Frequently Asked Questions on the DFA Passport Appointment System

What is the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Passport Appointment System?

It is a system developed by the DFA where passport applicants can avail of a n appointment schedule with specific time and date for the processing of their ePassports.

Who may avail of the Appointment System?

All eligible Filipinos who wish to apply an ePassport (available ONLY at the DFA Consular Office in Aseana Business Park at Cor, Bradco St. and Macapagal Avenue, Parañaque City, Philippines).

Where can I access the DFA Appointment System?

Applicants can access the appointment system via two (2) channels (Individual Applicant):

1. Call the DFA Appointment System Hotline at +632 737 1000, or
2. Log on to www.passport.com.ph

How does the Appointment System work?

The applicant calls the hotline or logs in to the website. S/he provides personal information, decides on an appointment schedule, and shall receive a reference number coinciding with the approved date and time of appointment. Applicant can then proceed to DFA at ASEANA on the appointment date for processing.

When will the Appointment System start?

The Appointment System Hotline and website will start on March 8, 2010 onward.

The Appointment System is open on what days?

It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for both hotline and online channels.

What advantage does the Appointment System has to Offer?

By using the appointment system, the applicant enjoys convenience at no extra cost. The applicant will experience efficient service, provided with a printed and filled-up application form thus eliminating the need for manual filling up. The applicant does not need to worry fixers and thus is guaranteed with a good experience. in addition to that, s/he enjoys a 24/7 access to the system for inquiries and concerns.

Why is the Appointment System needed?

By launching a world-class applicant management system, the DFA can efficiently utilize the space in the new ASEANA Building. This will ensure better and orderly service to the public at no extra cost to both applicant and the DFA everyday. This also ensures that good time management for both the DFA and the applicant is achieved.

What can i expect when I call the Appointment Hotline (+632 737 1000)?

The applicant's call will be received by a Customer Care Officer (CCO) who will gather the applicant's personal information, set his/her appointment schedule's date and time, and provide a reference number to the applicant. Afterwards, the applicant only needs to show up at the DFA ASEANA on the set appointment date.

What can i expect when I log on to www.passport.com.ph?

The applicant must fill up an online application form, choose an appointment date and time from the available list and click submit. S/he will then receive a reference number. Afterwards, the applicant only needs to show up at DFA ASEANA on the set appointment date.

Are there other channels where I can set an appointment schedule?

Currently, only the hotline and online channels are available. In the future, an SMS channel will be developed.

Do I need to bring anything on my appointment date?

Yes. You need to bring the requirements for passport application mentioned on the hotline or posted online when you procured your appointment schedule.

What requirements do I need to bring?

Depending on whether you are applying for new or renewal of passport, you will be advised by the Customer Care Officer at the hotline (+632 737 1000) or guided by the requirements list online at www.passport.com.ph.

How much do I need to pay for passport processing?

1. Regular processing (14 working days): Php 950
2. Rush processing (7 working days): Php 1,200
3. Lost Passport: Additional Php 200 if still valid

Do I have to pay an additional amount to set an appointment schedule?

No. The DFA Appointment System is provided free of charge to the public.

Philippine ePassport

What is an ePassport?

An ePassport is a passport which features microchip technology. An integrated circuit (chip) within its pages contains the data that are essential in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These data include the personal data found on the data page of the passport, the biometrics of the passport holder, the unique chip identification number, and a digital signature to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip.

The chip technology allows the information stored in an ePassport to be read by special chip readers at a close distance.

What are Biometrics?

Biometrics are the unique and measurable physical characteristics of an individual that include face recognition, fingerprints, and iris scans.

The Philippine Electronic Passport (or Philippine ePassport) uses the digital image of the passport photograph that can be used with face recognition technology to verify the identity of the passport holder.

It captures the fingerprints of the passport holder, for identification using the Automated Fingerprint Verification System (AFIS).

What are the special features of the Philippine ePassport?

The Philippine ePassport allows information stored on the chip to be verified with the information visually displayed on the passport.

It uses contactless microchip technology that allows the information stored on the chip to be read by special chip readers at a close distance.

It contains an integrated photograph of the holder, a digitized secondary photo, and an electronic print of the holder’s signature.

It contains overt and hidden security features such as Invisible Personal Information (IPI), letterscreen, microprinting, and UV reactive ink, among others.

What is the difference between the existing maroon machine readable passport (MRP) and the ePassport?

An MRP is a passport that contains a machine-readable zone (MRZ) printed in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard. It is capable of being read manually and with the use of a machine.

An ePassport has an embedded IC chip where the photograph and personal information of the bearer are stored in accordance with ICAO specifications. These information can be read by chip readers at close distance. An ePassport also contains a machine-readable zone.

What advantages does the Philippine ePassport offer?

The ePassport is highly secure, hence avoids passport reproduction and tampering. The ePassport database is enhanced with AFIS that guards against multiple passport issuances to the same person and enhances imposter detection.

It facilitates fast clearance of travellers at immigration checks.

ePassports provide travellers benefits such as use of automated border clearance or “E-gates”, automated issuance of boarding passes, and faster travel arrangements with airlines.

For countries, the use of electronic passport also provides better border protection and security.

Why do we have to use ePassports now?

The MRP has the minimum ICAO standards in travel documents. The ePassport is the world standard in travel documents. As member of ICAO, the Philippines has an international obligation to enhance the security of its travel documents.

The issuance of ePassports will allow the Philippines to offer world-class consular services to its nationals.

Countries have greater confidence and acceptance of the ePassport since it is enhanced with biometric technology.

ePassports are already being used in more than 60 countries worldwide. In ASEAN, five countries have already issued e-passports (Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia).

Who can avail of the Philippine E-Passport?

The ePassport will initially be made available in limited number. Regular issuance will start sometime in October 2009 from whence all applicants who can comply with the documentary requirements may avail of the ePassport.

How much does an ePassport cost?

The ePassport is available for P950. A passport applicant, however, may choose between the ePassport and the less expensive Machine Readable Passport, both compliant with ICAO standard.

Why is the ePassport more expensive than the current passport?

The added security features of the ePassport are factored into the production cost. Comparative prices of ePassports from different countries, however, show that the cost of the Philippine ePassport is among the lowest in the world.

What other countries use ePassports?

ePassports are already being used in more than 60 countries worldwide. In ASEAN, five countries have already issued ePassports (Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia). In the future, all countries are seen to switch to the ePassport due to the increasing need for efficient and better border security.

What is the ePassport logo and what does it mean?

The ePassport logo which appears on the cover of the ePassport is the international symbol for an electronic passport. It means that the passport has an integrated circuit or chip on which data about the passport and passport holder is stored. The logo will alert border inspection lanes at all airports and transit ports equipped with special data readers for ePassports that the passport is an ePassport.

I have a previously issued passport. Can I use it for travel as long as it is still valid?

Yes. Previously issued passports (MRP and non-MRP) are valid until their expiry. It is a good practice to make sure your passport is valid at least six months before intended date of travel to avoid any inconvenience.

Will there be additional requirements needed for the processing of ePassports?

None. Essentially, the requirements for ePassport processing will remain the same as that for the MRP, although personal appearance is required for the taking of biometrics (i.e., fingerprints, photo, and signature).

Can existing holders of the maroon MRP simply surrender their passports and have them converted to an ePassport?

As soon as the production of the ePassport comes into full swing, holders of MRPs can have their passport cancelled and apply for ePassport if they so wish.

Where can I apply for an ePassport?

The ePassport will be initially available at DFA Manila, to be followed by Philippine Embassies and consulates abroad and throughout the Philippines through DFA’s regional offices.

Balikbayan Program

The Balikbayan Program is instituted under the administration of the Department of Tourism to attract and encourage overseas Filipinos to come and visit their motherland. This is in recognition of their contribution to the economy of the country through the foreign exchange inflow and revenues that they generate.

The program allows visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year for foreign passport holders, with the exception of restricted nationals. It also includes a kabuhayan shopping privilege allowing tax-exempt purchase of livelihood tools and providing the opportunity to avail of the necessary training to enable the balikbayan to become economically self-reliant members of society upon their return to the country. The program also intends to showcase competitive and outstanding Filipino-made products.

Who are entitled to avail of the Balikbayan Program?

The term "balikbayan" shall mean a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year, a Filipino overseas worker, or a former Filipino citizen and his or her family who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines.

The term "family" shall mean the spouse and the children of the balikbayan traveling with the latter to the Philippines.

For more information on the benefits and privileges of the Balikbayan Program, please click here.

Guidelines for Accreditation of Foreign Media to the Philippines

Below is the list of documentary requirements for foreign media who would like to cover events or shoot in the Philippines:

Requirements for Documentary Filming Group

1.Apply for an entry visa at the Philippine Embassy from port of origin
2.Letter of request stating intention to do a documentary film in the Philippines, and accreditation of the production crew

The letter should be addressed to:

Mr. PAULO J. ESPIRITU
Director for Media Relations
International Press Center (IPC)
Presidential Communications Operations Office
G/F National Press Club Bldg., Magallanes Drive
Intramuros, Manila 1002

Contact Details
Telefax: (632) 309-1095; 536-7448
Email: intlpresscenter@yahoo.com

3. List of TV equipment (IPC will assist in facilitating the clearance and release of their equipment from the Bureau of Customs)
4.List of production crew members and designation
5.Flight details and itinerary of the filming crew
6.Synopsis/Storyline
7.Three (3) 2x2 colored photographs with white background for each of the production crew members
8.Photocopy of passports (pages 1 and 2)
9.Duly accomplished IPC Accreditation Form and Bio-data/General Application Form for Special Work Permit which they have to apply at the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID). Each crew member will have to pay the amount P6,440.00 plus P60.00 for the notarization of their application. IPC can also assist the applicants if they do not have local coordinator.
10.Upon arrival in the Philippines, the production crew has to go to the IPC Office for accreditation (the local coordinator, if there is any, can coordinate with the IPC in advance)

Requirements for News Reporters/TV Crew/Photographers

1.Apply for an entry visa at the Philippine Embassy from port of origin
2.Letter of endorsement from the agency that the crew represents
3.Certification from the crew’s respective Embassy in the Philippines
4.Three (3) 2x2 colored photographs with white background
5.List of equipment
6.Photocopy of passports (pages 1 and 2)
7.Itinerary and name of contact person in the Philippines
8.Curriculum Vitae
9.Upon arrival in the Philippines, the crew has to go to the IPC Office for accreditation

Seaman's Visa

Definition of Seaman

The Term "seaman" refers to any foreigner who, in good faith, has signed on the articles of a vessel arriving at a port of the Philippines from any place outside thereof, employed in any capacity on board such vessel, and seeking to enter the Philippines solely in pursuit of his calling as a seaman, with the intention of departing with the vessel or reshipping on other vessel that is bound for a foreign port or place or one coming to the Philippines to join a vessel in this country.

Requirements for Seaman's Visa

1. Duly accomplished visa application form
2. Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond authorized stay in the Philippines
3. Two (2) passport-size pictures taken during the last six (6) months
4. Letter from the shipping company
5. Must not be an excludable alien; and
6. Must not be in the DFA Blacklist

Payment for a Seaman's Visa: NOK 237

Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)

The Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) entitles the holder to reside in the Philippines for an indefinite period as long as the required qualifications and investments are maintained.

Who can Apply for a SIRV?

Any alien, except for restricted nationals, at least twenty-one (21) years of age, who meets the qualifications and follows the implementing rules provided for in the issuance of an SIRV. The applicant's spouse and unmarried children under twenty-one (21) years of age may also be issued the same visa.

The applicant must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, been afflicted with any loathsome, dangerous or contagious disease; has not been institutionalized for any mental disorder or disability; and is willing and able to invest the amount of at least USD75,000 in the Philippines.

What are the Privileges of having a SIRV?

The holder may reside in the Philippines for as long as his investment subsists and is entitled to import used household goods and personal effects tax and duty-free as an alien coming to settle in the Philippines for the first time.

Requirements for a SIRV

1. Duly-accomplished and notarized application form, with recent photographs;
2. Clearance from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), together with either a clearance from the central government agency of the applicant's country or place of residence, competent to give information about any criminal record that the applicant may have, duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy, or the Interpol Division of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) indicating that the applicant has not been convicted by final judgement of a crime involving moral turpitude. The NICA shall issue an initial clearance within three (3) working days from receipt of the BOI endorsement, and a more thorough verification to cover the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police should be made within three(3) months after the grant of the probationary visa. Any derogatory record may be the basis for revocation of the SIRV holder's visa. The expiration date of said clearances should not be earlier than six (6) months from date of filing of application;
3. Medical certificate issued by the Department of Health (DOH), any government hospital or health facility, or any licensed and accredited hospital, medical center, or laboratory or the equivalent in the applicant's home country, certifying that the applicant is physically and mentally fit. The expiration of the certification should not be earlier than six (6) months from date of filing of application;
4. Certification under oath from the duly-authorized officers of any accredited depository bank in the Philippines as to the amount of foreign exchange inwardly remitted by applicant, and its conversion to pesos through the said bank, in the prescribed form. Should the inward remittance be sent through non-accredited correspondent banks, the total amount of remitted money should be immediately transferred to the accredited banks. In all cases, inward remittances shall not be made earlier than one (1) year prior to the filing of the application;
5. Certified true copy of the certificate of peso time deposit with a maturity period of at least thirty (30) days. The original copy of the certificate of time deposit shall remain with the depository bank for safe-keeping;
6. Birth certificate/family registry/household registry duly authenticated by the Philippine Consulate/Embassy located in the applicant's home country or the applicant's embassy in the Philippines;
7. If spouse and dependent children are included in the application, marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Consulate/Embassy located in the applicant's home country or by the applicant's Embassy in the Philippines;
8. Original passport of the applicant; and
9. Payment (3,160 NOK)

Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)

The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Republic of the Philippines under the Retirement Program of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) to foreigners and overseas Filipinos. It entitles the holder to multiple-entry privileges with the right to stay permanently/indefinitely in the Philippines.

Who may apply for SRRV?

1. Any foreign national, except those nationals of countries with which the Philippines does not have diplomatic relations and those nationals considered restricted by the Department of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); and
2. Overseas Filipinos who are immigrants or under a visa category allowing them legal stay abroad and have resided therein continuously for at least seven (7) years, prior to their application for enrolment in the Program and should not have stayed a maximum total of sixty (60) days in a year in the Philippines.
3. All foreign nationals below 50 and at least 35 years of age are required to deposit the amount of US75,000.00 dollars with any PRA short-listed bank. Those aged 50 and above are required to deposit the amount of US 50,000 dollars. Former Filipinos who are now holders of foreign passports are required to deposit US 1,500.00 dollars; the deposit amount of US50,000.00 shall be required from an applicant who is at least 35 years of age and belongs to any of the following:

• Retired military personnel of governments recognized by the Philippines; or
• Former members of foreign diplomatic corps who have served for at least three (3) years in their respective posts, or
• Retired officer and employees of international organizations such as the United Nations and its affiliate agencies, the World Health Organization, World Bank, International Labor Organization and other similar organizations.

What are the benefits with SSRV?

1. Permanent non-immigrant status with multiple-entry privileges through the Special Resident Retiree's Visa;
2. Exemption from customs duties and taxes for the importation of personal effects;
3. Exemption from Exit Clearance and Re-entry Permits;
4. Exemption from payment of travel tax provided the retiree has not stayed in the Philippines for more than one year from date of his last entry into the country;
5. Conversion of the requisite deposit into active investments, including purchase of condominium unit;
6. Interest on the foreign currency deposit is tax-free and payable to retiree in Philippine Pesos;
7. Foreign currency time deposit can be converted into Philippine Pesos deposit, but interest is subject to withholding tax;
8. Pension, annuities remitted to the Philippines are tax-free; and
9. Guaranteed repatriation of the requisites deposit including invested profits, capital gains and dividends accrued from investments, upon compliance with Bangko Sentral rules and regulations.

Requirements for SRRV

1. Completed Philippine Retirement Authority application form;
2. Valid passport;
3. DFA Medical Examination Form No. 11 accomplished by a licensed physician from the applicant's place of origin, including AIDS Test, duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate posted there or PRA Medical Certificate (RSSC Form No. 002) accomplished by a licensed physician in the Philippines;
4. Certification by PRA shortlisted bank of the requisite deposit amount of US$50,000.00 dollar or US 75,000.00 dollars, whichever is applicable;
5. Police Clearance, duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate, issued abroad or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance, issued in the Philippines;
6. Photographs, 2.4 cms and 5 cms. six (6) pieces each;
7. If the spouse is joining the applicant, Marriage Certificate or Marriage Contract if the applicant's marriage was solemnized in the Philippines or Marriage Certificate duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate nearest the applicant's residence abroad if the marriage was contracted abroad (under PRA rules, should the resident retiree suffer an untimely demise, the surviving spouse who is a holder of SRRV has the option to become the principal retiree using the original principal dollar deposit as his/her qualifying deposit. If he/she chooses not to, the law on succession shall apply);
8. If dependent/s is/are joining the applicant, Birth Certificate/s of dependent/s born in the Philippines or Birth Certificate/s or Household Register duly authenticated by the Philippine/Consulate nearest the applicant's residence abroad; and
9. Payment (3,160 NOK)

Student Visa

The applicant for student visa, having means sufficient for education and support in the Philippines, must be at least eighteen (18) years old and seeks to enter the Philippines temporarily and solely for the purpose of taking up a course of study higher than high school at a university, seminary, academy, college or school, approved for foreign students by the Commissioner of Immigration

The student applicant must first communicate with the school concerned and comply with the school’s institutional requirements.

Said school shall forward the application package to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for approval. Once approved, the application package shall be endorsed by CHED to the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID), if approved, it will be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The DFA will inform the Philippine Embassy for issuance of the student visa. The Philippine Embassy shall then notify the student accordingly.

Requirements for Student Visa

1. Personal appearance;
2. Two originals of duly accomplished application form;
3. Original passport valid not less than six months beyond intended period of stay in the Philippines;
4. Two (2) photographs;
5. Original and one (1) photocopy of birth certificate, verified and authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
6. Original and one (1) photocopy of affidavit of support executed by parent/s or legal guardian to be authenticated in the Philippine Embassy;
7. Two (2) photocopies of parent/guardian’s passport data page;
8. Original and one (1) photocopy of transcript of records authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
9. Original and one (1) photocopy of certificate of good moral character authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
10. Original and one (1) photocopy of police certificate authenticated by the Philippine Embassy;
11. Original and one (1) photocopy of medical examination reports, including X-ray film contained in an envelope authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
12. Duly accomplished Personal History Statement forms from the school concerned;
13. Original and one (1) photocopy of comprehensive list of student’s possible contact persons in the Philippines;
14. Diploma is required for student applicant who will pursue graduate studies (authenticated at the Philippine Embassy); and
15. Payment (1,975 NOK)

Visa for Foreign Nationals on Board Privately-Owned Yachts or Sailboats

A temporary visitor’s visa is required for foreign nationals who are traveling to the Philippines on board privately-owned yachts and sailboats. When applying the visa, the applicants will be required to provide the following particulars of the yacht/sailboat and its crewmembers:

1. Crewlist;
2. Nationality/Citizenship;
3. Passport details of the crew;
4. Vessel to be used for entry: type, name, registration, call sign, and other particulars;
5. Estimated date of entry into the Philippine territory;
6. Port/Area of entry (Philippine waters);
7. Estimated period of stay in the Philippines;
8. Character reference/shipping agent in the Philippines (if any); and
9. Purpose of visit

Visa for Returning Natural-Born Filipinos who were Naturalized as Citizens of Foreign Countries

A natural born citizen of the Philippines, who has been naturalized in foreign country, and is returning to the Philippines for permanent residence, including his spouse and minor children shall be considered a non-quota immigrant for purposes of entering the Philippines. [As amended by Republic Act No. 4376]

Below are the list of requirements and application form.

Solemnization of Marriage Overseas

Our consular official is authorized by the Philippine Government to solemnize marriages provided

• these shall be between two Filipino citizens, one male and one female, and
• these take place within the premises of the Philippine Embassy.

Following are the requirements for Filipinos intending to marry overseas. No application for the solemnization of marriage shall be accepted unless the following requirements are submitted and procedures are followed.

1. Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage for each of the contracting parties. Please obtain the list of requirements for the issuance of a legal capacity to contract marriage from the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy.
2. Duly-accomplished application for marriage license. The form may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy.

The application for a marriage license or the marriage banns shall be posted / published for ten (10) consecutive days before the marriage license is issued.

Should one or both of the contracting parties be 25 years or below, the marriage license shall be issued after three (3) months from the completion of the ten (10) day publication of the application, unless the contracting parties obtain a certificate from a marriage counselor duly accredited by the proper Government agency in the Philippines to the effect that the contracting parties have undergone marriage counseling. The certificate must be notarized and authenticated by the Office of the President and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

A marriage license shall be valid for a period of one hundred and twenty (120) days from the date of issue.

Please refer to the page Schedule of Fees to see the latest and updated prices for solemnization of marriage overseas.

Report of Birth

Births of Filipino citizens abroad must be reported and duly registered. The Philippine Embassy registers births of Filipino citizens in the Kingdom of Norway, Denmark and Iceland.

Below are requirements for the civil registry birth report:

1. Duly accomplished Report of Birth form (in triplicate)
2. Three (3) Originals of birth certificate translated into English and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of birth.
3. Copies of passports of parent/s
4. Copy of the parent's marriage certificate. If parents are not married, then submit an Affidavit of Illegitimacy
5. Report of Birth Fee (please see the Schedule of Fees page for actual prices of our Consular Services)

The Embassy will forward the Report of Birth to the National Statistics Office (NSO) in the Philippines. You may retrieve the NSO-certified Birth Certificate from the Philippines three months after reporting the birth at the Embassy.

Report of Marriage

Marriages abroad of Filipino citizens must be reported and duly registered. The Philippine Embassy registers marriages of Filipino citizens celebrated in the Kingdom of Norway, Denmark and Iceland.

Below are requirements for the civil registry marriage report:

1. Duly accomplished Report of Marriage form (in triplicate)
2. Three (3) Originals of marriage certificate translated into English and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of marriage.
3. Three (3) photopies of passports of both parties
4. Three (3) 2x2 photos each of both parties
5. Report of Marriage Fee (please see the Schedule of Fees page for actual prices of our Consular Services)

The Embassy will forward the Report of Marriage to the National Statistics Office (NSO) in the Philippines. You may retrieve your NSO-certified Marriage Contract from the Philippines three months after reporting the marriage at the Embassy.

Report of Death

Deaths of Filipino citizens abroad must be reported and duly registered. The Philippine Embassy registers deaths of Filipino citizens in the Kingdom of Norway, Denmark and Iceland.

Below are requirements for the civil registry death report:

1. Duly accomplished Report of Death form (in triplicate)
2. Three (3) Originals of death certificate translated into English and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of death.
3. Copy of passports of deceased
4. Report of Death Fee (please see the Schedule of Fees page for actual prices of our Consular Services)

The Embassy will forward the Report of Death to the National Statistics Office (NSO) in the Philippines. You may retrieve the NSO-certified Death Certificate from the Philippines three months after reporting the death at the Embassy.