How to get your passport in the Philippines

My girlfriend and I are planning to visit China (yup, company sponsored :) ) and I need to renew my passport because it will expire this September (2012). Immigration will never let me leave the country with a passport that will expire in less than six months. 

A friend told me about the DFA Appointment System so this time, I do it all by myself to experience the process.  And yes, I usually go to travel agencies every time I renew my passport.

Step 1: Go to www.passport.com.ph. This is DFA’s official website for the passport appointment system.

Step 2: Click the Setup an Appointment link and you will be directed to “Set appointment” page. Just enter the correct Captcha values on the box and click on the Start Individual Appointment Process Button.

Step 3: Fill up all the required fields and submit. After Submitting you will be directed to list of requirements that you need to prepare. Just read and click (and click) continue until the confirmation page. If you’re ready to continue Just click the "proceed" button

Step 4: Pick the desired time and date of your appointment.

Step 5: Check your email and be SURE to click the confirmation link that was sent within 24 hours. The confirmation link contains your e-passport application form in a PDF form that you need to print in a long bond paper that you will show to the security guard to enter DFA premises and it also include your appointment details. 

It is also recommended to arrive 30 minutes early on your appointed time and don’t sign yet the Application form. You will sign it in front of a DFA Representative.

Step 6: Bring all the needed requirements and the e-passport application on your appointed date and time. 

You can view the full list of requirements by clicking this link http://passport.com.ph/requirements 

Enter Gate 2 and present the e-passport application form to the security guard.

Step 7: Go to the booths that are inside Gate 2 and you will be given a paper slip. Go to the designated area allocated for your appointed time. Fall in line and wait to be called by a DFA Representative to check if your requirements are complete. The DFA Representative will give you a paper slip to be presented to the Cashier.

Step 8: Give the paper slip to the cashier and pay the required amount. Receive the Official Receipt. For the complete list of fees, go to this link: http://passport.com.ph/passport-fees

Step 9: Present the receipt to the DFA Representative near the encoding section and get a service number. Wait until your service number was called. Give the DFA Representative your e-application form and receipt. Double-check the information encoded for errors and have your picture and fingerprints taken.

(Estimated time from Step 7-9: 2hours)

Step 10: Check the release date of your passport at the back of your receipt.

Step 11: Go back to DFA on your release date and present your official receipt on the security guard at Gate 3. Go to the releasing section and give your official receipt to the security guard in-charge.

Step 12: Wait for your name to be called and get your new passport.

(Estimated time: 1 hour)

Tips: If you have a few hundreds to spare just pay a travel agency to help you get your passport (It will save you a lot of hassle). 

I also do not recommend the passport delivery because many people on the front were complaining that the delivery of their passports were delayed.