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DFA Introduces Philippines ePassport

Posted by: on: March 4, 2010


Photo from Open Minds

An ePassport is a passport which features microchip technology. An integrated circuit (chip) within its pages contains the data that are essential in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These data include the personal data 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 a close distance. –  Department of Foreign Affairs

I love to travel! And travelling with a breeze is just one of my expectations especially if am going out of the country. Though I never experienced hassle or immigration holdings, am crossing my fingers that I won’t ever, it’s better to be cautious. I am still holding the old passport, the green one, but it’s due to expire soon. I’ll be travelling again and I will hate to be caught off guard especially since passports are needed if one’s leaving for international travels. When I checked the Department of Foreign Affairs website to verify what are the requirements needed to renew my passport, I came across the link stating Philippine ePassport. Going over the FAQ’s listed I smiled that finally our country is one with the world for this system. Not only it prevents our passports being faked, it’ll also facilitate further hassle at immigration check points.

Still according to DFA, “ePassports provide travellers benefits such as use of automated border clearance or “E-gates”, automated issuance of boarding passes, and faster travel arrangements with airlines. And for countries, the use of electronic passport also provides better border protection and security”.  The ePassport is available for Php 950.00 and an additonal Php 250.00 should one decide to expedite the process. Applicants however are given choices either to avail of this ePassport or the machine-readable passport (Php 500.00) which are both compliant with ICAO standard. For those who still have the machine readable passports, yours is still valid until the expiration date, just ensure that you won’t be travelling within the six months prior to your passport’s expiration date.

Initially the ePassport is available at the DFA main office, soon on Philippine embassies and consulates abroad and all DFA regional office. One more thing, you need to secure an appointment online at the DFA website should you decide to secure this ePassport. Please note though that the DFA ePassport Appointment System is only for those getting theirs at the DFA main office. For additional information or passport requirements, you may check at the DFA official web site at www.dfa.gov.ph.

I had already filed my appointment online and got an email from DFA saying that I need to check my email frequently for my confirmation and the schedule of my appointment. It will be sent through my email not more than five(5) days from the date of my online submission. Looks like an inch away from renewing my passport and booking my award ticket and hotel accomodation.

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  • Jay-L: congrats!
  • FEDORAN: Hi Readers, I am pleased to inform you all that this blog post won me two GC's for Ace Water Spa. I already got the GC's, thanks Rowena!!!! I
  • Anonymous: Callalily = FailVIP mixed up = FailGood thing Paramore rocks!At least for an hour I forgot I was robbed 6k. Oh well. :(

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