Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco > Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco >> Visa | Passport | Legal >> FAQ

FAQ

List of Consular Services

PASSPORT

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.

The Embassy/Consulate General receives and processes applications for ePassports which in turn is sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila for printing and issuance. Please note that the passport applications now take about 6 weeks before issuance.

The Embassy/Consulate General advises all Philippine passport holders, whose passports are expiring within the next 6 months, to renew their passports if they intend to travel within the aforementioned period.

All Filipino citizens applying for passports with the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General, will no longer need to submit photographs, as their pictures, their fingerprints, and their signatures, will be taken on-site. This also means that all passport applicants, regardless of age, are henceforth required to appear personally.

There is no need for an appointment as applicants are served on a walk-in basis.

TRAVEL DOCUMENT

A travel document is a certification or identifying document containing the description and other personal circumstances of the bearer, which is issued in lieu of a passport and valid for one-way, direct travel to the Philippines. A travel document is issued to a Filipino citizen for emergency cases where the traveler cannot, at the time of emergency, fully comply with the requirements for the issuance of a regular passport. A travel document may be issued by the Embassy/Consulate General to the following:

  1. A Filipino citizen returning to the Philippines who has lost his/her passport;
  2. A Filipino citizen whose passport has expired but was unable to wait for the issuance of an e-Passport due to an emergency situation in the Philippines; Proof of urgency/emergency is appreciated;
  3. A Filipino citizen being sent back to the Philippines.

Requirements:

  1. Duly accomplished travel document application form, duly notarized if application is sent by mail;
  2. Expired Philippine Passport
  3. If the passport is lost, Philippine National Statistics Office (NSO) birth certificate;
  4. Affidavit of Loss, duly notarized by a local notary public, if application is sent by mail;
  5. Four (4) colored photographs, 2 in. x 2 in.

Note: If applying by mail, applicant submits a self-addressed return envelope with appropriate stamps.

Processing Fee of US$30.00 (non-refundable, payable only in cash when personally applying or money order, certified or cashier’s check payable to the Embassy/Consulate General when applying by mail; personal check or personal money order is not accepted).

CONSULAR OUTREACH PROGRAM

The Embassy/Consulate General conducts periodic Consular Outreach Program to bring its various consular services at the convenience of the Filipinos where they are residents of the State under its jurisdiction. The schedule of the Outreach Program is posted in the homepage of the Embassy’s/Consulate’s General website. Applicants are advised to contact the venue coordinator of the Outreach Program to secure an appointment since the Embassy/Consulate General can only accommodate limited number of e-Passport applicants.

Renewal of Passport

Personal appearance for all passport applicants is required. Each application must be submitted with the following:

  1. A duly accomplished passport application form
  2. Latest passport
  3. Proof that applicant has not applied for foreign citizenship e.g. resident alien card
  4. One (1) photocopy of the passport data page(s) for brown passports, submit a copy of the pages which show the data and picture of the applicant (pages 1-3); for green passports, submit a copy of the page which shows the data and picture of the applicant (page 1)
  5. If applicant’s last passport is the brown one, which only shows the applicant’s middle initial, a copy of any VALID IDENTIFICATION CARD which shows their WHOLE MIDDLE NAME must also be provided. Acceptable forms of Identification are:
    • State ID or Driver’s License
    • Certified Copy of Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate
    • Baptismal Certificate
  6. Passport fee is $60.00. Accepted forms of payment are cash, postal money order, cashier’s check or bank draft made payable to the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General. Personal Checks, credit or debit cards are not accepted.

Replacement of Lost Passport

The following are the requirements for applications for the replacement of Lost Passports:

  1. Duly accomplished passport application form;
  2. Fill out the “Affidavit of Loss” portion on the form;
  3. Copies of state ID or driver’s license, permanent resident alien card, or any other valid photo identification;
  4. Philippine National Census and Statistics Office (NSO) Birth Certificate;
  5. For married women, Report of Marriage (if marriage is solemnized abroad) or Philippine National Statistics Office (NSO) marriage contract (if marriage is solemnized in the Philippines);
  6. Police Report, if the lost passport is still valid;
  7. Passport fee for lost Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and ePassport is $160 and for lost Machine Ready Readable Passport (MRRP) or Green Manual Passport is $100. Accepted forms of payment are cash, postal money order, cashier’s check or bank draft made payable to the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General. Personal Checks, credit or debit cards are not accepted.

A 15-day waiting period, on top of the 6-week processing period, will be imposed if the lost passport is still valid (unexpired) and if the passport was not issued by the Embassy/Consulate General.

Passport Renewal for Minors

All passport applications of minors shall be treated similarly as with passport renewals or replacement of lost passports. In addition, an Affidavit of Consent to Travel signed by the minor’s parent/s must be submitted together with the passport application.

Applications for New Passports

Applications for new passports (those who have newly reacquired Philippine citizenship or those newly registered as Philippine citizens) must be accompanied by the following documents:

  1. Duly accomplished passport application form
  2. If applicant has newly reacquired Philippine citizenship, submit Order of Approval for application for dual citizenship, Oath of Allegiance, and NSO Birth Certificate
  3. If applicant has not been registered as a Philippine citizen, duly accomplished Report of Birth form with three (3) passport size photos with white background.  Please refer to the section on Report of Birth for pertinent requirements.

Change of Name

Under Philippine laws, a person’s legal name may only be amended through the following:

  1. Change of name due to marriage;
  2. Change of Surname of a Legitimated Child by virtue of a subsequent marriage of parents;
  3. Change of name due to death of spouse or annulment of marriage
  4. Change of name due to divorce (valid only for those Filipinos who did not act as Plaintiff in the divorce proceedings; not valid for couples who were both Filipinos at the time of the marriage)
  5. Change of name as duly ordered by Philippine courts or the Civil Registrar General

In these cases, you will need to apply for a new passport and submit the following documents to support your request for change of name.

For change of name due to marriage, the following must be submitted:

  1. For a marriage solemnized in the Philippines, NSO-certified original copy and photocopy of marriage certificate.
  2. For a marriage solemnized outside of the Philippines and celebrated within the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General, the following must be submitted:
    • Original and photocopy of marriage certificate;
    • Duly accomplished Report of Marriage Contracted Abroad form
    • Passport Amendment Form

Please refer to the section on Report of Marriage for pertinent requirements.

For change of name due to death of husband, divorce, annulled marriages, the following documents are needed:

  1. For widowed applicants – authenticated death certificate of husband, or authenticated court order of presumptive death.
  2. For annulled marriages – authenticated Marriage Contract and authenticated Court Order.
  3. For divorced applicants (allowed only in cases where the non-Filipino spouse acted as the plaintiff; not allowed when both parties are Filipino citizens at the time of the marriage), submit the original copy of Divorce Decree.
  4. If the Filipino spouse acted as plaintiff, i.e. the Filipino spouse initiated the divorce proceedings, and if the Filipino spouse has since remarried and assumed her second or succeeding spouse’s surname, the Embassy/Consulate General may issue a Certificate of One and the Same Person indicating both of the names used by the applicant and an explanation of why the new passport cannot reflect her current married name.

For change of name due to legitimation upon subsequent marriage of parents, or as ordered by Philippine courts or by the Civil Registrar General:

For change of name per Republic Act 9048:

Republic Act (RA) 9048 authorizes the city or municipal civil registrar or the consul general to correct a clerical or typographical error in an entry and/or change the first name or nickname in the civil register without need of a judicial order.

RA 9048 allows these corrections:

LEGAL SERVICES

Authentication

Any legal document, such as Power of Attorney, Affidavit, Deed, or Birth Certificate issued in the US, must first be acknowledged or authenticated (‘consularized’) by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General for that document to have any legal validity in the Philippines.

The Philippine Embassy or Consulate General does not assume responsibility for the contents of the document.

A $25 fee will be applied for every document “consularized” by the Embassy or Consulate General.  Each “consularized” document will bear the ribbon and/or seal of the Embassy or Consulate.

Procedure and requirements

1. For a document to be notarized:

2. For a document to be authenticated:

Note:  For the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, while U.S. Government-issued documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, police clearance, court documents and official school transcript of records need not be notarized, these documents should be authenticated by the Secretary of State prior to their submission to the Embassy for legalization.

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco allows the “direct authentication” of U.S., state, county and other official documents (i.e., country or state-issued documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, court documents, official school transcript of records and other similar documents do not need to be notarized).

If applying by mail, have your application forms notarized and submit a self-addressed return envelope with appropriate stamps.

3. Certificate of Appearance of veteran to claim pension

o Execute an affidavit with the following information:

1. Full name
2. Citizenship
3. Current residential address in the US (not a PO Box)
4. Reason for executing the affidavit, in this case, for continuation of pension
5. Proof of pensioner’s identity – such as passport, State ID, driver’s license

o Attach copies of the pensioner’s identification card or passport to the affidavit, then have the affidavit notarized by any local notary and authenticated by the County Clerk and Secretary of State or the Lieutenant Governor

Solemnization of Marriage

Consular Officers are authorized to solemnize marriages between two Filipinos of the states under the jurisdiction of the Embassy/Consulate General.  Please check the Consulate Finder.

Report of Marriage

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

  1. Four (4) original duly accomplished Report of Marriage Contracted Abroad form signed by the husband and the wife
  2. Four (4) identical colored photographs of the husband and four (4) identical colored photographs of the wife, 1.77 in. x 1.37 in., plain white background, taken within six months before the date of application showing a clear front view of applicant’s face without eyeglasses. (Blurred or low quality photos are not accepted.)
  3. One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of the Marriage Certificate or Contract. (Original will be returned)
  4. Four (4) photocopies of government-issued identification card or passport of both husband and wife
  5. Four (4) photocopies of Philippine birth certificate of Filipina spouse
  6. Processing fee of US$25.00 (non-refundable, payable only in cash when personally applying, money order or certified check payable to the Embassy or the Consulate General when applying by mail or courier; personal check and personal money order are not accepted.)

Note: If applying by mail, have your application forms notarized and the applicant submits a self-addressed return envelope with appropriate stamps.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A. IF FILIPINO SPOUSE WAS PREVIOUSLY MARRIED AND DIVORCED, OR PREVIOUSLY MARRIED AND MARRIAGE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ANNULLED

One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of the Judicial Decree of Divorce or Annulment

NOTICE

Article 26 of the Family Code of the Philippines or Executive Order No. 209 (as amended by E.O. No. 227, promulgated on 27 July 1987) provides that:

B. IF THE FILIPINO SPOUSE IS A WIDOW / WIDOWER

One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of Death Certificate of deceased spouse

N.B. Original supporting documents are returned.

C. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY MAIL OR THROUGH TRAVEL AGENCY OR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

All applications submitted by mail or courier service, through travel agencies or representatives shall be duly notarized.

D. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANT WHO WISHES TO HAVE HIS/HER REPORT OF MARRIAGE RETURNED BY MAIL OR COURIER SEPARATE FROM PASSPORT APPLICATION

APPLICANT RESIDING IN U.S. AND U.S. TERRITORIES

To have the Report of Marriage returned by mail, enclose a prestamped, self-addressed return envelope (private courier or U.S. Postal Service) express mail. Do not use metered stamps nor P.O. Box mailing address.

APPLICANT RESIDING IN U.S. TERRITORIES OR OTHER COUNTRIES WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES IN WASHINGTON, DC

To have the Report of Marriage returned by courier, enclose a treasurer’s, manager’s or certified check, issued by a local bank that has a corresponding bank in the U.S., payable to the courier of choice in U.S. dollars, and a corresponding self-addressed courier’s address label. Do not use P.O. Box mailing address. Personal check and personal money order are not accepted.

N.B. The Embassy of the Philippines and Philippine Consulates General assume no responsibility for any delay or loss in the mail, or while the documents are in the custody of the courier service. The applicant shall note the tracking numbers of all envelopes used and submitted.

E. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The Consular Officer reserves the right to require additional proof or documents from an applicant, to prove his/her citizenship or identity pursuant to the Philippine Passport Law (R.A. 8239) and the Foreign Service Act. (R.A. 7157)

APPLICATION SHALL BE COMPLETELY ACCOMPLISHED, ANSWERS TYPED OR PRINTED LEGIBLY WITH BLACK OR BLUE INK AND ALL REQUIREMENTS SUBMITTED, OTHERWISE APPLICATION SHALL BE RETURNED UNPROCESSED.

Report of birth of child born abroad of Filipino parents

REQUIREMENTS

  1. Four (4) original duly accomplished application Report of Birth form
  2. One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of Birth Certificate
  3. One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of Marriage certificate of the parents
  4. If parents are not married and the father’s surname will be used by the child, notarized Affidavit of Acknowledgement of the Paternity and Permission to use Father’s Surname executed by the father.
  5. One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of Proof of Philippine Citizenship of either parent at time of birth of the child such as the data page of his/her Philippine Passport and if applicable, photocopies of his/her alien registration card.  If only one parent is a Filipino at the time of child's birth, the non-Filipino parent submits four (4) photocopies of government-issued identification card or passport.
  6. If applicable, four (4) photocopies of Order of Approval (for dual citizens) indicating the name of the child as a minor-beneficiary of the parent’s re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship.
  7. If applicable, four (4) photocopies of U.S. Naturalization Certificate of parent(s).
  8. If report of birth is filed more than a year after the child is born, a notarized affidavit explaining the reasons for the delayed registration.
  9. Processing fee of US$25.00 (non-refundable, payable only in cash when personally applying or money order, certified or cashier’s check payable to the Embassy or the Consulate) when applying by mail; personal check pr personal money order is not accepted)
  10. The Consular Officer may require additional proof or documents from applicant to determine the child's citizenship, identity, or eligibility for registration of birth under Philippine laws.

Applicants who applied in person but want their documents mailed back to them should also submit a self-addressed US Postal Service registered mail or FEDEX /UPS envelope.

APPLICATION BY MAIL

Report of Birth sent by mail must be duly notarized and sent to the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General with a self-addressed return envelope with postage stamps for USPS priority mail with delivery confirmation. Please do not use P.O. Box mailing address.  Enclose contact details for the Embassy/Consulate General’s reference.

Report of Death of a Filipino

The death of a Filipino should be reported to and registered with the Philippine National Statistics Office through the Embassy/Consulate General.

Note:  The place of death determines which Consulate the report should be filed.  Please check the Consulate Finder.

In registering a death, following requirements are needed:

  1. Four (4) original copies of the duly accomplished Report of Death application form signed by the representative
  2. One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of the Certificate of Death issued by the State Department of Health
  3. Copy of Philippine passport of the deceased or proof of Filipino citizenship
  4. Duly notarized certificate issued by the Mortuary Director that the body was properly embalmed or cremated.
  5. Processing Fee of US$25.00 (non-refundable, payable only in cash when personally applying or money order, certified or cashier’s check payable to the Embassy Consulate General when applying by mail; personal check or personal money order is not accepted)

Applicants who applied in person but who want their documents mailed back to them should also submit a US Post registered mail or FEDEX/UPS envelope along with the regular requirements.

Note: If applying by mail, have your application forms notarized and the applicant submits a self-addressed return envelope with appropriate stamps.

Requirement for the shipment of human remains and urns for repatriation

Consular Mortuary Certificates are issued when remains or the cremated remains of a deceased are to be transported to the Philippines. The following are the requirements:

  1. Duly accomplished Report of Death form (in quadruplicate)
  2. Certificate of Death issued by the State Department of Health
  3. Duly notarized certificate issued by the Mortuary Director that the body was properly embalmed or cremated and that the casket contains only the body of the deceased (only for human remains).
  4. Certificate of No Contagious Disease issued by the State Department of Health (only for human remains)
  5. Burial transit permit
  6. Itinerary (full flight details and mode of transportation)
  7. Name of the receiving Funeral Parlor in the Philippines (only for human remains)
  8. Five (5) photocopies of Philippine passport of the deceased or proof of Filipino citizenship.
  9. Five (5) photocopies of identification documents of the person who will travel with the urn (passports, driver’s license, etc.).

Please send all the above through registered or express mail.  Also, enclose a postal money order payable to the Embassy or Consulate General (as applicable, please see Consular Finder) in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) and express mail (return envelope) with your name, address and telephone number.

If remains to be transported to the Philippines are of a non-Filipino citizen, a Consular Mortuary Certificate is required (see requirements above sans the Report of Death form).

DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Republic Act 9225 otherwise known as the  Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 (more popularity known as the Dual Citizenship Law) enables former natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country to reacquire/retain their Philippine citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines. Upon reacquiring their Philippine citizenship, they shall enjoy full civil, economic and political rights as Filipinos.

Under the principle of derivative citizenship, unmarried children below eighteen (18) years of age, whether legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted, of those who reacquired their Philippine citizenship under this law shall also be deemed Filipino citizens.

However, there is another kind of dual citizenship, which is not covered by the law.  This pertains to a dual citizen by birth:  A child born in the United States when either parent was still a Filipino citizen is considered to be a dual citizen from birth.

Application for reacquisition of Philippine citizenship

Submit the original and one duplicate copy of the following required documents to apply for reacquisition of Philippine citizenship:

  1. Original duly-accomplished Application Forms
  2. Copy of Philippine Birth Certificate
  3. Copy of Philippine Passport
  4. Copy of US Passport
  5. Copy of Marriage Certificate/Contract (for married women)
  6. Copy of US Naturalization Certificate
  7. Six (6) pieces of latest photograph (2” x 2”)
  8. Processing fee of US$50.00 (non-refundable, payable only in cash, money order or certified check payable to the Embassy or the Consulate General, personal check and personal money order are not accepted.)

If an applicant for dual citizenship would like to include their unmarried minor (below 18 years of age) children who were born when both parents were already non‐Filipinos: submit a duplicate original or certified photocopy of the birth certificate of your children and their non‐Philippine passport.

After the application is processed and approved, contact the Embassy or Consulate on a predetermined date to take their oath of allegiance before a consular officer. Prior to taking the oath of allegiance, the applicant is required to sign the Oath of Allegiance prepared by the Embassy or Consulate.  After the applicant takes oath, he will receive the original copy of his notarized oath of allegiance together with an Order of Approval issued by the Consulate, and the corresponding Identification Certificate, if available.

If the applicant is a Bureau of Immigration registered alien, he shall surrender the original ACR and ICR/CRTV, or in its absence, an affidavit explaining the loss of said documents for transmittal to the BI.

Rights and privileges

Once you reacquire/retain your Philippine citizenship, you will once again enjoy full civil, economic and political rights under existing Philippine laws.

Among these rights are:

  1. The right to travel with a Philippine passport.
  2. The right to own real property in the Philippines.
  3. The right to engage in business and commerce as a Filipino, and
  4. The right to practice one’s profession, provided that a license or permit to engage in such practice is obtained from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), or the Supreme Court in the case of lawyers.

You may also vote in Philippine national elections (for President, Vice President, Senators and sectoral representatives) by overseas/absentee ballots in accordance with the provisions of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003.

You will enjoy all other rights and privileges enjoyed by Filipino citizens.

Implication on payment of taxes

Under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program of 1997, incomes earned abroad by Filipinos from 1998 are no longer taxable. Hence, all Filipinos abroad, including those who have reacquired their Philippine citizenship, have been exempted by the Philippine Government from paying Philippine income tax on incomes earned abroad.

Incomes earned in the Philippines, however, will be subject to Philippine income tax.

Residency requirement

Residency in the Philippines is NOT a requirement for those who reacquire Philippine citizenship.

Visa requirement for foreign spouse and/or children when traveling to the Philippines

As long as the foreign spouse and children travel with the Balikbayan, they will be entitled to a visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year.

Residency in the Philippines is NOT a requirement for those who reacquire Philippine citizenship.

Note:  Documents submitted which are in a foreign language must have an official English translation.

TRANSPORT OF PETS

The following are the requirements for the transport of pets to the Philippines:

  1. Obtain an Import Permit from the Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry online via www.bai.ph (click “services” then “Online application for import permits of dogs and cats”)

    For more details, email quarantine_bai@yahoo.com, or call 632-920-0816.

  2. Obtain a Health Certificate for each pet from a duly licensed veterinarian or from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is dated within 30 days before the date of arrival. The Health Certificate should certify that the animal is free from, and has not been recently exposed to any dangerous or communicable disease, and that it has been given anti-rabies and other required inoculations
  3. Bring the papers or mail them to the Embassy/Consulate for authentication.

The Import Permit and Health Certificate must be presented at the airport upon the arrival of the pet.

Failure to obtain authenticated import permits and health certificates may result in pets being quarantined upon arrival in the Philippines.

Fee: $25 (personal checks, credit/debit cards NOT accepted).

Processing Time: One (1) day.

NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (NBI) CLEARANCE (from www.nbi.gov.ph)

For first-time applicant for NBI clearance (for those living/working abroad):

1. Secure a Fingerprint Card form from the Embassy/Consulate and fill-up the personal data called for on both sides of the card truthfully and legibly.

2. In case you are a married woman, the order of writing your name is as follows:

1. Your maiden surname (father’s surname).
2. Your husband’s surname.
3. Your first name or given name.
4. Your maternal surname (family name of your mother)

3. Attach a latest copy of your 2”x2” photograph with white background (taken within three (3) months prior to your application).

4. Proceed to the police agency in your locality to have your fingerprints impressed (ROLLED IMPRESSION) on the appropriate spaces. The officer /person who “fingerprinted” you should sign his name and state his official designation on the space provided for the purpose on the card.

5. Have the Fingerprint Card form authenticated by the Embassy/Consulate so that the document can be considered legal for use in the Philippines (fee $25.00). Once authenticated by the Embassy/Consulate, the application is considered “accomplished”.

The accomplished form may be sent to the NBI by two means:

1. By Mail - enclose Money Order in the sum of Php 200.00 Philippine currency or bank draft which is negotiable in the Philippines payable to the Director, National Bureau of Investigation, Taft Avenue, Ermita 1000 Manila, Philippines. The following accredited banks are:

• Philippine National Bank (PNB)
• Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Co. (HSBC)
• ANZ – A New Zealand Bank
• METROBANK
• Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI)

Upon completion of this requirement, send your accomplished form to:

Ms. Julie Macalit
IRD - Mailed Clearance Section
National Bureau of Investigation
Taft Ave., Ermita 1000 Manila
Philippines

The NBI will mail the corresponding clearance certificate after it has been processed (maximum of three (3) days excluding days of transit).

2. Through a Representative in the Philippines – send the accomplished form to your representative, along with a signed letter authorizing him/her to transact business on your behalf. Your relative may visit the office of the Electronic Data Processing Division (EDPD) in NBI Taft Avenue, Manila for further assistance.

Upon receipt of your clearance certificate, please examine it for the presence of the embossed NBI DRY SEAL at its lower left portion.  The clearance is invalid without it. You must also affix your clear and properly taken THUMBPRINT on the space provided for on the clearance certificate with the assistance of any local police in your area before submitting it to the end-user.

For applicants renewing their NBI clearance (for those living/working abroad):

If you have your original Personal Copy of your NBI clearance issued from 1998 onwards, simply send that certificate to the NBI office for renewal, along with:

  1. 2”x2” photograph with white background (taken within three (3) months prior to your application)
  2. Photocopy of your passport with date stamped proving your presence abroad
  3. Update any information that needs to be updated on your old clearance certificate, else write Same Data if there are no changes. Renewal only allows changes in address and purpose of clearance.
  4. If there would be changes in your NAME, DATE OF BIRTH and PLACE OF BIRTH, you are advised to fill-up the form for new applicants and attach a photocopy of your Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate as proof on changes applied.

Follow the same SENDING instructions as above.

If your clearance was issued prior to 1998 or you have lost your personal copy of the certificate, follow the instructions for First Time applicants from abroad.

RENEWAL OF PHILIPPINE DRIVER’S LICENSE

In accordance with Land Transportation Office (LTO) Administrative Order No. RIB-2008-011 Series of 2007, it is now possible for Filipinos abroad who hold authentic Philippine license who are staying abroad to renew their expired Philippine drivers’ license through their authorized representative in the Philippines.

The following documents must be presented by the authorized representative of the applicant to LTO:

  1. Original driver’s license and receipt (plus one photocopy of each);
  2. Photocopy of the Philippine passport (first page, visa page and departure from the Philippines and last arrival overseas);
  3. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) from the licensee to the LTO requesting the renewal, and authorizing a representative to renew the license on his / her behalf; the SPA must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General.

Applicants within the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila may apply for renewal at the License Section of the Central Office of the LTO in Quezon City.

Representatives who are outside of NCR may apply at the LTO field office of their choice.

NOTE: only an OFFICIAL RECEIPT will be issued by the LTO to those who apply for extensions on their driver’s license through a representative. A new ID-card can only be issued upon the arrival of the applicant at the LTO in the Philippines and compliance with all requirements for license renewal, including the biometrics capture, medical, vision and drug test.

VISA

Nationals of a number of countries with which the Philippines maintains diplomatic relations, including the United States, may avail themselves of visa-free entry into the Philippines, provided their stay will not exceed 21 days.  Please contact the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General for information on which countries are extended this privilege.

US citizens who wish to stay more than 21 days in the Philippines and nationals of countries who are not extended 21-day visa free privilege should apply for a visa before travelling to the Philippines.

US passport holders who avail of the 21-day visa-free stay in the Philippines must provide proof that the nature of their trip is tourism-related, they hold confirmed roundtrip or Philippine outbound airline tickets, and their passports are valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay in the Philippines.

Returning Balikbayans or former Filipinos may also enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for a period of one (1) year, provided that they have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the intended stay in the Philippines, a roundtrip ticket, and proof of former Philippine citizenship (e.g. old Philippine passport or NSO-authenticated birth certificate). Foreign spouses and their minor children travelling with the Balikbayan may avail of this privilege.

If any of the aforementioned conditionalities apply, foreign nationals may apply for any of one of the appropriate Philippine visas:

Non-immigrant Visa

There are several categories of a non-immigrant visa. They are:

9(A) Temporary Visitor’s visa
9(B) Transit
9(C) Seaman
9(D) Treaty Traders
9(E) Foreign Government Official
9(F) Student
9(G) Pre-Arranged Employees

Following are the requirements for the issuance of the above visas:

9(A)  Temporary Visitor’s Visa

  1. Passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date)
  2. Duly accomplished Visa application form (Form 2)
  3. Travel Itinerary / Flight ticket (applicant must be a holder of a return air ticket)
  4. One (1) colored photo, 2 x 2, recently taken, front view, with a white background. (No eyeglasses or sleeveless attire)
  5. Proof of Financial Capacity:

Pleasure - photocopy of any of the following: latest bank statement, previous year's income tax return, most recent pay stub and an employment certificate from the employer indicating position and salary or affidavit of support

Business - letter from employer or sponsor of the trip indicating its specific purpose or nature, length of stay (inclusive dates), company guarantee or all moral and financial obligations to be incurred by the person while in the Philippines.

Waiver of Exclusion (WE) for Certain Minors

As a rule, minors including children who arrive individually or in groups and who are under 15 years of age and unaccompanied by or not coming to a parent to the Philippines, are generally excluded from entering the Philippine ports of entry.

However, to avoid exclusion before arrival at Philippine ports, the following document must be submitted:

  1. The minor’s guardian or legal representative shall, at least 72 hours before arrival, write a letter of an intent to travel to the Philippines. The letter, enclosing copies of the minor’s passport, visa (if required), return ticket and invitation from a parent or sponsoring entity, is addressed to the Commissioner of Immigration requesting for the minor’s waiver of exclusion and the relinquishment of exclusion fees in the amount of P3,120.00. Upon approval, the Commissioner of Immigration will then issue an Order waiving the minor’s exclusion, a copy of which will be sent to the Immigration Duty Supervisors (IDS) at the port of entry.
    • To avoid exclusion of minors who arrive at Philippine ports without prior notice to the Commissioner of Immigration, the following document must be submitted:
  2. The minor’s guardian or legal representative fills out the application form for Waiver of Exclusion (WE) obtained from IDS and attaches a copy of the minor’s passport. Upon approval, the IDS directs the minor’s guardian to pay a waiver fee of P3,120.00 for each unaccompanied minor. After payment, the IDS directs an Immigration Officer (IO) to admit the minor’s entry to the Philippines.

Schedule of fees:

For nationals of countries with visa agreement with the Philippines:

  1. Single entry valid for three (3) months US$ 30.00
  2. Multiple entry valid for six (6) months US$ 60.00
  3. Multiple-entry valid for twelve (12) months US$ 90.00

For nationals of countries without visa agreement with the Philippines:

  1. Single entry valid for three (3) months US$ 40.00
  2. Multiple entry valid for six (6) months US$ 80.00
  3. Multiple-entry valid for twelve (12) months US$ 120.00

9(B) Transit

  1. Passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date)
  2. Duly accomplished Visa application form (Form 2)
  3. Travel Itinerary / Flight ticket (applicant must be a holder of a return or onward air ticket)
  4. One (1) colored photo, 2 x 2, recently taken, front view, with a white background. (No eyeglasses or sleeveless attire)

9(C) Seamen

  1. Passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date)
  2. Duly accomplished Visa application form (Form 2)
  3. Duly accomplished Form No. 63 for crew list visa
  4. Travel Itinerary / Flight ticket (applicant must be a holder of a return air ticket)
  5. One (1) colored photo, 2 x 2, recently taken, front view, with a white background. (No eyeglasses or sleeveless attire)
  6. Letter from Shipping Company

9(D) Visa for International Treaty Traders and Treaty Investors

  1. Passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date)
  2. Duly accomplished Visa application form (Form 2)
  3. Travel Itinerary / Flight ticket (applicant must be a holder of a return or onward air ticket)
  4. One (1) colored photo, 2 x 2, recently taken, front view, with a white background. (No eyeglasses or sleeveless attire)

9(E) Foreign Government Officials

  1. Passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date)
  2. Duly accomplished Visa application form
  3. Travel Itinerary / Flight ticket
  4. One (1) 2 x 2 passport photo (taken within the last 6 months)
  5. Letter from US government agency requesting issuance of visa or Note Verbale from US State Department

9(F) Student

  1. Passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date)
  2. Duly accomplished Visa Application Form (Form 2)
  3. Original copy of the Notice of Acceptance (NOA) containing a clear impression of the school’s official dry seal or a duly notarized written endorsement from the school for the conversion of the applicant’s status signed by the school’s Registrar;
  4. Original copy of Certificate of Eligibility for Admission issued by the Commission on Higher Education
  5. Police Clearance issued by the appropriate authorities in applicant's country of origin authenticated by the Consulate
  6. Original copy of Medical Certificate issued by authorized physician including standard sized chest x-ray

9(G) Pre-arranged Employees

Checklist of Requirements for Pre-Arranged Employee – Commercial

  1. Duly notarized letter request  from the petitioner-organization;
  2. Duly accomplished application form;
  3. One (1) passport-size photo (taken within the last 6 months from date of application);
  4. Passport valid at least 6 months;
  5. Police clearance issued by appropriate authorities in applicant’s country of residence; and
  6. Medical Health Certificate issued by an authorized physician including standard chest x-ray

If in the application, the applicant is joined by his/her spouse and unmarried minor children:

Copy of marriage certificate of applicant and spouse and/or birth certificate of minor unmarried children, NSO-certified or authenticated by the Philippine embassy/consulate in or nearest the place where marriage was solemnized or place of birth, with English translation if written in other foreign language, as the case may be.

Checklist of Requirements for Pre-Arranged Employee – Missionaries

Aliens may be issued missionary visas:

Foreigners who will be engaged in religious or missionary work may be issued pre-arranged employee visas. They will be required to present documentary proof which are applicable to an applicant seeking admission under Section 9(g). However, they need to submit an alien employment permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or in lieu of this permit, proof that they are bona fide members of a religious institution as certified by a duly authorized representative of the petitioning organization.

  1. Duly notarized letter request  from the petitioner-organization;
  2. Duly accomplished application form;
  3. One (1) passport-size photo (taken within the last 6 months from date of application);
  4. Passport valid at least 6 months;
  5. Police clearance issued by appropriate authorities in applicant’s country of residence; and
  6. Medical Health Certificate issued by an authorized physician including standard chest x-ray

Special non-immigrant 47(A) (2) visa

  1. Valid passport.
  2. Two signed passport photographs for each applicant whether in one passport or not which should be taken within the past six months.
  3. FA Form No. 2 to be submitted in duplicate by each applicant whether in one passport or not.
  4. Letter from Foundation or Institute stating that the applicant is connected with such program, which is approved by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
  5. No visa fee charged.
  6. FA Form No. 11 to be accomplished in duplicate by a Physician and submitted to this Office.
  7. Chest X-ray negative standard size to be presented to this Office and hand carried to the Philippines.
  8. Police Clearance certificates from place of residence of applicant.
  9. If applicant cannot appear in person at the Embassy, visa application form should be notarized.
  10. Referral to Department of Foreign Affairs required by applicant is a restricted alien or if Foundation of Institute is not listed in FSC 189-75 dated 14 November 1975 (posted in Embassy Bulletin Board).

Immigrant Visa

A non-quota immigrant visa may be granted to the spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of Philippine citizens (13A) and to former Filipinos who have already acquired foreign citizenships including their spouse and unmarried minor children (13G).

Following are the requirements for a 13A visa:

  1. Passport (valid at least 6 months from date of application)
  2. Duly accomplished visa application form (Form 3)
  3. Six (6) 2 x 2 photos, applicant’s signature on bottom front
  4. Documentary evidence to prove spouse's or either parent's Philippine citizenship and to show applicant's relationship to the Philippine citizen such as original birth certificate, Philippine passport, marriage contract.
  5. Medical Examination Report (FA Form 11 - available at the Consulate) duly accomplished by a licensed physician and whose signature must be duly notarized; together with a life-size chest x-ray film and laboratory reports (original and two (2) copies.) Medical Examination Report should not be more than six (6) months from the date of application.
  6. Police Clearance Certificate
  7. Evidence of sound financial status e.g. proof of real property, investment, bank certification, pension, notarized Affidavit of Support from a relative in the Philippines, attaching documents to substantiate declaration or claim
  8. Personal Appearance for Interview
  9. Visa Fee of $150 payable in cash or money order only payable to the Philippine Embassy.

Following are the requirements for a 13G Visa:

  1. Passport (valid at least 6 months from date of application)
  2. Certificate of Naturalization
  3. Original and two (2) copies each of the following:
    • Duly accomplished visa application form (Form 3)
    • Six (6) 2 x 2 photos, applicant’s signature on front left side
    • Documentary evidence of former Philippine citizenship e.g. old Philippine passport, original birth certificate. Foreign spouse and minor children must present legal proof of relationship such as marriage contract, birth certificate.
    • Medical Examination Report (FA Form 11 - available at the Consulate) duly accomplished by a licensed physician and whose signature must be duly notarized; together with a life-size chest x-ray film and laboratory reports (original and two (2) copies.) Medical Examination Report should not be more than six (6) months from the date of application.
    • Police Clearance Certificate
    • Evidence of sound financial status e.g. proof of real property, investment, bank certification, pension, notarized Affidavit of Support from a relative in the Philippines, attaching documents to substantiate declaration or claim
  4. Personal Appearance for Interview
  5. Visa Fee of $150 payable in cash or money order only payable to the Philippine Embassy

Those with 13A and 13G visas are eligible to apply for duty free shipment to the Philippines.

Note for 13A and 13G visas: Processing time for the 13 A and G visas is two (2) weeks after complete submission of above requirements.

Visa service by mail should be accompanied by Money Order for corresponding fees payable to the Philippine Embassy or the Philippine Consulate General and a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage for return receipt.

If all the documents submitted are in order, the appropriate visa will be released the following working day or unless otherwise stated.

Applicants who applied in person but who want their passports/visas/documents mailed back to them should also submit a self-addressed US registered mail or FEDEX or UPS envelope along with the regular requirements.

For mailed-in applications, please allow a reasonable amount of time for your mailed application to reach the Embassy/Consulate General and for your passport to be mailed back to you.

In this regard, it is advised that all applicants submit their completed applications and all related documents well in advance of their intended dates of travel.

PH REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAL MISSIONS

According to the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA, formerly BFAD), any foreign organization intending to bring medicines and/or medical equipment to be donated or used during the conduct of medical missions must comply with the requirements of the Department of Health’s Bureau of International Health Cooperation (DOH-BIHC).  DOH-BIHC shall then facilitate the issuance of a clearance from the FDA and the Bureau of Health Devices and Technology (BHDT) for the drugs, medical supplies and medical equipment, as the case may be.

The requirements of DOH-BIHC, as found on its website, www.doh.gov.ph, are as follows:

1. All applications for Foreign Surgical and Medical Missions (FSMM) shall be submitted to the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) who shall forward the same to the following professional groups copy furnished DOH.  Click here to download application form (from PMA website, www.philippinemedicalassociation.org).

2. Each member of the foreign medical team must submit the following documents in applying for temporary license to practice during the duration of the mission.  All documents must be in English or with English translation:

a. Valid/current license from country of origin

b. Board certification (specialty)

c. Curriculum vitae (Letters a to c must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate Office in your jurisdiction)

d. Passport sized picture in four copies (taken within one year)

e. Application letter addressed to the President of PMA to contain the following information:

1. Type of mission (medical, surgical or both)

2. Duration of the mission and inclusive dates

3. Names and specialties of the mission team members

4. Written consent from the host local government executive (governor/mayor) and/or of the health facility where the mission will be conducted

f. The following are additional requirements if the foreign mission team members intend to bring drugs, and/or medicines, medical supplies and medical equipment to be donated or used during the mission;

1. Itemized list of the items together with the quantity and the expiration dates for drugs and medicines

2. Flight details

3. Deed of donation authenticated at the country of origin

4. Deed of acceptance from the host hospital/Local Government Unit (LGU)

5. Drugs and medicines to be donated should have a shelf life of at least 12 months upon arrival in the country and the said medicine shall be used solely for the scheduled mission.

6. Application must be submitted 60 days before the date of mission to facilitate clearance/s from DOH and other agencies.

g. Letter of certification from the sponsoring host organization (LGU or Non-Government Organization (NGO)) certifying the need and type of mission to be conducted.  Cost of post-care mission of morbidities/mortalities arising from the mission will be shouldered as well by the host organization.

h. Proof of juridical entity (certified true copy of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration must be submitted.

i. Notarized letter of guarantee from both the medical mission group and the host organization assuming full responsibility for the outcome of the missions.

3. The PMA, upon receipt of all requirements, will forward the application to the concerned specialty societies for evaluation of credentials.  The DOH will be informed immediately of the presence of drugs, medical supplies and medical equipment.

4. The DOH shall facilitate issuance of clearance by its FDA and BHDT for the above mentioned goods.

5. After the evaluation of the missioner's credentials by the concerned Specialty Society, the PMA shall send a letter of endorsement to DOH.

6. The DOH shall then endorse the documents to Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

7. The PRC, after final review, shall issue the Special Temporary Permit to Practice to concerned foreign missioners.

8. The lead time for the processing of the application are as follows:

a. PMA - 2 weeks before the mission date

b. DOH - 1 week before the mission date

c. PRC - 3 weeks before the mission date

9. Post-mission report shall be submitted by the head of the foreign surgical and/or medical missions, concurred/noted by the President of the local component society of PMA, and/or specialty society and the LGU concerned, to the oversight agencies (DOH, PMA, PRC) 15 days after the completion of the mission.  All records and audio-visual documents must also be submitted in triplicate form.  The post-mission report should contain the following minimum basic information:

a. No. and age of cases seen

b. Diagnosis of patients

c. List of medicines distributed and surgical interventions done

d. Endorsements to the necessary health facilities (follow-up, further evaluation and management)

e. Morbidities and mortalities, if any

10. All materials submitted to the oversight agencies shall be the property of the Philippine counterpart and may not be used for advertisement, solicitation or medical publication without the written and expressed approval of the local medical society and/or specialty society of the PMA and the local counterpart.  Any intellectual output as journal or publication must include the local physicians as senior authors.

11. Former Filipino Registered Health Professionals who are part of a Medical/Surgical Mission Team may practice their profession in the Philippines upon presentation of proof of valid and current PRC licenses.  Otherwise, they have to renew their licenses upon submission of the following requirements (Presidential Decree No. 541):

a. Photocopy of current/valid passport (page 1 and the page showing the date of arrival in the Philippines)

b. Photocopy of PRC license and valid certificate of registration

c. License/Certificate of Registration in the adopted country or Certification of employment with letterhead indicating the job description within the definition of the applicant's profession

d. Four pieces of recent passport size pictures (taken within one year)

e. Payment of prescribed fees at PRC

f. Certificated of training and board certification (for specialists)

g. Application for Temporary Special Permit (PRC form 103-A)

12. Foreign Religious groups/missionaries practicing medicine in the country shall abide by the same requirements and adhere to the guidelines.  These missioners who serve for longer period of time shall signify their intention to continue living in the Philippines to pursue missionary works.  They shall secure Special Temporary Permit, which is to be renewed annually.  The following must be submitted:

a. Certification for their congregation that the medical works are purely for charity purposes and with no remuneration involved whatsoever.

b. A certification from the congregation assuming the responsibility for any action of the said physician

c. The missionary should submit to PMA an annual mission report including a list of patients treated

d. The missionary is required to attend PMA or component societies' Continuing Medical Education (CME) related activities once a year to update their medical knowledge.

e. The missionary who conducted his missionary works in the province must coordinate with the PMA component society for proper identification and monitoring.

According to the DOH-BIHC, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) may be contacted to assist organizers of foreign medical missions.  The CFO’s contact details are:

Commission on Filipinos Overseas
Citigold Center, 1345 President Quirino Avenue,
Corner South Superhighway, Manila
Telephone Nos. (632) 561-8327, 552-4701
Fax No. 561-8332
Mobile Nos. (+63) 9175630773 / (+63) 9175630782
Email: imelda.nicolas@cfo.gov.ph

The DOH’s Revised Policies and Guidelines in the Conduct of FSMM may be found at www.doh.gov.ph (click on Doing Business > Medical Missions).

Below is the DOH’s complete text on the Procedural Guide for Shipping Medicines/Drugs for Medical Missions.

Pursuant to item VII, No. 3 (f) of the Joint Administrative Order No. 2009-0030, of the DOH, the PRC, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the following are additional requirements if the foreign mission team members intend to bring drugs, and/or medicines, medical supplies and medical equipment to be donated or used during the mission:

1. Itemized list of the items together with the quantity and the expiration dates for drugs and medicines

2. Flight details

3. Deed of donation authenticated at the country of origin

4. Deed of acceptance from the host hospital/Local Government Unit

5. Drugs and medicines to be donated should heave a shelf life of at least 12 months upon arrival in the country and the said medicine shall be used solely for the scheduled mission

6. Application must be submitted 60 days before the date of mission to facilitate clearance/s from DOH and other agencies

With regard to the entry of drugs which need to be regulated by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), please refer to the PDEA’s website at www.pdea.gov.ph.

Please be also informed that the donated medicines are subject to duties and taxes.  These shall only be exempted from duties if these are consigned to government and private (primary and secondary) hospitals duly licensed to operated by the DOH, and welfare/relief dispensing organizations/agencies registered and/or accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and registered with the SEC.  Even if the donation is exempted from duties, it will still be subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT), which is computed at twelve percent (12%) of the total cost of shipment.

In securing duty-free clearance, the following documents must be submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Finance (DOF):

A. From the Donor:

1. Deed of Donation duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate;

2. Packing list of donated items.  If medicines would be included in the shipment, kindly submit the itemized list of drugs and quantity to be donated indicating brand/generic name, dosage forms/strengths, batch/lot number, expiration date of at least one (1) year upon receipt, and name/address of the manufacturer; and

3. Shipping Documents (i.e. bill of lading).  The original copy will be needed by the consignee/local counterpart in processing the release of donation.

B. From the Donee/Consignee:

1. Letter to the DOH-BIHC requesting endorsement to the FDA for the issuance of clearance.

The letter request should be submitted with the complete list of drugs and quantity to be donated, with the following information: brand/generic name, formulation (with English translation), dosage forms/strengths, batch/lot number, expiration date of at least one (1) year upon receipt, and name/address of the manufacturer.

2. Letter to the NEDA and DOF requesting for the issuance of duty-free clearance for the donation;

3. Duly notarized Deed of Acceptance;

4. Distribution plan for medicines;

5. Current and valid DOH License to Operate, if hospital

6. DSWD License to Operate and Certification of Accreditation, if non-government organization; and

7. FDA Certificate of Product Registration (for medicines)

The donee/consignee in the Philippines may apply for the clearances for the donated items.  It is important that the name listed as donee/consignee in the deed of donation must be the same as that appearing in the shipping documents.

We suggest that the shipping of any donation to the Philippines should be withheld unless prior coordination with the donee/consignee has been made, and appropriate endorsements/clearances from government agencies have been secured.

OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER REGISTRATION

Downloadable Forms (from www.comelec.gov.ph)

Application for Registration / Certification as Overseas Absentee Voter
Transmittal Report
Letter-Request for Transfer of Registration Record
Certification (that the DCM is not functioning)
Application for Reinstatement in the National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters
Application for Correction of Wrong Entries / Misspelled Names / Change of Name and Other Entries in the Voter's ID / National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters (NROAV)
Letter-Request for Withdrawal of Application for Registration / Certification Pending Approval
Application for Reactivation of Registration Records
Application for Change of Address (Within the Same Consular Jurisdiction)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the registration period for the 2013 national elections?

From November 02, 2011 to October 31, 2012

2. Who are qualified to register as Overseas Absentee Voters?

3. What is the difference between an Application for Registration as an Overseas Absentee Voter and an Application for Certification as an Oversea Absentee Voter?

An Application for Registration as an Overseas Absentee Voter is filed if you are not yet a registered voter in the Philippines.

An Application for Certification as an Overseas Absentee Voter is filed if you are already a registered voter in the Philippines

4. Do I need to personally show up at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General to register and vote?

Yes, you must personally appear at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General or the identified registration site to register so that your biometrics may be captured.

To vote, however, you need not appear anymore as the ballots will be mailed.

5. What does capturing of biometrics mean?

Biometrics capture means that your photograph, signature and thumb mark will be electronically recorded using special digital equipment.  Hence, you must be personally present for your biometrics to be taken.

6. What are the other registration sites for Filipinos in the U.S.?

The Philippine Embassy/Consulates General will conduct several mobile registrations at various areas within their consular jurisdiction to coincide with their consular outreach missions in 2012.  Notices will be put out as soon as the areas are identified and schedules have been programmed.

7. What requirements must I present or submit when I register as an Overseas Absentee Voter?

a. A valid Philippine passport.  In the absence of a passport, a Certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs, issued through the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General, asserting either of the following:

- that you have submitted document that will warrant the issuance of a passport; or

- that you are a valid passport holder but are unable to produce it for valid reasons.

b. An accomplished OAV Form No. 1 that may be obtained at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General or mobile registration site at the time of registration, or may be downloaded, in advance, from the websites of the COMELEC (www.comelec.gov.ph), the Department of Foreign Affairs (www.dfa.gov.ph), or the Philippine Embassy (www.philippineembassy-usa.org) / Consulate General, during the registration period.

c. If you are a Seafarer, you must also submit a photocopy of your Seaman’s Book or any other document that will prove that you are a seafarer.

8. May I submit my accomplished OAV Form No. 1 and come back on another day to have my biometrics captured?

No, everything must be done on the same day, otherwise your application will not be deemed filed.

9. Do I still need to file an application to vote in absentia to be able to vote?

No, as the application to vote in absentia is already incorporated in the OAV Form No. 1.

10. How will I know if my application for registration/certification has been approved or disapproved?

You may check the website of the COMELEC or with the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General.

If your application has been disapproved, you will receive a Notice of Disapproval of your application from the Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting in Manila.

11. What should I do if my application has been disapproved?

Within five (5) days from receipt of Notice of Disapproval, you or your authorized representative may file a Motion for Reconsideration before the Resident Election Registration Board of the COMELEC, based in Manila, which shall hear and act on all applications for registration/certification as overseas absentee voter.

12. What should I do if my name has been omitted, misspelled or erroneously written in the National Registry of Absentee Voters?

There will be a period within which you, or your authorized representative, may file an application for reinstatement or correction of your name with the Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting in Manila.

13. I registered as an Overseas Absentee Voter in 2009 but was not able to vote in the 2010 National Elections.  Do I need to apply for certification to vote abroad?

No, because your name is already listed in the Certified List of Overseas Absentee Voters (CLOAV) and the National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters (NROAV).

14. I am a registered Overseas Absentee Voter but failed to vote in the last 2 Philippine elections of 2007 and 2010.  Can I still participate in the upcoming national elections in 2013?

No, as your name will have been deleted from the CLOAV.  You will need to register again.

15. I would like to register as an Overseas Absentee Voter but know that I will be in another country by May 14, 2013.  Can I still vote in the 2013 elections?

Yes, you may register as an Overseas Absentee Voter and subsequently file a Letter-Request for Transfer of Registration Record (OAVF No. 1B) with the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General.

16. I intend to register as an Overseas Absentee Voter but know that I will be in the Philippines on May 14, 2013.  Can I go ahead and register, and then vote in the 2013 elections in the Philippines?

Yes, you may register as an Overseas Absentee Voter and then file a Letter-Request for Transfer of Registration Record (OAVF No. 1B) before the Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting in Manila.  Upon receipt of approval of the request for transfer of registration record, you have to go to the office of your local election officer and submit CEF 1B (Local Application for Transfer) and have your biometrics taken.

 

Consular Forms
Passport Application Form
Passport Extension Form (for Green Passport Holders)
Passport Amendment Form (for Green Passport Holders)
Travel Document Application
Dual Citizenship
Immigrant Visa
Non-Immigrant Visa
Report of Death
Report of Marriage
Report of Birth
Special Power of Attorney
Affidavit of Support and Consent
Special Power of Attorney
Waiver of Exclusion

Consulate Finder


Ten Philippine Missions throughout the US offer consular services. Each Mission covers a specific geographic region. To find out which Mission can assist you, what the hours of operation are and how to reach it please use our interactive Consulate Finder.


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