Comments on: Getting a Philippine Passport

By: Reah Guevarra

Reah Guevarra — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:29:53 +0000

To dens,

Well, when I applied before, the e-passport was still not available. I took advantage of the one-week release of passport. If I remembered it right, I paid Php750. If you can wait 30 days, you can pay for Php500. So about your question that it can be given to you within a day, I don’t think so, unless e-passport application is like that.

You can process the passport in one day if you will be able to make it for the cut-off. But you have to choose whether you want your passport within 7 business days, or 30 days.

By: dens

dens — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:01:04 +0000

thanks for sharing your experience, just wondering, is it true that it only takes a day to get a passport assuming we make the cutoff? my mom had trouble getting her birth certificate and now she’s racing against time since she’s supposed to travel to hong kong with our relatives on November 18

thanks in advance

By: Reah Guevarra

Reah Guevarra — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:11:59 +0000

Yup, if you ignore these fixers while they are trying to “assist” you, they will get mad at you. As if they were really sincere on assisting you. For me, I just follow what are the requirements listed on DFA website, and call even their hotline just to confirm their requirements.

For the Photo here is the required size.

Three (3) colored photos of the applicant taken against a royal blue background & no shadow. Applicant should be in decent attire with collar & sleeves and in dark-colored shirt. Photo must be studio taken & of good quality, and must have been taken within the last six (6) months. Photo size: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm. Facial image size: About 3cm-tip of head to chin; with 8-10mm head clearance from top edge. Ears and forehead should be visible. Wearing of accessories, colored contact lenses or eyeglasses, with name/name board are not allowed. DFA has the right to reject photos that do not comply with specifications and international standards.

If you go to a studio and ask them this would be the size, you should be confident on applying for your passport even if these fixers keep harassing you.

By: yowan

yowan — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:06:55 +0000

heya, Mom and I just went to DFA today. We were in the mood but then these people started accommodating us. Talked about being able to join before the cut-off and blah blah. They check my Pictures and said that it is too big and blah blah and recommend to have it taken inside in just 2 mins. for P160 pesos.

We know something is fishy about all of these. But yeah, we left, and some woman even followed us to convince us, But no avail (she even said “Bahala ka yo!” LOL. So we decided to just go to a travel agency for assistance.

By: mark

mark — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:27:24 +0000

Ms Kat, would you mind if you send me the contact details of the travel agent that you are talking about. I just really need to have a passport as soon as possible for my student visa. Thank you.

By: Kat

Kat — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:49:37 +0000

I went to the DFA last week to apply for a passport. I was all set to stay the whole day to process it but I didn’t make the cut-off for the appointment. Hay. I’m going back later today for that.

I did notice the fixers and a lot of business outside for pictures and all. Grabe, it was really intimidating, and if you weren’t aware of what they are, you’ll really be tempted to go along with them.

My friend recommends a travel agent instead, because you’ll add a few hundred pesos and save yourself the hassle.