Philippine Passport Fees

Planning to get your Philippine passport this year? Let me share everything you need to know about the latest passport fees and processing times for 2025. As someone who regularly assists Filipinos with their passport applications, I’ll break down all the costs and details in simple terms.

Basic Passport Fees

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) offers two processing options for passports in 2025. For regular processing, you’ll pay PHP 950, while expedited processing costs PHP 1,200. 

The regular processing takes about 12 business days, but if you’re in a hurry, expedited processing can get your passport ready in just 6-7 days.

Additional Costs to Consider:

Additional Costs to Consider refer to any expenses beyond the primary or advertised cost of a product, service, or project that may arise during its purchase, implementation, or use. These costs can include taxes, fees, maintenance, operational expenses, upgrades, or unforeseen expenditures that contribute to the total financial outlay required. Identifying and accounting for these costs ensures more accurate budgeting and financial planning.

• Processing Reference Fee (PRF): PHP 250
• Lost/Mutilated Passport Penalty: PHP 350

Payment Methods and Total Costs

Payment Methods and Total Costs refer to the available payment options (e.g., cash, card, bank transfer) and the total amount required to complete a transaction, including fees, taxes, and additional charges.

When paying for your passport, you have several convenient options:

Over-the-Counter Payment

Over-the-Counter Payment refers to a transaction method where customers pay directly at a physical location, such as a bank, store, or service center. This form of payment typically involves cash, checks, or card transactions processed face-to-face with a teller, cashier, or representative, allowing immediate confirmation of the payment.

The total comes to PHP 1,200, which includes both the passport fee and PRF fee.

Card or Cash Payment

Card or Cash Payment refers to the two common methods of completing financial transactions: using a payment card (such as a credit, debit, or prepaid card) or physical currency (cash). Card payments are processed electronically, often involving a point-of-sale system or online platform, while cash payments involve the direct exchange of banknotes and coins. Both methods are widely used for purchasing goods and services.

If you prefer paying electronically, expect to pay PHP 1,250 total. This includes:

• Basic passport fee: PHP 950
• PRF fee: PHP 250
• Convenience fee: PHP 50

Processing Times

Processing Times refer to the duration required to complete a specific task, action, or transaction, from initiation to finalization. This period may vary depending on the complexity of the process, the method of submission, system efficiency, or external factors, such as workload or holidays. Examples include the time taken to process payments, applications, or service requests.

Let me explain the processing times based on your location:

Metro Manila Residents

Metro Manila Residents refers to individuals who live within Metro Manila, also known as the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines. Metro Manila comprises 16 cities and one municipality, including major urban centers such as Manila, Quezon City, Makati, and Pasig. Residents in this region are characterized by their access to the country’s economic, cultural, and political hubs.

• Regular processing: 12 business days
• Expedited processing: 6 business days

Outside Metro Manila

• Regular processing: 12 business days
• Expedited processing: 7 business days

Overseas Application Fees

Overseas Application Fees refer to charges imposed for processing applications submitted from outside a specific country or region. These fees are commonly associated with services such as visa applications, academic admissions, or international certifications. They typically cover administrative costs and may vary depending on the type of application and the country of origin.

If you’re applying from abroad, the fees are different.

For example:

Foreign Service Posts

Foreign Service Posts are diplomatic offices, such as embassies and consulates, established by a country abroad to represent its interests, assist citizens, issue visas, and foster international relations.

• Standard fee: USD 60
• Processing time: 28-60 days

Singapore Embassy Rates

The Singapore Embassy has updated its consular fees, effective from January 1, 2025. These fees cover various services, including visa processing, document authentication, passport issuance, and other consular activities. Please note that fees are subject to periodic review and may vary depending on the type of service and the applicant’s circumstances.

Here are some of the updated fees:

• New Passport/Renewal: ₩84,000
• Visa Application: ₩32,000
• Document of Identity: ₩16,000
• Certificate of True Copy (per page): ₩3,000
• Statutory Declaration for One Party: ₩6,000

For a comprehensive list of consular fees, please refer to the official announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore.

Note: Please be aware that all fees paid for visa applications are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. It’s advisable to verify the latest fees and any additional requirements before proceeding with your application

Special Cases and Additional Services

Special Cases and Additional Services refer to unique or exceptional situations that require tailored processing or extra assistance beyond standard procedures. These may include urgent requests, complex visa applications, document legalization, or other services that incur additional fees or require special handling due to their nature or circumstances.

Sometimes you might need extra services with your passport application. Here’s what they cost:

Lost Passport Services

Lost Passport Services assist individuals who have lost their passport, including reporting the loss, verifying identity, issuing emergency travel documents or replacements, and providing guidance on necessary steps, often with additional fees and documentation.

• ePassport replacement: Additional PHP 350 penalty
• Required documents: Affidavit of Loss and Police Report

Tips for Smooth Application

Here’s what I’ve learned from helping countless passport applicants:

Insights gained through the practical experience of assisting numerous individuals in navigating the passport application process, encompassing common challenges, effective strategies, and best practices for ensuring successful applications.

Timing Your Application

Always renew your passport at least 9 months before expiration. This gives you plenty of time and avoids any last-minute rush.

Document Preparation

Keep all your documents ready before starting the application process. This includes valid IDs and, if applicable, supporting documents for name changes or corrections.

FAQs

Conclusion

Understanding passport fees and processing times helps you plan better for your application. Remember to choose the processing speed that best fits your timeline and budget. Keep your documents ready and consider expedited processing if you need your passport quickly.