DFA FAQ'S | DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

DFA Faq’s | Department of Foreign Affairs .Is a Temporary Visitor’s Visa Essential for Me to Enter the Philippines?

The Visa webpage will show you whether or not you need a Philippine temporary visitor’s visa based on the country that issued your passport.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO APPLY ONLINE FOR A PHILIPPINES VISA?

In order to apply for a temporary visitor’s visa, foreign nationals can use the online application system. If you would like to lodge your application, please visit https://www.visa.gov.ph/. In case you require another type of visa, you should contact your nearest Philippine Consulate or Embassy.

WHERE DO I APPLY FOR A FILIPPINO VISA?

Contact your nearest Philippine Foreign Service Post here if you would like more information.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A PHILIPPINE TEMPORARY VISITOR’S VISA?

Temporary visitors must fulfill the following requirements:

A passport or travel document valid beyond the intended stay in the Philippines for at least six (6) months;
Application forms for visas that are duly completed;
You will need two passport-size photos;
An official document proving a tourist’s or businessman’s bona fides;
Return or onward tickets for a port of destination other than the port of departure;
Fees for visas must be paid.

The Visa webpage and https://www.visa.gov.ph/ describe additional documentary requirements based on the purpose of your visit and visa subtype.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE PERIOD OF MY AUTHORIZED STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES?

A foreign national who wishes to extend his or her stay in the Philippines is advised to apply for an extension at the Bureau of Immigration.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, COMMERCIAL COMPANIES, AND GOVERNMENT ENTITIES ENDORSE VISA APPLICATIONS. WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS?

Those who have endorsed your visa application should visit the following pages:

IN ORDER TO ENTER THE PHILIPPINES WITHOUT A VISA, WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

If you are a foreign national planning to enter the Philippines without a visa for a maximum of thirty (30) days, you must meet the following requirements:

In order to conduct business or to visit the Philippines, the applicant will travel there;
Return tickets to the port of origin or the next port of destination should be valid;
Traveler must possess a passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months beyond the planned stay.
Neither the Department nor the Bureau of Immigration have deported or blacklisted the applicant.

You can determine whether a Philippine visa is required by selecting the country that issued your passport on the Visa webpage.

TRANSIT TO ANOTHER COUNTRY WILL BE MY GOAL IN THE PHILIPPINES. VISA APPLICATIONS ARE REQUIRED?

Passports and transit visas are required for foreign nationals transiting the Philippines. If you would like to apply for a transit visa, please contact the Philippine Foreign Service Post nearest to your residence. If you live in the Philippines, you can check the nearest Philippine Foreign Service Post.

INTERESTED IN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES. CAN MY TOURIST VISA BE CONVERTED TO A WORK VISA?

An employment visa can be obtained through the following options if a foreign national intends to work in the Philippines:

You may petition the Philippine Immigration Bureau for a prearranged employment visa through a Philippine-based employer, and once the visa is issued, it will be issued at the Philippine Foreign Service Post where you are originally from or where you live; or
The Bureau of Immigration will convert a temporary visitor’s visa into a prearranged employment visa upon your arrival in the Philippines.

Check here for the Philippine Foreign Service Post close to your residence.

I AM A FOREIGN STUDENT STUDYING AT A PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SECURE A STUDENT VISA?

A student visa can be obtained by foreign students in one of the following ways:

At the Visa Division of the Office of Consular Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, the Philippine-based university must submit the application for a student visa along with the required documents, after which the visa is issued at the Philippine Foreign Service Post in the applicant’s country of origin;
The Bureau of Immigration will convert your temporary visitor’s visa into a student visa upon your arrival in the Philippines.

The APPLICANT IS A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY (spouse and/or children) OF A FILIPPINO NATIONAL. IS IT STILL NECCESSARY FOR ME TO APPLY FOR A FILIPPINO VISA?

Under the Balikbayan Program, family members (spouses and children) of Filipino citizens are permitted to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of one (1) year as long as they accompany the Filipino citizen.

It is still necessary for foreign nationals who require a visa before entering the Philippines to apply for a temporary visitor’s visa. To determine if a visa is required, click the drop-down menu next to the country where your passport was issued to see if you need one.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR APPLYING FOR AN APEC BUSINESS TRAVEL CARD (ABTC)?

An ABTC may be obtained by qualified business persons by visiting this link https://dfa-oca.ph/visa/visa-guidelines/apec-business-travel-card/

Do I NEED A VISA TO ENTER THE COUNTRY IF I HAVE AN ABTC?

As long as their visit is for business purposes, holders of valid ABTCs may enter the Philippines without a visa and benefit from streamlined privileges.

CONSULAR RECORDS FAQ’S

WHICH IS A CIVIL REGISTRATION?

According to Act No. 3753, a person’s vital events (birth, marriage, or death) must be recorded continuously, permanently, and compulsory in appropriate registers during their lives, including births, marriages, and deaths. As mandated by the Civil Registry Law, 3753 records all court decrees and legal instruments affecting the individual’s civil status.

HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO REGISTER A VITAL EVENT (BIRTH, MARRIAGE, OR DEATH)?

The local civil registrar of the city or municipality in which the birth occurred generally has thirty (30) days from the time of birth to register a vital event like a birth. Vital events that occurred overseas, however, must be reported within twelve (12) months of their occurrence. An important event must be registered at the Foreign Service Post (Embassy or Consulate General) in the country where it occurred.

WOULD I BE ABLE TO REGISTER THE VITAL EVENT (BIRTH, MARRIAGE, DEATH) AFTER THE TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD?

Yes, of course. A delayed registration occurs in this situation.

WHAT IS A REPORT OF BIRTH?

Information about the birth abroad of a Filipino child is provided by the person providing the information. It is mandatory to report the birth within twelve (12) months of its occurrence to the Embassy/Consulate General. There has been a delay in registering the birth. In spite of this, the consular officer may record the birth after verifying the authenticity of the report with supporting documents. Reports in such cases must be accompanied by an explanation of why there was a delay in reporting the birth to the Embassy/Consulate General.

WHAT IS A REPORT OF MARRIAGE?

Marriage between a Filipino and a citizen of a foreign country is declared. A marriage record and acknowledgement will be taken in the Philippines in light of this action.

WHAT IS A REPORT OF DEATH?

An individual found dead in the host country is declared to be a Filipino citizen. In addition to family members, employers, representatives of company companies, or undertakers, they can also notify the Embassy/Consulate General of the death.

THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTH, MARRIAGE, AND DEATH

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE RECORDS OF BIRTH, MARRIAGE, AND DEATH DETAILS ABROAD INCLUDED IN THE DATABASE OF THE PHILIPPINES STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA)?

Foreign Service Posts (Embassies and Consulates) that are responsible for the place where births, marriages, and deaths have occurred must register the reports.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERING REPORTS OF BIRTH, MARRIAGE, AND DEATH?

To learn more about consular records, please visit https://dfa-oca.ph/services/consular-records/ .

IN WHICH OFFICE MAY I FILE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERING A BIRTH, MARRIAGE, or DEATH REPORT?

It is also possible to submit the items at any DFA-Regional Consular Office nationwide or at the Consular Records Division of the DFA-Office of Consular Affairs. Foreign Service Posts can assist you if you are overseas.

If I INTEND TO FILE WITH DFA-OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS OR DFA-REGIONAL OFFICES, HOW MUCH WILL I HAVE TO PAY?

USD 25.00 or an equivalent amount in local currency is the Consular fee.

IN REGISTRATION OF THE REPORT OF BIRTH/MARRIAGE, WHAT IS A NOTARIZED AFFIDAVIT OF TWO DISINTERESTED PERSONS?

It’s an affidavit signed by two unrelated persons, who can attest to the authenticity and details of a vital event that occurred overseas, as verified by a legitimate notary public.

A REGISTERED BIRTH/MARRIAGE/DEATH REPORT

WHEN REQUESTING A RECORD, WHAT ARE THE DISPATCH NUMBER, REFRENCE NUMBER, AND TRANSMITTAL DATE THAT PSA REQUIRES?

To track the Foreign Service civil registry report, these details are used by PSA as a record locator.

UPON REGISTERING A BIRTH/MARRIAGE REPORT, HOW DO I OBTAIN THE DISPATCH NUMBER, REFRENCE NUMBER, AND TRANSMITTAL DATE?

Using this contact information, you can reach DFA-Office of Consular Affairs, Consular Records Division:

The following phone numbers are direct: 836-7744; 836-7743

Send all inquiries to [email protected]

Inquiries can be directed to OCA CRD through any DFA RCO.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING THE DISPATCH NUMBER, REFRENCE NUMBER AND TRANSMITTAL DATE OF A REGISTERED DEATH REPORT?

The transmittal details must be claimed personally in the Consular Records Division Window by demonstrating your relation to the deceased, as per the Office of Consular Affairs policy.

HOW CAN YOU GET THE DESPATCH NUMBER, REFERENCE NUMBER, AND TRANSMITTAL DATE FROM THE CONSULAR RECORDS DIVISION OF THE DFA OFFICE OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS?

Locating the record requires the following information:

Registrant’s date of birth, marriage, or death
It was registered with the Foreign Service Post
A child, a spouse, or a deceased person’s name

To verify the birth, marriage, or death of a person, please send a readable scanned copy or photograph to [email protected].

THE APPLICATION FOR THE REPORT OF BIRTH/MARRIAGE/DEATH WAS MADE AND THE DISPATCH NUMBER, REFERENCE NUMBER, AND DATE OF TRANSMITTAL WERE PROVIDED. DESPITE MY REQUEST, PSA ISSUED A NEGATIVE CERTIFICATE INSTEAD OF A COPY. HOW WILL I PROCEED?

Alternatively, you may visit the PSA-Coordinating Section at Vibal Building, EDSA corner Times St., West Triangle, Quezon City, to inquire about negative results despite the provided transmittal details.

BIRTH/MARRIAGE/DEATH REPORT INCLUDING AN ERROR OR A MISSING ENTRY

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO FILE A PETITION (RA 9048 OR RA 10172) TO CORRECT A CLERICAL ERROR IN A PSA-ISSUED REPORT OF BORN-MARRIED-DATE?

There is a clerical error that needs to be corrected, and the petition should be submitted to the Foreign Service Post where the clerical error is located. The petition may be filed in the nearest Local Civil Registry Office or Foreign Service Post, regardless of whether the petitioner is located in the Philippines or outside the Philippines. Migrant petitions will be processed as migrant petitions.

HOW CAN I GET A SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT TO SUPPLY THE INFORMATION IN THE PSA-ISSUED REPORT OF BORN, MARRIED, and DEATH?

The Foreign Service Post where the birth/marriage/death occurred must receive a supplemental report for births/marriages/deaths occurring abroad.

RERENUNCIATION OF MECO

IN ORDER TO CHECK THE STATUS OF RENUNCIATION FILED WITH MECO, WHAT DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?

For a renunciation to be located, a dispatch number is required.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET THE TRANSMITTAL DETAILS OVER THE PHONE OR BY EMAIL?

A Special Power of Attorney, your valid ID, and other documents pertaining to the renunciation must be presented directly to the Office of Consular Affairs, Consular Record Division in order to claim the transmittal details.

Authentication FAQ’S

WHAT IS AN APOSTILLE AND WHEN DO I NEED IT?

Documents that are authenticated with an Apostille are considered public documents. Apostilles are issued by countries that are parties to the Apostille Convention from countries that are also parties.

Apostille Convention became effective in the Philippines on 14 May 2019. All Philippine documents that are intended for use abroad require authentication, but this time with an Apostille, rather than an Authentication Certificate (“red ribbon”). Except for countries that objected to Philippine accession and non-Apostille countries, embassy or consulate authentication is not needed after DFA-OCA has authenticated (apostillized) documents.

APOSTEILLE CONVENTION APPLIES TO WHAT COUNTRIES?

Only countries that are parties to the Apostille Convention are permitted to certify a public document. Check out this link for an updated list of all “Apostille Countries”: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41

As with those Apostille countries that opposed Philippine accession, Finland, Germany, and Greece cannot be used readily with the Philippine Apostille. These countries require legalization of documents arriving from and going to their embassies or consulates.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH I NEED TO USE MY PUBLIC DOCUMENT IS NOT AN APOSTILLE COUNTRY?

The Embassy or Consulate of the country where you intend to use your public document should be contacted if you intend to use the document abroad where the Apostille Convention does not apply. To have your documents authenticated/legalized, you need to go to the Philippines’ Embassy or Consulate of the said country. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to obtain an Apostille from the intended recipient of your document.

DOCUMENTS TO WHICH THE APOSTILLE CONVENTION APPLIES?

Documents which were subject to authenticating by the DFA before the Apostille Convention became effective in the Philippines are also covered by the Philippine Apostille.

Apostilles are only for public documents that need to be used abroad. In this case, you cannot submit your document to the DFA for authentication/apostillization if it is to be used in the Philippines.

HOW ABOUT AFFIDAVITS, SPAS, AND SIMILAR DOCUMENTS, CAN THEY BE APOSTILLED?

If the applicant executed the documents in their private capacity, then they can only be authenticated if the notary and the Court of Regional Trial granted them a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA).

APOSTILLES HAVE WHAT BENEFITS, AND HOW DO THEY DIFFER FROM AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATES (“RED RIBBON”)?

Apostilles streamline the whole authenticity process for documents used abroad, making it convenient, cost-effective, and faster for applicants. It is necessary for a Philippine document to be certified by the appropriate government agency or office, authenticated by the DFA and certified (legalized) by the Embassy or Consulate of the destination country before it can receive an Apostille. Assuming the country of destination is a country that recognizes the Apostille, the document above no longer needs to be legalized by the Foreign Embassy or Consulate.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR AUTHENTICATION OF DOCUMENTS?

All DFA Authenticating Units, including DFA-Aseana, the DFA Consular Office (CO) Northeast (Ali Mall, Cubao), the DFA East (SM Megamall), the DFA West (SM Manila), the DFA South (Festival Mall, Alabang), the DFA San Fernando, the DFA’s San Fernando, the DFA’s San Fernando, the DFA’s San Fernando, the DFA’s San Fernando, the DFA’s San Fernando, the Pampanga, the Philippines.).

WHAT IS THE PROCESSING FEE? IN WHAT TIME SHALL AN APOSTILLE BE PROCESSED?

Authentication services provided by DFA-OCA require a payment of Php100.00 for regular processing (released after five working days) and Php200.00 for expedited processing (released after two working days).

HOW WILL THE APOSTILLE CONVENTION AFFECT ME AS AN OVERSEAS FILIPINO?

When Philippine documents are authenticated by the DFA-OCA for use in Apostille countries, they will not need to be authenticated by foreign embassies in Manila again once they have been Apostillized. For foreign documents from Apostille countries to be valid in the Philippines or another Apostille country, they only need to be Apostillized by their host government. Apostilling/authenticating foreign documents is not the responsibility of DFA-OCA.

For countries such as Austria, Finland, Germany, and Greece that do not apostille, the authentication process will remain unchanged.

WOULD IT STILL BE PERMITTED BY THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY FOR AN APOSTILLE TO BE EXECUTED IN A DOCUMENT EXECUTED IN A COUNTRY?

Documents originating from Apostille countries will no longer be authenticated by Philippine embassies and consulates. The Philippine Embassy or Consulate does not need to certify (legalize) these documents, but they still need the Apostille from the host government. The Apostille cannot be issued by embassies or consulates. Even if the document originates from a country without an Apostille, Philippine Embassies and Consulates will continue to offer acknowledgment and jurat services.

HOW DOES AN APOSTILLE WORK?

It certifies the origin of the public document to which it refers, just as the Authentication Certificate (or “red ribbon”) does. In addition to verifying the authenticity of the signature or seal of the individual or authority who signed or sealed the public document, it confirms the capacity in which that individual or authority did so. Documents under Apostille are not endorsed by the Apostille.

WHAT IF I AM ISSUING A DOCUMENT FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY THAT WILL BE USED IN THE PHILIPPINES?

A foreign document is defined as a document originating from another country. Foreign Documents can be categorized into two (2) types:

Documents issued by Philippine Embassies/Consulates, such as the Certificate of Authenticity, Certificate of Acknowledgment, Jurat, and others;
Foreign diplomatic / consular documents issued in the Philippines.

The authentication of foreign documents (apostillization) is not applicable since the process is only applicable to Filipino public documents intended for use abroad. The DFA Aseana shall certify foreign documents if they will only be submitted to local offices in the Philippines.

Documents described in items 1 and 2 are the only types of foreign documents that can obtain certification. The code can only be used once. This Certification must be used locally and cannot be submitted to Foreign Embassies / Consulates in the Philippines.

DFA or Philippine Embassies / Consulates do not need to get involved in this process if the foreign document is apostillized by another country.

DOCUMENTS ISSUED FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY AND USED IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY – WHAT SHOULD I DO?

We would appreciate it if you coordinated with the Embassy or Consulate of the foreign country concerned. Apostille or certification by the DFA is not required since the Philippines is neither issuing nor receiving the document.

APPOINTMENT FOR APOSTILLE

AUTHENTICATION/APOSTILLE PROCESSES REQUIRE APPOINTMENT?

No, DFA offers authentication services to applicants

OPTION 1: WALK-IN
(Depending on capacity at the Consular Officehttps://dfa-oca.ph/authentication/authentication-general-info/, there may be a limited number of slots available each day.
Those who own the documents (if they are under their name); or those who have immediate family members (if the documents are under the names of their family relatives) can utilize the walk-in facility. There are various forms of proof of kinship to present, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and identification cards).

OPTION 2: ONLINE APPOINTMENT
ONLINE The appointment can be made via the website https://www.apostille.gov.ph/
If you are either: someone who owns the document or someone who owns the document of an immediate family member; or an authorized representative (such as a liaison officer) who is not related to the owner of the document.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT?

You may schedule an appointment for Authentication/Apostille on https://www.apostille.gov.ph/ if you are requesting the following:

STATUS OF ONLINE APPOINTMENTS Email (for further inquiries):

DFA Aseana	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO NCR West (SM Manila)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO NCR Northeast (Ali Mall)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO NCR South (Alabang Town Center)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO NCR East (SM Megamall)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO Pampanga (Robinsons StarMills)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO La Union (CSi Mall)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO Cebu (Pacific Mall Mandaue)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO Iloilo (Robinsons Place)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO Davao (SM Davao)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO Cagayan De Oro (SM Downtown Premier)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]
CO Legazpi (Pacific Mall)	Slots on a first come, first served basis	[email protected]

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT. IS IT POSSIBLE TO RESHEDULE IT?

Appointments that have been confirmed cannot be changed

Rescheduled appointments can be made at the following locations: https://www.apostille.gov.ph/ .

DFA Aseana
CO NCR West (SM Manila)
CO NCR Northeast (Alimall)
CO NCR South (Festival Mall, Alabang)
CO NCR East (SM Megamall)
CO Pampanga (Robinsons StarMills)
CO Legazpi (Pacific Mall)
CO La Union (CSi Mall)
CO Cebu (Pacific Mall Mandaue)
CO Iloilo (Robinsons Place)
CO Davao (SM Davao)
CO Cagayan De Oro (SM Downtown Premier)

IS THERE A WAY FOR ME TO CONFIRM MY APPOINTMENT IF I AM UNABLE TO ATTEND?

If you need to cancel your appointment, you need to send an email to [email protected] three (3) days in advance.

REQUIREMENTS FOR APOSTILLES

WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

The documentary requirements can be found here:

https://dfa-oca.ph/authentication/authentication-requirements/documents-for-authentication/ .

IS MY POSTAL ID, TIN ID, OR PHILHEALTH ID ACCEPTABLE?

The following are acceptable IDs: https://dfa-oca.ph/authentication/authentication-application-process/

WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE FOR A REPRESENTATIVE TO APOSTILIZE MY DOCUMENTS?

Yes, a representative can process an Apostille on behalf of the document owner. Authorized representatives must meet the following requirements:

https://dfa-oca.ph/authentication-application-process/ .

WOULD A COURIER BE ABLE TO RECEIVE MY DOCUMENTS?

Yes, A courier may be authorized by an applicant to act as his or her representative. Your chosen courier can provide details on their fees, requirements, and instructions.

COURIER SERVICES WERE ENGAGED FOR PROCESSING AND CLAIMING DOCUMENTS FOR AUTHENTIFICATION. WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR CHECKING THE STATUS?

The courier of your choice should be contacted and coordinated.

APOSTILLE CLAIM

DOES APPOINTMENT ARE REQUIRED FOR APOSTILLE CLAIM?

In the case of DFA Aseana:

Apostilles filed in DFA Aseana do not require an appointment.

Appointment is required for CHED-forwarded documents with Authentication Stubs. (Note: The date of release indicated in the Authentication Stubs indicates the date the document is ready for processing by DFA Aseana.)

Send an email to the Consular Offices (COs) as follows:

CO NCR West (SM Manila)	[email protected]
CO NCR Northeast (Ali Mall)	[email protected]
CO NCR South (Festival Mall, Alabang)	[email protected]
CO NCR East (SM Megamall)	[email protected]
CO Pampanga (Robinsons StarMills)	[email protected]
CO Legazpi (Pacific Mall)	[email protected]
CO La Union (CSi Mall)	[email protected]
CO Cebu (Pacific Mall Mandaue)	[email protected]
CO Iloilo (Robinsons Place)	[email protected]
CO Davao (SM Davao)	[email protected]
CO Cagayan De Oro (SM Downtown Premier)	[email protected]

WHAT IS THE RETENTION PERIOD FOR APOSTILLES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN CLAIMED?

The Apostilles that have not been claimed within three (3) months of the release date will be disposed of.

THE VERIFICATION OF APOSTILLES

WHAT SHOULD I PROPOSE IF THE RECIPIENT WISHES TO VERIFY MY APOSTILLE?

Verification of Philippine apostille certificates can be conducted through the following link:https://www.apostille.gov.ph/apostilleverifying/ With your smartphone, you can also scan the QR Code to access the verification link on the Apostille.

WHATSHOULD I DO IF I AM NOT ABLE TO VERIFY MY APOSTILLE ON VERIFICATION SITE?

Describe the concern and attach the Apostille in an email sent to [email protected] .

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO VERIFY A FOREIGN APOSTILLE?

The affixing country is required to keep a register that includes information about the person or authority who signed the underlying public document as well as the date and number of the affixing. It is for the recipient to verify that the information on the Apostille corresponds to the information in the register by contacting the Competent Authority identified on the Apostille.

On the website of the Hague Conference, you can find contact information for the Competent Authorities, including their telephone numbers and websites: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/authorities1/?cid=41.

Diplomatic And Official Passport FAQ’s

A DIPLOMATIC E-PASSPORT IS WHAT?

High ranking government officials who are required to carry out their duties with this passport are granted such passports, ranging from President of the Republic of the Philippines, Vice Presidents, Senators, Congressmen / Congresswomen, and Foreign Service members.

HOW DOES AN OFFICIAL PASSPORT WORK?

Every permanent government official and employee traveling abroad for official reasons must have an Official e-Passport.

A DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL E-PASSPORT IS PROVIDED TO WHOM?

A Philippine passport is issued under Section 7 of Republic Act No. 8239, also known as the “Philippine Passport Act of 1996”. There are the following rights under this act:

E-Passport for diplomats

Former Presidents and the President of the Republic of the Philippines;
A former Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines and the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines;
Representatives’ Speaker and the Senate President;
Supreme Court Chief Justice;
Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries of the Department of Foreign Affairs and cabinet secretaries of the national government;
A Philippine Embassy/Consulate consists of an ambassador’s office, a chief of mission’s office, a counselor’s office, foreign service officers in the Home Office and abroad, and attachés from the DFA as well as attachés assigned by other agencies.
Whenever Congress members are on official missions abroad or are delegates at international conferences;
Industrias, the government of the Philippines;
As authorized by the President, delegates to international or regional conferences may incur diplomatic missions on behalf of the Philippine Government and are accorded full power to do so;
When accompanying or following abovementioned officials on an official mission abroad, their spouses and unmarried minor children can accompany or follow them

An official e-passport

Assistant Secretaries and Undersecretaries of government departments;
Judiciary members and associate justices;
Officials from all levels of government attending conferences, seminars, training, and study tours funded by the government, sponsored by foreign governments, international and/or regional organizations;
Philippine diplomatic and consular staff members and their spouses, dependent children, and dependents assigned to Philippine diplomatic and consular posts abroad;
Posting abroad on permanent positions, including spouses and unmarried minor children of other agencies or departments of the Philippine government;
Families of Foreign Service officials as well as those in domestic service.

WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE ISSUANCE / RENEWAL OF DIPLOMATIC/OFFICIAL E-PASSPORTS?

Form for applying for a passport (DFA-PCA-DOPS-02);
If this is a first time applicant and has not yet been issued a diplomatic/official/regular passport, the original birth certificate in security paper (SECPA) must be submitted by the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA);
E-Passport that has been issued before and a photocopy of it (if it has been issued before);
Marriage certificate issued by PSA (for women who have been married but have yet to have their married name reflected in their passport);
A true copy of the signed travel authority, either the original or a certified copy;
An endorsement letter to the Department of Defense (if the Travel Authority does not address the Department of Defense);
An original letter of invitation signed by the sponsor;
Obtain a copy of the most recent service record;
Document proving that there are no pending administrative cases;
An authenticated copy of the appointment document (for a Presidential Appointee);
Coterminous Appointments within the Civil Service
An oath of office certified as true (for elected officials);
The applicant’s office ID or the authorized representative’s office ID, along with a photograph of each.
When traveling for training, fellowships, scholarships, or study grants, please provide the training contract (original copy).

HOW DO DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL E-PASSPORTS GET REVALIDATED? WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS?

DFA-OCA-DOPS-04 (Form for Revalidation, Extension, and Amendment);
E-Passport originals and photocopies;
A true copy of the original or certified travel authorization;
An endorsement letter to the Department of Defense (if the Travel Authority does not address the Department of Defense);
An original letter of invitation signed by the sponsor;
Copy of the latest service record, whether it is the original or a certified true copy;
A true copy of the original or certified true copy of the certificate that there is no pending administrative case (CNPAC);
The appointment paper certified as true (for presidential appointees);
An oath of office certified as true (for elected officials);
A photocopy of the applicant’s office ID or the office ID of a designated representative;
When traveling for training, fellowships, scholarships and/or study grants, the original training contract must be provided;
A letter of endorsement from HRMO-TAS/HCSAD is required for dependents and private employees of DFA Personnel and Partner Agencies.

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR ENDORSEMENT OF DIPLOMATIC / OFFICIAL E-PASSPORTS BY NOTE VERBALE OR LETTER?

Form for requesting a verbal note (DFA-PCA-DOPS-07);
Authorization to travel signed;
A copy of the official e-passport or diplomatic passport.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO APPLY FOR REVALIDATION, NOTE VERBAL OR LETTER ENDORSEMENT FOR DIPLOMATIC / OFFICIAL E-PASSPORTS OF OTHERS?

Yes, of course. Applicants may submit a photocopy of their identification card along with an original authorization letter signed by the passport holder for revalidation, note verbal, or letter visa endorsement of a diplomatic or official e-passport.

WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE FOR ME TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE / RENEWAL OF DIPLOMATIC / OFFICIAL E-PASSPORT FOR ANOTHER PERSON?

Sadly, no. E-passport applications and renewals should be submitted to DOPS in person.

WILL I BE ISSUED A NOTE VERBALE FOR MY TRAVEL IF I FORGOT TO CHECK THE REQUEST FOR NOTE VERBALE OFFICER ON MY APPLICATION FORM?

NO. The application form must be filled out completely.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO RENEW MY DIPLOMATIC / OFFICIAL E-PASSPORT?

When the passport expires within six (6) months of the expected travel date, a diplomatic or official e-Passport can be renewed.

MAY I FILE AN APPLICATION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A DIPLOMATIC / OFFICIAL E-PASSPORT IF ALL OTHER REQUIREMENTS ARE MET EXCEPT FOR A SIGNED TRAVEL AUTHORITY?

Yes, of course. An initialed copy of the travel authority is sufficient for DOPS to accept applications without the signed travel authority.

WOULD I BE ABLE TO FILE MY APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF DIPLOMATIC / OFFICIAL E-PASSPORT IF I HAVE A SIGNED TRAVEL AUTHORITY BUT DO NOT HAVE THE OTHER DOCUMENTS REQUIRED?

Unfortunately, no. For the processing of your diplomatic / official e-passport, DOPS requires other requirements in addition to your signed travel authority.

WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE FOR ME TO APPLY FOR THE ISSUANCE, RENEWAL, REVALIDATION, OR REQUEST FOR THE ENDORSEMENT OF A NOTE VERBAL OR LETTER VISA TO THE NEAREST DFA SATELLITE OFFICE?

Unfortunately, no. Diplomatic and Official Passports Section of the Office of Consular Affairs is the only place in Paraaque City to apply for diplomatic / official e-Passports, located at the 3rd Floor of ASEANA Business Park on Bradco Avenue near Macapagal Boulevard.

DID I GET MY NEW, REVALIDATED DIPLOMATIC / OFFICIAL E-PASSPORT FROM MY OFFICE, OR MAY I AUTHORIZE A RELATIVE TO CLAIM IT?

Yes, of course. It is possible for applicants to authorize a representative to claim their new / revalidated diplomatic / official e-passports, provided the representative presents a copy of his / her valid identification card, the claim stub, the original authorization letter, and the official receipt.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A DIPLOMATIC / OFFICIAL E-PASSPORT ISSUE, RENEWAL, REVALIDATION?

In order to obtain a Diplomatic or Official e-Passport, you may apply at the Diplomatic and Official Passports Section (DOPS) of the Office of Consular Affairs, located at ASEANA Business Park, Bradco Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque City.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE, RENEWAL, OR REVALIDATION OF AN OFFICIAL E-PASSPORT / DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT?

It is necessary for the Department of Foreign Affairs to receive applications for diplomatic and official passports at least two (2) weeks prior to departure, but no earlier than one (1) month before departure, in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 22-96 dated 25 July 1996.