Flight chronicles of the backpacker Tutubi, with travelogues, pictures/photos/videos, travel guides, independent and honest reviews, affordable, recommended resorts and hotels (including inns, guesthouses, pension houses, lodges, hostels, condotels, bed and breakfast and other cheap accommodations), commuting guides, routes (sometimes street maps and GPS coordinates/waypoints) and driving directions to answer "how to get there" questions, information and tips on tourism, budget travel and living in Philippines, Exotic Asia and beyond!
Backpacking, independent travel, and flashpacking are cheaper than the "cheapest package tours" and promotional offers around but you can also use travel information for family vacations, even romantic honeymoon destinations.
More than the usual tourist spots and "places to see," this blog advocates heritage conservation, environmental protection, and history awareness for Filipinos, foreigners, and ex-pats wishing to explore Paradise Philippines and Exotic Asia!
How to Apply/Renew ePassports: Application Requirements at New DFA-OCA
For people wishing to apply for epassports for the first time or those renewing their green passports, (falsely said to have expired january 2010) like Tutubi, here's information for you, people.
There's a new Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs building (DFA-OCA) to handle specifically the ePassport, the electronic authentication system, the electronic visa system, and digital consular records system.
DFA ePassport Application Requirements:
Click here for the updated and complete requirements.
Tip: No need to bring pictures as photographs of passport applicants will be taken by data capturing machines (data collected include signatures and biometrics)
Bring only genuine documents as the system can detect fraud and tampering. Fake documents can get you in trouble. (The ePassport can also turn the fake passport businesses of Recto bankrupt)
DFA ePassport Application Process:
1. Check the passport requirements and secure an online appointment at http://www.dfa.gov.ph (consular tab), or to call the DFA consular helpline number (+63.2.556.0000) or DFA telephone number (+63.2.834.4000). Applications may also be filed with the DFA's 19 Regional Consular and satellite offices.
2. Set an appointment by going online through its dedicated website or by calling 737-1000. (For travel agencies/agents, secure an appointment at the DFA website, email at scheduler@dfa-appointment.net, or call these DFA appointment hotlines +63.2.834.4961; +63.2.834-4855; and +63.2.834.3707.
3. After completing all required transactions, you can go back to the DFA-OCA on your scheduled release date of your new passport or have passport home delivery via various accredited DFA couriers.
DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) Office of the Consular Affairs (OCA) Address: Macapagal Avenue corner Bradco Street Aseana Business Park, Paranaque City (a few minutes from SM Mall of Asia (MOA)) DFA Hotline: +63.2.834.4000
How to get to DFA Macapagal for ePassport appointment:
Commute to DFA Consular Office: from LRT Buendia Station, look for shuttle buses on Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, near Taft Avenue going to SM Mall of Asia via Macapagal Avenue. Request the driver to drop you off near the new DFA office.
For those with cars, Tutubi has yet to verify if there's parking at DFA-OCA (or you can park at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) then take a jeep or taxi there.
I suppose, this is different from the machine readable one because the e-passport will include biometrics...My green passport is expiring in 2012. I think it would be good to renew now :)
nina, it's different from MRP. the MRP came out just to comply with ICAO regulations. ePassport is the permanent one. My green passport will expire in May this year so this is a good time. I really waited for ePassport rather than get an MRP :P
my wife and our son renewed their passports to MRP last february with expiry date of 2015; mine's brown MRP already and will be good until 2013. i guess we have to wait that long before we experience having e-passports.
incidentally, i'm just waiting for my company to give back my passport within the week hopefully, with visa stamped for my 30-day-all-expense-paid medical training in tokyo soon. have you been to japan? if so, tips naman po! hehehe..
docgelo, never been to Japan (only Gapan, Nueva Ecija) :P it's actually one of the places i;m targeting for a personal trip in the "near" future. my kuya's presently living there and so I can get a referral for easier japan visa application.
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