DFA bares shorter time for processing of passports

MANILA, Philippines — Beginning July 24, the turnaround time for the processing of passports in the National Capital Region will be reduced from 12 to 10 working days for regular applications and from seven to five working days for expedited applications.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo announced the shorter time for the processing of passports as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)’s efforts to provide faster and more responsive service to the public.

For other consular offices, passport applicants can receive their passports in 12 working days from the previous 15 for regular applications, and in seven working days from eight for expedited release.

Efforts are also ongoing to modernize and digitize the DFA’s consular processes including the launch of an e-Visa system within the year to promote tourism and business.

The department is also mainstreaming the e-Apostille to facilitate recognition of Philippine documents abroad and improving issuance of the e-Passport through the Third-Generation e-Passport system.

The secretary noted that the DFA has improved day-to-day consular operations: from maintaining a “No Noon Break policy” to ensuring that appointment slots have reverted to pre-pandemic levels in order to meet current demand, digitizing and standardizing forms, introducing metrics for assessing operations, opening offices in Kidapawan City and Pagadian City, and incentivizing innovation among Consular Offices.

Best practices have been shared and applied among consular offices nationwide including improvements in queuing systems, a shared resource to better monitor and address complaints and grievances, and the deployment of a workforce during holidays and work suspension to ensure uninterrupted service to the public.

“These measures underline the DFA’s commitment to a government that provides the highest standards of service to the Filipino people,” Manalo said as he announced the initiatives during the 125th DFA founding anniversary held at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday.