Your next trip abroad is just a few weeks away, but you haven't applied for a passport yet. Truth be told, setting up an online appointment can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time getting a passport.
Thankfully, you can find travel agencies for passport processing in the Philippines. They can assist you with your passport application, renewal, or replacement.
Keep reading to learn more about this service.
What is Passport Processing Assistance in the Philippines?
A passport assistance service is a solution designed for those who want to apply for a passport without the hassle of setting up the appointment themselves. Likewise, this service can help you with passport renewal.
Can travel agencies help with your passport application? Is this service endorsed by the government? Under The Philippine Passport Act (Republic Act 8239), registered travel agencies are authorized to help their clients process passport applications.[1]
A travel agency can help you with your passport application through the following:
- Secure your online appointment
- Ensure your documentary requirements are complete, accurate, and authentic
- Answer your questions regarding passport application and renewal
Before, travel agencies could easily secure passport appointments because they were reserved slots by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). DFA-registered travel agencies used to receive 1,000 daily allocated volumes of appointments. But by 2016, the DFA had removed the travel agencies’ online appointment slots.[2]
Why Avail of Travel Agency Passport Assistance?
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Working with travel agencies for passport processing in the Philippines comes with certain conveniences, such as the following:
👍 It Makes Passport Application Easy
If you’re a first-time passport applicant, booking your appointment with the DFA online may be quite confusing. A travel agency for passport processing takes away this issue by booking your appointment for you.
👍 It Prevents Delays
Both wrong and lacking documents can delay your passport application. To avoid problems, a travel agency offering passport assistance services will remind you of the requirements you’ll need to bring on the day of your appointment.
Some travel agencies can even procure certificates from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) needed for your passport application. These include birth and marriage certificates.
👍 It's Accessible
A lot of travel agencies for passport processing in the Philippines are located in various malls and commercial centers. They also have social media pages, allowing you to contact them easily in case you have questions.
Read more: Traveling Abroad? Here’s a List of Visa-Free Countries for Filipinos
Travel Agencies for Passport Processing in the Philippines: 11 Options to Consider
Is there a passport assistance travel agency near me? Here are some of your options:
Read more: Book Flights, Hotels, More: Travel Websites in the Philippines
Passport Application Assistance: Steps to Follow
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Should you decide to seek passport assistance in the Philippines from an accredited travel agency, here are the steps that you need to follow:
Step 1: Go to Your Preferred Travel Agency
The first thing that you need to do is to go to a travel agency that offers passport assistance services. Make sure that this agency is duly authorized by the government to offer such services.
The travel agency will ask you to supply your pertinent details via a form. Make sure that everything you’ve written down is correct and accurate since the agency will use it to book your appointment online.
Step 2: Collate Your Documents
While waiting for an update on your appointment, start securing the needed documents. Ideally, you must already have an idea of these things even before you go to the travel agency. If you’re a new applicant, here are the core documents you need to gather:
- Application form
- Original and photocopy of PSA-authenticated Birth Certificate on Security Paper. If your PSA Birth Certificate isn’t clear or unreadable, you can bring the Local Civil Registrar Copy.
- For married females using their spouse’s last name: Original and photocopy of PSA-authenticated Marriage Contract on Security Paper or Report of Marriage
- Any ID accepted by the DFA with one photocopy:
- Philippine Identification (PhilID) / ePhilID
- SSS Card
- GSIS Card
- UMID Card
- LTO Driver’s License)
- PRC ID
- OWWA e-Card
- Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate
- PNP Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence
- Senior Citizen ID
- Postal ID (issued November 2016 onwards)
- Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
- Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) or Seafarers Identity Document (SID) issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
- Valid or Latest Passport (for renewal)
- School ID (if applicable)
You may check the DFA website for a complete list of supporting documents.[3]
Read more: Prepare These Requirements for Travel Abroad Before You Fly Out
Step 3: Get Your Appointment Letter from the Travel Agency
The travel agency will inform you that they already have your appointment letter. The said document indicates the date and place of your personal appearance appointment. Head to the travel agency to pick it up.
Step 4: Go to the DFA Branch on Your Appointment Date
On the date of your appointment, head to your designated DFA office or branch. Bring all your documents, including your appointment letter. Remember that you don’t need to pay anything on-site since you’ve already paid the travel agency.
Step 5: Receive Your Passport
The DFA will release your passport 12 days after your appointment date. You can pick it up at your travel agency. Depending on your arrangement with the travel agency, you can have it delivered to your home.
Read more:
- In the Land of the Rising Sun: Japan Visa Requirements for Filipinos
- To K-Drama Land: South Korea Travel Guide and Sample Itinerary
- Europe, Here I Come: Schengen Visa Requirements in the Philippines
How Much is the Passport Assistance Service Fee?
Travel agencies offering passport assistance in the Philippines charge clients between ₱2,000 to almost ₱4,000. This is already inclusive of the passport fee, passport delivery fee, and passport assistance fee.
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Read more: On a Budget? Travel Tips and Hacks to Try for a More Meaningful Trip
Important: Beware of Fixers and Scammers
A lot of people and even agencies online claim that they can fast-track your passport application if you work with them. Some even sell passport appointment slots, which is illegal.
If their offer is too good to be true, it probably is. As such, be careful with whom you’re dealing with.
For your peace of mind, only work with a legitimate travel agency. Also, remember that the DFA doesn’t offer passport appointment slots through social media accounts and websites not associated with the bureau.
For your reference, here are the DFA’s official online channels:
- www.dfa.gov.ph
- www.passport.gov.ph
- www.consular.dfa.gov.ph
- www.facebook.com/dfaphl
- www.twitter.com/dfaphl
Final Thoughts
Getting a passport may require you to jump through some hoops, especially if you’re a first-time applicant. Thankfully, there are travel agencies for passport processing in the Philippines. Their services are also helpful not only for first-timers but also for senior citizens who find it challenging to book their appointments online.
While this particular service is relatively expensive, you get what you pay for. You’ll just delegate the appointment task to the agency, go to your branch on your appointment date, and wait for your passport to arrive.
Meanwhile, if you need extra cash to make your travel goals happen, you can compare personal loan options and apply through Moneymax:
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Sources:
- [1] Philippine Passport Act of 1996 - Chan Robles Virtual Law Library
- [2] Travel Agencies Appeal Ruling on Passport Slots (Philippines News Agency, 2018)
- [3] Core Requirements for Adult New Applications for Philippine Passport
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