PHL Embassy in Singapore issues guidelines for extending passport validity

Filipinos abroad were reminded over the weekend about the requirements needed for extending the validity of their passports.   In Singapore, the Philippine Embassy said a passport's validity may be extended as an emergency measure granted on humanitarian grounds.   "(Be) reminded that an extension of passport validity is an emergency measure granted on humanitarian grounds, subject to the Embassy’s discretion, to those who urgently need to travel prior to the release of their new passport," an embassy advisory said on Sunday.   The embassy said those seeking to extend their passport's validy must present their passport collection slips at Window 1 of the Embassy and present the following documents:

• Passport Extension Form with passport-size photo
• Duly accomplished Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) form
• supporting documents that indicate the nature and urgency of their scheduled travel.

  Applications for extension of passport validity are subject to the review and approval of a consular officer.   The embassy said a fee of S$34 (P1,164) is applicable for extension of passport validity. It takes two working days to process the extension of a passport.   The embassy also said only non-machine readable (green) passports may be extended.   "The Embassy cannot extend Machine-Readable and/or e-Passports, nor may it add pages to a passport booklet whose pages have been filled with visas and immigration stamps," it said.   A passport with at least six months’ validity is a standard requirement for international travel. Filipinos in Singapore were thus encouraged to renew their passports early to avoid inconvenience and additional expense.   "While the Embassy will be implementing a shorter processing period of four weeks for passport applications processed from 30 January 2012 onward, applicants are advised to factor in the necessary lead time required for securing a confirmed appointment schedule," it said.   For more information on the procedure and requirements for scheduling an appointment for passport renewal, Filipinos can visit http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/consular/passport/application-renewal/. - VVP, GMA News