2010-06-06
Effective 15 June 2010, the Philippine Consulate General will officially start processing applications for the electronic passport (ePassport). Prior to this date, the Consulate will randomly process applications for ePassport as a dry-run.
The ePassport features an integrated circuit chip which contains the following:
the passport holder’s data found on the data page of the passport; – the biometrics of the passport holder; – a unique identification number; – and a digital signature.
These special features make the ePassport highly secure, allow faster verification of the identity of the passport holder, and compliant with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) .
Following are the requirements for the issuance of the ePassport:
personal appearance is a strict requirement for the taking of the biometrics; – current passport; – copy of the data page of the passport; – if passport has expired for 5 years or more, proof that a permanent residence card has been applied for or a certification from the Citizenship & Immigration Canada that applicant has not acquired Canadian citizenship; – copy of evidence of legal status in Canada: e.g. work permit, permanent residence card, valid record of landing, visitor’s visa, etc.; – fee of C$69.00 – payable in cash, money order, bank draft or certified cheque. No debit card or personal cheque will be accepted.
optional: if you want your old and & new passports mailed back to you, please include a pre-paid registered envelope, e.g. xpresspost envelope with the “signature sticker option” paid for.
Processing of the ePassport takes one (1) to two (2) months. Applicants are therefore reminded that Philippine passports may be renewed at least six (6) months before expiry date.
Even with the introduction of the ePassport, holders of the green passport and the machine readable passport (maroon) are assured that their passports remain valid until their expiry date. Holders of the green passport are, however, urged to apply for the ePassport not only for its security features but also for the personal convenience it will provide for the holder, e.g., use of automated border clearance, automated issuance of boarding passes and faster travel arrangements with airlines.