How to Get a Philippine Passport in Cebu

A passport is a document issued by a government to its citizens for the purpose of international travel and identification. It’s the most reliable document accepted by airlines, immigration officials, and airport authorities.

If you want to travel internationally but don’t have a Philippine passport yet, here are the steps you need to follow for your passport application.

Disclaimer: As a result of the pandemic, travel policies and information have rapidly changed, and changes are being implemented to improve the situation. By reading this article, you agree to double-check and verify the information with the concerned authorities for the latest updates. 

Step 1. Secure an appointment online.

The first thing you need to do is secure a slot by setting up an appointment online through the DFA’s official booking website: www.passport.gov.ph. The site scheduling system lets you choose your preferred Department of Foreign Affairs site and select your available date and time slot.

Take note that many of the earliest slots can get filled because of the numerous applications. That is why it’s best to book an appointment three months before the desired travel date. 

Step 2. Input your application details completely and accurately.

Once you’ve chosen your preferred time and date, you’ll be asked to provide the necessary information, including your home address, your parents’ names, and your contact details. 

Tips:

• Make sure that you’ve input the correct spelling of your name and other information details
• Your chosen slot is only reserved for you for a limited time
• You’re only given 30-60 minutes to complete the application

Step 3. Double check your details before proceeding to payment.

The system will give you a chance to review all your encoded data before confirming and proceeding with payment. When you’re done double-checking, you can choose from these options:

• ₱950 (takes 10-15 days)
• ₱1200 (takes 5-6 days) – for expedited processing

You can pay your processing fees through selected payment centers nationwide or use your credit or debit card. Remember: All fees are non-refundable and will be forfeited if you fail to show up for your Philippine passport appointment, cancel your application, or your application is rejected due to discrepancies and incorrect information.

Step 4. Wait for your confirmation email.

After you’ve duly completed the form, it will be sent to the email address that you’ve provided. You need to print out the form and bring it with you on the date of your appointment, along with the other requirements and necessary documents.

Step 5. Show up on the day of your scheduled appointment.

You need to appear personally at your chosen Department of Foreign Affairs office on your scheduled date. Make sure you bring all the requirements with you, including the printed Philippine passport application form and eReceipt (two copies). 

Reminders:

• Don’t be late. You need to be there at least 30 minutes before your confirmed schedule. If you arrive late, your application will not be accommodated. 
• Wear proper attire. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has strict dress codes. They prohibit wearing crop tops, sleeveless shirts, plunging necklines, tube tops, see-through clothing, and sandos. Accessories like earrings, necklaces, and facial piercings must be removed during the photo capture.
• Make yourself presentable. Remember that the photo on your passport will be valid for 10 years. You need to look neat and well in your photo. You can wear makeup, but avoid applying too much. 
• “No Escort” Policy. Companions are not permitted to enter DFA premises unless they are a guardian or assisting seniors and people with special needs.

Accepted Valid IDs for Philippine Passport Application

You only need to bring one original ID and a photocopy of any of the following IDs:

• Social Security System (SSS) ID or Unified Multi-Purpose (UMID)
• Driver’s License
• Postal ID (issued August 2016 onwards)
• PRC ID
• Philippine Identification (PhilID)
• Senior Citizen ID
• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID
• Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate from the Main Office with dry seal. When presenting the Voter’s Certificate, you may also need to provide NBI or police clearance.
• PNP Firearms License
• OWWA or iDOLE card
• School ID or Certificate of Enrollment with student photo and the school’s dry seal (if student)
• Airman’s License

Important Reminder: Make sure that your ID (original and photocopy) is readable and scannable. Also, you need to double check if it contains the same information as the other documents presented. 

Other Additional Requirements to Prepare for Your DFA Passport Appointment

First-time Philippine passport applicants are required to present a copy of their PSA birth certificate, among other documents and IDs. Married women who wish to use their married last names are required to present a copy of the PSA marriage certificate. 

Here are possible additional requirements you need to prepare:

For Minor Applicants

• Confirmed online appointment
• Completed application form
• PSA Birth Certificate
• School ID (if applicable)
• PSA Marriage Certificate of parents if only one is accompanying the child
• If the parent is unmarried, present an Affidavit of Support and/or Consent executed by the mother (if the mother cannot be present during the application)
• Any government-issued ID of either parent (original and photocopy)

For Adult Applicants

• Confirmed online appointment
• Completed application form
• Local Civil Registrar Copy is required if PSA birth certificate cannot be read
• Married females using their spouse’s last name must submit a PSA Marriage Certificate (both original and photocopy)

Are Walk-Ins Allowed?

During the height of the pandemic, NO WALK-INS were allowed. Walk-in courtesy lanes were suspended due to health protocols. Everyone is required to secure an online passport appointment before proceeding to the DFA.

However, after the DFA made an official announcement regarding their new policies, walk-in passport applicants who are “fully vaccinated” and “qualified” are now allowed at all consular offices, especially those outside Manila. 

The DFA advised that only “qualified” applicants could line up at courtesy lanes. But who are these “qualified” applicants?

List of Qualified Applicants

• Senior Citizens (may be accompanied by one adult)
• Pregnant (proof of pregnancy)
• Persons with Disabilities
• Solo Parents (valid solo identification card)
• Minors aged 7 years old and below (should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian)
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Seafarers with incoming active employment abroad

Can You Claim the Passport Yourself?

An immediate family member can claim your passport on your behalf. This family member should have an authorization letter prepared and signed by you, including other requirements such as: 

• Original Receipt
• Applicant’s Valid ID (original and photocopy)
• Representative’s Valid ID (original and photocopy)

Validity Period of Passport in the Philippines

• Minor applicants will still be issued 5-year valid passports
• 18-year-olds and older are valid for 10 years

DFA Consular Office Locations in Cebu

• Regional Consular Office – Mandaue City, Cebu (Pacific Mall)