FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS MACHINE-READABLE PHILIPPINE PASSPORT

• WHAT IS A MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORT (MRP)?
  
  A Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) is a passport where the personal details of the applicant is printed in such a way that it can be read by the naked eye and at the same time, it contains a “machine readable zone” containing the personal data of the passport holder that can be read by a machine or computer.

• WHY DID WE SHIFT TO THE MRP?
  
  
In 2005, 189 states, including the Philippines, who are members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) agreed to issue only Machine Readable Passports not later than April 1, 2010.

• WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE MRP?
  
  The MRP complies with international standards, and provides basic safety and security of the Philippine passport by minimizing, if not eradicating, instances of tampering of the personal details of the passport holder (photo/data-substitution). The MRP also acts as a deterrent to international crime and terrorism.

• WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE MRP AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM THE CURRENT PHILIPPINE PASSPORT?
  
  Unlike the green-covered passport currently in use, the Philippine MRP has a maroon cover and contains several security features that allow the passport to be tamper-proof as well as immune from any means of photo or data substitution. Each individual visa page has a holographic image that can be viewed through ultraviolet light.

• HOW MUCH DOES A NEW MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORT COST?
  
  The cost of the new machine readable passport (MRP) is the same as the cost of the old 32-page green passport: US$ 50.00 or VND 887,700.00 in the local currency. At the same time, there will no longer be any distinction between 32-page and 64-page passports, as the new MRP has 44-pages.

• HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO GET A MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORT?
  
  All MRP applications are processed in the Philippines thus the longer processing period. Applicants filing their applications in Hanoi are advised that the passports will be available after eight (8) weeks from the date of application. (Applicants will be informed by the Philippine Embassy once the passport is ready for pick up).
  
  For applications received during consular mobile missions, the Embassy will mail the applicant’s new MRP passport only after receipt of the applicant’s current passport. The cancelled passport shall be mailed together with the new MRP passport.

• WHAT IF I HAVE AN IMMEDIATE NEED FOR A PHILIPPINE PASSPORT?
  
  The Embassy advises all Filipinos to check the validity of their passports and to renew them as early as possible to avoid inconvenience. Should there be a need for a passport/travel document for emergency travel, the applicant’s green passport may be used until the MRP is received.

• WILL MY CURRENT GREEN PASSPORT REMAIN VALID AFTER I APPLY FOR THE MRP?
  
  All green passports issued by the Embassy/DFA/RCO or other Philippine Foreign Service Posts will remain valid until their stated expiry date. The Embassy will cancel the current green passport of applicants only when the MRP has been received.

• HOW LONG IS THE VALIDITY OF THE MRP?
  
  The new MRP will be valid for a period of five years and has 44 pages.

• SINCE MRP PROCESSING WILL TAKE EIGHT WEEKS, WILL THE EMBASSY STILL ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR GREEN PASSPORTS?
  
  The Embassy will accept applications for green passports, on a case-by-case basis, from applicants who have an urgent need for a passport (e.g. renewal of employment contract or work visa). Otherwise, Post will process an application for a MRP or, if the applicant is returning to the Philippines, a travel document.

• WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MRP
  
  Requirements for the MRP are similar to requirements for the current (green) passport.
  
  They are:
  
  Renewal:

  current passport and photocopies (data page and page containing visa), proof of employment or residency in Vietnam.

  
  New applicants:

  birth certificate issued by NSO or report of birth form, proof of employment or residency in Vietnam.

  
  Use of married name (for women):

  same as renewal requirements plus marriage certificate from NSO

  
  Lost passport:

  police report and affidavit of loss (waiting period of 15 working days will be observed before processing of replacement passport; requirment are similar to passport renewal)

  
  Applicants are now required to submit three (3) copies of passport-sized (4.5 x 3.5 cm) photographs taken against a royal blue background instead of the customary white background. The photograph, signature and thumbprints of the applicant are stored in the passport database.
  
  
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