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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the requirements for a first-time application?
In order for an individual to qualify for a Philippine passport, the Consulate General must determine two things: the true identity of the individual and that the individual is a Philippine citizen. A list of required documents appears here. In the case of Filipino children born in the United States, the birth should be registered with the Consular post that has jurisdiction of the place of birth before a passport can be issued. When filing an application for an infant, copies of the parents' passports should also be submitted. A complete list of documents required appears here.
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What are the requirements for the renewal of passports?
Passport applications are done personally. Applicants should submit their old passports for cancellation, as well as a duly accomplished application form. In addition, applicants should submit three identical recent colored photographs (1.77" × 1.37" or 3.5 × 4.5 cm) with a royal blue background showing the front view of the face. To establish their citizenship, permanent residents of the United States must present a copy of their alien registration card. Filipinos serving in the US military must submit a letter from the commanding officer that the applicant is still a citizen of the Philippines, plus a duplicate copy for the Consulate's files. Due to changes resulting from the Passport Act, individuals must also submit proof of their middle name. Any document as proof of middle name such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, social security card, Alien Registration Card, may be submitted. The middle name should be spelled out.
I just lost my passport. What should I do?
First immediately file a police report as this is required by the Consulate to replace the lost passport. Second, apply for a replacement passport at the Consulate with as many of the requirements as you can gather. While it is a good idea to apply immediately, you will eventually have to produce all of the required documents.
What are the requirements for the replacement of a lost passport?
Lost passports can only be replaced when the consular officer can determine that, in addition to meeting the minimum requirements for a Philippine passport, that the applicant has actually lost his, or her, passport.
The documentary requirements for the replacement of a lost passport are essentially the same as for a first time application. Additional supporting documents may also be required to establish the applicant's identity, Philippine citizenship, and the circumstances surrounding the loss of the passport.
In addition to the documentary requirements, the Consulate General has to receive clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila to replace a lost passport. Due to the significant volume of such cases, the mandatory waiting period for the clearance is 15 working days.
How does the Consulate deal with cases involving assumed names, or in the case of seamen who jump ship?
Cases involving assumed names, and cases involving seamen who jump ship, are treated in the same way as lost passport.
How long does it take to replace a lost passport?
The mandatory waiting period of 15 working days, on top of the six (6) weeks processing time.
Why are so many documents required to replace a lost passport?
The Consulate must be able to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding a lost passport. To do this, substantial documentation is needed. Such thoroughness is necessary to protect the integrity of the Philippine passport.
Why does the Consulate require National Statistics Office (NSO) certified birth certificates? Why can't I use my old one?
The Consulate must clearly establish the identity of the applicant. To do so, it must be confident that the documents submitted are authentic. Only the new NSO-certified birth certificates provide the required level of security.
The Consulate is also required by law to ensure that all of the particulars that appear in the passport are the same as those that appear in the birth certificate.
I applied for a replacement for my lost passport and I was asked to submit a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance. Why was this so?
In some cases, the Consul may require an NBI clearance to aid in establishing an applicant's identity. An NBI clearance is usually required in complicated lost passport cases and in situations in which the applicant does not have any form of photo ID.
I have an INS appointment but I can only produce some of the requirements for my replacement passport. How can the Consulate help me?
In very limited cases, the Consulate can issue a passport with a limited validity, providing that most of the requirements have been met, and that there is substantial proof of the applicant's citizenship and identity. Once the applicant submits all of the required documents, the Consulate will extend the validity of the passport for a full five years from the date of issue.
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What is a travel document?
A travel document allows the bearer only a direct, one-way trip to the Philippines. It is only issued in critical instances, usually in life or death situations. A travel document is not intended as a short cut in complying with the requirements for the renewal of a passport or the replacement of a lost passport.
How can I apply for a travel document?
You cannot apply for a travel document. Travel documents can only be resorted to when the consular officer determines that its use is warranted
I have a ticket to return to the Philippines but my passport application will not be processed before I'm supposed to leave. Can I travel on a travel document?
It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure that a passport will be available at the planned date of travel. Again, a travel document is not intended as a short cut in complying with the requirements for the renewal of a passport or the replacement of a lost passport. Therefore, it is probable that unless you have valid proof of a serious emergency, you will not be issued a travel document solely on the basis of your ticket.
What constitutes valid proof of an emergency?
If you urgently need a travel document because of a serious emergency, such as a death in the family, then the particulars of the emergency should be faxed directly to the Consulate. In the case of a death in the family, for instance, the hospital should fax the death certificate directly to the Consulate.
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For more information:
Philippine Consulate General in New York
556 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036 US
Email: newyork@pcgny.net
(212) 764-1330
Fax: (212) 382-1146
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Office Hours:
Monday to Friday - 9:00am to 5:00pm
Closed on Philippine and U.S. Holidays
Acceptance of Passport Applications:
Monday to Friday - 9:00am to 4:00pm only
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