Applying for a passport in the Philippines might be tricky. It involves too many steps to do, from going to the authority office to carrying a load of documents and waiting for hours until your turn.
Thankfully, the Government has launched a system so that everyone can make a DFA passport appointment online no matter where they are.
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What Is DFA Passport Appointment?
DFA passport appointment is a system established by the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs. Using this portal, applicants can register for an appointment regardless of location as long as the Philippines consulate is available to provide a passport service.
This website has contributed to a convenient and seamless passport-issuing process, reducing time and workload for officials and registered users.
Who Can Make An DFA Passport Appointment?
Besides your ID, a passport is another official paper that indicates your Filipino citizenship and allegiance. Hence, only Filipino citizens are eligible to register for a Philippine passport. Below is the list for your reference:
- Natural-born babies
- Naturalized Filipino Citizen
- One of the citizens is Filipino (Dual citizen)
However, several cases are exempt from making an appointment and have a priority to avail of the courtesy lane at the DFA-ASEANA, including:
- Children aged seven or below
- Senior citizens
- Pregnant women
- Single parents
- Disabled people
- Exceptional and emergency cases that get approval from the authorities.
- Oversea Filipino Workers (OFWs)
How To Make A DFA Passport Appointment
Submit An Online Appointment DFA Website
To submit an appointment online, ensure your computer has a stable Internet connection. Then, follow the below steps to schedule your slot:
- Access the DFA website at www.dfa.gov.ph. In the navigation bar, stop at the Consular service tab, choose the Passport item, and click on the Book an appointment. You can also visit the link www.passport.gov.ph/appointment as a direct gate to the appointment portal.
- A Term and Conditions page will pop up. You need to read it carefully and thoroughly. One noticeable point is that only Gmail and Yahoo email should be used to avoid technical incompatibilities between computers.
If you agree with these regulations, tick the small box and continue registering with individual or group appointments.
- Then, open the scroll-down list and select the DFA office you want to make or renew your passport. You should select an office near you to save time traveling.
- Below that is the Date and Time slot. The available schedule is marked green, while the unavailable one is red. Choose your preferred date and time to set a meeting.
However, getting empty slots might be challenging due to many applicants. The advice here is that you should book the appointment early from the date you travel, and the ideal time is in the morning to avoid overloading.
In case you have an emergency that needs a quick meeting, try to go from one office to another. For example, if slots in Manila are full, you can try the nearby cities that are just a short drive/ride away. There might be some available slots for you.
- Next, you will have 15 minutes to fill out the applicant form. There are four pages, and each page will require separate information.
The first page is about Personal information, which contains name, birth, email address, phone number, etc. The second is the Family information, including your parents, siblings, or spouses.
The application details will be on the third page. You must declare your application type, citizenship, and urgency contact. The fourth page will require information about your home, office address, and contact numbers.
- Finally, please select the service, whether a new or renewal application. Recheck all your information to ensure everything is correct and no typos. Then, submit the form.
Settle The Charges
After submitting the application form, you will see the processing fee screen. Select your preferred processing type: either regular, which costs 950 PHP and takes 10-15 days, or expedited, which costs higher at 1200 PHP but can be done faster within 5-7 days.
Hit Pay Now, tick the I agree, then click Proceed to payment. A convenience fee of 50 PHP will be added automatically. Check the total amount and hit Proceed.
You will receive a reference number and guidance to settle the payment. You need to pick a DFA’s authorized payment partner to pay the fee within 24 hours.
There are various ways to make the payment. You can go to banks like the Country Builders Bank, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, or use E-wallet services such as Touchpay, GCash, etc. Whatever payment type you choose, you must ensure to pay the exact amount as it is non-refundable.
Once the payment is confirmed, you will receive an appointment email confirmation from DFA and three attachments: your application form, e-receipt, and checklist. Print them out on A4-sized paper, and do not forget to bring them to the DFA office.
Prepare Necessary Documents
Having a checklist and securing the documents below would be best so your appointment will not be canceled. First, prepare your valid ID, such as the ePhilID, driver’s license, or Philippine passport in renewal cases.
For junior citizens, bring the school ID showing the applicant’s photo and the school’s stamp. For overseas Filipino workers, take a residence card or any ID that shows your Philippine citizenship.
The ID should be untampered and readable. You should also prepare a copy of the original one, as the organization will require both types of papers. The same requirement is for a Birth certificate, one original and one copy validated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Arrive At The Appointment
Before leaving your house, check all the requirements again to ensure nothing is missing.
As everyone has their fixed schedule, the people who come early or late will not be accommodated. Hence, appear at the office ideally 30 minutes before your appointment.
Put on suitable clothes, and do not wear earrings or lenses since the DFA officer will request you to pull them out when taking the picture.
Unless you are a senior or disabled citizen, you should go to the consular premises alone, as the “No Escort” policy does not allow the company.
Now, head off to the DFA office right away!
The officer will ask for your checklist, confirmed schedule, and requirements at the Applicant counter. If you prepare all of them, they will provide you with a queue number.
Sit in the waiting hall and wait for your turn. Then, go to the Processing area and present your documents. Once done, they will stamp the release date on your receipt.
Next, they will enter your personal information on the computer, like name, birth date, phone, and other details. They will let you verify the details to ensure everything is correct. After that, they will take your picture, fingerprints, and signature at the Encoding area.
Get Your Passport At DFA Office Or Via Courier
You can go to the DFA center and pick up your passport on the release date.
However, the courier service is available. If you want to get it at your home or office, pay an additional 150 PHP for the forwarding service, and it will be in your hand after the release date one or two days.
You must provide the DFA official with your application receipt and the delivery stub to avail of this service. Then, return home and wait for the arrival of your passport!
FAQs
Do I Need To Make A Dfa Passport Appointment When Renewing It?
Yes, you still need to make an appointment with DFA consular premises with the abovementioned steps. The difference is that you must bring the old/ expired passport and a copy of its second page, which contains your photo and personal information.
Taking an ID with you is unnecessary in this case.
How Do I Cancel Or Reschedule A Dfa Passport Appointment?
Go to the DFA portal to cancel or reschedule the appointment. The website will require you to input the appointment code and email address before letting you go to the next page.
Remember that the fee is non-refundable, so the money will not be paid back when you cancel the schedule.
Can Other People Receive The Passport For Me?
It is acceptable to let other people receive your passport. If they are one of the members of your immediate family, DFA will request to present an authorization letter. Otherwise, Special Power of Attorney is a must.
But if you choose the courier service, these requirements are not applied.
Conclusion
Scheduling a DFA passport appointment saves you tons of time and hassle. As long as you understand the online system, it is a convenient and suitable way to get your passport ready on time.
