DFA starts issuing passports with 10-year validity

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday announced that issuance of passports with 10-year validity starts January 3. (Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday announced that issuance of passports with 10-year validity starts January 3.

“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.

As per the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10928 or Act Extending the Validity of Philippine Passports, only applicants 18 years old above will be provided with a 10-year valid passport, those below 18 years old will be issued with five-year validity.

In a text message, Suliguin told the Philippine News Agency that regular release schedules are still observed for applications made from all DFA units.

Meanwhile, for expedited applications made in DFA National Capital Region units today, he said they expect to release the passports on January 12.

Philippine passports issued prior to Jan. 1, 2018 with a validity period of five years will remain valid until expiration.

Both booklets with 10-year and 5-year validity will not have a change in design, security features, and the number of pages. Further, there are also no changes in passport application fees.

While original application fees are retained, additional costs may apply once the DFA add pages, change materials, and enhance security features of the passports, according to the IRR.