Guide On How To Get A Philippine Passport for First Timers

I got my Philippine Passport a few years ago without the intention of flying out of the country. So, here’s our guide on how to get a Philippine Passport for First-timers.

The purpose was to add identification credentials as I never had enough government ids. But the moment I got my own passport, it changed me that I found cheap tickets to fly to some Southeast Asian countries. I said I have to be serious about being a digital nomad flying in and out of the country.

I processed my passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs – Cebu in Pacific Mall, Mandaue City. I woke up at 3 AM and had to get there before 6 AM because of the priority number. I was able to process my passport at 2 PM. Since I wasn’t in a hurry I chose the regular processing.

Here’s the guide on how you can process to get your Philippine Passport:

Requirements for a Philippine Passport

• Confirmed Online Appointment
• Personal Appearance during Appointment
• Application Form – done online
• Original PSA Birth Certificate
• Original PSA Marriage Certificate – for married females using spouse’s last name
• Local Civil Registrar copy of Birth Certificate – if PSA Birth Certificate can’t be read
• One Valid ID (with one photocopy)

Valid IDs Accepted

• SSS Card
• GSIS Card
• UMID Card
• LTO Driver’s License
• LTO Student Permit – if in card format.
• Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) E-Card
• Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID
• Voter’s Certificate issued from COMELEC main office or Regional Offices – along with NBI Clearance or Police Certificate
• Philippine National Police (PNP) Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence
• Senior Citizen ID
• Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
• Philippine Postal ID (issued November 2016 onwards)
• Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB)issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) February 2020 onwards
• School ID OR Certificate of Enrollment with a photo of the minor and dry seal of school may be presented – for minors

Philippine Passport Fees

• PHP 950 – Regular processing for 12 working days
• PHP 1200 – Express processing for 7 working days (6 in case of applying at a Consular Office in Metro Manila)

Step-by-step Guide for on How to Get a Philippine Passport for First Timers

STEP 1: Go to this website to create an appointment. You can read this article to know more about getting an Appointment.

STEP 2: Type the details asked.

STEP 3: Review your application.

STEP 4: Pay the fee once you proceed to payment. It will cost PHP 950 for regular processing and PHP 1,200 for Express. Don’t forget to take note of your reference number.

Pay it within the day or the next (as early as possible). You can pay through (some may have convenience fees):

• Credit or Debit Card
• 7-11
• Bayed Center
• EcPay
• Pera Hub
• Robinson’s Business Center and Department Stores
• USCC (Western Union)
• Villarica Pawnshop
• Waltermart Department Store

STEP 5: Once you have paid, you can check your e-mail. You may have to print the following:

• Checklist with your indicated schedule
• Confirmed Application Form with the bar code, appointment reference number (ARN), and receipt number
• 2 copies of the receipt

STEP 6: Bring all the documents required on your appointment day. It’s better to be 30 minutes early for your appointment.

Dress smartly as you are entering a government office. Your photos are also captured – be sure that you won’t have contact lenses, jewelry, etc.

STEP 7: Your fingerprints and photos are taken. The officer will also let you check the details on your passport. Make sure you review it – if ever there’s a mistake you didn’t notice, you’ll have to pay for another one and go through the process again.

STEP 8: Claim your passport. You’ll need to bring your receipt. Once you have it, check if all the data are correct and affix your signature. You can also use courier services or a representative (with a Special Power of Attorney.)

Frequently Answered Questions on How to Get a Philippine Passport for First Timers

1. I have a mistake in my application form. Can my appointment be canceled?

If you have already paid, you can’t be refunded. But you can have it corrected based on your documents during your appointment. Don’t forget to tell the officer about it.

I have personally experienced getting my birthplace wrong (I entered my hometown rather than my birthplace.) The staff changed it to the correct one.

2. Can I cancel my appointment?

Yes, you can. However, you won’t be given a refund. You can cancel here or wait for the day of your appointment to be pass.

3. Can I reschedule my appointment?

Yes, you can reschedule once. You can only schedule your weekday appointment on another weekday. It’s also subject to the availability of slots.

4. What if I don’t go?

You can’t get a refund.

5. Is there a courtesy lane?

Yes, there is for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, minors (7 and below), Solo Parents, and OFWs. Usually, you will pay the expedited prices. Currently, during this pandemic, you’ll need to e-mail [email protected] or online kach.howe@gtravelgurus.com

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