As of this writing, passport appointment slots remain unavailable in the DFA’s website. A news report this morning said that the appointment setting service of the DFA is expected to resume in the coming days. Apparently, the service was temporarily discontinued because a lot of previous applicants submitted defective application forms — erroneous entries, incorrect information– and they are still in the process of cleaning the system. According to the report, there were about 26,000 applications with errors in the names and dates of birth of the applicants that is why they had to suspend the service. All applicants with errors in their applications need to re-apply to get an appointment.
How do I know when the DFA re-opens their online appointment setting service?
My advice: keep checking every day.
Yes. That is the only way you can secure the earliest available slots for you and your family.
Always remember these guidelines:
- Setting an appointment with the DFA online is free of charge but you have to pay your passport fee within 24 hours after you have successfully reserved a slot. If you fail to make the payment, your slot will be freed up for others to secure.
- Do not transact with anyone who promises to secure a slot for you for a fee. DFA does not honor any other means of securing a slot other than one that was made on their website and issued a reference number by their system.
Passport fees are as follow:
- Regular – P950.00
- Expedited – P1,200.00
- Penalty for lost and mutilated ePassport – P350.00
If you are asked to pay more than the above amounts, chances are, you are dealing with a fixer or a scammer. Set your appointment only at the DFA official website and pay for your passport fee only at the DFA’s accredited payment partners.
What if I lost my valid passport?
You may file and report your lost valid passport application at the Consular Office of your choice. You will be required to submit a Police Report (in English) and an Affidavit of Loss. There will be a 15-day clearing period prior to the processing of application for the replacement of a lost valid passport.
What if I lost my expired passport?
You will be required to submit an Affidavit of Loss. Your application will be considered as first-time passport application.
Where can Senior Citizens, PWDs, and infants (up to 12 months) apply without an appointment?
In view of the current health emergency arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, applications for consular services are strictly by appointment only. To obtain an appointment, visit passport.gov.ph.
I have an urgent travel. How can I qualify for an early accommodation?
Request for early accommodation may be considered if the purpose of travel is for medical or legal emergency purposes, death in the family, or if you are a returning OFW.
Booked flights do not guarantee approval for requests for early accommodation. The DFA strongly advises against purchasing outbound travel tickets until your passports are actually in your possession. The DFA will not be responsible for any rebooking charges, loss of income, and other financial compensation and/or personal losses arising from the applicant’s travel arrangements made while the passport has not been released.
I hope these FAQs helped you understand the current state of the DFA in terms of passport applications and renewals. I will feature more tomorrow. Let me know if there are specific topics under passports that you would want us to tackle.
Stay safe and healthy!
Reference: http://www.consular.dfa.gov.ph
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