When visiting other countries, one document that you cannot go without is a passport. It would be very much difficult getting out of a country without this travel document. A passport is a government issued identification document that will not only allow you to go places but also record each entry and exit you make in a specific country. Having one and keeping it up to date is the owner’s responsibility so it is important that once you have one, always renew it ahead of time.
Technically, you can depart the country even if your passport is 3-6 months away from expiring as long as you will be just away for a few days. If your destination country requires a visa, they might require a passport with longer validity (most of the time at least 1 year valid). So months prior to leaving, make sure to check your passports because if in any case it is expiring or is already expired, even with a valid purchased ticket, you will not get passed immigration counters.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Philippines have several offices and satellite offices across the country. Although they are not enough to provide service to our fellow Filipinos, they were kind enough to open satellite offices in SM Megamall and Robinsons Galleria to ease the problem. Each provided with their own DFA passport renewal portal for convenience. For those who want to know how to apply, just follow these easy steps, and just for those who are already thinking of asking “Do you need personal appearance in renewing your passport?”, the answer is “YES”. You photo will be taken there, you need to submit your fingers for fingerprinting and you need to sign papers there, which no one else can (and should not) do for you.
Steps
1. Go to DFA passport application portals:
To apply for a passport via Robinsons Galleria, visit: galleria.passport.com.ph
To apply for a passport via SM Megamall, visit: megamall.passport.com.ph
To apply for a passport via DFA office in Diosdado Macapagal highway, visit: http://passport.com.ph/
2. Click on Set an Appointment at the left column
3. Scroll down and type in the letters in the “Captcha” (case sensitive) and then click on “Start Individual Appointment Process”
4. Fill up all the information required as accurately and as honestly as possible
5. Click on “Submit” at the bottom (if you missed out or incorrectly entered a data, it will show a red note what fields you need to correct)
6. Click on “Continue” as you proceed with the run down of the requirements. In case you miss it or lost the list, you can check the requirements here:
basically they are:
a. NSO Birth Certificate
b. Application Form (signed)
c. Valid IDs (Government issued only)
d. Additional documents like marriage contract for married women, etc
e. Old passports (for renewal only)
7. Click on “I understand the requirements and I’m ready to proceed” button
8. Click on the date that is available (and convenient for you) and then the time
9. It will show your filled up application form with the map of the DFA main office, print it and send it to your e-mail so you could conveniently print it again in the future.
10. Visit the DFA office on your scheduled appointment date and be there at least 1 hour before your appointment time. Bring along with you the printed application form and requirements.
11. A security guard will guide you through where to go and present your documents to the staff right at the entrance. In turn, you will be given a number to hold as confirmation of your appointment.
12. Once your number is called, proceed to the counter at the ground floor and present your documents.
13. Pay the necessary fees:
For First time passport applicants:
Regular Processing (15 working days): P950.00
Express Processing (7 working days): P1,200.00
For Renewal of passport applicants:
Regular Processing (15 working days): P950.00
Express Processing (7 working days): P1,200.00
14. Present your receipt to the next step and have your picture taken.
15. Finally, return to the DFA office on the date of release or pay an extra P120.00 for delivery fee
Based on these steps, with or without an assistance of a travel agency, your personal appearance is required at the agency. However, as long as you followed all the steps and provided the necessary documents, there should be no problem getting your passport.
