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 thereby 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 is sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila for printing and issuance. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for the entire process up to release of passport to applicant.
The Embassy advises all Philippine passport holders, whose passports are expiring within the next 6 months, to renew their passports if they intend to travel within the aforementioned period.
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. This means that all passport applicants, regardless of age, are henceforthrequired to appear personally.
EXPEDITING THE AVAILABILITY OF A NEW PASSPORT FOR IMMEDIATE COLLECTION
The production of a passport is done in the Philippines. The Embassy has no control over the production of a passport or its shipment to Argentina, and hence the Embassy cannot offer to assist in the expedited production or delivery of a passport. The Embassy can only advise that the expected availabilityof a new passport for collection is 6 to 8 weeks after the passport appointment date. Even then, the Embassy is not liable if a new passport’s availability is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
DELAYED AVAILABILITY OF THE NEW PASSPORT
If the new passport’s availability is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and the passport holder needs the new passport for either overseas travel or DNI renewal, the Embassy’s Consular Section will extend the validity of the current passport (free of charge) so that the passport holder can proceed with that business.
EXPIRED PASSPORT FOR RENEWAL OR TRAVEL
Holders of an expired Philippine passport must apply for a new passport. If the holder of an expired passport needs to make an overseas travel, a request for advice can be made to the Passport Section with an email titled “Expired passport, need to travel” to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The email must attach the scanned image of the current Philippine passport and the DNI/Cedula showing the expiration date. The Passport Section will reply with appropriate advice.
COLLECTING YOUR NEW PASSPORT
You can consult for the availability of your new passport through email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Claiming your new passport at the Embassy will require the following:
- The Official Receipt
- The current Philippine passport (to be cancelled and returned to the passport owner)
- If new passport will be claimed by a representative, original signed authorization letter from the passport owner and copy of the representative´s DNI/Cedula should be presented. If the original signed letter is not presented, the new passport will NOT be released to the representative.
- Collection schedule from Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Passports that are not claimed one year after delivery to the Embassy are cancelled, which is a requirement of Philippine law.
PASSPORT NEARING EXPIRATION AND PERMANENTLY RETURNING TO THE PHILIPPINES
If the passport is nearing expiration (less than six months validity) and the passport holder will soon return to the Philippines for good, there is no need to apply for a new passport or to extend the validity of the passport.
Filipinos making one-way travel to the Philippines and whose passport is nearing expiry are allowed to purchase a direct airline trip to the Philippines and to enter the Philippines.
LOST PASSPORT AND RETURNING TO THE PHILIPPINES
Filipinos who have lost their passport and need to travel immediately to the Philippines can apply for a Travel Document at the Embassy. The Travel Document issued by the Embassy can be used only for direct one-way travel to the Philippines and not for travel to any other country.
PASSPORT FOR NEWBORN INFANT BORN IN ARGENTINA, BOLIVIA, PARAGUAY AND URUGUAY
The Filipino parent(s) of an infant born in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay should apply for two consular services on behalf of the infant: the Report of Birth and the passport application. The passport application of the child requires making the Report of Birth. These two consular services can be done at the same time.
EXTENSION OF PASSPORT VALIDITY
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPLACEMENT OF LOST PASSPORTS
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPLACEMENT OF MUTILATED/DAMAGED PASSPORTS
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENT FOR IMMEDIATE AND URGENT TRAVEL TO THE PHILIPPINES
REGISTRY OF PHILIPPINE NATIONALS
CONSULAR SECTION OPERATING HOURS
