Passport

General Information

The Philippine passport remains, at all times, the property of the Republic of the Philippines. It must be surrendered upon demand by an authorized representative of the Philippine Government.

Any alteration, addition, tampering, or destruction of passport contents is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized changes will render the passport invalid and may subject the holder to penalties under applicable laws. Using the passport as collateral for any financial transaction is unlawful and will automatically result in its cancellation.

All information provided in the passport application form must be true and correct. Applicants must ensure that submitted documents are complete and authentic. Under Republic Act No. 11983 (New Philippine Passport Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, making false statements or submitting falsified or forged documents in support of a passport application is punishable by law.

Before Applying for a Philippine Passport

Applicants are strongly advised to secure a valid passport before booking flights. Passports should be valid for at least six (6) months at the time of travel.
Personal appearance is required for all applicants.
Applicants are cautioned against dealing with fixers. Transactions with unauthorized individuals are at your own risk and expense.
Prepare all original documents and photocopies of the required supporting documents.
For photo capture:
- Stud earrings and small accessories may be allowed.
- Accessories that obscure the face or cast shadows will not be permitted and must be removed.
- Applicants are encouraged to wear collared tops, blouses, or tops with higher necklines in colors that contrast clearly with the background.
- Sleeveless tops and camisoles should be avoided.

The Philippine Embassy strictly implements a “No Escort” policy. Escorts will not be allowed to enter the consular premises, except in cases requiring special assistance.

After Applying for a Philippine Passport

Present the official passport receipt when claiming your passport. If the receipt is lost, an Affidavit of Loss must be submitted.
Verify all personal data printed on the passport before leaving the Embassy.
Applicants aged 13 years and above must immediately affix their signature on the designated page upon receipt. For minors aged 12 years and below, the signature page should remain blank.
If the applicant is unable to personally claim the passport:
- An immediate family member must present a notarized Authorization Letter; or
- An authorized representative must present a notarized Special Power of Attorney.
- The authorization must include the name of the representative and a photocopy of their valid ID.
Passports unclaimed after one (1) year will be cancelled in accordance with Department Order No. 2021-012.
Do not staple, punch, or attach anything to the passport booklet, particularly on the covers, as this may damage the embedded electronic chip and render the ePassport unreadable.

Travel Documents

A Philippine Travel Document is a temporary travel document issued to Filipino citizens who urgently need to return to the Philippines but are unable to meet the requirements for the issuance or renewal of a regular Philippine passport. The Philippine Embassy may issue a Travel Document in exceptional and emergency circumstances, such as:

Serious illness or medical emergency involving the applicant or an immediate family member;
Death of an immediate family member in the Philippines;
Loss or expiration of passport where urgent travel is necessary;
Other meritorious cases requiring immediate repatriation.

Issuance of a Travel Document is subject to evaluation and approval by the Consular Officer.

Validity and Use

A Travel Document is valid only for direct, one-way travel to the Philippines.
It cannot be used for return travel to the country of origin or for travel to any third country.
It is generally valid for a limited period (30 days from date of issuance) and solely for the specific journey approved at the time of issuance.

After entry into the Philippines, the Travel Document is considered expired and cannot be used again. The holder must apply for a new Philippine passport at any Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in the Philippines for future travel.

Important Travel Considerations
Applicants are advised that some countries do not recognize or accept emergency travel documents, even for transit purposes. If your travel itinerary includes transit through another country, you must verify with the Embassy or Consulate of that country whether a Philippine Travel Document will be accepted for transit. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure compliance with airline and transit country requirements before departure. The Travel Document is intended as a humanitarian and emergency measure. Whenever possible, Filipino citizens are encouraged to maintain a valid Philippine passport to avoid travel disruptions. For further information or to request evaluation for issuance of a Travel Document, please contact the Embassy’s Consular Section.

Passport Forms