Are you a Filipino tourist abroad who has lost your passport? Or perhaps you’re an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who needs to return home urgently, but your passport has just expired? In these cases, you can apply for a Travel Document at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
In accordance with Section 13 of Republic Act No. 8239 or the “Philippine Passport Act of 1996,” a Travel Document may be issued to a Filipino citizen who needs to return urgently to the Philippines, but has no valid passport. Notably, R.A. No. 8239 is the primary law that regulates the issuance of Philippine passports and travel documents.
What is a Travel Document?
A Travel Document is issued to a Filipino citizen who needs to travel urgently to the Philippines, but whose passport has been lost, misplaced, or recently expired. Issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, a Travel Document is valid only for one-way travel to the Philippines.
Requirements
To obtain a Travel Document, some requirements must be prepared. The list differs for Filipino tourists or temporary visitors abroad who have lost/misplaced their passports, and for those who need to make emergency travel, but whose passports have recently expired.
Filipino Tourist/Temporary Visitor Who Lost/Misplaced Passport
- Duly accomplished Travel Document Application Form;
- Police Report issued by local authorities, with English translation if written in another foreign language;
- Affidavit of Loss, describing the events that led to the passport being lost or misplaced;
- Proof of Philippine citizenship, such as a government-issued ID, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate, or photocopy of lost passport (if available);
- Photocopy of return ticket to the Philippines; and
- Four (4) passport-sized photos taken recently.
NOTE: The Affidavit of Loss is typically accomplished at the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy.
Emergency Travel for Filipino with Recently Expired Passport
- Duly accomplished Travel Document Application Form;
- Affidavit explaining the nature of emergency that requires immediate travel to the Philippines, with supporting documents;
- Photocopy of latest Philippine passport; and
- Four (4) passport-sized photos taken recently.
NOTE: Examples of supporting documents that explain emergency travel include: Medical Certificate issued by a doctor, Death Certificate of a loved one in case of bereavement, and a signed letter from the employer.
Procedure
When applying for a Travel Document, personal appearance is usually required at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. An online appointment may need to be booked before making a personal appearance.
At the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, the applicant needs to present all the necessary documents for checking and verification, accomplish an Affidavit of Loss (if applicable), and pay the required fees.
Once a Travel Document has been issued, it must be used to travel to the Philippines within the validity period, which is typically 30 days. Upon arrival in the Philippines, the Travel Document expires and cannot be used again. It must be given to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office in Manila, where the applicant must apply for a new passport booklet.
Important Reminders
Additionally, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Ensure all forms and documents are ready. Only those with complete requirements will be entertained and given a Travel Document.
- Check with the airlines if they honor Travel Documents. Before buying a ticket, ask the airlines if they honor Travel Documents in lieu of passports.
- Check if the country of transit accepts Travel Documents. There are some countries that do not recognize Travel Documents. Ask the Embassy of the country you’ll be transiting through to confirm.
To learn more about Travel Documents and how to get one, please visit the DFA official website.
In cases of emergency, it’s good to know that the Travel Document may be used by Filipino citizens to return to the Philippines. Upon their arrival, they can apply for a new passport booklet at the DFA.
Moreover, it must be noted that passport applications typically require a online appointment. Read this guide for more information about how to book a passport appointment with the DFA online.