Passport is a very important document not only because it is the most accepted and recognized form of identification (ID) in our home country, but also worldwide, specially when you travel abroad for whatever reasons. Without it, you won’t be allowed to board your flight even if that flight is heading back to your home country. Now, the question is how to apply for a Philippine Passport?
This guide is about how to apply and obtain “Philippine Passport“, but please be guided that the list of requirements and procedure may differ depending on your situation or type of application as follows;
- PASSPORT RENEWAL APPLICATION: This is only applicable if you currently owned one and it must be either; Expired, Expiring within less than 2 years, or Running out of blank pages. If so, READ: How to Renew a Philippines Passport: Step-by-Step Guide.
Otherwise, your application will be treated as;
- NEW PASSPORT APPLICATION: This is applicable to those applying for their “First” Philippine Passport or those who previously owned one, but their passport got “Lost/Stolen”, and this is the particular guide dedicated for that. Below, I listed 6 simple steps and requirements to successfully obtain your new Philippine passport. It should be very easy!
If you have a different situation or concern, it’s best to directly contact the Department of Foreign Affair through info@passport.gov.ph or help desk no. (02) 8234-3488 for more information.
I. PHILIPPINE PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
1. Confirmed Online Appointment (Printed Copy)
- Schedule an Appointment here.
Philippine passport applicants who are exempted from this requirement are the following;
- Senior Citizens + 1 immediate family member or travel companion.
- Person with disability (PWD) + 1 immediate family member or travel companion.
- Pregnant (medical certificate may be asked if not visible).
- Solo Parents and their minor child (with valid solo parent ID).
- Minor (7 years old or below) + Immediate family member (of the minor applicants).
- OFW (including Seafarers) with valid ID and proof of employment (such as valid business/work visa, certificate of employment, employment contract, seaman’s book stamped) must be issued in less than 1 year from date of application.
NOTE: All applicants who are exempted can go directly to the nearest DFA office without prior appointment.
2. Valid ID (Original & Photocopy)
Bring any of the following;
- SSS/GSIS or Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) Card
- LTO Driver’s license
- PRC ID Card
- OWWA ECard
- Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate (issued by COMELEC main office)
- PNP Firearms License
- Senior Citizen ID
- Airman License (issued August 2016 on-wards)
- Philippine Postal ID (issued November 2016 on-wards)
- Seafarer’s Record Book issued by the MARINA (must be issued Feb 2020 on-wards).
- School ID or Certificate of Enrollment with photo of the applicant and dry seal of school (if currently enrolled).
3. PSA Birth Certificate (Original and Photocopy)
Must be PSA authenticated on security paper.
- If the PSA copy is not clear and readable, alternatively you can submit a copy from the Local Civil Registrar.
NOTE: For “Late Registered” or “No Record” in PSA, “Dual Citizens”, “Naturalized Filipinos, etc. additional documents are required, read this.
4. PSA Marriage Certificate (for married female applicants only)
Married Female applicants (who are using their spouse’s last name) must submit;
- Original and Photocopy of PSA Authenticated Marriage Contract on Security Paper or;
- Report of Marriage.
5. A Duly Accomplished Application Form
Download the application form DFA Website here.
- Print the application form on A4-size paper.
6. Personal Appearance
Personal appearance is a must as your photo and bio-metrics (fingerprint) will be taken at the DFA Office.
NOTE: Additional supporting documents may be required depending on your situation with your Citizenship, Birth Certificate or Mirage, click here.
II. HOW TO APPLY FOR A PHILIPPINE PASSPORT
STEP 1: Schedule An Appointment Online.
- Schedule an Appointment here.
- Select ‘Individual’ or ‘Group’ appointment (whichever is applicable).
- Select a DFA office, Date and Time of the appointment available according to your preference.
NOTE: Make sure to check (Steps 1 to 4) and have all your information ready beforehand because once you have selected your preferred appointment, it will only be reserved for just 15 minutes and you have to complete (Steps 1 to 4) within 15 minutes. Otherwise, you will have to start over again.
STEP 2: Fill Out The Online Application Form.
- All questions on the application form are pretty much self explanatory, just make sure to enter accurate information to avoid complications on your appointment day at the DFA Office. Once done;
STEP 3: Pay The Passport Fee.
The passport fees vary as follows;
ASEANA and Consular Offices (Within Metro Manila)
- Regular: 950 PHP (12 business days)
- Expedite: 1,200 PHP (6 business days)
Consular Offices (Outside Metro Manila)
- Regular: 950 PHP (12 business days)
- Expedite: 1,200 PHP (7 business days)
Foreign Service Posts
- Regular: 60 USD (28 to 60 business days)
ADDITIONAL REMINDERS;
- You can settle the payment within 24 hours.
- Additional convenience fee for online epayments may be charged (usually 50 PHP) per applicant.
- Prices above does NOT include ‘Delivery fee’ and may vary upon location.
- Additional 15 business days clearing period for Lost Valid Passports.
- Lost and Mutilated ePassports has an additional fee of 350 PHP (for applications filed in the Philippines, but for overseas filed applications, prices may vary depending on Post).
Once payment is completed, you will receive an email “DFA Passport Appointment System – Payment Reference” as confirmation. Make sure to bring the printed copy (A4-size paper) of the attachment files on the email as follows; application form, receipt, and reminders. Once done, wait for your appointment day then;
STEP 4: Personal Appearance At DFA Office For Your Appointment.
Bring all the requirements with you including the appointment receipt and;
- Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
- If you forgot to photocopy the required documents, there’s usually a photocopy machine available inside the premises, but it’s a bit pricey. Also, once done;
- You will be given a claim stub with an estimated releasing date, make sure to keep it as you will be needing it later on to claim your passport.
ADDITIONAL REMINDERS;
- Wear proper attire: no showing off cleavage, tank tops/sleeveless shirts, tube, see-through, and jewelry.
- Companions are not allowed to enter the premises, except for senior citizens, person with disability, minors, and other applicants who need physical assistance can bring one (1), but it should be immediate family member with proof of relationship (such as birth certificate, etc.) or if not, you can travel companion with proof of travel arrangements like flight or hotel reservations.
TIP! Once inside, the process is pretty straight forward, there are even visible signs for the step-by-step instructions and the DFA staff are very much attentive as well (at least with my experience). You will be asked to line up several times for each section as follows; document verification, processing, and data encoding (which includes photo & bio-metrics). If you opted for passport delivery there is a different counter for that with corresponding fees which may vary upon location. For as long as you have all the necessary requirements you should be done in no time. In my experience, I applied in DFA NCR-EAST (SM Megamall) twice and it only took around 15 minutes both times (2015 & 2019).
STEP 5: Claim Your Passport.
Head directly to DFA Office ‘Releasing of Passport’ window on the date stated on the claim stub with your original receipt and Valid ID to be allowed to claim your passport.
Authorized representative can claim the passport in applicant’s behalf with corresponding requirements as follows;
- For immediate relative which is limited to parent, sibling, spouse, or child of a legal age; Must bring Authorization letter with applicant’s signature, Original receipt (with claim stub), Valid ID of both applicant and representative.
- For authorized representatives outside the ‘immediate relative’ circle; Must bring Special Power of Attorney, Original receipt (with claim stub), Valid ID of both applicant and representative.
That’s it! Easy right? I hope you find this helpful in getting your Philippine Passport!. If you have other tips, suggestions or you have gone through a different procedure, please share your experience in the comment section to help out others. Let’s make this place be the source of useful information and a start of meaningful conversations that gives value to others! ?
If you have questions or need further assistance, it’s best to directly contact the Department of Foreign Affair through info@passport.gov.ph or help desk no. (02) 8234-3488 for more information.
