Renewing Your Philippine Passport While Abroad

The new law that approved the extension of passport validity was signed by our dear President just weeks ago. The 5-year validity of some passports are still running; once this has been used up, expired passports still need to be renewed. Even OFWs who are currently on the job are not exempted. However, they are not required to go back here in the Philippines just to renew their passports. But how can they do it? In this article, we will be teaching you how you can renew your Philippine Passport while abroad.

First and foremost, note that if a passport expires and the holder is outside the vicinity of the Philippines, they have a 1-year renewal period for them to renew their passports. If not, they can face repercussions depending on the country they are in.

Most companies and countries requires passports that have at least six months of validity. Having that said, Philippine passport holders are obliged to renew their passports a year before it expires. In addition to that, it will take more or less three (3) months (3-month-process) for their passport to be renewed.

What are the requirements?

Of course, you are required to submit documentation for proof of identity and legitimacy. Although it’s a bit different for local renewal of passports, it’s still relevant. The following are the requirements you have to prepare if you are to renew your passport outside the Philippines:

• Latest passport (Passport you now hold)
• Duly accomplished passport application form from the country you are in. Ensure that it is printed in blue or black ink; no other color is accepted.
• Any proof that the applicant can provide that would say he/she has not applied for foreign citizenship, e.g. resident alien card (green card)
• Self-addressed return envelope, with appropriate stamps for express or priority mail with tracking numbers via US Postal Service; or with prepaid mailing envelope from private courier of choice if passport is to be mailed back.
• Passport fee of $60.00 (non-refundable), payable in cash, or money order, bank draft, certified check or cashier’s check made payable to “Embassy of the Philippines” (or “Philippine Consulate General;” if application is made at one of the Philippine Consulates General in the U.S.). Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.”
• At least one (1) photocopy of each of the data page/s of the passport; (pages 1-3 for the brown passport or page 1 for the green passport)
• Photocopy of any valid identification card where the middle name is fully spelled out: (State ID, Driver’s license, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate or; Baptismal Certificate (if applicant’s last passport is the brown one)

NOTE: These documents are required in the U.S.A renewal of Philippine Passports. Since this was taken from the Embassy of the Philippines, Washinton D.C, you would have to ask your host country if you need to prepare these. There might be added or lessened documents so be sure to check.

Process of renewing Philippine Passport