You Need Philippine Passport? You Need Six Weeks (and a "medium" smile, among other things)

Last June 2, the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles (as well as the Philippine Embassy and other Consulates General in the U.S.) started processing Machine Readable Passports (MRP). Its features are similar to the U.S. passport. The cost is the same - $50, but everything else is not.

"It has superior security features compared to the green passports, which virtually eliminates the possibility of identity theft and acts of fraud," says the consulate.

If you haven't heard about the changes in the 1st-time/renewal application process, here they are:
1. You need to apply in person. Yes, even if you are from Southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and the far corners of Southern California. This is for "data verification, finger-printing and signature capture." (The consulate schedules a visit to cities so you can apply then; see info on consular outreach below).

2. It will now take 6 weeks to receive (pick-up or mail) the new passport so don't book that ticket till you have it in your hand. Have an emergency? Bring official documents (death certificate, etc.) that will prove your need. The consulate will do its best to accommodate you if you genuinely need to go quickly, says Deputy Consul General Dan Espiritu. The consulate can also grant a travel document, which is just for a one-way trip, but this is not supposed to replace a passport and is not granted willy-nilly.

Everyone else will have to wait for six weeks. Why that long? Because all applications are sent to the Philippines for processing.

3. Here's the link to the complete requirements, but pay special attention to the photo requirements because they are super-tight. Here are some:

Background – ROYAL BLUE
Size – 4.5 cm X 3.5 cm.
Pose – image of
applicant is 70 – 80% of the photograph
Straight frontal shot (no tilting of head)
“Medium” smile is allowed
Collared shirt / decent attire
Both ears visible

Now, the consulate cannot suggest this, but if I were you, I won't risk wasting money by getting these pics taken at outside places (like Walgreens, etc.) because they'll most likely be different from what's required.

Two friends of mine wasted $40 each because the ones they got outside didn't pass the stringent standards. There are two photo shops operating next-door to the consulate, and they are well-briefed on the standards. One charges $10, the other, $20.

A few weeks ago, I did a report in Balitang America about the frustrations voiced by some kababayans who found the new process tedious. I talked to a family who came all the way from Texas to apply; I also talked to a lolo who was just so frustrated by the lack of information. There were some very confused (hence, angry) applicants because, at that time, the consulate had two websites with conflicting info.

The applicants' concerns were heard and immediate actions were taken by consulate officials. Also, Public Affairs Officer Eric Sierra built a user-friendly and, more importantly, updated website: http://www.philippineconsulatela.org/. If you accidentally click on the outdated website, they provide a link to the new one.

As for the distance concern, the very busy but accomodating consulate does consular outreach & you can apply when they go to your city. This August 9, it will be held in Dallas, Texas from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm at the PNB Remittance Center, Inc., 940 E. Beltline Drive, Suite 130, Richardson, Dallas, TX 75081. PNB’s contact details are as follows: (972) 470-9910, (972) 470-9912, (281) 988-7001, and (800) 762-8788.

In doing the report, I got some tips that I'd like to pass on to you:

1. Bring a photocopy of your old passport.
2. Wear a dress or shirt with collar, if you're planning on getting your photos taken there.
3. Oh, and here's the link to the passport application form that you can print & fill up ahead of time.

4. Don't forget to review the step-by-step procedures. It's just 8 steps! Very easy to follow. This way you won't feel lost when you get to the consulate.

5. Don't bother calling the appointment number. I called that number myself to test it & didn't get a response. Just show up. And avoid coming on Monday mornings. That's when it's busiest.

6. BOTTOM LINE: Don't wait till the last minute to renew/apply for the new passport.