I didn’t have a passport until just recently when I was told
to get one. For me, thinking about the process and the scheduling is so tedious
I rather do something else. In my mind, I didn’t have a plan to go abroad
anytime soon so why bother. But then, I was informed by my colleague that I was
chosen as one of the representatives of the Philippines for a conference this
August in Japan. That pushed me to get my passport.
I will be sharing with you today the step by step process of
getting a Philippine passport.
Prepare the requirements.
a.
For new applicants and renewal of passport, you
need to have an online appointment.
Walk- in applicants will not be entertained. However, there are those who are
exempted from passport appointment. The following individuals don’t need to set
an online appointment and can go directly to the nearest DFA Consular Office:
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| photo credit: DFA official Facebook page |
ü
Minor who are 7 years old and below together
with his or her parents and minor siblings 17 years old and below. Just come
early because there are instances that priority lanes assigned are crowded as
well.
ü
Pregnant woman. If your tummy is not visible,
bring a medical certificate that will prove that you are indeed pregnant.
ü
Solo parent with valid Solo Parent ID along with
his or her minor child
ü
Senior citizen with Senior Citizen ID
ü
OFWs with valid proof of status (iDOLE card,
work visa, POEA-authenticated employment contract, Seaman’s book)
ü
PWD with PWD ID or visible disability
ü
Regular government employees with valid Employee
ID
b. Confirmed online appointment
An online appointment is required in order to
proceed with the application and before making a personal appearance at the DFA
office. This involves filling out an application form and choosing your
preferred appointment location and date. The online application works on a first
come, first served basis. Passport appointments are FREE. Don’t be enticed by
those individuals offering you passport appointments for a fee. Here’s the
official website of DFA for passport appointment:
Don’t forget to print your application form
and receipt. Instructions will be provided in the official website of DFA.
Along with the application form, e-receipt
for payment, you need to bring these documents:
Acceptable ID for passport application
(at least one):
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| photo credit: DFA Official Facebook Page |
§ Social
Security System (SSS) ID
§ Commission
on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate or Voter’s
Registration Record from COMELEC Head or Regional Office
§ Government
Service Insurance System (GSIS) Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID)
Card
§ Land
Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License
§ Senior
Citizen ID
§ Persons
with Disabilities (PWD) ID
§ School
ID (for students)
§ Professional
Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
§ Overseas
Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) / Integrated Department of Labor and
Employment (iDOLE) card
§ Philippine
National Police (PNP) Firearms License
§ For
OFWs or Filipinos based in other countries, you can also bring your Residence
Card or any other ID showing your Philippine citizenship.
Acceptable
supporting documents (at least two), issued at least one year before the
date of application and must show your complete name, photo, date and place of
birth, and signature:
§
Barangay Clearance
§
Postal ID
§
NBI Clearance
§
Police Clearance
§
Land Title
§
PSA Marriage Contract
§
Seaman’s Book
§
Government Service Record
§
Elementary or High School Form 137 or Transcript
of Records with a readable dry seal
§
School Yearbook
§
SSS E-1 Form
§
Voter’s Certification, List of Voters and
Voter’s Registration Record (with attached receipt).
Passport requirements
for married women:
In addition to the original copy of your birth certificate
and valid ID, you must also bring the original copy of your marriage contract
or Report of Marriage (if married abroad) authenticated by the Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA).
For women married to a foreign national, provide the
original and photocopy of Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) Guidance and
Counseling Certificate of Attendance.
c. Pay the Philippine passport fee at select
payment channels.
Per DFA, you can pay the passport
processing fee in any of the following establishments:
ü
Bayad Center
ü
7-Eleven
ü
Ec Pay
ü
Pera Hub
ü
Robinsons Business Center and Department Stores
ü
Western Union
ü
Waltermart Department Store
ü
Villarica Pawnshop
Online payment via credit card or
debit card is still not available.
The passport fee for express
processing (also if you schedule on a Saturday) is Php 1200.00. The regular
processing costs is Php 950.00. Aside from this, you will also be charged an
additional Php 50.00 by the payment center as service fee.
For queries and concerns about
the ePayment portal, you may contact the Help Desk at (02) 234 3488 or through
email: info@passport.gov.ph
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| photo credit: DFA Offical Facebook Page |
d.
Proceed to the DFA office on your appointment schedule.
Bring all the necessary documents. Do note also that if the details on your PSA
Birth Certificate are not clear, bring with you your original Birth
Certificate. Be 315 or 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled time and wear an appropriate
attire. You are entering a government office and you must avoid wearing vulgar
or sexy attire.
I do hope that this article helps
you. 😊
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