Renew your passports as early as six months before expiry, in light of increased passport applications this summer. This was the reminder of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to the public to avoid the hassle of getting a replacement during the summer, when applications are expected to go up. “We urge everyone to check the validity of their passports, and renew them six months before expiry. This way, they avoid the hassle of rushing at the last minute to secure a passport, especially when they already need to travel overseas," DFA Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Jaime Victor Ledda said in a release posted on the department's Web site. A passport is valid for five years, but a validity of six months prior to the expiry date is required by airlines and destination countries. The DFA currently charges P950 for regular processing (20 working days) and P1,200 for expedited processing (10 working days). For those applying in the DFA's regional consular offices (RCOs), four more days are added for the passport booklet to be sent from Manila to the RCO, the department added. The DFA also reminds passport applicants to avail of the appointment system to ensure quick and comfortable service, as it discouraged walk-in applications. Likewise, it warned the public against unscrupulous individuals charging applicants P200 as fee for securing online appointments. “Securing an appointment online is free of charge," the DFA reiterated. Applicants can check the passport requirements and secure an appointment at www.passport.com.ph, or by calling hotline (02) 737-1000. They may also call the DFA helplines at telephone numbers (02) 831-8971, (02) 551-4437, (02) 551-4402, (02) 834-4855 and (02) 834
