All international travel requires the use of a passport, which is considered a property of the government. In the Philippines, applicants can apply, pay and schedule an appointment online. The Department of Foreign Affairs also has a number of branches scattered around the country.
If you are planning to get a Philippine passport, you can read this guide to find out everything about the application process, renewal and the cost of getting one.
Easy Steps to DFA Passport Appointment, Application, and Renewal
Applying for a passport is fairly easy because everything can be done online. However, you will need a few supporting documents to bring on the appointment date. Follow these steps.
- Schedule an appointment
Do this early because slots during the day are limited. Head to the DFA appointment system website. If you are applying for yourself, tick INDIVIDUAL appointment and if you are with your family, tick GROUP. After this, you can choose a DFA office that’s convenient for you. Then, you can pick a date and time of the appointment in your preferred DFA office. Note that the earliest open date is displayed on top, with dates in green.
- Fill out the online application form
After scheduling the appointment, you will be transported to a page where you will fill out an application form. Your personal information such as full name, birth date, contact details, and emergency contact details will be asked. Note that the email address that you provide must be correct as the DFA will send a confirmation email for you to review the information you’ve entered.
- Pay the processing fee
After submitting the passport application form, you will be directed to the payment segment. From here, you can choose if you want to avail Regular Processing, which takes 10 to 15 days of delivery within Metro Manila, or Express Processing, which only takes about 5 to 7 days in Metro Manila. Note that the price of Express Processing is Php 1,200 while Regular Processing is only Php 950.
You can pay for the passport with different payment partners such as 7Eleven, ECPay, USSC, Villarica, Walter Mart, Bayad Centers, Robinsons, and Pera Padala. Once you click on the Proceed button, an email will be sent to you containing the Payment Reference Number and payment instruction.
Note that the reference payment number will expire within 24 hours. After paying, another email will be sent to you containing an appointment confirmation. Print this confirmation in A4 size and bring this with you on the day of your appointment.
- Show up on your appointment date
Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time. Make sure you come in proper attire and avoid wearing colored contact lenses. Plunging necklines, earrings, and sleeveless tops are not allowed inside. Bring with you the appointment confirmation as well as supporting documents, such as latest birth certificate, old passport for renewal and other valid IDs.
This is also the time that your data will be encoded and your biometrics will be taken. After this step, you will be asked if you want your passport to be delivered to your home. If you will not avail of this service, then just head to the exit.
Cost of Getting a Philippine Passport
The rough cost of getting a Philippine passport is 1,000 to 1,350 Php. Aside from the processing fee, a payment processing fee of Php 50 will be added, plus the delivery charge which is around Php 150. If you will pick up your passport from the DFA office, then you will only need to spare around Php 1,000 to Php 1,250.
Contact Information
For urgent inquiries and concerns, you can reach the Department of Foreign Affairs at (632) 834 – 4000 or (632) 834 – 3000. For appointments or concerns call the hotline 234 3488 and 651 9400 for any other consular concerns.
The DFA’s main office is located at 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines.
Conclusion
Getting a Philippine passport is easy and hassle-free thanks to the online application process. Just make sure you input the correct information and bring extra supporting documents and identification cards to avoid problems on the appointment date.