Philippine Passport 101: Ultimate Guide to a Ticket around the World

Some of the best stories in human experience are not written on books but on the pages of the passport. Let’s admit it, passport is the most important ticket everyone needs when studying, working, or traveling abroad.  Sadly, even with all the restructures done by the government, getting a passport remains challenging as rules do change every now and then and appointment slots are quickly filled-in in just a matter of seconds. If there’s only a little consolation to this, it’s the fact that the Philippine Passport’s validity has been extended to ten (10) years – (but remains the same 5 years of validity for minors).

To avoid stress and going back and forth to the Department of Foreign Affairs, here are 5 things you have to know in getting a Philippine Passport.

1. Passport Requirements to Prepare

• NEW APPLICANTS: Confirmed online appointment (sent on e-mail after paying the processing fee), Original and Photocopy PSA/NSO Birth Certificate, Original and Photocopy of Valid ID (SSS, GSIS, UMID, Voter’s ID, LTO Driver’s License, Senior Citizen’s ID, PWD ID, Student’s School ID, OWWA and DOLE cards, and PNP Firearms License), and 2 other supporting documents as proof of identity and citizenship (Barangay Clearance, Postal ID, NBI Clearance, Police Clearance, Land Title, Seaman’s Book, Government Service Record, Form 137 or Transcript of Record with readable seal of the school, School Yearbook, SSS E-1 Form, and Voter’s Certification).
• MARRIED: Original copy of Marriage Contract or Report of Marriage (if married abroad) authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
• MARRIED TO A FOREIGNER: Copy of Commission of Filipino Overseas Guidance and Counselling Certificate of Attendance
• MINORS: Copy of attending parents’ passport; IF NOT TRAVELING WITH PARENTS: Clearance from DSWD and Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the parents as authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate if abroad

NOTE: The following is eligible for courtesy lane without having to set for an online appointment.

• Senior citizen is allowed to bring one (1) companion
• The companion must be an immediate family member of the senior citizen, i.e. spouse, siblings, adult children, adult grandchildren, and children-in-law of the senior citizen and proof of relationship must be presented.
• If the senior citizen is not accompanied by an immediate family member, the companion has to show proof of travel arrangements (e.g. confirmed plane or hotel booking) with the senior citizen to avail of the courtesy lane facility.

• PWD is allowed to bring one (1) companion
• The companion must be an immediate family member of the PWD, i.e. spouse, siblings, adult children, adult grandchildren, parents-in-law, and children-in-law of the PWD and proof of relationship must be presented.
• If the PWD is not accompanied by an immediate family member, the companion has to show proof of travel arrangements (e.g. confirmed plane or hotel booking) with the PWD to avail of the courtesy lane facility.

• If pregnancy is not that visible, applicant must present medical certificate/records.

• Valid iDOLE card
• Valid Employment contract
• Valid Work Visa
• Seaman’s book stamped at international border less than 365 days from date of application

Children below 7 years old can bypass the online application and avail the courtesy lane together with parents and other minor siblings.

• NOTICE: Applicants with late registered birth certificates, no birth certificates, dissolved marriages or those who want to use their maiden name, discrepancies in the birth certificates, Dual Citizens through naturalization, election, or Act of Legislation has to present special documents as required by DFA.

2. Set an online appointment

Check DFA website and choose the date and time you prefer to visit the nearest DFA office in your place. Those who are living outside the country may check the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

NOTE: In case you find it difficult to set an appointment, you may call DFA service at (02) 737-100

3. Pay Processing Fee on Selected Payment Channel within 48 hours
   

To maximize time for processing and prevent fixers, DFA now implements a more updated payment system through the following: Bayad Centers, EcPay, Pera Hub, Robinsons Business Center and Department Stores, Waltermart Department Store, 7Eleven, USCC (Western Union), Villarica Pawnshop, and other payment centers.

4. Visit DFA office on the designated date and time of appointment

Make sure come an hour earlier as late comers are not tolerated and make sure to observe proper dresscode. Make sure to bring all the necessary documents as stipulated on the first step. Present them to the authorized personnel then proceed to the encoding section to complete information by capturing of photo and fingerprint. Then claim official receipt or claim stub which contains the date when your passport would be available.

NOTE: Wear light makeup. Avoid smiling. No showing of teeth. Take off all accessories.

5. Claim Passport and Prepare to Conquer the World

Bring claim stub or official receipt upon going back to DFA. Those who opted for express may get it within 1 to 2 weeks.