Great news for Filipinos! The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced the release of 100,000 slots for a Philippine passport appointment. 50,000 slots opened today, 14 June, at 12pm. Later at 9pm, 50,000 more slots will also be available for scheduling.
Also read: Great Things that Happened to the Philippine Passport in 2017- 2018
Passport issues
A lot of Filipinos raised concern regarding the online appointment for passport application and renewal because available schedules sometimes go as far as two months away. This situation forces some individuals, who urgently need to renew their passports, to resort to agencies to get an appointment with the DFA. As a result, Filipinos have to pay an additional charge to secure their passports on time.
Also read: A Guide to Renewing Your Philippine Passport
No appointment required
We are hopeful that this will aid the high demand for Philippine passport appointments in the country. Right now, only the following people are not required to secure an appointment before going to the DFA:
1. Senior citizen and one travel companion
2. Person with disability (PWD) and one travel companion
3. Solo Parent and his/her minor children
4. Pregnant women
5. Seven-year-olds and his/her parents and minor-aged siblings
6. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) (land-based or seafarers)
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises Filipinos to refresh their website now and then. According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, they will also open 10,000 slots every Monday to Saturday except holidays after this. 5,000 will open at 12pm while 5,000 slots will be available at 9pm as well.
Also read: Philippine Passport Stronger in the New Passport Index
