The validity of the new Philippine passport has been extended to 10 years and be released starting January 3, 2018.
After the President’s pronouncement in 2016 to extend the validity of passports, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has officially started this year the issuance of passports valid for 10 years.
“Since January 1 and 2 were holidays, passport applications made starting today, 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.
However, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10928 or Act Extending the Validity of Philippine Passports limits this to applicants 18 years old and above, while minors will be issued with the usual five-year validity.
Suliguin noted regular release schedules of passports are still being observed across all DFA units, while passports applied in its National Capital Region branches on January 3 are projected to be released on the 12th of the said month.
Philippine passports issued prior to Jan. 1, 2018 with a validity period of five years will remain valid until expiration.
The agency will not change the design, security features and the number of pages of a Philippines passport.
The government assured Filipinos last year that no changes will be made on the current passport except for the 10-year validity period and the cost will also remain for regular processing or for express processing.
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