DFA Faq’s of Passport | Department of Foreign Affairs

DFA Faq’s of Passport | Department of Foreign Affairs

Passport FAQ’s:

A PHILIPPINE PASSPORT IS AVAILABLE TO WHOM?

Philippine passports can only be obtained by Filipino citizens.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR APPLICATION FOR A PHILIPPINE PASSPORT?

Appointments can be made online at https://www.passport.gov.ph/. Be sure to bring all the requirements appropriate to your application on the actual date of your appointment.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO APPLY WALK-IN TO THE DFA?

DFA Asiana and other Consular Offices in the Philippines usually accept walk-in cases only if they are exceptional or emergency cases. https://www.passport.gov.ph/ offers online appointment scheduling for those who require a non-emergency passport. You can find out if you qualify for the Courtesy Lane by clicking here.

WHAT IS THE EXPECTATION TIME FOR THE REGULAR PASSPORT APPLICATION FROM THE DATE OF MY APPOINTMENT?

Once the NCR application has been accommodated, you can expect your passport to be released twelve (12) working days later. If you are a citizen of a country outside the NCR, you can expect your passport to be released twelve (12) working days after your application has been accommodated.

DOES DFA OFFER AN EXPEDITED PROCESSING OPTION?

There is expedited processing available in the Philippines with a six (6) working day processing time for applicants in the NCR and a seven (7) working day processing time for applicants outside the NCR. There is a Php 1,200.00 fee for expedited processing.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR PASSPORTS?

The requirements for obtaining a passport can be found on the Passport website.

HOW CAN I FIND THE NEAREST CONSULAR OFFICE OR PASSPORT CAPTURING SITE?

Visit the Directory page to see a detailed list of consular offices and passport capturing sites.

A PHILIPPINES PASSPORT IS VALID FOR HOW LONG?

Philippine passports issued to Filipinos 18 years or older have a ten-year validity period based on Department Order 010-2017. A valid passport will still be issued to Filipinos under the age of 18 for a period of five years.

WHAT IS THE FEE FOR A PASSPORT?

In the Philippines, passport applications are processed as follows:

• Php 950.00 per person, regular
• The expedite fee is Php 1,200.00
• The penalty for losing or mutilating an ePassport is Php 350.00

 

Consular fees are listed on the websites of the Philippine Embassy or Consulate when passports are applied for overseas.

HOW DO I CLAIM MY PASSPORT?

Upon completing your passport application, you can claim it at the consular office or passport capturing site where you submitted it.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I LOSE MY PASSPORT?

Your lost valid passport application may be filed and reported at the Consular Office of your choice in case it has been lost or stolen. The police report must be submitted in English, as well as an affidavit of loss. Before a replacement passport application is processed, a 15-day clearing period must be observed.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I LOSE MY EXPIRED PASSPORT?

You will need to submit an Affidavit of Loss in the event of a lost expired passport. As a first-time applicant, your passport application will be considered.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY PASSPORT IS DAMAGED?

Affidavit of Mutilation must be submitted along with your passport application if your passport has been damaged or mutilated.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO INSERT ADDITIONAL PAGES INTO THE PASSPORT IF THERE ARE NO PAGES LEFT?

Unfortunately, no. Approximately forty-four (44) pages comprise the standard Philippine passport booklet. Your passport may need to be renewed if it runs out of pages.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, AND INFANTS (UP TO 12 MONTHS) TO APPLY WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT?

COVID-19 pandemic has created a health emergency, which requires appointments only for consular services. If you wish to make an appointment, please visit https://www.passport.gov.ph/or contact OCA through our official email and phone numbers. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

WHICH DO I NEED TO BRING ALONG WITH ME WHEN I CLAIM MY PASSPORT?

The original passport receipt should be brought with you.

DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TO AUTHORIZE SOMEONE ELSE TO COLLECT MY PASSPORT ON MY BEHALF?

Your passport will not be released on the scheduled date unless you execute a Special of Attorney explaining the reasons for your inability to pick it up. Also included in the SPA should be the name and photo ID of the person on your behalf who is authorized to pick up the passport. Parents of minors will, however, be the only ones to receive their children’s passports.

AFTER APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT, WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT CLAIM IT?

Passports that haven’t been claimed within 180 days of application will be cancelled by the Department.

A PASSPORT APPLICATION WAS MADE BEFORE, BUT IT WAS NEVER CLAIMED. IS IT REQUIRED THAT I DECLARE IT?

Yes, of course. The Consular Office or DFA-Aseana can issue you a Certificate of Unclaimed Passport, which should be submitted with your application.

MY PASSPORT WAS DELIVERED THROUGH COURIER SERVICES. THE PERSONAL INFORMATION ON MY RECEIPT WAS DISCREPANCY. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The DFA capturing site at which you originally filed your passport application must be contacted if you find any discrepancy with your passport details.

WHILE MY CURRENT PASSPORT STILL RECORDS MY MAIDEN NAME, WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WOULD LIKE TO USE MY HUSBAND’S NAME?

On the day of your passport renewal, married women can renew their passports and use their married name if they submit a PSA certified Marriage Certificate and a valid ID bearing their husband’s last name.

WHEN I AM MARRIED, CAN I STILL USE MY MAIDEN NAME ON MY PASSPORT?

You can apply for a Philippine passport using your married name if you haven’t previously used it. In the event that your marital status changes from “single” to “married”, you may need to submit a Marital Certificate.

MY PASSPORT USE’S MY HUSBAND’S SURNAME. MAY I APPLY FOR A NEW PASSPORT USING MY MAIDEN NAME?

In case of annulment of a marriage or if you are already widowed, you are allowed to revert to your maiden name. Documentation is required to prove the claim.

IS IT PERMITTED TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY IF MY PASSPORT IS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD?

Unfortunately, no. Traveling abroad requires a valid passport that is at least six months old.

I AM A BONA FIDE AND CURRENT OFW. A PASSPORT CAN BE APPLIED FOR WHERE?

As long as you have sufficient documentation to prove that you are an overseas worker, you may apply at any consular office or passport capturing site.

THERE IS AN URGENT TRAVEL EVENT. IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET AN EARLY ACCOMMODATION?

When travelling for medical or legal emergencies, death in the family, or returning OFW, an early accommodation request may be considered.Early accommodation requests cannot be guaranteed based on booked flights. If you have not received your passports yet, the DFA strongly advises you not to purchase outbound travel tickets. Travel arrangements made while the passport has not been released will not be covered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, including rebooking fees, losses of income, and other compensation and/or personal losses.

MY OLD PASSPORT HAS VALID FOREIGN VISAS. CAN IT BE TRANSFERRED TO MY NEW ONE?

Unfortunately, no. The validity of visas is not affected by expired or renewed passports. However, you will need to bring both your old passport and new passport if you plan to travel with them. For any questions regarding your visa, contact the Foreign Embassy.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO RENEW MY PASSPORT EVEN IF IT IS STILL VALID FOR A YEAR MORE?

Yes, of course. To obtain a passport, you will need to schedule an appointment online.

EVEN IF I DO NOT INTEND TO TRAVEL ANYTIME SOON, AM I REQUIRED TO RENEW MY EXPIRED PASSPORT?

No. If your passport expires, you can renew it at any time. It is extremely important that you have at least seven to eight (7-8) months of validity on your passport before planning to travel.

WHEN I REPLACE MY EXPIRED PASSPORT, ARE THERE ANY PENALTIES?

No. If you replace your expired passport, there are no penalties.

DO PENS USED FOR PASSPORT APPLICATION FORMS HAVE ANY COLOR LIMITATIONS?

A blue or black pen can be used.

IS IT REQUIRED FOR ME TO BRING A PASSPORT-SIZED PHOTO WITH MY APPLICATION?

No. Your passport application does not require a passport-sized photo. You will be required to submit your biometric information digitally to the DFA Consular Office.

WHO IS THE CONSULAR SERVICE HOTLINE I CAN CONTACT?

(086519400 / 82343488 (Passport Appointment Concerns)

WILL I BE ABLE TO RECEIVE MY PASSPORT EXACTLY AFTER SEVEN WORKING DAYS IF I APPLIED FOR EXPRESS PROCESSING?

There are no guarantees about when the release will take place. When the passport application is processed, unless there are no errors in the system, it will be available on the release date indicated.

A PAYMENT FOR EXPRESS PROCESSING HAS BEEN MADE, HOWEVER, MY PASSPORT IS NOT AVAILABLE ON THE SCHEDULED RELEASE DATE. WILL MY PAYMENT FOR EXPRESS PROCESSING BE REFUNDED?

No. It is possible that passports will not be available on the dates indicated on the passport slip.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO STAPLE A PRINTED VISAS TO MY PASSPORT IF I HAVE ONE WITH ME?

No. The passport or ePassport may be damaged or invalidated if documents are stapled, especially on the cover or if unnecessary designs or accessories are attached.

IS IT PERMITTED FOR ME TO BRING MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY WITH ME TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT?

Escorts are not permitted at DFA Consular Offices unless the applicant is a senior, minor, or person with a disability (PWD).

IS IT REQUIRED TO PAY AT THE TIME OF BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT?

It is free to schedule an appointment for a passport.

IS IT REQUIRED TO INCLUDE MY DOCUMENTS IN A BROWN ENVELOPE?

NO. There is no need for it.

WHAT IF I NEED TO TRAVEL SOON AND SOMEONE OFFERS ME AN EARLIER APPOINTMENT FOR AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF MONEY?

Online appointments arranged through fixers are discouraged by the DFA. Fixers are at your own risk and expense, so please be aware of this before you deal with them.

IN THE EVENT THAT A MINOR APPLICANT’S PARENTS ARE DECEASED, ABSENT, OR ELIGIBLE, WHO MAY ACCOMPANY HIM?

It is possible for the minor to be accompanied by a guardian appointed by the court. A person may petition for the appointment of a general guardian over a minor’s person or property, or both, in accordance with the Rule on Guardianship of Minors (A.M. No. 03-02-05-SC) if they are a relative or other person on behalf of that minor, or if they are a minor who is fourteen years of age or older. Guardians accompanying a minor applicant must carry a court-issued Letter of Guardianship covering their person.

APPOINTMENT FOR PASSPORT

 

WHAT IS THE DATE OF OPENING OF SLOTS? WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THE UNAVAILABILITY OF APPOINTMENT SLOTS?

Online appointment slots that aren’t available do not necessarily mean that they are fully booked. It may take a few days for online appointments to appear on the page, so please refresh the page again as they become available.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT? MAY I MAKE MY APPOINTMENT ON THE DFA FACEBOOK PAGE? DOES IT STILL NEED TO BE SET UP FOR RENEWAL?

Passport appointments cannot be scheduled through Facebook or other social media platforms; they must be made online through http://passport.gov.ph. There is no charge for passport appointments. It is illegal to schedule an appointment without using http://passport.gov.ph.

WHILE FILLING OUT MY APPLICATION FORM, I MADE A MISTAKE. MY APPLICATION WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS? CANCELLATION OF MY APPOINTMENT IS IT POSSIBLE?

It is possible to correct minor/typographical errors in fields such as the names of the parents, the place of birth, and the old passport number during the processing phase of the application. During the passport appointment, the applicant’s name and date of birth fields cannot be corrected if there is an error in the application form. Furthermore, any application with two or more incorrect entries, regardless of the field in which the error appears, will be rejected or re-evaluated.

In order to book an appointment online, applicants must submit accurate and complete information. An applicant’s passport application may be rejected if multiple errors and/or misrepresentations result in a failure to capture biometric information.

THE EXPIRY DATE OF MY PASSPORT IS SOON. IS IT POSSIBLE TO RENEW IT ALREADY?

At least 6 months must elapse between the date of departure and the date of issue of the passport. If your passport is going to expire in 10 months, we recommend renewing it 10 months before that date.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I LOST MY PASSPORT?

Applicants who lose their passports must schedule an appointment and submit the necessary documents. You will need to submit an Affidavit of Loss and a Police Report (in English) if your VALID passport is lost or stolen. Before a replacement passport application can be processed, there will be a 15-day clearance period. The Affidavit of Loss is required in case of a lost or stolen expired passport; a Police Report is not required.

WHAT IS THE FEE FOR PROCESSING PASSPORTS? IN WHAT TIMEFRAME WILL THE PROCESSING BE COMPLETED?

In order to process a passport application or renewal, you will need to pay the following fees:

Processing on a regular basis – P 950.00

Processing by expedited means – P 1,200.00

In the event that a passport is lost or mutilated, the penalty is P 350.00

A passport can be processed and released for regular processing in 12 working days and for expedited processing in 6 working days at Consular Offices in Metro Manila. Passports are normally processed and released within 12 working days outside Metro Manila.

Generally, passports are processed and released within 4-6 weeks at Philippine Foreign Service Posts. There is no courier delivery included in the above timetables.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE CODE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?

You will receive your appointment code via the email address you used during the application process. As your email provider may direct it to your spam folder or trash folder, please also check there for the appointment code. For assistance, call (02) 8234-3488 to reach the Appointment Hotline.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PASSPORT

 

IS THERE A REQUIREMENT FOR NEW APPLICATIONS? HOW DO I RENEW MY PASSPORT?

• Requirements For Adults: https://dfapassportappointment.org/dfa-passport-requirements-for-adults/
• Requirements for Minor: https://dfapassportappointment.org/dfa-passport-requirements/
• Requirements For Renewal: https://dfapassportappointment.org/dfa-passport-renewal/

 

CAN I APPLY FOR A PASSPORT BY USING MY POSTAL ID, TIN ID, OR PHILHEALTH ID?

You can find a list of accepted government-issued IDs here https://dfapassportappointment.org/acceptable-ids-for-passport-applications-philippines/ .

DO YOU PERMIT MY PARENT / REPRESENTATIVE TO ACCOMPANY MY MINOR CHILD TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT WHEN I AM AWAY FROM HOME?

Passport applications for minor children can be done with the assistance of a representative. Visit https://dfa-oca.ph/passport/passport-requirements/requirements-for-minors/core-requirements-for-minor-new-applications/ to learn more about requirements required for children who will not be accompanied by their parents during the application process.

MY BIRTH CERTIFICATE CONTAINS A MISTAKE. MAY I STILL APPLY FOR A PASSPORT?

Once the mistakes have been corrected, you can apply for a passport. To find out what requirements you need to meet for a new passport application, please visithttps://dfa-oca.ph/passport/passport-requirements/requirements-for-adult/core-requirements-for-adult-new-applications/ .

COURTESY LANE FOR PASSPORTS

 

NO SLOTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PASSPORT APPOINTMENTS. MAY I WALK IN RATHER THAN CALL?

DFA Aseana and other Consular Offices in the Philippines only accept exceptional and emergency cases on a walk-in basis. A https://www.passport.gov.ph/ appointment is required for non-emergency applications. Visit this page to find out if you are eligible to use the Courtesy Lane.

IS THERE A CUT-OFF ON THE AVAILABILITY OF COURTESY LANES?

Walk-in applicants with a valid ID and a fully vaccinated vaccination record will now be able to utilize the Courtesy Lane at DFA Aseana beginning on 14 March 2022. It is the responsibility of the accompanying parent or guardian to determine the vaccination status of minor applicants.

In the morning, applicants are checked for qualification before application processing begins at 1pm. In order to accommodate applicants who have booked appointment slots during the same period, the cap is implemented at 300 applicants.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PRESENT AS A SENIOR CITIZEN TO QUALIFY FOR COURTESY LANE ACCOMMODATION?

Obtaining a valid ID with proof of age, a PSA birth certificate, or a passport.

CAN I BRING A COMPANION AS A SENIOR CITIZEN APPLICANT?

Senior citizens applying for a visa are allowed to bring one (1) adult applicant with them. This adult applicant must be a member of the senior citizen applicant’s immediate family or a traveling companion.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED BY THE COMPANION OF A SENIOR CITIZEN TO QUALIFY FOR COURTESY LANE ACCOMMODATION?

Proof of relationship to a senior citizen applicant must be provided by an immediate family member (e.g., a birth certificate). Besides showing proof of travel with the senior citizen (e.g., hotel or flight reservation), the companion must also provide an explanation of why they are traveling (e.g., they are a medical attendant or nurse).

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS I NEED TO FILE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR COURTESY LANE ACCOMMODATION AS A PWD?

To verify your eligibility, you may need to present a valid PWD ID or PWD booklet

IS A COMPANION ALLOWED FOR PWD APPLICANTS?

YES, There is no restriction on a PWD applicant’s traveling companion being an adult applicant, provided the adult applicant is the PWD applicant’s immediate family member.

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR COURTESY LANE ACCOMMODATION, WHAT DO THE COMPANION OF THE PWD APPLICANT NEEDS TO SUBMIT?

In order to apply for a PWD, an immediate family member must provide proof of relationship to the applicant (e.g., birth certificate).In addition to presenting proof of travel (e.g., hotel or flight confirmation), traveling companions must also explain the reason or justification for traveling (e.g., escorting or nursing the PWD).

WHAT DO I NEED TO PROVIDE AS A PREGNANT APPLICANT TO QUALIFY FOR COURTESY LANE ACCOMMODATION?

Evidence of pregnancy/ultrasound by medical certificate or records.

IS IT OK FOR ME TO BRING A COMPANION IF I AM A PREGNENT APPLICANT?

Unfortunately, no.

DO MINORS 7 YEARS AND UNDER HAVE PERMISSION TO BE COMPANIONED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN?

It is permissible for a minor applicant (7 years or under) to be accompanied by one or both of his or her parents; in the absence of either parent, a minor applicant may be accompanied by his or her legal guardian, or their authorized representative. Courtesy Lane privileges may also be used by a legal guardian or authorized representative.

AS A SOLO PARENT APPLICANT, WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO PRODUCE IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR COURTESY LANE ACCOMMODATION?

An ID that can be used by Solo Parents.

A SOLO PARENT APPLICANT; CAN A COMPANION BE INCLUDED?

Unfortunately, no.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PRESENT AS AN OFW APPLICANT IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR COURTESY LANE ACCOMMODATIONS?

In order to prove their OFW status, an OFW applicant must present:

• OWWA E-card must be valid;
• Having a valid employment contract;
• The work visa must be valid;
• At least three hundred sixty-four (364) days after the date of application, a Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) must be stamped at an international border;
• It is required that applicants possess a Philippine passport with a stamp of immigration arrival that is not more than three hundred sixty-four (364) days old from the date of application, and a working visa or employment contract that has expired or been cancelled.

 

ON WHEELS PASSPORT

 

IN WHAT DECADE WILL OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT, SCHOOL, COMPANY, OR ORGANIZATION HAVE A PASSPORT ON WHEELS?

Your local government unit, school, company, or organization can provide you with the Passport on Wheels schedule. The Passport on Wheels program can be accessed by your local government unit, school, company, or organization by sending a formal request.

PAYMENT FOR PASSPORTS

 

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF PAYING VIA EPAYMENT?

There are four easy steps to making an ePayment:

• You can schedule an appointment by visiting https://www.passport.gov.ph/ .
• Our authorized Payment Centers accept passport processing fees.
• Once you have paid your passport processing fee, you will receive an email with your confirmed appointment packet.
• Bring a printed copy of your confirmed passport appointment packet with you to the DFA consular office on the date and time specified in your appointment.
• You can find more information about ePayment at https://bit.ly/2yXJFac

 

DELIVERY AND CLAIM OF PASSPORTS

 

WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO CLAIM MY PASSPORT?

Passport stubs and receipts contain the tentative release date of your passport.

IF THE COURIER DOESN’T DELIVER MY PASSPORT ON THE DATE OF RELEASE, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Your courier claim stub contains a tracking number that can be used to check the status of your delivery.

A PASSPORT FIXER

 

A PASSPORT APPOINTMENT ASSISTANCE SERVICE OR A FILTER IS IT IllEGAL TO OBTAIN AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEM?

In other words, it is illegal. Those who violate this law will be prosecuted and prohibited from applying for a passport in the future. It is not legitimate to make appointments through websites other than https://www.passport.gov.ph/.

THE SPOILER OF PASSPORTS

 

I REALIZED THAT MY WAS MISSPELLED WHEN I CLAIMED MY PASSPORT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Your new passport’s details need to be carefully checked before leaving the consulate. Your passport may be renewed if there is an error in your personal information, such as your name, sex, or date of birth. You will need to pay PHP 950.00 for a new passport.

EMAILS OF CONFIRMATION

 

THE FEE WAS PAID, BUT I DID NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL. DO I NEED TO TAKE ANY ACTION?

Within 24 hours of paying the fee, you will receive a confirmation email. Please contact us at (02) 8234-3488 if you do not receive it

IF I RESCHEDULED MY APPOINTMENT FOR A PASSPORT, HOW will I KNOW IF I WAS SUCCESSFUL?

You will receive an email confirmation when your appointment has been rescheduled. The new date of the appointment should be included in the email and attachments of the new confirmation email. Contact (02) 8234-3488 for confirmation if you don’t receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of rescheduling.