There have been changes and improvements in passport application
and services recently; from the issuance of e-passport to the transfer of the
consular office and the new passport appointment system. The changes have been
made by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) so the country can keep up with
the world standards and speed up passport
applications.
However, a number of passport applicants complained that
the new system actually made the process slower and tedious than before. It is
mostly because of the appointment system in which an applicant usually has to
wait for one to two months before they can file their application. As part of
the DFA's effort to solve the problems in passport services, the agency
releases the following guidelines for a hassle-free passport application.
First, applicants should contact the DFA for the latest passport
information.They could visit the DFA website (www.dfa.gov.ph)
or call 834-4000.
Second, they should apply for passports way ahead of their scheduled
trip.Applicants should check the validity of their passports and update their
documents accordingly.
A
passport is valid for five years, but airlines and countries require passports
with validity of six months prior to the expiry date.
Third, applicants should prepare their requirements before their
appointment date. These include the completely filled-out application form, the old
passport and photocopies of its pages for renewals, the National Statistics
Office-certified birth certificate, and IDs and their photocopies for new
applicants.
They
do not need to bring ID photos, as their photographs and thumbprints will be
taken on site.
Fourth, non-OFW and Metro Manila-based applicants should secure an
appointment when applying for a passport. They can log on to www.passports.com.ph or call 737-1000,
free of charge. Applicants are also advised to come on time for their
appointments.
Fifth, those in the provinces can apply at the nearest Regional
Consular Office or check if there is a scheduled MobilePassport Service (MPS) in their areas. The DFA RCOs are located in 19 cities and
municipalities around the country, and MPS are being arranged in Metro Manila
and in the provinces on a weekly basis.
Sixth, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can apply at the Passport
Extension Office located at the ground floor of the Philippine Overseas
Employment Agency (POEA) in Ortigas. The facility operates on a first-come-first-served
basis and is exclusive for OFWs.
Shortened
passport processing and releasing time for emergency cases is also being
implemented.
Seventh, the DFA advises applicants against dealing with fixers. They are also urged to report any
passport fixing activities to the Passport Director's office at 836-7759.
Eight, the Philippine ePassport costs P950 for regular processing (20
working days) and P1,200 for expedited processing (10 working days).
Ninth, applicants are also encouraged to have their passports
delivered. This
is to avoid the hassle of coming back to the DFA. Passport delivery
charges a nominal fee of P120.
Finally, the DFA urges the public to take good care of their
passports.They should avoid getting it wet and torn. This is to protect the
electronic chip and the other security features of the passport.
