PHL Embassy in Madrid issuing machine-readable passports starting June 29

Starting June 29, the Philippine Embassy in Madrid will be issuing machine-readable passports instead of the newer ePassports.

In an announcement, the embassy cited "technical difficulty" with passport production in Manila for the development.

"The Philippine Embassy in Madrid wishes to inform applicants for Philippine passports that due to technical difficulty with passport production in Manila, Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs) will be issued starting 29 June 2015 and will continue until further notice," it said.

According to the embassy, the MRP is valid for five years and "meets the minimum requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)."

But it added applicants will still be required to fill up an application form, make a personal appearance, and submit to electronic data capturing.

"Processing time will take 8 to 10 weeks and the cost will be 45 euros," it said.

"All applicants are advised to make their travel plans accordingly," it added. —Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News