1) WHAT IS THE DFA ePASSPORT APPOINTMENT SYSTEM?

It is a system developed by the DFA wherein passport applicants can avail of an appointment schedule with a specific date and time for the processing of their ePassport.

2) WHO MAY AVAIL OF THE DFA ePASSPORT APPOINTMENT SYSTEM?

All eligible Filipinos who wish to apply for an ePassport may avail of the DFA ePassport Appointment System. The DFA Consular Office is located at the Aseana Business Park, cor. Bradco St. and Diosdado Macapagal Ave., Paranaque (near Mall of Asia).

3) WHERE CAN I ACCESS THE DFA ePASSPORT APPOINTMENT SYSTEM?

Applicants can access the DFA ePassport Appointment System by:

     a) Calling the DFA ePassport Appointment System Hotline : (02) 737-1000; or

     b) Going online at www.passport.com.ph

For queries on other details (particularly for emergency cases), applicants may call: 831-8971 / 551-4437 / 551-4402 / 834-4424 / 836-7760 / 836-7748 / 836-7750 or 834-4835. Other contact information can be found at www.dfa.gov.ph.

The email address: scheduler-appointment.net is another alternative in case of difficulty with the foregoing access points.

4) HOW DOES THE DFA ePASSPORT APPOINTMENT SYSTEM WORK?

The appilcant calls the hotline or logs on to the website where he / she provides personal information, decides on an appointment schedule, and receives a reference number coinciding with the approved date and time of appointment. The applicant can then proceed to the DFA Consular Office at the Aseana Business Park on the appointment date.

5) WHEN WILL THE DFA ePASSPORT APPOINTMENT SYSTEM START?

The DFA ePassport Appointment System hotline and website will start on 8 March 2010.

6) THE DFA ePASSPORT APPOINTMENT SYSTEM IS AVAILABLE ON WHAT DAYS?

It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for both hotline and online channels.

7) WHAT ADVANTAGE DOES THE DFA ePASSPORT APPOINTMENT SYSTEM HAVE TO OFFER?

Through the DFA ePassport Appointment System, the applicant enjoys convenience at no extra cost. The applicant benefits from efficient service and is provided a printed and filled-up application form. The applicant likewise avoids going through "fixers." In addition, the applicant enjoys 24 / 7 access to the system for inquiries and other concerns.

8) WHY IS THE DFA ePASSPORT APPOINTMENT SYSTEM NEEDED?

Through a world-class applicant management system, the DFA can efficiently utilize its office space at the Aseana Business Park. It ensures improved and orderly service to the public at no extra cost to applicants and the DFA. The system also ensures good time management for both the applicant and the DFA.

9) WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I CALL THE DFA ePASSPORT APPOINTMENT HOTLINE (02) 737-1000?

The applicant's call will be received by a Customer Care Officer who gathers the applicant's personal information, sets the appointment schedule and time, and provides a reference number to the applicant. Afterwards, the applicant only needs to appear at the DFA Consular Office at Aseana Business Park on the appointment date set.

10) WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I LOG ON TO www.passport.com.ph?

The applicant must fill-up an online application form, select an appointment date and time from the available list, and click "SUBMIT". The applicant then receives a reference number which is to be presented at the DFA Consular Office at the Aseana Business Park on the appointment date.

11) ARE THERE OTHER CHANNELS BY WHICH I CAN SET AN APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE?

Currently, only the hotline and online channels are available. In the future, an SMS channel will be developed.

12) DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING ON MY APPOINTMENT DATE?

Yes, one must bring the requirements for ePassport application mentioned on the hotline or posted online.

13) WHAT REQUIREMENTS DO I NEED TO BRING?

Depending on whether you are applying for a new ePassport or for a renewal thereof, you will be advised by the Customer Care Officer of the hotline or guided by the requirements list online.

It must be emphasized, however, than no photo is required to be submitted because data-capturing machines will be used for the purpose.

14) HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO PAY FOR ePASSPORT PROCESSING?

ePassport Processing fees are : REGULAR processing -P950 (14 working days); RUSH processing - P1,200 (7 working days); LOS PASSPORT - additional P200 if still valid

15) DO I HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT TO SET AN APPOITNMENT SCHEDULE?

No, the DFA ePassport Appointment System is provided free of charge.

1) WHAT IS THE MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORT?

The machine-readable passport contains personal information of the bearer that can be read by the ordinary eye and can likewise be read by a machine or computer through the "machine-readable zone".

The machine-readable passport allows swifter processing of travellers at international points of entry / exit. It thus provides greater convenience and security for all travellers.

2) WHAT ARE THE OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORT?

The machine-readable passport is maroon colored, having 44 pages, with a printed personal data page instead of handwritten. The machine-readable passport also has the following security features: watermarked paper; colored UV fibers; UV reactive inks; special designs; microtexts; laser perforated numbers; ultrathin laminates; letter screen; invisible personal information; and holograms.

3) WHAT TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPH IS REQUIRED FOR THE MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORT?

The photograph must have a royal blue background, taken within the last six months from the date of application, size 4.5 x 3.5 cm, showing the whole front of the face facing the camera, with the face covering 70-80% of the photograph, and using clean and high-quality photo paper (preferably with matte finish).

It is likewise required that the applicant be shown wearing decent attire in the photograph, preferably in a collared shirt. For women, decent attire is sufficient (i.e., with collar and no plunging neckline).

4) WHAT OTHER REMINDERS SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT REGARDING THE PHOTOGRAPH?

a) An applicant may wear eyeglasses in the photo so long as there results no glare or that the lenses are not dark. Contact lenses may be worn so long as the true color of the eyes are unaltered. Photos with "red eye effect" will likewise be not accepted.

b) As much as possible, the photo should show both ears. Women are permitted to wear earrings in the photo but not men.

c) Hats, caps, etc. will not be accepted.

d) Smiling in the photo is acceptable so long as there is no distortion of the eyes, mouth, and cheeks.

5) MUST ONE PERSONALLY APPLY AT THE EMBASSY FOR A MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORT?

In all cases, applications for machine-readable passports must be made personally at the Embassy so that the applicant can affix his / her thumbmark and signature on the application form in the presence of an Embassy official. The thumbmark and signature are uploaded to the Philippine government's database.

6) HOW MANY DAYS DOES IT TAKE TO GET A MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORT?

The machine-readable passport may be received after 30 days of processing. From the date of submission of the application, the Embassy sends the application form to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City which issues the new machine-readable passport. The new machine-readable passport is then sent by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Embassy which releases it to the applicant.

Within the 30-day period, the current passport of the applicant is not cancelled. The old passport loses its validity only upon its presentation for cancellation at the Embassy on the day of issuance of the new machine-readable passport to the applicant.

7) WHAT IS THE COST OF A MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORT?

A machine-readable passport costs $50.

The requirements for a 9a temporary visitor's visa are:

1) Duly accomplished visa application form

2) One photograph of the applicant (1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches)

3) Proof of financial capacity or letter of invitation from a sponsor in the Philippines duly authenticated by the Myanmar Embassy in Manila stating that the sponsor is responsible for shouldering the visa applicant's expenses in the Philippines

4) Valid return or onward air ticket, and photocopy thereof

5) Genuine passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of expiry, and a photocopy of the passport's personal data papge

6) Personal appearance, if deemed appropriate

7) Visa fee of $30

The requirements for a 9c seaman's visa are:

1) Duly accomplished visa application form

2) One photograph of the applicant (1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches)

3) Letter of endorsement from the Seaman Employment Control Division, Department of Marine Administration, Myanmar Ministry of Transport

4) Letter from the recruitment agency

5) Onward passage air ticket, and photocopy thereof

6) Original seaman's book / passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of expiry, and a photocopy of the passport's personal data page

7) Visa fee of $20

The following are the requirements for authentication of documents:

1) Document must be translated into English and notarized by a local notary public

2) Document must be authenticated by the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw

3) Authentication fee of $25

The requirements for notarization of a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are:

1) Original and photocopy of the SPA duly executed and signed by the principal and 2 witnesses

2) Personal appearance

3) Notarization fee of $25

The requirements for a report of birth are the following:

1) Personal appearance by at least 1 parent

2) Birth certificate of the child translated into English and duly notarized by a local notary public and authenticated by the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw

3) Duly accomplished Report of Birth form

4) 3 colored ID pictures of the child

5) Marriage contract of the parents, if applicable

6) Original and photocopies of the Filipino parent/s' passport/s

7) Consular fee of $25

The requirements for the issuance of a Certification of Philippine Citizenship for purposes of an application for a Myanmar stay permit are:

1) Original Philippine passport and photocopy of the passport's personal data and visa pages

2) Original contract of employment or letter from the applicant's employer certifiying the employment status of the applicant

3) Certification fee of $25