"Out of the country?" - Passport Application in Ten Easy Steps

Have you ever encounter someone who dreams of traveling out of the country but lacks the single most important thing he needs to achieve this dream? It's like the lotto story - someone praying to God to make him win the lotto jackpot but haven't spent a single cent to buy himself a lotto ticket.

It can be procrastination or the i-don't-think-I-need-it attitude. Whatever it is, missed opportunities will always find us sad and frustrated.  So do you have a dream of setting foot outside the world you know?  Do you have the most basic necessity to go abroad? Yes, passport. Do you have a passport? Is it valid? If the answer to both questions is no, then I suggest you read on. Below is the detailed account of our passport application adventure. Ramir and I renewed our passport.  Our one-year old daughter S, got hers for the first time.

Step 1. We got an appointment here - http://epassport.com.ph/
Note: If you're going as a group and you want to ensure that your appointment date and time is the same, you can use the Family Application Form - http://epassport.com.ph/family/.  Once you're done with the online application, they will send an email to your email address.  Review it and make sure you have all the requirements in their checklist.

Step 2. We secured all the necessary requirements - http://epassport.com.ph/requirements
Note:  The most important requirement is an authenticated birth certificate from NSO (National Statistics Office).

Step 3. We were at the DFA Consular Office at ASEANA Business Park, Bradco Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City at least 30 minutes before our appointment.  The location map is here - http://epassport.com.ph/location-map

view from the parking lot

Step 4. We proceeded at the evaluation table. Our appointment was confirmed here.
Note:  Please keep all your requirements handy. Based on our experience, those who came in too early for their appointment were requested to stay outside and wait for their time.

at the evaluation table

 Step 5. We went inside the waiting area. The line was long but moved quickly. At the end of this line, we were asked to present all our requirements (e.g. For Ramir and I - old passport, birth certificate, printed application form and valid ID. For S - birth certificate and printed application form).  I was asked to write down all our names in a sheet of paper.  All our requirements were returned to us.
Note: Please photocopy all your requirements prior Step 3. This will ensure that whatever happens, you'll have a back up.

inside the waiting area

end of the line

 Step 6.  We went to the second floor to pay at the cashier.  Applicable fees are as follows:
Regular Processing: Php 950.00 (20 working days)
Rush Processing: Php 1,200.00 (10 working days)
An additional fee of Php 200.00 will be charged for processing of lost passports if it is still valid.

money down at the cashier

Step 7.  We got a number from a queuing machine.  Our number was flashed at the screen together with the number of the cubicle where we were supposed to proceed for image capture.

get a number and wait for your turn

Step 8. At the image capture cubicle, we were asked to submit all our requirements.  Then one by one, our photos were taken.
Note:  If you'll be getting a passport for a kid, it would be a good idea to have his or her favorite toy with you.  This will help you in prepping him and making him look and smile at the camera.  We didn't bring any, good thing, the image capture attendant has a toy, which turned out to be very handy.

look at the camera

 Step 9.  We proceeded at the delivery table.  I listed down the name and the address where the passports would be delivered.  We also paid the courier fee.

passports to your doorstep

Step 10. We went to the exit door and we're done.

Done!

All in all, I can say it was a pleasant experience.  I think we were done in a little over an hour and a half. Also, with a 1 year old in tow, I must say that the waiting time wasn't too problematic.  Step 5 was a little stressful because my kid kept on walking the aisles which were already cramped because of the number of people inside.  But after this, everything was a breeze.  Having experienced the old way of getting a passport - having to be at the DFA Office in Libertad, very early in the morning and having to finish before sundown, without leaving the line... The snake-like line was exposed to the heat of the sun as we stayed in an open tent outside the DFA office. I remember Ramir and I just bought food and ate while waiting for our turn.  As for going to the bathroom, we need to take turns so we wouldn't lose our place in the line. It was an ordeal.  Gladly, everything was better - from the place to the process to the system.

So, no passport?  In 10 easy steps, you can have one.  Good luck!