To continuously provide an efficient system for new application and renewal of DFA passport appointment, the Department of Foreign Affairs created a portal wherein the applicants can set an appointment.
As stated in the Republic Act 10928, the new Philippine passports will have a validity period of 10 years starting January 2018. Thus, every Filipino who will apply or renew passport must set first a DFA appointment online, otherwise their application won’t be entertained.
This means that walk-in applicants will not be entertained without reserving a slot for the schedule of appointment. Setting an appointment is on first-come, first serve basis. Applicants should check first the website if there’s available slot. If you’re planning to travel and need to apply a new passport or renewal, you should set an DFA passport appointment at least 3 to 4 months prior to your travel.
The good thing about this new system of applying or renewing a passport is that it spares you from going to and from DFA office. Once you set a schedule of appointment you’ll just visit personally the DFA office on the day of your appointment. Thus, this would spare you from falling in long queues.
This new online system will benefit both those residing abroad or locally. The important thing is that the applicant must have a valid and active email address. All the details of the schedule will be sent to your email. You can visit this link to set a schedule of appointment. You can set an appointment individually or by a group.
Who are exempted from the DFA passport appointment?
Although the DFA requires every applicant to set a schedule of appointment, but some people are allowed as walk-in applicants and take the privilege in priority lanes at DFA satellite offices or at Consular offices. This group of people includes the following:
- Senior Citizen (Senior Citizen ID is required)
- Solo Parent (with Solo Parent ID)
- Person with Disability (holding PWD ID)
- OFW holding an iDOLE card
- Pregnant women (must bring medical certificate)
- Children 7 years old and below
OFWs can apply or renew passport as walk-in applicant at POEA central office provided that they have the required documents and proof of employment.
In addition, government employees and those employed in a government-controlled corporation can also take advantage of the priority lanes when applying or renewing passports. Make sure to bring your government ID, otherwise you won’t be entertained.
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Setting an appointment is free of charge and the DFA is discouraging applicants to deal with agents or travel agencies offering passport appointment services. Applicants from far-flung provinces need not travel to Manila during the scheduled appointment. They can make the appointment at the nearest regional consular office where they live.
The cost of passport processing fee varies. For express processing (within 10 working days), you will pay Php1, 200 and Php950 for regular processing that takes about 20 working days.
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