DFA Passport Appointment step by step guide: How to Get a Passport?

The DFA passport appointment system is like winning the lottery due to the shortage of slots. You can travel the world with a Philippine passport. If you’d like to study, work, or travel abroad, this is the most important document you need. You can also use it to transact with the government and private entities.

It can be difficult to get or renew a Philippine passport through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

To travel abroad, we all need passports. Get a Philippine passport with our easy-to-follow guide to DFA passport applications and renewals.

DFA Passport Appointment online System in the Philippines

Step 1: Make a DFA Passport Appointment

A Philippine passport application must be booked online before visiting a DFA location, regardless of whether it is a new application or a renewal.

Applicants can go directly to DFA Manila ASEANA’s courtesy lane without setting a DFA passport appointment:

Parents and minor siblings of children aged seven and below
For women who are not visibly pregnant, they need a medical certificate.
Senior citizens with a senior citizen ID and one member of their immediate family
Minor children of solo parents with solo parent IDs
An immediate family member who has a PWD ID and a person with a disability
A valid OFW e-Card, work visa, or employment contract authenticated by POEA
If any of the following government officials approves a written request for Courtesy Lane Privileges, the privilege may be extended to applicants in exceptional and emergency situations:
- Foreign Affairs Secretary
- Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs
- Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary

Notes:

A senior citizen or person with disabilities’ immediate family member or travel companion may also enjoy Courtesy Lane privileges.
There must be proof of relationship between the senior citizen or PWD and his or her immediate family (i.e., spouse, adult children, or adult siblings).
Travel documents (e.g., hotel reservations or flight confirmations) are required for the senior citizen or PWD’s travel companion. Furthermore, they must state the reason for the travel (e.g., the companion is a nurse or medical escort).

How to Book an Appointment Online Using the DFA Passport Appointment System Website:

Are you wondering, “How can I book an appointment with DFA online?” Here’s what you need to do:

By visiting www.dfa.gov.ph and clicking on the Book an Appointment link, you can access the online appointment system. You can also go directly to passport.gov.ph/appointment to schedule an appointment with DFA.
Get a passport appointment for yourself or for a group.
Your passport application or renewal should be handled at a DFA consular office.
Choose the time and date that works best for you.
You can fill out the passport application online.
Choose your preferred passport processing type (regular/expedited).

Your reference number for paying the passport processing fee will be emailed to you as soon as the DFA receives your online passport application or renewal form.

The Things You Should Know Before Scheduling Your DFA Passport Appointment

Filipinos living in the Philippines are the only ones who can book online appointments. Passport applications can be filed at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate nearest to the citizen’s residence.
Passport appointments are free of charge through the DFA. Passport appointment slots cannot be obtained through payment. If you advertise such a service on Facebook or other online accounts, the PNP will follow you. Don’t deal with fixers. Only the passport processing fee needs to be paid.
Passport appointments are limited for first-time applicants and renewals. If you’re able to get a slot on the first try, you’re lucky. Don’t give up, so be earnest! For what to do if no DFA online appointment slots are available in the Philippines this year, check out the FAQ section below.
In order to save time, choose a consular office that is closest to your location. On the DFA website, you can find a list of all DFA sites.
If you want to avoid long lines, schedule your visit early in the morning.
Gmail or Yahoo e-mail addresses are valid and working. The DFA passport appointment system does not support MSN, Hotmail, and Outlook e-mail accounts.
Make sure your application details are correct. All passport applications may be forfeited if incorrect or inaccurate information is provided.
An online passport appointment can sometimes be secured by e-mailing your consular office. You can send an e-mail to your consulate to set up an appointment if you are traveling with infants, senior citizens, or persons with disabilities, and proceed directly to the Courtesy Lane at the DFA or Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (TOPS) at the DFA.

Step 2:Fees for passport processing

DFA ePayment Portal allows applicants to pay passport fees before appearing in person at the DFA.

How and where do you pay for your passport appointment? DFA’s authorized payment partners are as follows:

Payment Centers

2GO
Bayad Center (Branded Stores, Authorized Partners, Kiosks, Retail Machines)
Clothers Asia Corp.
DA5
EBIZ
ECPay
LBC
Netopia
PERAHUB
PHILPOST
True Money

Shopping malls

Isetann
Landmark
Metro Malls
Robinsons Business Center
Robinsons Department Store
Rustans
SRS (San Roque Supermarket)
Sta. Lucia Mall

The banks

Savings Bank of Citystate
Bank of the Country Builders
Luzon Development Bank
Own Bank

Payments via e-Wallets and other online channels

Bayad Online
Coins.ph
The Gcash system
J6W / Posible.net
Maya
The touchpay system

After your payment has been processed, you will receive an application packet with the following information:

Passport requirements with your DFA appointment schedule
Application for a passport from the DFA confirmed
E-receipts in two copies

Don’t forget to bring all the documents to your DFA passport appointment on A4 paper.

Before paying the passport fee, here are some things to remember

The exact amount must be paid in cash (₱950 for regular processing or ₱1,200 for expedited processing).
Be sure to note your reference number and the total amount due (₱950/₱1,200 processing fee + ₱50 convenience fee per transaction). The PRF fee might also be charged to you.
There is a limit to how many times you can use the reference number. In the event that you made an error in payment, please contact the DFA helpdesk immediately at (02) 8234-3488.
If you have multiple reference numbers (for DFA group appointments), you must pay separately for each reference number. There can only be one transaction per reference number in the DFA.
DFA passport appointment confirmations will be emailed to you only after you pay the required fees. After you book your appointment and pay online, you will receive your passport application packet via email. The passport fee should be paid at the time of booking your appointment rather than afterward.
Without payment within 24 hours of booking, your DFA appointment will be automatically canceled. Try scheduling a new appointment when this happens. Your application packet will be emailed to you right away if you pay right away.
There are no refunds on any fees. In the event that you do not appear for your confirmed appointment, your fee will be forfeited. If an applicant cancels their appointment, presents a discrepant or fake document, or their application is rejected due to inconsistency or inaccuracy, the same rule applies.

Step 3: Gather the required documents for your passport

Are you applying for your first Philippine passport? Before visiting the DFA office, be sure to secure the following DFA appointment requirements. It is better to keep a checklist of all the DFA passport requirements since applicants with incomplete requirements are automatically rejected.

Photocopy and original of a valid ID:

A valid ID can be any of the following:

National ID digitized (ePhilID)
Passport of the Philippines
SSS ID
GSIS ID
UMID card
A voter’s ID or voter’s certificate issued by COMELEC’s main office in Intramuros, Manila.
Driver’s License ( LTO Student permits may be accepted if they are in card format).
Senior Citizen ID
ID from the school (for students and recent graduates)
PRC ID
Postal ID(issued from November 2016 onwards)
OWWA ECard
Permit to carry a firearm outside the residence issued by the PNP
Airman License (issued from August 2016 onwards)
If you are a Filipino based abroad, or an OFW, you will need a Residence Card or some other identification document that proves your Philippine citizenship.
A school identification card or certificate of enrollment bearing the applicant’s photograph and the dry seal of the school is required for minor applicants.

Original and photocopy of birth certificate

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) must authenticate the original copy of your birth certificate. Online ordering makes it easy for you to get one delivered to your home or office.

PSA can also authenticate your birth certificate with a Certified True Copy (CTC) issued by the Local Civil Registrar.

Documentation

Do you have a naturalized Filipino citizenship? Are you a dual citizen? Do you lack a birth certificate? You will need to provide additional documents to the DFA if this is the case.

The marriage certificate issued by the PSA must be submitted by a married woman who wishes to use her spouse’s surname. For those who wish to keep their maiden name, it is not necessary to do so. Check the DFA passport requirements to ensure you have all the information you need.

Step 4: Attend your DFA passport appointment

Do not arrive at your assigned DFA site more than 30 minutes before your appointment, as latecomers and those arriving too early will not be accommodated. It is also important to observe the proper dress code. The appointment may not proceed if the individual wears sandos, spaghetti straps, shorts, tubes, sandals, or slippers.

If you have an appointment with the DFA for a passport, here are some things to keep in mind:

Avoid wearing earrings and contact lenses. Data capture does not allow them.
There is a strict “No Escort” policy at the DFA (except for senior citizens and persons with disabilities). It is forbidden for escorts to enter the premises of the DFA consulate.

Application/Renewal Steps for DFA Passports

At the Application Counter, present your DFA passport appointment packet and requirements. After receiving your queue number, you will be able to move forward.
You will be called when your number is called. Present your documents in the Processing Area.
Take your photo and biometrics at the Encoding Section.
A delivery fee of $150 must be paid at the Delivery Counter if you want the passport delivered to your home or office.

You will receive a receipt or stub after completing all the steps indicating when your passport will be released.

Step 5. Your Passport will be delivered to you or you can claim it

To claim your passport, visit the DFA consular office where you submitted your application. Losing your passport receipt requires a notarized affidavit.

The passport can be picked up by someone else if you aren’t available. A copy of the authorized representative’s valid ID is required along with an authorization letter (for immediate family members) or a Special Power of Attorney (for non-immediate family members).

Don’t wait to claim your passport. Passports that have not been claimed for six months are canceled by the DFA.

Make sure you are home when your passport is delivered if you elect to have it delivered.

If you receive a new passport, make sure all the details are accurate. Sign the third page after you have affixed your signature.

FAQ’s

1. DFA passport appointments are not available. Is there anything I need to do?

There may still be available passport appointment dates online if you do not see them online. It is recommended that you refresh the page from time to time as appointments become available.

When does the DFA open appointments? Monday through Friday, except on holidays, slots are available at 12:00 noon and 9:00 p.m. for all Consular Offices.

2. Is it possible to go directly to DFA without an appointment for a passport?

Unfortunately, no. Currently, walk-in applicants are not permitted by the DFA. A walk-in passport application or renewal can only be accommodated at the DFA Manila ASEANA Courtesy Lane and other Philippine Consular Offices for “exceptional and emergency cases”.

A passport appointment with the DFA is still recommended even if your overseas trip is not an emergency.

3. I need to travel abroad urgently for an emergency. Is it possible to apply for an urgent passport online?

In case of an emergency trip, request your passport application or renewal be expedited by the DFA.

Metro Manila residents can send their requests by email to [email protected] or [email protected]. Consular offices outside the NCR can be contacted.

Your medical certificate, valid working visa, letter of acceptance from school, or other evidence of emergency or urgent travel should be attached to your e-mail.

4. Where can I check the status of my online passport application?

You can track the status of your application by contacting your Consular Office.

Conclusions

It can be difficult to secure an appointment at the DFA for a passport application. It is, however, possible to apply for a passport quickly and easily if you are familiar with the DFA’s online appointment scheduling system. Visit the DFA’s website or follow them on Facebook for passport updates.

Have you already received your passport? Make sure you’re financially protected before flying, and get travel insurance.