How to apply for a Philippine e-Passport

(Update July 8, 2010: According to a source who applied for a passport on July 7, the appointment system is no longer implemented. The passport application is back to the old, disorderly, first come first served scheme. Oh my, what happened!)

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I finally got my Philippine e-Passport. Now, I’m ready to see more of the world.

The Philippine e-Passport is processed and issued by the Office of Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA-OCA) at the Aseana Business Park in Macapagal Avenue, Parañaque City. On March 8, 2010, the DFA-OCA moved to its new building and at the same time implementing the DFA Passport Appointment System. Unlike before when applicants can come to DFA any day, the appointment system now requires applicants to set an appointment before going to DFA.

Applying for a Philippine e-Passport is easier now. Take it from someone who has experienced waiting in line for almost six hours at the previous site of the DFA-OCA in Roxas Boulevard, Pasig City. The new DFA-OCA office and appointment system is a lot better than the old one. No more waiting in a basketball court. No more vendors of unreasonably priced ink for thumb marking, ball pens and staples (even a single staple has an equivalent cost). No intimidating fixers aggressively trying to get you in their trap. I was finished with the whole application process two hours after I arrived at the DFA.

Setting up an appointment

To secure an appointment, you can either call the DFA Appointment Hotline (02) 737-1000 or log-in to epassport.com.ph.

My sister and I scheduled an appointment using the online DFA Passport Appointment System which has a Family Application Form for siblings like us who wish to have same appointment dates.

By phone, a customer care officer (CCO) will assist you in securing an appointment. After getting your personal information, the CCO will brief you on the requirements that need to be presented at the DFA-OCA. The CCO will give the appointment schedule and reference number that will be used in printing the application form. During the appointment schedule, you can pick up the printed application at the Appointment Counter.

Via online appointment, you will fill-out the online application form and choose an appointment schedule (date and time) that is most convenient for you. Before proceeding to the next step, the system will display the list of requirements that you need to present. Then, the system will generate a reference number and printable application form in PDF (Note: Be sure that your printer is ready). During the appointment schedule, you will present the reference number and printed application form at the Appointment Counter.

Do not forget to write down or print your reference number and application form after securing an appointment online.

Philippine e-Passport requirements (new applicant)

• Original NSO Birth Certificate (DFA will get this upon your application so better get extra copies that you can use for other requirements)
• Original and photocopy of valid IDs such as Voter's ID, digitized government-issued IDs like SSS, PRC, BIR, Driver's License, Senior Citizen’s ID or school ID.
• Supporting documents such as Marriage Contract, PRC / IBP ID, Driver's License, Government Service Record, Old SSS-E1 form or digitized SSS-ID, School Form 137 or Transcript of Records, Baptismal Certificate, Seaman's Book, Voter’s Registration Record, NBI Clearance and other documents that show full name and birth details and/or citizenship of applicant.

No need to bring passport ID pictures since the DFA now uses e-Passport data and photo capturing equipment.

Visit the DFA website for a complete list of requirements for renewal and lost passports.

Getting to DFA-OCA in Macapagal Avenue

If coming from North Avenue via public transport, take the MRT (P15) and get down at the last station in Taft. From Taft, ride a jeepney (P10) bound to DFA with a “DFA bago” signage. Ask the driver to drop you off at the new DFA office in Macapagal Ave.

During the appointment schedule

Be sure to arrive at the DFA 30 minutes before the appointment schedule. The DFA will not entertain late and early comers. Arriving there too early means you will have to wait for your assigned time outside the building. If you arrive late, you need to get another appointment schedule.

Proceed to the Appointment Counter and present/get your printed application form. Then proceed to the Information Desk to get a queue number. Take a seat at the spacious and air conditioned waiting hall and wait for your number to appear at the counter where you will present the requirements for verification. Afterwards, proceed to the second floor for payment and data capturing.

e-Passport fees

The passport will be released after 20 working days for regular processing (P950) or after 10 working days for rush processing (P1,200).

For a fee of P120, you can have your passport delivered to your home or office.

Downsides

My officemate’s husband was about to leave for abroad in a couple of weeks and needed to renew his passport. All was well until he found out that he needs to set an appointment at the DFA for the processing of his new passport. To his dismay, the soonest available appointment date was way past his flight schedule. Fortunately, he has some “connections” and was able to expedite the processing of his passport renewal.

Another friend needed to get a Philippine e-Passport right away. On the third week of May, she set up for an appointment and was surprised to know that the soonest available appointment date was mid July.

Kudos to the DFA for making the Philippine e-Passport application a breeze for first time applicants who does not need to get out of the country fast. I just hope that they will also find a way for individuals who need to get a Philippine e-Passport right away.