Notice on Issuance of Philippine Electronic Passports
PRESS RELEASE NO. APV-55-2009
02 October 2009
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, wishes to inform all Filipino nationals in the Kingdom that the Department of Foreign Affairs has commenced issuance of the Philippine e-Passport (Electornic Passport, effective 11th August 2009.
Filipino nationals may now opt to secure a regular passport (until December 31, 2009), the e-format passport (machine-readable) or the new e-passport.
The applicable fees for the e-passport are as follows:
Home Office Foreign Service (Pesos) ($US)
- Processing of application and 950.00 60.00
Issuance of e-passport
- Replacement of lost e-passport 1,300.00 150.00
Said fees are still the lowest among countries issuing ePassports. The public has a choice between the MRP at P500 and ePassport at P950. The price difference of P450 helps defray additional ePassport costs, to wit:
• More expensive biometric passport booklets with advanced
security features
• New consumables (laminates, printer ink, and barcode stickers)
Previously issued passports (MRP and non-MRP) are valid until their expiry. It is a good practice to make sure your passport is valid at least six months before intended date of travel to avoid any inconvenience.
The ePassport will initially be made available in limited number. Regular issuance will start sometime in October 2009 from whence all applicants who can comply with the documentary requirements may avail of the ePassport.
The implementation of the ePassport at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh shall take place once the Department issues the instruction after necessary preparations on the technical and personnel aspects have been completed.
Relevant literature on the Philippine e-Passport and the frequently asked questions on the Philippine ePassport will be posted on the Embassy's website, www.philembassy-riyadh.org, to raise public awareness and to properly guide the public on ePassport. END
