The Department of Foreign Affairs regional consular office in Davao City (RCO-Davao) would like to inform the public that it has been issuing electronic passports (ePassport) since March 3, 2010. The ePassport was formally launched by DFA Manila on August 11, 2009.
An ePassport has an integrated circuit (chip) within its pages that contains data that are essential in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These include the personal data found on the data page of the passport, the biometrics of the passport holder, the unique chip identification number and a digital signature to verify the authenticity of the stored data. Its issuance is in accordance with the specifications set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Being a member, the Philippines has an international obligation to enhance the security of its travel documents.
The ePassport is enhanced with the automated fingerprint verification system (AFIS) that guards against multiple passport issuance to the same person. It also facilitates fast clearance of travelers at immigration counters and provides them benefits such as use of automated border clearance or “E-gates”, automated issuance of boarding passes and faster travel arrangements with airlines. ePassports are already being issued in more than 60 countries worldwide.
The 44-page ePassport costs PhP950.00 for regular processing (24 working days) and PhP1,200.00 for overtime processing (14 working days). Personal appearance is strictly required for all ages for the taking of biometrics.
A holder of a Philippine passport obtained prior to the issuance of the ePassport may still use the said passport up to its validity. All passport holders are, however, reminded to plan their travel ahead of time and renew their passports before expiry date. A passport must be valid for at least six (6) months prior to departure.
At present, only RCO-Davao and RCO-Zamboanga issue ePassports from among the six RCOs situated in Mindanao.
RCO-Davao is located at Ebro-Pelayo Building, E. Jacinto Street, with telephone numbers (082)224 4885 and (082)227 3900.
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