DFA Consular Office advises the public on passport applications

Measures to address the recent delay in the processing and releasing of passports have been implemented, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) said following the recent increase in passport applications and other technical concerns.

“The DFA will extend up to one year the validity of the current expiring passports of applicants who have urgent travel. The extension will be free of charge while applicants are waiting for the release of their new electronic passports (ePassports),” the state agency said in a statement.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and applicants who need their passports on emergency circumstances (e.g., medical concerns, death in the immediate family) are advised to go to the Passport Director’s Office for assistance. The office is located at the ground floor of the DFA-OCA at the Aseana Business Park along Macapagal Avenue, it added.

The DFA-OCA has extended its work hours and opened its services on Saturdays. Passport processing services are now available until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The DFA said applicants must file for their passport applications at least 12 weeks before their intended date of travel.

“The DFA is exerting all efforts and is committed to resolve the delays at the soonest possible time, and requests the public’s patience and understanding, particularly those who applied at its Regional Consular Offices (RCOs),” it added.

For additional information, the public may call the DFA-OCA at telephone nos. (02) 737-1000 and (02) 556-0000, send an email to [email protected] or visit the Department’s website at www.dfa.gov.ph. (www.gov.ph)