DFA to cancel passports unclaimed since 2020

MANILA, Philippines — Starting next month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will cancel and dispose of all unclaimed passports that were scheduled for release before December 2020.

The DFA cited a recent department order stating that all passports left unclaimed by the holder one year after receipt by the releasing office shall be cancelled.

It said unclaimed passports scheduled for release before December 2020 will be cancelled and properly disposed of beginning Jan. 10.

“Those yet to claim their passports, which were scheduled for release in December 2020 or earlier, may do so until Jan. 7, 2022 at the DFA Consular Office where they were processed,” it said.

“Those who are unable to claim their passports at the respective DFA Consular Offices before Jan. 7, 2022 must file a new passport application after securing a certificate of unclaimed passport from DFA Aseana or at the DFA Consular Office where they were processed,” it added.

Passports scheduled for release after December 2020 are not affected and may still be claimed from the DFA Consular Office where they were processed.

While no penalty is given for passports claimed at a later date, the DFA encouraged the public to claim passports within 30 days from the scheduled release.

Applicants may authorize other persons to claim the passport on their behalf provided the authorized persons comply with the requirements, including an authorization letter, original and photocopy of valid IDs, original DFA-issued receipts and notarized special power of attorney for non-immediate family members of passport applicants.