So, you ask, what's all the fuss? Apart from me wanting to change my passport picture, I also don't want the hassle of having the Immigration Officer of a foreign country type out my name each and every time. My husband or whoever my travel companions would always breeze through Immigration and wait for me all because they have e-Passports and I have an MRP.
Renewing one's passport has indeed become more accessible these days. For one, you can easily pick the place, day and time for an appointment via on-line through the Department of Foreign Affair's website.
You simply just fill up the appointment application form, print it out and show up on the day of your appointment. Just a word of advice, don't forget to bring original and photocopies of your requirements (old passport) on the day of your appointment.
By the way, I chose an afternoon schedule. I did not want to wake up early and I was told that the queue in the mornings are longer.
While scheduling the appointment was a breeze, the actual lining up was not. As usual, there was a long queue at the DFA branch that I went to. Be sure to arm yourself with a book, a tablet or a smartphone to while away the time. Or if you are people friendly, I am sure that your seat mate will become your new best friend.
There were actually just two sections to line up in. The first section verifies your application and credentials. And then you are asked to go to the Cashier to pay for the renewal fee (No line here). And the second section types up your details (which are the details that would appear in your passport) and takes your picture. The lady in the second section was kind enough to allow me to brush my hair and fix my make-up. Just want to remind you that you are not allowed to wear earrings or necklaces when they take your passport picture so make sure that you do not wear something really expensive because you might misplace your jewelry once they ask you to take them off.
By the way, if you are pregnant, an elderly, or with an infant, you totally skip the lines and get into a priority lane.
After those two sections, you either request that the passport be delivered via courier service (for an additional fee) or be picked up in the same branch.
The regular processing takes about 15 working days and costs Php950.00. But if you are in a rush and need your passport in 7 working days, it will cost you Php1,200.00.
