The Philippines has instituted the electronic passport (ePassport) system for all its citizens. The ePassport features microchip technology and a host of other security features thereby ensuring that Philippine passports are virtually tamper-proof. ePassport issuance is also compliant with the security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Philippine ePassport has an integrated circuit (chip) within its pages containing data that are essential in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These include the personal biographical information 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 data stored on the chip. The chip technology allows the information stored in an ePassport to be read by special chip readers at almost every international port of entry.
If you are a citizen of the Philippines residing in the United States, you must apply in person to get your Philippine passport renewed. Because a renewal application can take up to six weeks to process, start thinking about your passport renewal well in advance of your departure date. If you live in or around New York, you will need to visit the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
STEP 1
Complete your passport renewal application with blue or black ink. The form must be filled out completely and legibly. You can also opt to type up the form. You can either pick up the form when you go to the Philippine Consulate of New York, or download it and print it out from the consulate's website.
