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Renewing Your US Passport While Living in the Philippines

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This article has been a long time in the making.  Too long by far, perhaps, so it’s time to launch it into the wild where, perhaps, it can do some good.

One question which always comes up at least every ten years in every American’s mind is, “How do I renew my passport”?  If the American happens to be living in the Philippines, there seems to always be a follow-on question similar to, “Can I even actually renew my passport in the Philippines, or do I have to go back to the USA”?

The Good News:

Well the answer is, for certain, yes you can renew your 10-year, adult passport while you are living in the Philippines.  Don’t be nervous about that, you can do it here, and no, you don’t have to make an expensive, time consuming trip back to the USA to do it.

There Is Your Good News for the Day (gosh I like giving out good news *smile*)

So that’s about it for this article, then.  Short and sweet.

The Not So Good News:

Yes, you just knew that was coming, didn’t you?  Everything is reputed to be fun here in the Philippines, but I will submit, strictly my own opinion, of course, that renewing you US passport here in the Philippines perhaps does not quite fit into that “More Fun” category.

It is, in fact, way less fun than it could be, and there are some “gotcha’s” involved.  Unlike fine wine, bad news does not improve with age, so let’s get the truth and whole truth out there to see just how much “fun” renewing your passport here in the Philippines really is.

Procedures For Renewing You Passport IF You live in the USA:

US_passportIt’s very simple to renew your US passport if you reside in the USA. Just go here, How to Renew Your U.S. Passport by Mail: follow the steps, and “Bob’s Your Uncle”.

But you can only follow these procedures if you live in the USA.  So why am I including the link here?

For general information, of course, in case you only have a short time left on your passport (Remember you can be denied boarding on a flight, or denied entry into the Philippines if your passport does not have 6 months validity remaining on the date of travel). (Yes I do mean that a “10 year passport is really only good

A second reason I have included the link is, a number of the Live in the Philippines readership are, like me, retired US military who have the privilege of using the US mail system via an “FPO” (military mail system) address.

For some intents and purposes an APO or FPO address is considered a valid, domestic USA address (my Zip Code, for example, is 96517).  So the question come sup from time to time, “Why can’t I just follow the US resident requirements and renew my passport via US mail?

The answer is a definite “perhaps”.

In the seven years I have been living here in the Philippines with a legitimate US FPO address, I have seen several fellow retirees report online they have actually renewed their passport this way.

However, (and it’s a BIG however in my book), these fellows are very sparse upon the ground when you try to pin them down.  I’ve been trying to get confirmation from even one fellow retiree who has actually done this (as opposed to the continual “I heard that so-and-so did this”)sort of response.

So, again, “perhaps”.

I read the US procedures in detail and it appears to me that it Is possible, but I have no confirmation that this idea will work, so my advice is, as we say in New jersey, “fuggedaboutit”.   Definitely not recommend by me.

Which leaves us with the “non US Resident Renewal Option” as the only safe alternative.

It’s Actually Very Simple:

But with a huge, annoying “Catch 22” to screw up the otherwise simple part.

US Embassy Manila Passport Renewal Instructions:

Summarized for you:

  • Fill out the application (available online, very conveniently)
  • Print out the application form (you can’t send it to the Embassy electronically)
  • Follow the checklist for required items to include and then call (02) 879-4747  to have Air21 courier pick-up the documents and  deliver them to the Embassy.   I do NOT recommend sending the renewal package via Philippine mail, and you will have to pay the one-time Air 21 fee to get your renewed passport back to you, so use Air 21 from the beginning.
  • You will receive and email from the US Embassy telling you that your application is received and instructing you to come to the Embassy to make payment.  Huh?

Yep, that is the Catch 22 of this whole process, especially troubling for those who live far from the US Embassy (or the US Consulate in Cebu, only other location payment may be made).

The only way payment is accepted is in Cash or credit card (US Dollars or Peso equivalent) at the US Embassy, Manila or US Consulate, Cebu City.  No checks, no money orders, no direct bank transfers, no other way.

Why?  I have no answer for this, it’s just the way it is.  If you want to renew your US passport here in the Philippines you (or someone else whom you designate, in writing) has to physically travel to the US Embassy and physically had over payment.

  • Once payment is received, the Embassy finishes the process and your new passport (along with the old one you submitted at the start of the process) will be expeditiously delivered to you by the courier, Air 21.

Everything is Simple Except the Payment Process:

Nothing complicated here at all. Except the darn payment process.  So far as I know there are only two ways to get this done.  Go to the Embassy yourself, or send someone else.  I don’t make the ding dang rules here, I just try to follow them.

If You Go Yourself:

  • The email you receive from the Embassy outlines what is required.  Be sure to read it and heed any specific instructions.  I’m writing this article based on several recent trips to perform this procedure, personally, but rules and requirements change here in the Philippines … sometimes with no notice at all .. so read and heed. and you NEED that email with you when you go.
  • Be sure to make extra copies and make sure you have one with you when you go. Important!
  • If you drive to the Embassy, park across the street at the Emerald Garden Restaurant, or the Bay Front Hotel
  • If you commute, take the LRT to the UN Avenue station, then you can walk (it’s a hike) or take a taxi to the Embassy Annex gate.
  • You will not (obviously) have your passport with you, so make sure you have at least two government-issued picture ID’s with you, as well as the email.
  • You Do Not Need (and should not request) An embassy appointment.  Again, read the instructions carefully.
  • Beware of holidays.  The Embassy is closed on all US holidays and all Philippine holidays, and also when the Embassy decides to be closed, so plan carefully.  I suggest subscribing to the Embassy notification service you receive email notifications of Embassy closings and other US citizen information … https://step.state.gov/step/
  • You need to visit the Embassy before 9 am.  I have been admitted as early as 0755, but you certainly don’t want to get there at 0900 or later.
  • You will be going to the new Annex building south of the Embassy Chancellery (the former main building).  Everything has probably changed since you were there last.
  • You can not take electronic devices into the Embassy.  cell phones, iPads, cameras, recording devices, etc.  Also, no lighters or other hazardous or ‘weapon like” items. Plan ahead.
  • Do not fall in the initial lines you see formed up.  Go directly to the security guard at the gate, show him/her  the email and explain that you are there to make a Passport renewal Payment.
  • You’ll be sent directly in the door marked “American Citizen Services” where another “gatekeeper” will ask your  business and issue you a waiting ticket for Window 24,.
  • Go up the elevator to the next floor, when you see Window 24 chances are your number will already be showing as “Now Serving” on the convenient displays all around the room.
  • Show the email, and the clerk will dig out your renewal package, and give you a form for the cashier.
  • Wait until called by the cashier, then fork over the fee and get a receipt.
  • Return the receipt to the Window 24 person and …
  • You’re Done.
  • Your passport will be couriered to you home.

This would be another “Bob’s Your Uncle” sort of process, EXCEPT FOR  the personal appearance issue.

Alternatives to Travelling to the Embassy:

If you have a friend, relative, spouse, whatever living close to the Embassy, anyone you feel you can trust with the money,  they can go and make the payment for you.  Just send them a copy of your Embassy Payment email and a written authorization to make the payment for you … all the authorization need say is, “Please allow Mr. or Ms. XYZ, the bearer of this letter, to make my passport renewal payment.”

The person you send does NOT have to be an American citizen to do this, as per these instructions I got direct from American Citizen Services at the Embassy:

… For information about the payment for a passport renewal, you may either come in person or send a representative, whether U.S. or non-U.S. citizen, to make the payment on your behalf. The person making the payment must present a valid identification card, (e.g. valid passport or two other government-issued photo ID, such as driver license, State ID card, SSS, BIR, voter’s ID, etc.). Should you wish to send a representative, we would appreciate it if you could provide a written authorization allowing your representative to make the payment. Please note that the Embassy cashier only takes payment in cash (pesos or U.S. dollars) or credit card.…

There MAY be reliable third-party travel agents, attorneys, whatever who will do this for you as a service.  At this time, I don’t know of any.  Except one. Me.

Some reading this may know I have done this payment process myself as a  service  “ for fee, but not for Free” for other US citizens, saving them the time and expense of a trip to Manila.  I am, however, not soliciting business and I don’t come cheap, so weigh all your other options first.  (For more info you may contact me direct on 0919-231-5625 (text preferred) or “Dave (at) PhilFAQS (dot) com”.  I’ll be glad to help you with any questions you may have.

Happy Renewing:

It feels so good when it’s done …

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dave
    Wait for the Embassy Outreach to show up on Subic Free Port (Every three months) Bring your old passport, thy fallout most of the paperwork for you, if you pay a little extra Air Freight will deliver it to your door within 2 weeks, No muss no fuss and Bob was my cousin!
    Register with the Embassy and you’ll receive notice of the when and where they will be located close to you. I did it last December.

  2. Does the person you send get to go to the initial line, or do they go straight to the guard at the gate, as an American citizen would?

  6. Dave,

    Could someone just use a mail service and have all this done using a US address and have it sent via FedEx or ups etc to the Philippines? Perhaps with some planning ahead it may save the aggravation of the trip to Manila. Just a thought.

    • That’s why I pointed out the issue with the overseas FPO addresses. The Sate department only sends out via Us First Class mail only. t’s a real catch 22. For those of us who live overseas it has to be done via the US Embassy, that’s the whole problem. FedEx would make it too easy it seems *sigh*.

    • Probably will, Gary. When I renewed mine 6 years ago, it was all done by courier (Air 21) from my Philippine home address … they still use Air 21, but the catch is now they will not accept payment that way. A real drag.

      • Yap, I don’t know when to receive the passport cos I have fill up the application and payed the passport renewal form but I don’t have any idea , if they have to mail to the address I put in , or they have to mail it by air 21 , or do I have to go back in Cebu to pick the passport..

  11. I just did mine yesterday…………….Flew to Cebu American Consulate….(Waterfront Hotel)….Took two 2 x 2 photos with collar and my Passport…………Gave it to the Man in charge there…… paid about 5000p …And was done…They will mail it here to me in Dumaquete…Was that simple…………

    • Hi Lenny? I would like to ask you, how am I going to receive a renewed passport of my kids, is it through air 21 ? Cos I haven’t paid for air 21 to deliver in my address .last month I renewed their passport , and they said we have to wait for 4 to 6 weeks, pls reply thanks

  13. You know, Dave, the third-party payment method might be something that – for those of us who are members – the Manila RAO might consider offering as a benefit of membership. I’ll have to e-mail the idea to them and see what they say.

    • @ Paul

      indeed it could be very useful, Paul. If I am not mistaken, all three of the major RAO’s make a weekly trip to the Embassy to pick up mail. (how sad that we seem to be more concerned with ‘dueling” RAO’s, “dueling” Yahoo Groups etc.. rather than working together for the common good of the retirees *sigh*) … but anyway, the big hassle is getting to the embassy and here we have several groups going there every week anyway as part of the FPO mail service. It would be no problem at all to have whomever goes to pick up the mail also swing by the passport payment window and make payments for anyone who needs it. Indeed, the only reason I mentioned I’d do this for a fee is, I just can’t drop things and travel there, park, etc. and mainly waste most of a morning, counting travel time, tools, fuel, parking etc, to do this on a onesy-twosey basis. But I am sure the RAO folks who go there have access to drive into the compound to do the mail drop-off/pickups.

      An even better idea is someone at the Embassy coming to their sense and allowing payments to be made direct to the Embassy via bank transfer, as payments for non-US citizen services (like visitor visa applications, etc. are already made. The Embassy is providing much better service to foreigners than to US citizens .. why I do not know)

      If I can help in anyway, let me know.

  14. My wife and I renewed our passports at the Outreach in Subic last December, worked like a charm.

    Only catch was getting the pictures done in Olongapo. Seems if you ask them if they can get you photo’s for a U.S. passport, they ALL say, “hindi, po”.

    BUT, if you ask the same individual if you can get a couple of 2″x2″ photos with a white background, they just smile and say, O-o!

    Seems they are not “Authorized to do photos for U.S. passports”. Anyways, the photos were accepted and within a few weeks, we got our passports.

    They would not allow us to use the RAO FPO box for our address, but they did, however, allow us to use the Physical address of the RAO.

    Still, worked great.

  15. With respect to the requirement to show two i.d.’s when making payment at the US embassy, I have only my Philippines Permanent Resident card, my US i.d.’s having expired. Sounds like it would be better to have my wife make the payment as she has more than two forms of i.d.
    Thanks for your response.

  16. Dave

    I am trying to get some idea of the timeline for a passport renewal so I can plan out the trip.

    Once I have Air 21 pick up my application roughly how long is it before I would be notified to come pay the fee? Do they give me a period of time to appear (60 or 90 days) before they consider the application to be abandoned?

    thanks in advance!

    • Hi John,
      I thought I would make a reply to you since I am going through the same process right now. I was notified to come and pay the fee just a few days after Air21 picked it up. The email I got says it must be paid in 90 days. Best of luck.

  17. Hello Dave,

    Thanks so much for your website, it helps me a lot. I am a filipina married to an American, we lived here in the Philippines for more than 3 years now, unfortunately my husband had a stroke and his mobility is very slow, he can’t even walk 10meters away. I just did his annual report to the BI and noticed that his passport will expire on November 2014 so need to do it now. I will ask you some questions and will be very grateful for an answers from you. On the application form regarding the mailing and permanent address do I write our address here in the Philippines? Or his address in the US. We lived here in Davao and it’s really hard for me to fly to Manila to pay as I am the one who takes care of my husband, Can I send a friend there? What she needs so that she can pay the fees at the Embassy. Thank you so much and God bless.

    Sincerely,
    Cleo

  18. I live in Dumaguete and just realized my passport expired a week ago and I need to go to Cebu to renew it, can’t find any info if that will be a problem or penalty to renew it

    • Hi Mike – You did not say what country you are from, but I will assume you are American.

      There is no penalty or anything of the sort. It is not illegal or required by the US government to renew your passport. You can do it any time. You will have to pay the normal Passport fee, but no penalty for being late.

        • You are welcome, Mike. I know this because last time I renewed mine here in the Philippines, it had been expired for a few years! Not a good idea to let it go like I did, but there were no penalties or anything involved. 🙂

  19. Please Note: If you follow the link to the US Embassy Instruction Page, the information there is correct. I wrote in the article body that you could only pay for the renewal at the cashier in the embassy. That was the case when this article was written. THIS HAS NOW CHANGED.

    You can now make payment via a bank draft in accordance with the Embassy instructions. Follow the official sources and stay current.

  20. hello
    I have a sister who is almost 80 years old and a US citizen living in the Philippines, in Naga City Bicol. She wants to renew her US passport but finds it very difficult to travel to Manila
    Please give us information to help her understand how to renew her US passport
    1. Is it necessary to make personal appearance or do it personally to US embassy
    2. If not, can she authorise other person like me her sister, to do it for her? I am 66 yrs old much better to travel.
    3. Must I make a schedule of appointment to renew the passport, how?
    4. what are the exact requirements to renew?
    5. What is the exact fee, is there other fee?
    6. How do we make the payments?
    7. How long does it take to renew passport?
    8. How does the passport released?

    thank you very much for your kind and immediate response. please send to my email

  23. Hey there Dave this is Walter again. Is it possible for you to give me a call or give me a phone number where I can reach you I tried your phone number listed on this web page but it says it cannot be reached that it is a incorrect phone number. My phone number is 0 929-514-5352. I am considering getting you to renew my passport for me it is a United States passport will expire January 19th 2017. Please contact me as soon as possible thank you

  24. Hi Bob,

    My US Passport expired about 2 years ago.
    Can I still renew my passport without penalty?
    Is there some sort of a satellite US Embassy office here
    in Mindanao or maybe Cebu to renew my Passport?
    Thanks.

    • Hi Ed. You can renew your US passport, there is no penalty for late renewal.

      There is no satellite Embassy anywhere in Mindanao. The US Embassy used to send twice per year Embassy visits to CdO and Davao, but they stopped doing that nearly 10 years ago. Passport renewals cannot be done in Cebu, only Manila.

      If you go to the Bureau of Immigration for a Visa renewal or annual report and they find that your US Passport is expired you will get into some trouble with the Philippine government, so best to go get this taken care of ASAP.

      Good luck to you!

      • Bob, thank you for your quick reply.
        Can you elaborate on the “trouble” you mentioned
        with the Philippine Immigration regarding my Visa?
        When I looked in my passport today, I noticed that my last
        entry here in the Philippines was on March 2013.
        Thank you again.

        Ed

        • If your passport is expired, they will usually give you a chance to take care of it.. but I suppose it could cause you to get deported. If you entered last in 2013, you should be doing some visa renewals, or maybe you have a permanent visa, in which case you should be doing annual reports every Jan or Feb? Anyway, just get the passport current to avoid any problems.

          Take care.

  25. Hi dave
    How long will it take for me to get an e-mail from the us embassy after air 21 receiving my application?

  26. I’m a naturalized US citizen before I left the US I search for information if the US allowed US citizen to retire in the Philippines and according from what I read it’s allowable. Without searching for the Philippines assuming that I’m a former Filipino citizen by birth I’m entitled to live in my country even I’m holding a US passport. It’s only now when I’m about to renew my US passport and encounter one of the comments posted here that I’m in trouble. I’m 75 years old and have medical problems and can’t travel anymore do I still need to renew my US passport?

    • I don’t know what comment you encountered or why you think you are in trouble, but there is no reason why a US citizen can’t live in the Philippines. What I would recommend is that you should file for Philippine Dual Citizenship and be a citizen of both countries.

      • When my husband passed away in 2003 I sold our house in the US and whenever I came back I just stay in my friends house.In 2013 I decided to stay in the Philippines because of my two accidents I have trouble walking. I did not apply for DUAL CITIZEN because it might affect my pension, so that is my problem of overstaying here.

        • Applying for dual citizenship should have no effect on your pension. If you don’t want to apply for dual citizenship there’s really nothing I can do to help you. Good luck.