Introduction to the Philippine Passport
The issuance of a Philippine passport is governed by Republic Act 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
The Philippines has instituted the electronic passport (ePassport) system for all its citizens. The ePassport features microchip technology and a host of other security features ensuring that Philippine passports are virtually tamper-proof. ePassport issuance is also compliant with the security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Philippine ePassport has an integrated circuit (chip) within its pages containing data that are essential in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These include the personal biographical information found on the data page of the passport, the biometrics of the passport holder, the unique chip identification number, and a digital signature to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip. The chip technology allows the information stored in an ePassport to be read by special chip readers at almost every international port of entry.
The Embassy receives and processes applications for ePassports, which in turn are sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila for printing and issuance. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for the processing and release of the passport to the applicant.
All Filipino citizens applying for passports with the Philippine Embassy will no longer need to submit photographs as their picture, together with their fingerprints and signature, will be taken on-site via biometrics capturing. This means that all passport applicants, regardless of age, are henceforth required to appear personally.
To ensure entry to countries with strict dress codes, all applicants are required to wear decent clothing for passport photo capture. Plunging necklines, sleeveless clothing, spaghetti-strapped tops, see-through tops, sando, tube tops, halters and the like are prohibited.
Earrings and colored contact lenses are not allowed during data capture.
Only immediate family members are allowed to claim the passport on behalf of the applicant. Immediate family members include father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, and children of legal age. The passport will only be released to an immediate family member with a proper authorization letter from the applicant. The passport of a minor applicant shall be released only to parents or adult siblings or to an authorized representative with Special Power of Attorney or Affidavit of Support and Consent
Passports unclaimed after one (1) year will be canceled per Department of Foreign Affairs Order No. 37-03.
The Embassy advises all Philippine passport holders to renew their passports six (6) months before the expiration date.
Filipinos with expired passports who need to travel to the Philippines for emergency reasons may apply for a Travel Document. Travel Documents are valid only for direct one-way travel to the Philippines.
To apply for a Passport or Travel Document, please follow the appropriate link below.