The Philippines has instituted the electronic passport (ePassport) system for all its citizens. The ePassport features microchip technology and a host of other security features thereby ensuring that Philippine passports are virtually tamper-proof. ePassport issuance is also compliant with the security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Philippine ePassport has an integrated circuit (chip) within its pages containing data that are essential in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These include the personal biographical information found on the data page of the passport, the biometrics of the passport holder, the unique chip identification number, and a digital signature to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip. The chip technology allows the information stored in an ePassport to be read by special chip readers at almost every international port of entry.
If you are a citizen of the Philippines residing in the United States, you must apply in person to get your Philippine passport renewed. Because a renewal application can take up to six weeks to process, start thinking about your passport renewal well in advance of your departure date. If you live in or around New York, you will need to visit the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
STEP 1
Complete your passport renewal application with blue or black ink. The form must be filled out completely and legibly. You can also opt to type up the form. You can either pick up the form when you go to the Philippine Consulate of New York, or download it and print it out from the consulate's website.
STEP 2
Gather your current passport, your application and the other required documents. You'll also need to photocopy the data pages of your passport. On the old brown passports, this means pages one through three; on the new green passport, it's only page one. If you have a brown passport, you will also need a photocopy of any valid I.D. card with your middle name fully spelled out; this can include a state I.D., a driver's license, a birth certificate, a marriage certificate or a baptismal certificate. Finally, take proof of Philippine citizenship, which can include a photocopy of your passport's page with your I94 U.S. Visa or a green card.
STEP 3
Take your completed application, photocopies, current passport and renewal fee to the nearest Philippine consulate. During your visit to the consulate, you will have your fingerprints taken as well as your passport photograph made. You do not need to make an appointment; passport renewals are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want your new passport mailed to you -- as opposed to picking it up in person when it's ready -- you will also need to provide a self-addressed, prepaid envelope via USPS or a private courier service. The consulate suggests including tracking numbers for maximum security.
The consulate recommends that you apply for a passport renewal at least six months before your passport expires in order to minimize delays.
You no longer need to have your passport photo taken in advance. It will be taken at the consulate when you submit your paperwork.
As of August 2012, the passport-renewal fee is $60. You can pay the fee by cash, money order, bank draft, a certified check or a cashier's check. The consulate does not accept credit cards or personal checks.
Each Philippine consulate in the U.S. has its own jurisdiction. The New York location covers Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Other consulates in the U.S. can be found in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Reference:
The Official Website - www.newyorkpcg.org (information, procedures, forms)
a. Philippine Passport: passportnypcg@yahoo.com
b. Consularization, Legalization, Civil Registry: legalsection.pcgny@gmail.com
c. Philippine Visa: visasection.pcgny@gmail.com
d. Dual Citizenship: info@philippinesnewyork.org
e. General Queries: info@philippinesnewyork.org
f. Telephone number (212) 764-1330 extension below; Text the Duty Officer at: (917) 294-0196
Passport Releasing Section - 317
Passport General Queries - 305 or 302
Legal General Inquiries - 321 or 320
Legal (mailed-in documents) - 304
Visa - 322
Dual Citizenship - 318
General Matters - 306
g. Mailing Address:
Philippine Consulate General
556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036
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