A visa is merely a permit issued by a sovereign authority of another country, allowing entry, exit, or transit through its borders. However, a visa alone is insufficient to allow you to leave the Philippines. You still need to complete some preparations before obtaining a visa(get your passport):

1: Prepare Required Documents

Before making your appointment, please ensure you have the originals and photocopies of the following documents. DFA officers will verify the originals and collect the photocopies.

1. Adults (18 years and older) – New or Renewal

• PSA Birth Certificate:Must be a Security Paper (SECPA) version or a certified copy with a barcode. For late-registered births, an Affidavit is also required.
• Valid Government ID:Only one original and a photocopy are required.

Accepted documents include: UMID, Driver’s License, PRC ID, Voter’s ID, PhilSys ID (National ID), SSS/GSIS ID, etc. If the name on the ID does not exactly match the birth certificate, additional supporting documents (such as a Marriage Contract) may be required.

2. Minors (under 18 years old)

• PSA Birth Certificate (security paper or barcode version).
• Valid government ID of one parent.
• DFA Form: A consent form completed on-site or signed by the guardian.
• Special Circumstances: If only one parent is accompanying the child, a written consent form (SPA) or DSWD permission from the other parent is required (if the parent is abroad).

3. Name Change/Data Correction

In addition to the basic documents mentioned above, a PSA Marriage Certificate (for women changing their surname after marriage) or Annulment/Divorce Decree (for reverting to a maiden name after divorce) is also required.

          Tip: It is recommended to order all PSA documents online in advance through PSA Helpline and have them delivered to your home to avoid queuing at the store.

2: Online Appointment

Currently, the DFA does not accept applications without an appointment.

• • Visit the official website:
    Go to the DFA Passport Online Appointment System.Beware of fake websites: Ensure the URL ends with .gov.ph.
  • Complete the application form:
    Fill in your personal information accurately (must be completely consistent with your PSA document).Select a convenient DFA office location (Manila ASEANA, regional satellite offices such as SM Mall, Robinsons, etc.) and date/time.
  • Confirmation and Payment:
    After submission, the system will generate a Reference Number. Some sites may require online payment of processing fees, or you can choose “Pay in person”.
  • Print the appointment confirmation sheet:
    Be sure to print out the Appointment Confirmation Sheet; this is your access pass to the lobby. It is usually automatically generated by the website and sent to your email address.

3: On-site processing

• Arrive on time:
  Bring all required original documents and copies, and the appointment confirmation letter.
• Preliminary review:
  Staff checks the completeness of the documents.
• Photo and fingerprint recording:
  On-site collection of biometric information (photos and 10 fingerprints).
• Payment:
  Pay passport fees (approximately PHP 950 for regular processing and approximately PHP 1,200 for expedited processing; please refer to the latest official standards for specific details).
• Get a receipt:
  Obtain a receipt containing the collection date and reference number.

4: Receive passport

• Standard processing:
  Usually takes 7–12 business days.
• Expedited service:
  Pick-up within 3–5 business days (depending on the branch).
• Upon collection, you will need to present a receipt and a valid ID. If you are authorizing someone else to collect it on your behalf, a letter of authorization and both parties’ IDs are required. DFAs generally offer LBC mailing services, but additional postage will apply. Alternatively, you can collect it in person at your local DFA.

Extral Note

• Ensure document consistency:
  Your name spelling must be exactly the same: The spelling of your name on your birth certificate (PSA Birth Certificate), existing ID (such as driver’s license, UMID), and application form must be identical. Omissions or errors on the application form will cause system mismatches.
• Dress code:
  No collarless clothing (such as tank tops, camisoles, etc.), shorts, or flip-flops.
• Minors applying:
  Must be accompanied by one of their parents or legal guardians.
• Prepare exact change:
  It is recommended to prepare an exact amount, as giving change on-site may be inconvenient.
• Bring a pen:
  Having your own pen will be much easier if you need to make minor changes to the form on-site.
• Official channel exclusivity:
  Only passport.gov.ph is the official appointment website. Many fake websites charge exorbitant “express fees” or “guarantee fees,” These are scams.
• Insider guarantee:
  Do not trust any intermediaries or individuals claiming to be able to “jump the queue” or “skip appointments.” The DFA’s biometric system is very strict; fingerprints cannot be recorded without a proper appointment.