Your gateway to global exploration begins with a Philippine passport, serving as the quintessential document for education, employment, and travel abroad. Not only does it facilitate international ventures, but it also stands as a vital form of identification for dealings with both governmental bodies and private enterprises.
Navigating the process of obtaining or renewing a Philippine passport through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) can prove daunting. Securing an appointment via the DFA passport appointment online system often feels akin to winning a lottery, given the scarcity of available slots.
Nonetheless, the indispensability of a passport for international travel remains universal. Alleviate the associated anxieties by availing yourself of our comprehensive guide to DFA passport application and renewal appointments.
How to Obtain a Passport in the Philippines through the DFA Passport Appointment Online System:
Step 1: Schedule a DFA Passport Appointment Online
All Philippine passport applicants, whether applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one, must first schedule an appointment with the DFA online before visiting any of its facilities.
Exceptions to this appointment requirement are as follows, with eligible applicants able to proceed directly to the courtesy lane at the DFA Manila ASEANA site:
- Children aged seven and below, accompanied by their parents and minor siblings
- Pregnant women (supported by a medical certificate if pregnancy is not visibly evident)
- Senior citizens with a senior citizen ID, accompanied by one immediate family member
- Solo parents with a solo parent ID and their minor children
- Persons with disabilities holding a PWD ID, accompanied by one immediate family member
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) possessing an OFW e-Card, work visa, or POEA-authenticated employment contract
- In exceptional or emergency circumstances, Courtesy Lane Privileges may be granted to applicants upon the written approval of select government officials, including the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns, and the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs.
Important Points to Note:
- Adult companions of senior citizens or PWDs may also avail themselves of Courtesy Lane privileges, provided they are the applicant’s immediate family member or travel companion.
- The immediate family member of a senior citizen or PWD must present proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate) with the applicant.
- The travel companion of a senior citizen or PWD must present evidence of travel (e.g., hotel booking, confirmed flight) and provide a reason or justification for travel (e.g., serving as a medical escort or nurse).
How to Make a Passport Appointment Online via the DFA Passport Appointment System Website:
Curious about the process of booking a DFA appointment online? Follow these steps:
- Access the online appointment system via the DFA website at www.dfa.gov.ph or directly through the DFA passport appointment system at passport.gov.ph/appointment.
- Initiate an individual or group passport appointment.
- Select a DFA consular office for your passport application or renewal.
- Choose your preferred date and time.
- Complete the online passport form.
- Indicate your preferred passport processing type (regular/expedited processing).
Upon submission of the online passport application or renewal form, the DFA will email you a reference number for the passport processing fee payment.
Preparing for Your DFA Passport Appointment
Before you schedule your DFA passport appointment, keep these essential points in mind:
- Online appointments are solely for Filipinos residing in the Philippines: Citizens abroad should visit the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate for passport applications.
- The DFA passport appointment system is free of charge: Beware of illegal practices soliciting payment for appointment slots. The PNP takes action against such activities on platforms like Facebook. Remember, you only need to pay the passport processing fee.
- Passport appointment availability is limited: Securing a slot might require persistence. Don’t lose hope if you don’t succeed initially. Consult the FAQ section for guidance if no DFA online appointment slots are available in the Philippines for the current year.
- Opt for a nearby consular office: Choose the location closest to you to save time. You can find a complete list of DFA sites on the official DFA website.
- Schedule an early appointment, preferably in the morning: This helps avoid lengthy queues and ensures a smoother process.
- Ensure you have a valid Gmail or Yahoo email address: Other email providers like MSN, Hotmail, and Outlook are incompatible with the DFA passport appointment system.
- Review your application details carefully: Providing incorrect information may lead to the rejection of your passport application.
- Consider alternative appointment methods: For specific cases involving infants, senior citizens, or Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), you may email your consular office to arrange an appointment and utilize the Courtesy Lane at the DFA or DFA Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (TOPS).
Step 2: Payment of Passport Processing Fee
Before you visit the DFA office, you must settle the passport processing fee via the DFA ePayment Portal. Here’s where and how you can make the payment:
Authorized Payment Partners:
Payment Centers:
- 2GO
- Bayad Center Branded Stores and Authorized Partners
- Bayad Center Kiosk
- Bayad Center Retail Machine
- Clothers Asia Corp.
- DA5
- EBIZ
- ECPay
- LBC
- Netopia
- PERAHUB
- PHILPOST
- True Money
Malls:
- Isetann
- Landmark
- Metro Malls
- Robinsons Business Center
- Robinsons Department Store
- Rustans
- SRS (San Roque Supermarket)
- Sta. Lucia Mall
Convenience Store:
- 7-Eleven
Banks:
- Citystate Savings Bank
- Country Builders Bank
- Luzon Development Bank
- Own Bank
Remittance Center:
- USSC
Pawnshops:
- BHF Pawnshop
- Capital Pawnshop
- CBE Pawnshop
- Cebuana Lhuillier
- CVM Pawnshop
- M.Lhuillier
- Raquel Pawnshop
- Sinag Pawnshop
- Villarica Pawnshop
E-Wallets and Other Online Payment Channels:
- Bayad Online
- Coins.ph
- GCash
- J6W / Posible.net
- Maya
- Touchpay
Upon successful payment, the DFA passport appointment system will send you a confirmation email containing an application packet, including:
- Checklist of passport requirements with your DFA appointment schedule
- Confirmed DFA passport application form
- Two copies of the e-receipt
Ensure to print all documents on A4-size paper and bring them along on the day of your DFA passport appointment.
Precautions to Take Before Making the Passport Payment
- Ensure Cash Payment Accuracy: Pay the exact amount in cash (₱950 for regular processing or ₱1,200 for expedited processing).
- Record Reference Number and Total Due: Take note of your reference number and total amount due (processing fee + ₱50 convenience fee per transaction), along with the possibility of a PRF fee of ₱250.
- Single-Use Reference Number: Remember that the reference number is valid for a single use only. In case of accidental payment, promptly contact the DFA helpdesk at (02) 8234-3488.
- Separate Payments for Group Appointments: Pay separately for each reference number in group appointments. The DFA allows only one transaction per reference number.
- Confirmation Email After Payment: Your DFA passport appointment confirmation will be emailed only after payment. Likewise, the passport application packet will be sent via email upon payment during booking.
- Timely Payment for Appointment: If payment for the DFA appointment is not made within 24 hours after booking, the appointment will be automatically canceled. Rebooking is necessary, accompanied by immediate payment to receive the application packet via email.
- Non-Refundable Fees: All fees are non-refundable, including instances of non-attendance, cancellation, rejection due to information inaccuracies, or presentation of fraudulent documents.
Step 3: Gather the Passport Requirements
For first-time Philippine passport applicants, ensure you have the following requirements before visiting the DFA office to avoid rejection:
- Valid ID (Original and Photocopy): Various acceptable IDs are listed including ePhilID, Philippine passport, SSS ID, etc.
- Birth Certificate (Original and Photocopy): Obtain an authenticated copy from PSA or a Certified True Copy from the Local Civil Registrar.
- Supporting Documents: Additional documents are required for naturalized citizens, dual citizens, or in cases of missing birth certificates.
Step 4: Attend Your DFA Passport Appointment
Arrive at the designated DFA site 30 minutes early for your appointment. Dress appropriately as per the prescribed code and abide by the no-escort policy unless necessary. Additional reminders for the appointment day include avoiding earrings and contact lenses during data capture.
DFA Passport Application/Renewal Process
- Present your appointment packet and requirements to the Application Counter, receiving a queue number.
- Await your turn and proceed to the Processing Area to submit documents.
- Have your photo and biometrics taken at the Encoding Section.
- Opt for home or office delivery at the Delivery Counter for an extra fee of ₱150, if desired.
Upon completion, receive a stub or receipt indicating the tentative passport release date.
Step 5: Collect Your Passport or Await Delivery
Visit the DFA office where you applied with your receipt to collect your passport. If unable to collect personally, provide an authorized representative with proper documentation. Unclaimed passports are canceled after six months.
If delivery was chosen, ensure someone is available to receive the passport. Upon receipt, check for accuracy and sign the third page.
Frequently Asked Questions about DFA Passport Appointment, Application, and Renewal
1. No Available Passport Appointment Slots If you are unable to find any available passport appointment slots online, it does not necessarily mean that all slots have been filled. The DFA recommends refreshing the page regularly, as appointments become available periodically. Appointment slots are typically opened Mondays to Fridays at 12:00 noon and 9:00 p.m., except on holidays.
2. Walk-in Applications at DFA No, the DFA does not currently accept walk-in applicants. Only “exceptional and emergency cases” are accommodated for walk-in passport applications or renewals at the DFA Manila ASEANA Courtesy Lane and other Consular Offices in the Philippines. If your overseas trip is not an emergency, it is still necessary to schedule an online passport appointment with the DFA.
3. Urgent Passport Applications In case of emergency travel abroad, applicants can request expedited processing from the DFA. Residents of Metro Manila can email their request to [email protected] or [email protected], while those outside NCR should contact the nearest DFA Consular Office. It is essential to provide proof of emergency or urgent travel, such as a medical certificate or valid working visa when making the request.
4. Locating DFA Consular Offices To find the nearest DFA Consular Office in your area, refer to the DFA’s Consular Office Directory. Here are the addresses and contact details of some DFA passport processing sites in the Philippines for your reference.
(Details provided for DFA Manila ASEANA, Legazpi, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Paniqui, and Angeles offices)
5. Cancelling or Rescheduling DFA Passport Appointments To cancel or reschedule a DFA passport appointment, visit the View Appointment page on the DFA passport appointment system. You will need to input your appointment code and email address to access your records. Please note that canceling an appointment forfeits the passport processing fee, and no refund will be provided for online cancellations.
6. Passport Appointment via Travel Agency Even if you utilize a travel agency, securing a DFA passport appointment remains mandatory. Travel agencies are no longer able to secure appointment slots for their clients.
7. Booking Appointment via DFA’s Facebook Page No, DFA passport appointments cannot be scheduled through Facebook or any other social media platform. It’s important to note that appointments made outside of www.passport.gov.ph are not considered legitimate and will not be honored.
8. Passport Renewal Process DFA passport renewal follows the same procedure as new passport applications. However, you must bring your old/expired passport along with a photocopy of its data page (the page containing your photo and personal information) on the day of your appointment. Birth certificates or valid IDs are not required for online DFA passport renewal.
9. Acceptance of NBI Clearance as Valid ID NBI clearance is considered a supporting document and not a valid ID by itself for passport application. Additionally, the DFA does not accept the following IDs and documents:
- Police clearance
- Barangay ID/Barangay clearance
- TIN card
- Pag-IBIG ID
- PhilHealth ID
- Company ID
- SSS E-1 form
- IBP ID
- Official receipt of the driver’s license
- LTO student permit in paper format
10. PRF Fee in DFA Passport Fees The PRF fee, which stands for passport revolving fund, is a service fee charged to applicants for the processing and issuance of passports requiring special consideration, waiver, or issuance beyond regular office hours. As per the Philippine Passport Act (Republic Act No. 8239), the PRF fee collected by the DFA is not more than ₱250. It is intended for the improvement of passport and consular services, excluding travel and transportation allowances and expenses.
11. Processing Time for Passports in the Philippines The processing and releasing of passports in Metro Manila Consular Offices typically take 10 working days for regular processing and five working days for expedited processing. Outside Metro Manila, regular processing takes 12 working days, while rush or expedited applications are typically completed within seven working days. Individuals based abroad should expect their passports in approximately six to eight weeks. Please note that these timelines exclude courier delivery time.
12. Validity of Philippine Passports New Philippine passports, under Republic Act 10928 implemented in early 2018, have a validity of 10 years.
13. Missing Reference Number from DFA If you haven’t received your reference number and are unable to complete your appointment payment, start by checking your spam and junk folders. Ensure that you’re using an active Yahoo or Gmail account, as the DFA’s online appointment system may not function optimally with email domains other than these.
For further assistance, reach out to the DFA hotline at (02) 8234-3488 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
14. Non-receipt of Confirmation Email Delays in receiving confirmation emails may result from server overloading and delayed payments via over-the-counter modes. Check your spam or junk folder as well. If you haven’t received the confirmation email within two days, follow up via email at [email protected].
If you receive your confirmation email or application packet after your scheduled appointment, coordinate with the consular office for a new schedule, typically within 30 days from receiving the email from the DFA. Note that only successfully paid booked online appointments receive the application packet.
15. Lost Passport Procedure If you’ve lost your passport, schedule a DFA appointment for a replacement. Prepare the required documents for first-time passport applicants, along with a Police Report (in English) and an Affidavit of Loss. For lost expired passports, only submit an Affidavit of Loss. Expect a 15-day clearing period before processing your replacement passport application. A penalty of ₱350 is imposed for lost and mutilated passports.
16. Checking Online Passport Application Status To track your online passport application status, contact your Consular Office directly.
17. Apostille Requirements for DFA The apostille requirements to be submitted to the DFA depend on the Philippine document for authentication and use abroad. For instance, if apostilling an NBI Clearance, submit the original NBI-issued document with a dry seal. Refer to the DFA apostille page for the complete list of requirements.
18. Making an Appointment for Apostille in DFA To apply for an Apostille certificate, schedule an online appointment through the Apostille Appointment & Verification System at www.apostilleonline.ph. Follow the steps outlined on the platform, including creating an account, filling out the online form, uploading required documents, selecting a preferred appointment schedule, and generating your appointment letter. Print the confirmed appointment letter and associated email attachments for presentation during your scheduled appointment.
- Access the Apostille Appointment & Verification System via www.apostilleonline.ph.
- Select Start Appointment and then Create Account.
- Fill out the online form.
- Verify your account via e-mail.
- Once your account has been successfully created, log in using your registered e-mail address and password.
- Accept the Terms and Conditions.
- Select your applicant type (Document Owner or Authorized Representative).
- Type the number of applicant/s.
- Fill out the online form.
- Upload soft copies of the DFA apostille requirements.
- Select your preferred apostille appointment schedule and click the Confirm button.
- Review your apostille application summary. If everything is correct, click the Generate Appointment button. You’ll then receive an appointment letter via e-mail.
- Print your confirmed appointment letter and all the e-mail attachments. You’ll present these documents at the appointment verification counter on your scheduled date and time.
