A passport is our basic ticket in traveling abroad. Without a
passport, it is impossible for us to travel outside the country. So if
you don't have one yet, go grab one now!
A passport is defined as
an official document issued by the government of a country to one of its
citizens and, varying from country to country, authorizing travel to
foreign countries and authenticating the bearer's identity, citizenship,
right to protection while abroad, and right to reenter his or her
native country.
"Fine, I need a passport. How do I apply for one?"
This is the first question you would ask once you need to get a
passport or at least have realized, you need one. On this article, I
will guide you how to apply for a Philippine passport, each step of the
way.
Here's how:
1. Set an appointment - you can set an
appointment either by logging in to the DFA Appointment Website (please
see resource box below for the link) or by calling the DFA Appointment
Hotline (02) 737-1000. Either way, you will be asked to provide your
personal information for the passport application.
2. Choose an
appointment date and time. Make sure to make yourself available on your
chosen schedule as personal appearance is required.
3. A. DFA
Appointment Website - After setting an appointment, you will receive an
email confirming your appointment, giving you a reference number and a
link to print your application form. You need to bring the printed
application form (along with other documentary requirements such as NSO
birth certificate, valid ID and others) to the DFA Consular Office on
your appointment date.
B. DFA Appointment Hotline - After setting
an appointment, you will receive a reference number and a print code
from the Customer Care Officer assisting you. Go to
passport.com.ph/print and print your application form. You need to bring
the printed application form (along with other documentary
requirements) to the DFA Consular Office on your appointment date.
4.
On your appointment date, you must proceed to gate 2 of the DFA
Consular Office located at Aseana Business Park, Bradco Avenue corner
Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City. DFA requires you to be there 30
minutes before your scheduled time.
5. Present your printed
application form and NSO birth certificate to the person-in-charge at
the Appointment Counter. He will stamp your application form confirming
that you really have scheduled an appointment on that day. From the
appointment counter, you will be led to the waiting area where all other
applicants are waiting to get inside the building and eager to move to
the next step of the process.
6. On your scheduled time or upon
signal given by the guard on duty, you will be asked to enter the
building to move to the next step of the application process - submit
your application form and documentary requirements. It is hard to miss
this as you will easily find a long line of applicants, as you enter the
building, all waiting for their turn. There are chairs provided for the
applicants. The application process is systematic. The building is air
conditioned. These factors help make the "waiting time" less of a
headache, at least, if not convenient. When others ahead of you finish
their turn, you move forward, closer to the window where you will submit
your requirements.
7. As you reach the window, the officer in
charge will get your personal details and check your documentary
requirements such as original NSO birth certificate, valid ID, original
NSO marriage certificate (if any) and other required documents. Do not
forget to bring a photocopy of your documents with you as it may be
necessary. In case you need additional documents to be photocopied, you
may go to the canteen at the ground floor near gate 3 where photocopying
is available.
8. Pay your passport fees at the 2nd floor (Passport Enrollment Section).
Regular Processing: Php 950.00 (15 working days)
Rush Processing: Php 1,200.00 (7 working days)
9.
After payment, proceed to the Encoding Section (also at the 2nd floor).
Get your queue number from the counter and wait for your queue number
to appear on the monitor. Once your queue number appears on the monitor,
take note of the cubicle number that appears beside your queue number
on the screen. Proceed to the cubicle assigned to you. Inside the
cubicle, you will be asked by the DFA personnel to double check and
confirm the accuracy of the data encoded on the computer. Your digital
photo will also be taken at this time. Double check all of your personal
information and try to spot some of the most common typographical
errors such as spelling of your name and birthdate. If you find any
mistake, just inform the DFA personnel and he will instantly correct it.
When everything is in order, your electronic signature and electronic
fingerprints will be taken, finalizing your passport application.
You
can either return to the DFA Consular Office to pick-up your passport
on the scheduled pick-up date or have your passport delivered to your
home (1-2 days from scheduled release date). If you opt for passport
delivery, proceed to the Delivery Counter (near the Encoding Section at
the 2nd floor) to pay for delivery fee.
... Just a quick note:
Personal appearance is required. No chaperone is allowed for applicants
18 years of age and older. Make sure you have a complete set of original
requirements with you on your appointment date and bring a photocopy of
each of your documents.
That's it! You're done with your passport
application. You can now move a step forward to your travel
preparations. Have a safe and fun-filled traveling at all times!
Check the DFA Appontment Website here > http://www.passport.com.ph/set-appointment
For more information on Philippine passport (passport requirements, passport fees, location), please check http://philessentials.com/index.php/philippine-passport
For a list of "Visa-Free Countries for Filipinos", please check http://philessentials.com/index.php/visa
For more information on Philippine passport (passport requirements, passport fees, location), please check http://philessentials.com/index.php/philippine-passport
For a list of "Visa-Free Countries for Filipinos", please check http://philessentials.com/index.php/visa
