Back in the day, passport applicants are required to bring copies of their 2×2 ID photos when applying for their Philippine passports. Restrictions are limited to the type of shirt you should be wearing on the photo (with collar) and the background should be white. Applicants are also advised to avoid wearing accessories such as eyeglasses and earrings that may cause huge differences from their actual physical appearance.
Now, all you need to do is personally appear at your preferred DFA branch on the date of your appointment. All your biometrics: photos, fingerprints, and signatures will be taken onsite and in the presence of a DFA representative.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for your passport photo-op and other biometric requirements:
- Your Pose.
The interviews and document evaluation will be done while you sit across a DFA representative in a booth. Right beside you is a DLSR camera, aimed at your face. When advised by the representative, look directly at the camera lens. Your “selfie angle” may not meet the DFA’s photo requirements so avoid tilting your head in any direction. Your mouth and the bridge of your nose should form an imaginary vertical line at the center of the image.
- Your Expression.
Avoid smiling too much or frowning too much; do not raise your eyebrows nor squint your eyes or any other facial expression that may alter your natural look. Your expression should be neutral, both eyes open and mouth closed. Your forehead must be clearly seen without hair covering any part of your eyes or cheeks.
- Smiling.
You may smile but careful you do not show your teeth and gums!
- Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
Remove your eyeglasses before you pose for your passport photo. If you use contact lenses for medical reasons, you may leave it on provided these are not colored contacts. Otherwise, you may be advised by the representative to remove the contacts before they take your photo.
- Ears.
Both ears should be visible. Tuck your hair behind your ears if you have to.
- Earrings and Hair Accessories
Remove hair accessories before posing for your photo. If you keep an unconventional hairstyle (afro, frizzy, out-of-bed-look), please make sure it is neatly kept for your passport appointment.
Any type of earring is not allowed.
- Infants and small children.
Babies and toddlers who are still unable to support themselves should be assisted by a parent or guardian. They can hold the child but their hands and arms should not be visible in the photo. If you need a high chair for your baby, you may request from a DFA staff while waiting for your turn to give them time to look for one.
The DFA enforces strict rules on dress codes, whether you are applying for a passport or claiming one. When I visited the DFA in SM Manila two years ago, there was a young lady who wanted to claim her passport but was denied entry because she was wearing a mini-skirt. She had to find a scarf that was large enough to cover her legs until below the knee before the guards allowed her to come in.
If you have questions about passport application, send us a message and we will do our best to find the best answers for you.
Reference: www.dfa.gov.ph
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