Are you here to know more about the Philippine passport application process and requirements?
Are you planning to apply for a new passport or renew your existing one? The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) can make the process relatively simple – if you know what to prepare for your DFA appointment.
From completing application forms in advance to having up-to-date identification and other supporting documents on hand, there are several steps involved when applying for your passport. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of what you need to do so that you can be fully prepared for the entire process.
Requirements for New Passport Applicants
The Philippine passport is an essential document for anyone who wishes to travel abroad. It verifies your identity and citizenship, so applying for one or renewing it is a necessary step before you book that plane ticket. Here’s a guide to the process of getting a DFA passport in the Philippines.
Requirements for first-time minor applicants (aged 17 years and below)
Before you apply for or renew your passport, make sure you have the following requirements:
- Online appointment confirmation. Set your appointment at https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment
- Personal Appearance of minor applicant and either parent or authorized adult companion
- An accomplished application form (generated online application form from passport.gov.ph)
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate and photocopy (Local Civil Registrar Copy may be required if PSA Birth Certificate is not clear or cannot be read)
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Issued – Marriage Certificate or Report of Marriage (ROB) (and photocopy) if one parent accompanies the child
- If parents are unmarried, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the Mother will be required if she is not accompanying the child
- If the Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is executed abroad, it must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate
- Notarized SPA must include a copy of parent/s valid ID and/or passport attached.
- Current school ID or Certificate of Enrolment with photo of minor and dry seal of school (minors aged 7 to 17 years old)
Requirements for first-time adult applicants
Here is the list of requirements:
- Online appointment confirmation. Set your appointment at https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment
- Printed Application Form with E-Receipt (generated online application form from passport.gov.ph)
- Original and photocopy of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Authenticated Birth Certificate (BC) or Report of Birth (ROB)
- Acceptable Valid Government ID (1 original, 1 photocopy)
- For applicants based overseas, they may use their host government-issued IDs
- Additional requirements may be extended to women:
- Original and photocopy of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Authenticated Marriage Certificate (MC) or Report on Marriage (ROM) on Security Paper – For Married Females (who are using their spouse’s last name)
- If an applicant’s marriage has been dissolved, or the spouse is already deceased or wishes to revert to her maiden surname: (1) Applicant must submit original and photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate or Report of Birth and acceptable valid IDs; (2) Applicant must submit original and photocopy of the annotated PSA Marriage Certificate (MC) or Report of Marriage (ROM) stating that the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate General marriage has been dissolved; (3) Alternatively, if annotated PSA MC or ROM is not yet available, applicants must submit a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Court Order dissolving the marriage and a Certificate of Finality from the court; and, (4) PSA Death Certificate of the deceased husband.
Requirements for Renewal of Regular Passports
If you are looking to renew your passport for travel, you should be aware of the requirements. Following these steps will ensure you return to your travels as soon as possible.
Requirements for minors
Are you a parent or guardian of a minor updating their passport? Then you’ll be happy to know that the requirements for renewing regular passports for minors are easy to understand and simple to fulfill.
- Online appointment confirmation. Set your appointment at https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment
- Personal Appearance of minor applicant and either parent or authorized adult companion
- An accomplished application form (generated online application form from passport.gov.ph)
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate
- Current ePassport with photocopy of data page
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Issued – Marriage Certificate or Report of Marriage (ROB) (and photocopy) if one parent accompanies the child
- If parents are unmarried, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the Mother will be required if she is not accompanying the child
- If the Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is executed abroad, it must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate
- Notarized SPA must include a copy of parent/s valid ID and/or passport attached.
- Current school ID or Certificate of Enrolment with photo of minor and dry seal of school (minors aged 7 to 17 years old)
Requirements for adult applicants
Renewing your regular passport doesn’t have to be tricky, and it’s well worth the effort to ensure you are able to travel without any hassles. Here are your requirements:
- Online appointment confirmation. Set your appointment at https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment
- Printed Application Form with E-Receipt (generated online application form from passport.gov.ph)
- Current ePassport with photocopy of data page
- Original PSA authenticated documents that will support the change of name
- Valid IDs
How much is the Philippine passport application fee?
The Philippine passport application fees for new applicants and renewals are the same. See the following below!
- Php950.00 for regular
- Php1,200.00 for expedite
- Php50.00 for convenience fee applies for all
- applications
- Php350.00 for lost, damaged passports
Passport Validity
- 10 years for adults
- (Still) 5 years for minors
How to apply/renew for your passport
- Set your appointment at https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment
- On the application type, choose whether you want RENEWAL or NEW, or LOST
- Pay your application fees on its various channels
- DFA will send you an email of your receipt and application form. Print these and bring your all requirements stipulated above.
- Visit DFA at your appointed time and date. Don’t be late! Be there 30-45 minutes before your scheduled time!
Reminders when applying for or renewing your Philippine Passport
Applying for a passport is not a difficult and time-consuming process. Still, there are certain important steps you must take to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information to receive your passport promptly. If you’re applying for a new Philippine passport or renewing an existing one, here are some key reminders that will help make your experience faster and more efficient.
1. Ensure all required documents are submitted
Before submitting your application, ensure all required documents such as your birth certificate, valid IDs, marriage certificate (if applicable), etc. are included with the application form. You should also double-check to ensure that all information on the form is accurate and correct. Incorrect or missing information may result in delays in application processing.
2. Submit accurate information
When completing the application form, provide accurate personal information such as name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, and contact details. Any discrepancies between this information and what appears on your supporting documents can delay or even invalidate the processing of your application.
3. Book your online appointments earlier
Depending on your location, you may need to book an appointment with either the embassy or consulate nearest your home to apply for or renew your passport. It’s highly recommended that you book this appointment well ahead of time so you don’t miss important processing deadlines.
4. Prepare for the biometrics collection process
When applying for a new passport at any embassy or consulate office abroad, applicants must complete biometric enrolment prior to passport issuance. This requires taking digital photos and scanning fingerprints, which will be used for identity verification purposes when entering/exiting countries during international travel. Make sure to bring any necessary items like glasses during the photo capture process.
5. Pay all relevant fees in full
When applying for a Philippine passport, make sure that all applicable fees have been paid in full before submitting the application form. This includes fees related to consular services, additional services (such as rush processing), courier fees if required, etc., as these are separate from regular passport processing fees paid at the time of submission. Failure to pay these fees can lead to significant delays in application processing times.
6. Stay up to date on processing times
Each embassy or consulate has its own set guidelines regarding application processing times which fluctuate depending on demand from applicants at any given period of time. Additionally, government guidelines may occasionally change without prior notice which could lead to unexpected delays so always make sure to keep up with any relevant changes before applying for a Philippine passport application (renewal/issue) process.
7. Consider additional services for speedy processing times
If needed urgently due to upcoming travel plans, embassies may offer additional services such as rush/emergency processing which can drastically reduce wait times for an issued passport. These services usually come at an additional cost so it’s important to check before opting in – remember, it might be worth it depending on how quickly one needs their document processed!
