Philippine ePassport Guide 2026
The Philippine ePassport (electronic passport) is a biometric travel document issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). It contains a microchip storing your photo, fingerprints, and digital signature, meeting ICAO international standards for secure travel.
What Is an ePassport?
The Philippine ePassport replaced the older machine-readable passport (MRP) starting in 2009. It features an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip in the back cover that stores:
- Biometric photo: High-resolution facial image taken during application
- Fingerprints: All 10 fingerprints digitally recorded
- Digital signature: Your signature captured electronically
- Personal data: Name, date of birth, nationality, passport number
The chip is protected by advanced encryption, making it extremely difficult to forge or tamper with. At immigration checkpoints worldwide, ePassport gates can read the chip for faster, automated processing.
ePassport Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover colour | Dark maroon/burgundy |
| Pages | 44 visa pages |
| Chip location | Back cover |
| Standard | ICAO Doc 9303 compliant |
| Validity (18+) | 10 years |
| Validity (under 18) | 5 years |
| Biometrics | Photo, 10 fingerprints, digital signature |
| Machine-readable zone | Yes (bottom of data page) |
| ePassport symbol | Gold chip logo on front cover |
How to Apply for an ePassport Abroad
- Book an appointment: Use the embassy's online appointment system (GOAS or local portal)
- Prepare documents: Current passport (or birth certificate for first-time), proof of residency, completed application form
- Attend appointment: Bring all documents, undergo biometric capture (photo, fingerprints, signature)
- Pay the fee: USD 60 (flat fee for all embassy/consulate passport services, per DFA)
- Wait for processing: 6-8 weeks standard, 2-3 weeks expedited
- Collect or receive by courier: Bring claim slip and old passport for pickup
ePassport Fees
| Service | Fee (Abroad) | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| New ePassport (standard) | ~USD 60 | 6-8 weeks |
| Renewal (standard) | ~USD 60 | 6-8 weeks |
| All embassy passport services | USD 60 (flat fee per DFA) | 6-8 weeks standard |
| Lost/damaged replacement | ~USD 60 + affidavit fee | 6-8 weeks |
Fees may vary by embassy. Check with your specific post for exact pricing.
Security Features
- RFID chip: Encrypted biometric data, protected by Basic Access Control (BAC)
- Polycarbonate data page: Cannot be delaminated or altered
- Laser engraving: Personal data is laser-engraved, not printed
- UV-reactive ink: Hidden patterns visible only under ultraviolet light
- Holographic overlay: Philippine symbols visible at specific angles
- Watermarks: Philippine eagle watermark on all pages
Using Your ePassport
The ePassport is accepted worldwide. At airports with automated gates (eGates), you can use the self-service lane by scanning your passport on the reader. Countries with eGate access for Philippine ePassport holders include Australia, Japan, South Korea, and select European airports.
ePassport Photo Requirements
Your photo is taken at the DFA or embassy during your appointment. You do not need to bring your own passport photos. However, you should prepare:
Do:
- Wear a plain, light-coloured top (avoid white as it blends with background)
- Remove glasses (including clear prescription glasses since 2019)
- Keep a neutral facial expression (no smiling, no frowning)
- Ensure your face is clean and unobstructed
- Tie back long hair to show your ears
- Religious head coverings are permitted if worn daily
Do Not:
- Wear glasses of any kind (even clear lenses)
- Wear a hat, cap, or non-religious head covering
- Use coloured contact lenses
- Have heavy makeup that alters facial features
- Wear earphones or headphones
- Smile or make exaggerated expressions
Photo specifications: 4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background, face occupying 70-80% of frame. DFA/embassy cameras capture this automatically.
Where to Apply for an ePassport
In the Philippines (DFA Offices)
- DFA Main Office: Aseana Business Park, Paranaque City, Metro Manila
- DFA NCR East: Ali Mall, Cubao, Quezon City
- DFA NCR South: SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
- DFA NCR West: Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita
- DFA Satellite Offices: SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Cebu, SM Davao, and 20+ locations nationwide
- DFA Regional Offices: Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, and other major cities
Abroad (90+ Philippine Embassies & Consulates)
Apply at any Philippine Embassy or Consulate General worldwide. See our complete embassy directory for locations. Appointments must be booked online.
ePassport Gate (eGate) Compatible Airports
Philippine ePassport holders can use automated immigration eGates at these airports for faster processing:
| Country | Airports with eGate Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | NAIA Terminal 3 (Manila) | Available for departing passengers |
| Japan | Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu | Trusted Traveller programme |
| South Korea | Incheon, Gimpo | SES (Smart Entry Service) |
| Australia | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth | SmartGate for eligible ePassports |
| United Kingdom | Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh | ePassport gates available |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong International | e-Channel registration required |
| Singapore | Changi Airport | Automated lanes available |
ePassport vs Old MRP Comparison
| Feature | ePassport (Current) | MRP (Old, Discontinued) |
|---|---|---|
| Cover colour | Dark maroon/burgundy | Green |
| Chip | RFID biometric chip | None |
| Biometrics stored | Photo, 10 fingerprints, signature | None (photo only on page) |
| Pages | 44 | 24 or 48 |
| Validity | 10 years (adult) / 5 years (minor) | 5 years (all) |
| eGate access | Yes | No |
| Security features | Polycarbonate data page, laser engraving, UV ink, holographic overlay | Laminated photo page |
| Still issued? | Yes (since 2009) | No (discontinued) |
- Adult validity: 10 years
- Minor validity: 5 years
- Pages: 44
- Chip: RFID biometric
- Fee: ~USD 60