To reiterate its call to strictly follow the online appointment system for the application and renewal of passports, the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a public service announcement, reminding Filipinos within its jurisdiction that only those applications with confirmed appointment dates will be accommodated, except for extraordinary cases.
Signed by Ambassador Constancio Vingno Jr., the announcement further said that applicants should make appointments online at least 10 months before the expiry date of their passports.
“This would allow ample time for the arrival of applied passports before their passports expire in less than six months, making visa applications or renewals difficult,” the announcement said.
Passport applicants were also advised to avoid requesting for passport extensions, as many foreign governments do not acknowledge extensions and opt to stick only to the validity date reflected in the passport data page and stored in the e-passport’s chip as mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Vigno likewise stressed that applicants must bring their original passports due for renewal, when they come for their appointments. The embassy will only process applications with clear copies of passports for renewal in the absence of the original passport. However, applicants must still bring the original passports for cancellation before they can claim their renewed passports.
To set an appointment online, applicants may visit the Philippine Embassy website at http://www.abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph and click the link for passport application appointments.
PHOTO CREDIT: 1PISOFARE
