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 for standard processing, USD 80-100 for expedited (where available)
- 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 |
| Expedited processing | ~USD 80-100 | 2-3 weeks |
| 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.
- Adult validity: 10 years
- Minor validity: 5 years
- Pages: 44
- Chip: RFID biometric
- Fee: ~USD 60