DFA to start accepting e-passport applications online Aug 26

After issuing the first e-passport to President Arroyo earlier this month, the Department of Foreign Affairs will start accepting online passport applications Aug. 26. The DFA advised interested applicants to set an appointment through the DFA website, but said 100 e-passports can initially be issued daily. "Until the DFA’s ePassport system has achieved full capacity, only 100 ePassports will be issued daily, on a first-come-first-serve basis. From August 26 to September 30, only passport applications for renewal will be accepted," the DFA Office of Consular Affairs said on the DFA website. It advised applicants to fill out the required fields on the online appointment page at the DFA website, or the online appointment process will not proceed. After internal verification, the DFA will inform the prospective applicant of his or her schedule by e-mail. The applicant must confirm availability by sending a reply. The DFA also stressed that applying for an e-passport online does not exempt an applicant from making a personal appearance with the DFA. "Personal appearance is required for prospective ePassport applicants. Until an announcement is made, all ePassport applications during this period shall be filed by the applicant personally to the exclusion of third parties," it said. Interested applicants will be required the following: * Old passport; * One photocopy of old passport data page; * Valid identification card; and * The duly accomplished passport application form An applicant may use the current machine-readable passport (MRP) application form for this purpose, which is also available in the DFA website. "Current MRP holders are firmly advised that their MRPs remain valid and are compliant with global standards," the DFA said. - GMANews.TV