Phil ConGen in San Francisco to Begin Accepting Applications INQUIRER.net
May 28, 2008
The MRP has new and updated features for the security and integrity of the identity of the passport holder. The Philippine Machine Readable Passport is in compliance with internationally accepted standards on passports as mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
It will now be easier for holders of the new MRP to be processed at ports of entry. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs started issuing the new MRP in the Philippines last year.
The new Philippine passport is maroon in color and consists of 44 pages. It has a “machine-readable zone” which contains encrypted personal data of the passport holder. The passport uses watermarked papers with embedded UV fibers. Many portions are printed using UV reactive inks with unique identifying numbers that are laser perforated. Ultra-thin laminates are used to secure the data page topped by holographic images and invisible prints.
For the guidance of the passport applicants, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco issues the following advisory:
1. It will now take six (6) weeks for a passport to be processed from the time the application is accepted. Hence, holders of expiring or expired passports are advised to apply for the MRP as early as possible.
2. Applicants will have to personally appear before a consular processing officer for fingerprinting and visual verification.
3. No mailed-in applications will be accepted.
4. The new MRP has a new photo requirement. The new passport photo should be taken within the last six months of size 4.5 cm by 3.5 cm on a Royal Blue background.
5. The fee for the new MRP did not change. The new MRP costs US$50.
All current holders of valid “green” Philippine passports may still use their passports and will be honored as a valid document until the end of its validity. There is no need for holders of valid “green” Philippine passports to immediately apply for the new MRP.
However, the Consulate General strongly advises all Philippine passport holders who intend to travel in the near future and with passports that are going to expire soon to factor the new turn-around period of six (6) weeks for the issuance of the MRP.
Additional guidelines on the MRP are available from the Philippine Consulate General. Please call (415) 4336666 or email: sanfranciscopcg2004@yahoo.com.
