Passport validity in the Philippines has already been extended to 10 years, easing the burden from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and many travelers who have to spend time and money to renew their passport. However, despite the extended validity, you do have to renew the passport before it expires – whether yours was still under the 5-year validity or already in the 10-year validity period.
How to renew your passport?
OFWs are lucky because you no longer have to secure an online appointment with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) unlike most people. All they have to do is go to the nearest or most convenient DFA office to renew their passport.
Exemptions
Aside from OFWs, the following are also exempted from making confirmed online appointments before heading to the DFA:
- Senior citizens with valid senior citizen ID
- Solo parents with valid solo parent ID
- Children below 7 years old and their travel companions
- Person with disability, with obvious disability or valid PWD ID
- Pregnant women with medical certificate
Requirements
The following are the general requirements for renewing your passport:
- Completely filled out form
- Current e-Passport
- Original and photocopy of two government-issued IDs
To use the OFW courtesy lane, OFWs must also bring the following or else they should secure online appointments like everyone else:
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
- Plane ticket
- Exit clearance
Just in case you also need to change your name, you have to bring the following, whichever is applicable:
- Marriage contract
- Annotated birth certificate
- Annotated marriage contract (if divorced or annulled)
- Spouse’s death certificate
In case of damaged passports, bring the following:
- Affidavit of explanation
- Damaged passport
For lost passports, you need to bring the following:
- Police report
- Affidavit of loss, written in English
- Penalty fee of Php350
Other requirements might be needed, depending on your situation. This could include the following:
- Identification Certificate of Naturalization from the Bureau of Immigration
- Identification Certificate issued by the Philippine consulate or the Bureau of Immigration
- Affidavit of Election of Philippine Citizenship
Step 1
Secure all the necessary documents before heading to the DFA office. Make sure to wear something decent (the office has a dress code). While you are not required to wear a business attire, sleeveless tops and sandos are definitely not allowed.
Step 2
If you secured an online appointment, be there 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
Step 3
Once you are called, submit the necessary documents and pay the necessary fees.
Step 4
Proceed to the desk where your biometrics will be taken.
Step 5
Wait for your passport to be released.
Take note that you can’t get your passport on the day you applied for it. Regular processing fee is Php950; you will get your passport after 15 working days. Express processing fee is Php1,200; you will get your passport after 7 working days.
