Filipinos love to travel. According to the Statista Research Department, the number of outbound travelers from the Philippines was projected to reach approximately 4.3 million trips in 2021. Some countries require visas for Filipinos to enter their country, and this is shown through a visa stamp.
What is a Philippine Visa?
A Philippine visa is an endorsement made on a travel document by a consular officer at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad denoting that the visa application has been properly examined and that the bearer is permitted to proceed to the Philippines and request permission from the Philippine Immigration authorities at the ports of entries to enter the country.
Can the Validity of Your Visa Be Affected by the Expiration or Renewal of Your Passport?
As per the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the validity of your visa is not affected by the expiration or renewal of your passport. You just need to bring your old passport with valid visas, together with your new passport, when you travel. When in doubt, consult the Foreign Embassy that issued your visa. Prior to booking of flights, a Philippine passport should be valid for at least six (6) months.
How to Renew a Philippine Passport?
A passport has an expiration date which requires its holder to apply for renewal if they wishes to continue using it. To apply for renewal of passport, the applicants are required to schedule an online appointment at the official website of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). At the end of the online application form, applicants must pay the fees at once through credit card or over-the-counter payments. Print the official receipt and application forms sent through your email, and bring them, together with your old passport at the time of appointment.
Moreover, applicants who are senior citizens, Persons with Disability (PWD), pregnant, minors (seven years old and below), solo parents, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), and other exceptional and emergency cases are eligible for courtesy lane, and may apply for a walk-in.
What is the Validity Period of a Renewed Philippine Passport?
Once renewed, your passport will be valid for ten (10) years from the date of issue, for eighteen (18) years old and above. For minors, their passports remain valid for five (5) years (Department Order 010-2017).
What Will Happen If Your Passport is Lost or Damaged?
For foreign nationals who lost or damaged their passports, you can have your visas re-stamped.
Need further information and assistance regarding Visa Stamp? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
