PASSPORT SERVICES

OVERVIEW

Filipinos can get their passports at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. Adult passports are valid for 10 years, while passports for children under age 18 are only valid for 5 years.

Passport applications are sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila for printing and issuance. It takes six to eight weeks for the processing and release of passports.

Getting a passport requires an appointment and personal appearance at the Embassy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

A Philippine passport is a document issued to Filipino citizens requesting other governments to allow its citizens to pass freely, and in case of need, to give them lawful aid and protection. 

The Philippine passport is at all times the property of the Republic of the Philippines.

The Philippine Embassy receives and processes applications for passports, which are forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila for printing and issuance. Please allow six to eight weeks for the processing and release of your passport.

To ensure hassle-free travel, Philippine passport holders are strongly encouraged to renew their passports at least 9 months prior to the expiration date. Travelers with passports expiring in less than 6 months may encounter difficulties boarding flights or entering foreign countries.

It is highly recommended that you secure your passport first before making flight reservations and finalizing travel plans. Flight bookings should only be confirmed if your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from your intended travel dates.

All applicants, regardless of age, must appear in person for biometric data collection. Modest attire is required, and accessories like earrings and colored contact lenses are prohibited during the process.

Adult passports are valid for 10 years, while passports for children under age 18 are only valid for 5 years.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Schedule an Appointment. Appointment is required for this service. Click the button below to set an appointment online.

Book an Appointment

2. Prepare Your Documents. Complete your required documents before your appointment. 

3. Proceed to the Embassy. On the day of your appointment, go to the Embassy to submit your application form and supporting documents, and pay the processing fee. Please bring a pen for filling out and signing forms during your appointment.

4. Biometric Data Collection. Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken digitally. You will also be asked to confirm that all your details are correct.

5. Receive Your Passport. Your passport will be mailed to you within six to eight weeks after your appointment.

WHAT TO BRING

The documentary requirements for passport services may vary based on your specific needs. Please note that the consular officer reserves the right to require additional documents from an applicant to prove their identity and/or citizenship, and ensure accurate and complete personal data entries.

➢   Get Your First Adult Passport

Use this checklist if:

    • You are an adult getting your first passport
    • Your most recent Philippine passport was green, brown, or maroon (with no chip)
    • You are getting your first passport after reacquiring your Philippine citizenship (dual citizen)

➢   Renew Your Adult Passport

Use this checklist if:

    • Your most recent passport is an e-passport (maroon with chip logo on the cover)
    • Your e-passport is expired/expiring
    • Your e-passport is still valid but your name has changed due to marriage, annulment, or court order
    • Your e-passport is still valid but your appearance cannot be recognized from your e-passport photo

➢   Get A Passport For Your Minor Child

Use this checklist if:

    • You are getting a new passport for your child under age 18
    • You are renewing the passport of your child under age 18

➢   Replace Your Lost/Mutilated Passport

Use this checklist if:

    • You lost your valid passport but do not have an urgent travel
    • You lost your expired passport
    • Your passport was damaged or mutilated
    • Your passport’s physical appearance or composition has materially changed

➢   Travel Urgently to the Philippines

Use this checklist if:

    • You lost your valid passport and have an urgent travel to the Philippines
    • Your passport is expiring and you have to travel to the Philippines within 6 weeks
    • You cannot renew your passport before you travel

You can track the status of your passport here. Please allow six to eight weeks for the processing and release of your passport. The Philippine Embassy assumes no responsibility for any delay or loss during mail delivery, or while the documents are in the custody of the courier service. 

AFTER GETTING YOUR PASSPORT

Once you receive your passport, there are a few important steps you should take:

  1. Check the Details. Verify that all personal information is correct.
  2. Sign Your Passport. Immediately sign the third page of your passport booklet. Minors age 12 and below shall leave it blank.
  3. Make Copies. Make photocopies of your passport data page. Keep at least one copy at home and take another copy with you when you travel, stored separately from your actual passport.
  4. Store It Safely. When not in use, store your passport in a secure place to prevent it from being lost or stolen.
  5. Take Care of Your Passport. Do not staple anything on the passport booklet, especially the covers, as this may damage the electronic chip and render the ePassport unreadable. Any unauthorized changes will invalidate the passport and may incur legal penalties.
  6. Check the Validity of Your Passport. Regularly check the validity of your passport and plan to renew it at least nine (9) months before it expires to avoid any travel disruptions.

FURTHER RESOURCES

Set your passport appointment here.

Click here to download a checklist of requirements for passport.

For further inquiries, email us at passport@phembassy-us.org.