Bottom Line: The Philippine ePassport requires a confirmed online appointment at passport.gov.ph, personal appearance, a PSA Birth Certificate, a valid government-issued ID, and a completed application form. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks for applications filed at Philippine embassies and consulates abroad, or about 10 to 15 working days for applications filed within the Philippines.
The Philippine passport is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) under Republic Act No. 8239, also known as The Philippine Passport Act of 1996. The current ePassport features embedded microchip technology compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, storing biographical data, biometrics, and a digital signature to prevent tampering.
Who Is Eligible for a Philippine Passport?
Every Filipino citizen is entitled to a Philippine passport. This includes:
- Citizens born in the Philippines with a PSA Birth Certificate
- Citizens born abroad with a Report of Birth filed at a Philippine Foreign Service Post
- Dual citizens under Republic Act No. 9225 (Retention and Re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship)
- Naturalized citizens (administrative, judicial, or legislative naturalization)
- Citizens by election (born before January 17, 1973 to a Filipino mother and who elected Philippine citizenship)
Core Requirements for First-Time Adult Applicants
First-time applicants who are 18 years old and above must bring the following documents to their appointment:
1. Confirmed Online Appointment
All passport applications require a confirmed appointment through the DFA Global Online Appointment System (GOAS) at passport.gov.ph. Walk-in applications are not accepted. Appointments are free of charge.
2. Duly Accomplished Application Form
Print the Passport Application Form generated from the online appointment system. The form must be printed on A4 paper. Entries should be typewritten or printed legibly in the exact format indicated.
3. PSA Birth Certificate
An original Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate on security paper is required. If the applicant was born abroad, a PSA-authenticated Report of Birth filed at the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate is accepted instead.
You can request a PSA Birth Certificate online at psahelpline.ph.
4. Valid Government-Issued ID
Present the original and one photocopy of at least one valid primary government-issued photo ID.
5. Personal Appearance
All applicants regardless of age must appear in person. Biometric data including fingerprints, photograph, and digital signature are collected on-site. Modest attire is required. Jewelry, piercings, glasses, and colored contact lenses are not allowed during photo capture.
Acceptable Valid IDs for Passport Application
The DFA accepts the following identification documents. Present the original with one photocopy:
| ID Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Philippine Identification (PhilID) / ePhilID / Digital PhilID | Primary national ID |
| Social Security System (SSS) Card | Must be valid |
| Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Card | Must be valid |
| Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card | Primary ID |
| LTO Driver’s License | Student Permit accepted if in card format |
| Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID | Must be valid |
| COMELEC Voter’s ID or Certificate | From COMELEC main office in Intramuros |
| Senior Citizen ID | For qualified applicants |
| Philippine Postal ID | Issued November 2016 to September 2023 |
| Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) or SID | Must be issued February 2020 onwards by MARINA |
| Airman License | Issued August 2016 onwards |
| School ID | For minor applicants or adult students with Certificate of Enrolment |
| OWWA E-Card | For overseas Filipino workers |
| PNP Permit to Carry Firearms | Must be valid |
| Latest Passport | For renewal applicants |
For applicants abroad, the following additional IDs are accepted at Philippine embassies and consulates:
- US Visa
- US Driver’s License or State ID
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card / I-551)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Requirements for Passport Renewal
Renewing a valid or recently expired ePassport (maroon cover with chip logo) requires fewer documents than a first-time application:
- Printed application form from the online appointment system
- Current Philippine ePassport with one photocopy of the data page
- Proof of Filipino citizenship (for applicants abroad)
- Personal appearance
Important: Renewal of non-electronic passports (brown, green, or older maroon passports) is treated as a new application. You will need the full set of first-time applicant documents including PSA Birth Certificate and valid ID.
Requirements for Minor Applicants (Below 18 Years Old)
Children under 18 years old have a separate set of requirements. Minor passports are valid for 5 years compared to 10 years for adults.
Documents Required:
- Personal appearance of the minor and either parent or authorized adult companion
- Printed passport application form
- PSA Birth Certificate or Report of Birth (original and photocopy)
- School ID (for minors who have one)
Additional Documents Based on Accompaniment:
If accompanied by the father:
– Original and photocopy of the parents’ PSA Marriage Certificate
If unaccompanied by any parent:
– Notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by either parent (if married) or by the mother (if unmarried), authorizing the adult companion
– Copy of the authorizing parent’s valid ID or passport attached to the SPA
Both parents must provide:
– Original and photocopy of their passports or valid IDs
Requirements for Married Female Applicants
A married woman who wishes to use her husband’s surname for the first time must submit:
- All standard first-time or renewal requirements
- Original and photocopy of the PSA Marriage Certificate or Report of Marriage
Name format options for married women:
– (First Name) + (Maiden Surname as Middle Name) + (Spouse’s Last Name)
– (First Name) + (Maiden Middle Name) + (Maiden Surname) + (-) + (Spouse’s Last Name)
Note: A female applicant who chooses to retain her maiden name does not need to present a Marriage Certificate.
Reverting to Maiden Name
A married female applicant may revert to her maiden name under these circumstances:
By virtue of death of spouse:
– PSA Death Certificate or Report of Death of spouse
– PSA Birth Certificate
By annulment or divorce:
– Annotated PSA Marriage Certificate reflecting nullity or dissolution
– PSA Birth Certificate
Other reasons (can only be done once):
– PSA Birth Certificate
– Notarized Affidavit of Explanation requesting reversion
– Latest issued Philippine passport
Requirements for Dual Citizens
Filipino citizens who also hold citizenship in another country must present additional documents:
Under RA 9225 (Retention and Re-acquisition Act):
- Original and photocopy of Identification Certificate from the Bureau of Immigration
- Oath of Allegiance
- Order of Approval or Certificate of Retention/Re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship
- Original and photocopy of foreign passport data page
By Birth:
- Original and photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate or Report of Birth
- Original and photocopy of foreign passport data page
Requirements for Lost or Damaged Passport Replacement
If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will be treated as a new applicant and must submit:
- All standard first-time applicant requirements
- Notarized Affidavit of Loss (for lost passport) or Notarized Affidavit of Explanation (for damaged passport)
- Police Report (for lost passport)
- Photocopy of the lost or damaged passport, if available
Additional waiting period: If the lost passport is still valid (unexpired) and was not issued by the office where you are applying for replacement, a 15-day waiting period applies on top of the normal processing time.
Requirements for Naturalized Filipino Citizens
Naturalized citizens must present additional documents depending on the type of naturalization:
- Administrative Naturalization (RA 9139): Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Renunciation of Foreign Citizenship, Identification Certificate from Bureau of Immigration
- Judicial Naturalization (CA 473): Certificate of Naturalization, Court Order granting naturalization, Identification Certificate from BI
- Legislative Naturalization (CA 63): Certificate of Naturalization, certified copy of the law granting citizenship, authenticated foreign Birth Certificate, Identification Certificate from BI
- Citizenship by Election: PSA Birth Certificate plus Certificate of Election of Philippine Citizenship from BI
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment Online
Visit passport.gov.ph and book an available slot. Appointment is required. No walk-in applications are accepted.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Prepare all required original documents and photocopies. The embassy or consulate does not provide photocopying services.
Step 3: Attend Your Appointment
Arrive at the DFA office, embassy, or consulate not earlier than 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring all documents, a pen, and your own self-addressed prepaid envelope if applying abroad (for passport delivery by mail).
Step 4: Biometric Data Collection
Your photograph, fingerprints, and signature will be taken digitally on-site.
Step 5: Pay the Processing Fee
Fees vary depending on where you apply. Standard processing within the Philippines costs PHP 950 for regular processing (10 to 15 working days). Expedited processing is available for PHP 1,200 (5 to 7 working days).
Step 6: Receive Your Passport
- Within the Philippines: Pick up at the DFA office or have it delivered via courier
- Abroad: The passport is mailed to you within 6 to 8 weeks
Processing Time and Validity
| Processing Location | Regular Processing | Expedited Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Within the Philippines | 10 to 15 working days | 5 to 7 working days |
| Philippine Embassy/Consulate Abroad | 6 to 8 weeks | Not always available |
Passport Validity:
- Adults (18 years and above): 10 years
- Minors (below 18 years): 5 years
Important Reminders
- The Philippine passport is at all times the property of the Republic of the Philippines
- Alteration, addition, or destruction of passport contents is strictly prohibited and carries penalties
- Using the passport as collateral is against the law and will automatically cancel the passport
- Renew your passport at least 9 months before expiration to avoid travel disruptions
- Travelers with passports expiring in less than 6 months may be denied boarding or entry
- Making false statements in the application form or submitting forged documents is punishable by law
- Do not staple anything on the passport booklet as this may damage the electronic chip
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to get a passport in the Philippines?
You need a confirmed online appointment at passport.gov.ph, personal appearance, a PSA Birth Certificate, a valid government-issued ID, and a completed application form. All applicants must appear in person for biometric data collection.
How long does it take to get a Philippine passport?
Processing within the Philippines takes 10 to 15 working days for regular processing or 5 to 7 working days for expedited processing. Applications filed at Philippine embassies and consulates abroad take 6 to 8 weeks.
Who is eligible for a Filipino passport?
Every Filipino citizen is eligible, including those born in the Philippines, those born abroad with a filed Report of Birth, dual citizens under RA 9225, naturalized citizens, and citizens by election.
Can I travel to the Philippines with less than 6 months validity on my passport?
While Philippine citizens returning to the Philippines may enter with a passport valid for less than 6 months, most airlines require at least 6 months validity to board. Foreign nationals entering the Philippines generally need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended stay.
What is the difference between an ePassport and older Philippine passports?
The ePassport (maroon cover with chip logo) contains an embedded microchip storing biometric data and personal information. Older passports (brown, green, or plain maroon) do not have this chip. Renewal of non-electronic passports is treated as a new application requiring full documentation.
Can someone else claim my new passport for me?
In most cases, personal appearance is required for collection. Some consulates allow authorized representatives with a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) to claim passports, but policies vary by location. Check with your specific embassy or consulate.
How much does a Philippine passport cost?
The standard fee within the Philippines is PHP 950 for regular processing and PHP 1,200 for expedited processing. Fees at embassies and consulates abroad vary by location and may include additional courier charges.
