The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has officially begun issuing passports with 10-year validity for Filipinos aged 18 years old and above.
“Since January 1 and 2 were holidays, passport applications made starting January 3 shall be 10-year valid, provided the applicant is not a minor,” said Director Geronimo Suliguin, officer in charge for DFA-Office of Public Diplomacy.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), may now get it at the same cost which is Dh240, and will take six to eight weeks to get hold of their new passport with longer validity.
Meanwhile, Philippine passports issued prior to Jan. 1, 2018 with a validity period of five years will remain valid until expiration, said Suliguin.
Department Order 010-201 stated that “new passports with appropriate period of validity shall be issued to those applying for the first time, and those applying for replacement or renewal”. However, the passport validity for minors (18 years below) shall remain at five years.
For expedited applications made in DFA National Capital Region, Suliguin said they expect to release the passports on January 12.
Both booklets with 10-year and 5-year validity will not have a change in design, security features, and number of pages. Further, there are also no changes in passport application fees, Suliguin assured the public.
While original application fees are retained, additional costs may apply once the DFA adds pages, changes materials and security features.
