PASSPORT AND EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Overview
The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles issues electronic passports (ePassports) to Filipino citizens:
• 10-Year Validity: Issued to Filipino citizens aged 18 and older.
• 5-Year Validity: Issued to Filipino citizens under 18 years of age.
Processing Time: All passports are printed in the Philippines. Standard turnaround time from processing to receiving your passport by mail is approximately 6 to 10 weeks. Additional processing time may be required if backend verification indicates missing or additional required documents.
When to Renew: You are strongly advised to renew your passport 6 to 10 months before it expires to avoid travel disruptions. Most airlines and foreign immigration authorities require a passport to be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your travel dates.
Important Legal Notices
• Name Primacy: The name on your passport will strictly follow the name on your Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) documents. U.S. or non-PSA documents cannot be used as a basis to change your name on a Philippine passport.
• Passport Ownership: The Philippine passport remains the property of the Republic of the Philippines and must be surrendered upon demand by an authorized Philippine Government representative.
• Prohibited Acts: Alteration, addition, or destruction of passport contents is illegal. Using a passport as collateral is strictly prohibited and automatically cancels the passport.
• Legal Penalties: Under R.A. 11983 (The New Philippine Passport Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, making false statements or submitting forged/falsified documents is a punishable offense.
• Unclaimed Passports: Passports unclaimed one (1) year after issuance will be canceled pursuant to Department Order No. 2021-012.
Important Instructions: Before You Apply
1. Online Appointment: All applicants must book an online appointment prior to visiting the Consulate via passport.gov.ph.
2. Personal Appearance: Personal appearance is required for all applicants.
3. Mailing Envelope: Bring a self-addressed, prepaid USPS Priority Mail or Priority Express Flat Rate Envelope with a tracking number. Ensure the delivery address is clear and legible.
4. Required Documents: Bring the original of all required documents along with one (1) clear photocopy of each.
5. Attire & Biometrics Guidelines:
o Wear collared tops, blouses, or high-neckline shirts that contrast clearly with the blue background used for biometric photos. Avoid sleeveless tops, tank tops, and camisoles.
o Eyeglasses, colored contact lenses, facial piercings, and large jewelry/earrings must be removed prior to photo capture. Ears and forehead must be visible.
6. Data Discrepancies: If there are discrepancies in details between your Birth Certificate/Report of Birth and supporting documents, contact the Consulate at lapcg.passport@dfa.gov.ph before booking your appointment.
7. Escort Policy:
o Senior citizens (60+) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) requiring assistance may bring one (1) escort.
o Minors must be accompanied by at least one parent or an authorized adult companion.
Important Instructions: After Applying
• Delivery & Tracking: Once received from the Philippines, the Consulate mails out passports within 3 to 4 business days via your provided USPS envelope. The Consulate is not liable for non-delivery or lost mail once handed over to USPS. Track your delivery at USPS Tracking.
• Review Data Immediately: Upon receiving your passport, inspect the data page (photo page). If an error is found, return to the Consulate to request a correction (standard passport renewal fees apply).
• Passport Signature:
o Applicants 13 years old and above: Immediately sign page 3 of the passport booklet upon receipt.
o Minors 12 years old and below: Leave the signature line blank.
• Passport Care: Do NOT staple anything to the passport booklet or cover. Stapling damages the internal electronic chip and renders the passport unreadable.
ADULT PASSPORT SERVICES (Ages 18 and Older)
1. Adult Passport Renewal
Eligibility
A Filipino citizen 18 years or older who:
• Holds an expiring or expired Philippine passport.
• Holds a damaged or mutilated Philippine passport.
• Has lost a valid or expired Philippine passport.
Core Requirements
• Confirmed Online Appointment: Schedule via passport.gov.ph.
• Completed Application Form
• Personal Appearance
• Current Philippine Passport + 1 photocopy of the data page.
• Proof of Philippine Citizenship (Original + 1 Photocopy):
o For Dual Citizens: Identification Certificate issued under R.A. 9225.
o Citizenship by Election: Election of Philippine Citizenship documents and Identification Certificate from the BI (for individuals born to Filipino mothers before Jan 17, 1973, who elected Philippine citizenship upon turning 21).
o For Naturalized Citizens: BI Identification Certificate of Naturalization, SCN Certificate of Naturalization, or final Court Judgment/Law granting citizenship.
o For U.S. Residents: Current U.S. Visa, valid Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or other USCIS documentation.
• Valid Government-Issued ID + 1 photocopy (e.g., Valid Philippine ID, U.S. Driver’s License, U.S. Passport for dual citizens, State ID).
Additional Requirements (Specific Cases)
• Passports issued before 15 August 2016:
o Present original PSA Birth Certificate / PSA Report of Birth.
• Lost or Damaged Passports:
o Notarized Affidavit of Loss / Explanation.
o Original and photocopy of a Police Report in English (required for lost valid passports).
o Fees: $60 passport fee + $90 penalty fee for lost/unpresented passports.
o Note: If a photocopy of the lost passport is unavailable, a PSA Birth Certificate / PSA Report of Birth is required.
• Married Women Reverting to Maiden Name:
o Due to Death of Spouse: PSA Certificate/Report of Death of spouse (or foreign death certificate with Apostille and English translation) + PSA Birth Certificate.
o Due to Annulment / Divorce: PSA Marriage Certificate with registered Court Annotation reflecting nullity/dissolution + PSA Birth Certificate.
o Other Reversion Reasons: PSA Birth Certificate + Notarized Affidavit of Explanation + Valid ID reflecting maiden name.
2. First-Time / New Adult Passport Application
Eligibility
• Dual Citizens at birth (Filipino-American) whose birth was reported to the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles (or another Foreign Service Post) as an adult.
• Individuals who retained/reacquired Filipino citizenship under R.A. 9225 whose last passport was issued before August 15, 2016.
Core Requirements (Dual Citizens at Birth)
• Confirmed Online Appointment
• Personal Appearance
• Completed Application Form
• Report of Birth (ROB):
o Parents’ personal copy (if registered at LA PCG within one year of application).
o Official PSA-issued copy (if registered over 1 year ago or at a different Philippine Foreign Service Post).
• Valid Government-Issued ID (e.g., U.S. Passport, Driver’s License) + 1 photocopy.
Core Requirements (Dual Citizens by Retention/Reacquisition – R.A. 9225)
• Confirmed Online Appointment
• Personal Appearance
• Completed Application Form
• Original PSA Birth Certificate
• Dual Citizenship Certificates (Order of Approval, Identification Certificate, Oath of Allegiance)
• Valid Government-Issued ID (Philippine or U.S.) + 1 photocopy.
Additional Requirements
• Married Women Adopting Husband’s Surname: PSA Marriage Certificate (if married in PH) or PSA Report of Marriage (ROM). (If registered at LA PCG within 1 year, parents’/applicant’s personal copy of the ROM may be used).
• Citizenship by Election: Election of Philippine Citizenship documents and Identification Certificate from the BI (for individuals born to Filipino mothers before Jan 17, 1973, who elected Philippine citizenship upon turning 21).
PASSPORT SERVICES FOR MINORS (Under 18 Years Old)
1. Minor Passport Renewal
Core Requirements
• Confirmed Online Appointment: Schedule via passport.gov.ph.
o (Note: Applicants eligible for the Courtesy Lane—such as infants aged 7 and below—do not require an online appointment).
• Personal Appearance: Both the minor applicant and at least one parent must appear.
• Completed Application Form
• Current ePassport + 1 photocopy of data page.
• PSA Birth Certificate or Report of Birth (Original + 1 Photocopy).
o ROB Rule: If registered at LA PCG within one (1) year of application, the personal copy of the ROB may be presented. If registered more than one (1) year ago, an official PSA-issued copy is required.
• Valid Photo ID of Minor + 1 photocopy (e.g., current School ID, U.S. Green Card, State ID).
• Valid Photo IDs of Both Parents + 1 photocopy.
Supporting Requirements (Specific Cases)
• Lost or Damaged Minor Passport:
o Police Report in English (for lost valid passport).
o Notarized Affidavit of Loss / Explanation signed by accompanying parent/guardian.
o Fees: $60 passport fee + $90 lost passport penalty fee.
• Marital Minor (Parents are Married):
o Valid ID/Passport of accompanying parent and copy of non-accompanying parent’s ID/passport.
o If parents are unavailable: The minor may be accompanied by an authorized adult companion (over 21 years old) presenting a Notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA) signed by the parents, plus valid IDs.
• Non-Marital Minor (Parents Unmarried / Mother listed on Birth Certificate):
o The mother must accompany the minor.
o If mother is unavailable: Authorized companion must present a Notarized SPA signed by the mother, plus valid IDs.
• Derivative / Naturalized Citizenship: Relevant Identification Certificate, Order of Approval, or Court Decree.
2. First-Time / New Minor Passport Application
Core Requirements
• Confirmed Online Appointment
• Personal Appearance of minor and at least one parent.
• Completed Application Form
• PSA Birth Certificate / Report of Birth (Original + 1 Photocopy). (Provide Local Civil Registrar copy if PSA document is illegible).
o ROB Submission Rule: If the child’s birth was registered at LA PCG within one (1) year of passport application, the parents’ personal copy of the ROB may be used. If registered more than one (1) year ago, an official PSA-issued copy must be presented.
• Parents’ PSA Marriage Certificate (Original + 1 Photocopy).
• Valid Photo IDs of Both Parents (Original + 1 Photocopy).
• Minor’s Valid Photo ID + 1 Photocopy.
EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENT (ETD)
An Emergency Travel Document is issued only to Filipino citizens whose passports are lost, expired, or unavailable and who need to travel urgently to the Philippines.
• Validity: Valid for 30 days for one-way, direct travel to the Philippines.
• Concurrent Renewal: Applicants may be required to apply for a passport renewal at the same time and request to collect the new passport upon arrival in the Philippines.
Requirements for Emergency Travel Document
1. Completed ETD Application Form
2. Formal Request Letter explaining the emergency
3. Proof of Urgent Travel (e.g., flight itinerary, medical certificate, death certificate, police report, court order)
4. Confirmed direct flight ticket to the Philippines
5. Four (4) passport-sized photos taken against a white background
6. Most recent Philippine passport (if available)
Additional ETD Requirements
• If Passport is Lost / Non-ePassport: PSA Birth Certificate / PSA Report of Birth.
• If Lost: Notarized Affidavit of Loss + Police Report.
• For Married Women: PSA Marriage Certificate (if using husband’s surname).
