In the past, those who applied for or renewed Philippine passports paid the processing fee at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office. These days, however, online payment is made possible through the DFA ePayment Portal.
The DFA ePayment Portal enables applicants to pay passport fees in advance through authorized payment centers such as Bayad Center, 7-Eleven, and Pera Hub. The DFA official website presents information and guidelines on how to use this online payment system.
What is the DFA ePayment Portal?
The DFA ePayment Portal is an “upgrade” to the agency’s Online Appointment System. Using this platform, passport applicants are able to pay passport processing fees through authorized payment centers. Soon, a debit/credit card payment facility will be made available, and more payment centers will also be added.
The ePayment Portal was officially launched at DFA Aseana in June 2018. The following month, it was introduced at DFA National Capital Region (NCR) Consular Offices. By the first week of August 2018, the platform was launched in all DFA offices nationwide.
Benefits
The DFA ePayment Portal provides many benefits, including:
- Saved Time and Convenience. Applicants can save time by paying passport processing fees at the nearest authorized payment center.
- Encourages Personal Appearance. Since they have already paid for their passport fees, applicants will be encouraged to show up at the DFA Consular Office on their scheduled appointment. Otherwise, their fees will be forfeited and refunds will not be processed.
- More Applicants Accommodated. Because payments are already made in advance, DFA can accommodate more applicants per day, and more slots can be provided.
- Safer Transactions. Using the DFA ePayment Portal, applicants can pay processing fees directly through accredited payment centers. They do not have to go through “fixers,” who usually charge high fees for providing “booking assistance.”
List of Authorized Payment Centers
As of this writing, the DFA ePayment Portal includes the following authorized payment centers:
- Bayad Center
- EcPay
- Pera Hub
- Robinsons Business Center and Department Stores
- USSC (Western Union)
- Villarica Pawnshop
- Waltermart Department Store
- 7-Eleven
NOTE: More payment centers will be added soon.
How to Use the DFA ePayment Portal
When applying for or renewing your Philippine passport, paying processing fees through the DFA ePayment Portal is now required. Here is a guide to using the portal when booking an appointment:
- Go to the DFA Online Appointment Passport System.
- Read all the Terms and Conditions before agreeing, then start setting your appointment.
- Choose the DFA Consular Office where you plan to apply for or renew your passport.
- Select your preferred date and time of appointment.
- Fill out all the necessary fields online. Review all the details before clicking “Submit.”
- Choose your preferred passport processing type (regular or expedited), then click “Proceed to Payment.”
- Take note of the reference number that will be sent to your registered email address.
- Go to your preferred Payment Center.
- Present your reference number to pay the passport processing fee.
- Keep the receipt that will be given to you after payment.
- After successful processing of your payment, a “Confirmed Appointment Packet” will be sent to your email. This contains your confirmed appointment, completed Application Form, and your eReceipt. Download and print all of these documents.
- On the date and time of appointment, bring a printed copy of your Confirmed Appointment Packet and other requirements to the DFA.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions about the DFA ePayment Portal:
How much do I have to pay?
You need to pay PHP 950 for regular processing, or PHP 1,200 for expedited processing. Additionally, a PHP 50 convenience fee is charged by payment centers on top of the processing fee.
Is the payment reference number assigned to just one payment center?
No. You can use the payment reference number in any authorized payment center to pay for your passport fees.
Can I use the payment reference number more than once?
No. You can only use the payment reference number one time.
I’m not able to go on my scheduled appointment. Can I get a refund?
No. A refund cannot be processed if you don’t go on your scheduled appointment.
Who can I contact for questions or concerns?
For questions or concerns regarding the ePayment Portal, you can contact the DFA Help Desk by calling (02) 234 3488, or by sending an email to info@passport.gov.ph.
The ePayment Portal makes passport applications easier for both applicants and the DFA. Aside from making the process faster and more convenient, it also serves as a deterrent to “fixers” and scammers.
Indeed, the DFA ePayment Portal is now an integral part of the passport application process. Visit this link for a more extensive guide on booking passport appointments online.