the date you intend to depart New Zealand, if the issuing government has consular representation in New Zealand that is able to issue and renew travel documents (you should check with your issuing authority before traveling).

  2. Check if you meet the vaccination requirements.
  Individuals aged 17 and up who are not a New Zealand citizen, resident, or Australian citizen living in New Zealand must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering the country. Children aged 16 years and under however, do not need to be vaccinated.

  3. Get travel insurance.
  Travel insurance is highly recommended for visitors who plan to visit, study or work as some VISA categories also require you to hold insurance as a condition of your VISA.

  4. Complete the travel declaration.
  Anyone flying to New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveler Declaration. You will be asked to upload proof of your vaccination status.

  At The Airport

  In order to go through border control, you will need to present the following to Customs Official:

  – Passport
  – VISA
  – New Zealand Traveler Pass
  – Completed Arrival Card

  Some items are prohibited and cannot be imported into New Zealand, and some require approval to import. You will need to meet biosecurity requirements.

  After You Arrive in New Zealand
  Travelers must take 2 rapid antigen tests after they arrive — the first on Day 0/1 and the second on Day 5/6. You will be given a welcome pack containing RATs at Biosecurity once you have gone through Customs. You must report your RAT results, even if you test negative.

  New Zealand is well-known for its mythic landscapes, majestic mountain peaks and glaciers, and mesmerizing blue lakes. Does this sound like the next destination you have in mind? Get everything set and check this off your travel bucket list. The Land of the Long White Cloud awaits!

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