The Philippines has instituted the electronic passport system for all its citizens. The ePassport features microchip technology and a host of other security features thereby ensurng the 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) with 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 indertification 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 right to travel is indeed inherent for every Filipino citizen as directed by law. However, the issuance of a Philippine passport or travel document is prefaced on the submission of the necessary documents, as also required by law.
Under Republic Act No. 8239, also known as the “Philippine Passport Act of 1996,” a Philippine passport is a document issued by the Philippine government to its citizens requesting other governments to allow its citizens to pass freely, and in case of need to give them lawful aid and protection.
The acquisition of a Philippine passport is a privilege. The law recognizes the passport applicant’s constitutional right to travel. However, the State is also mandated to protect and maintain the integrity and credibility of the passport and travel documents proceeding from it.
It is a function of Philippine consular officers to pass upon claims for or resolve matters involving Philippine citizenship and, upon determination of such citizenship, to issue an applicant with a Philippine passport. The passport remains a property of the Philippine Government and should be surrendered upon demand by an authorized representative of the Philippine Government.
The bearer, named in the passport should report or communicate with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate immediately upon arrival at the port of destination.
Alteration, addition, or destruction of contents is strictly prohibited.
On 1 March 2011, the Philippine Embassy started processing applications for the Philippine electronic passport (e-Passport).
The application process for the ePassport includes the following steps:
1. Filling out the passport application form. (See Passport Application Form)
2. Encoding the information on the passport application form into the ePassport system.
3. Taking the applicant's photo.
4. Taking the applicant's electronic fingerprints.
5. Taking the applicant's electronic signature.
6. The applicant checks and read the information on the Passport Enrolment System before the processor saves the electronic application for approval by the signing officer.
7. Payment of the renewal e-Passport fee of RMB456.00.
Note: For renewal of lost passport, fee is RMB1,140.00, exclusive of the notarization fee for an Affidavit of Loss of RMB190.00.
8. The application is sent electronically to Manila where the ePassport is processed.
The whole application process takes around 10-15 minutes.
Because biometrics (photo, electronic signature, electronic fingerprints) will be taken, applicants are required to appear in person when they apply for a new passport.
After processing, four to six (4-6) weeks later, applicants are advised to regularly check the Embassy’s WeChat moments (WeChat ID:philippineembassy) for advisory on PASSPORTS AVAILABLE FOR RELEASE. As an alterative, applicants may call (telephone no. 6532-1872/6532-2451 local 117, 118, 128 and 125) during office hours or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) the Embassy to inquire if their passports are ready for release. Passports maybe claimed personally or via courier. If unable to claim his/her passport personally, courier service may be arranged and paid for by the applicant.
As an important reminder, the Embassy reiterates that those whose passports are valid for less than six (6) months run the risk of not being able to travel because most immigration authorities consider these passports unacceptable for the issuance of exit visas and for use in travel.
The Embassy, therefore, advises everyone to apply for their new passport at least eight to twelve (8-12) months prior to the expiration of their passport.
An appointment to the application of a new or a renewal ePassport may be obtained online at https://passport.gov.ph.
For further inquiries about ePassport application procedures, please call during office hours at 6532-1872 local 117, 118, 128 and 125, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
