Traveling alone can be enjoyable, but the experience of exploring different parts of the world and creating lasting memories with your children is a priceless opportunity that should not be overlooked.
No matter how extravagant a toy might be, it cannot compete with the knowledge and experiences that come from traveling.
Remember, becoming a parent doesn’t mean the end of your own adventures.
Before you start planning your travel destinations, it’s important to remember that all Filipinos, regardless of their age, need to have a Philippine passport.
We’ve previously covered the details of how adults can apply for a Philippine passport. Now, we’re shifting our focus to how to obtain a Philippine passport for minors, from newborns to teenagers under the age of 18.
What Defines a Minor?
According to R.A. No. 7610, a minor is anyone who is under the age of eighteen (18).
This category also includes people over 18 who cannot fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, or discrimination due to a physical or mental condition.
Because of their age or condition, minors are at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. That’s why the DFA has created specific guidelines on how to get a Philippine passport for minors, considering their age and vulnerability.
When it comes to age, minor applicants for a Philippine passport fall into two groups:
- 0 to 7 years old: This group includes babies and children up to seven years old, who are generally not expected to be able to make decisions for themselves. These minors don’t need to secure an appointment online. As of March 2022, these minors can go directly to the DFA Aseana office and all DFA consular offices throughout the country to use the passport courtesy lanes, as long as their parents/guardians who are with them are fully vaccinated.
- 8 to 17 years old: Minors in this age group need to secure an appointment online just like everyone else. They can use the courtesy lane if they have a sibling aged 7 years or below who is also applying for a Philippine passport. The requirements might be different depending on whether the minor is traveling alone, with a parent/legal guardian, or with someone else (we’ll provide more details on this later).
When issued, Philippine passports for minors are only valid for 5 years, which is half of the 10-year validity period of regular passports.
How to Get Philippine Passport for Babies and Minors?
This guide breaks down the process of obtaining a Philippine passport for babies and minors into four easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Documents
To apply for a passport for a minor, you need to gather the following documents:
a. Online Appointment Confirmation
Minors who are seven years old and below do not need to schedule an online appointment with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). They can use the courtesy lane at the DFA Aseana office or any DFA consular office nationwide. However, minors aged between 8 and 17 must book an appointment online. They can only use the courtesy lane if they are accompanied by a minor sibling aged seven or below.
b. Filled Out Passport Application Form
Parents or legal guardians can fill out and sign the application form on behalf of the minor. The form can be obtained on-site or downloaded from the DFA website.
c. Personal Appearance of the Minor and Parent/Legal Guardian
The minor and either parent or an authorized legal companion must be present during the application process. If the minor’s parents live abroad, specific guidelines must be followed when applying for a passport and traveling alone.
d. Birth Certificate
The minor’s birth certificate should be issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). If the PSA birth certificate is not clear or legible, the Local Civil Registrar Copy should be provided instead. If the minor does not have a PSA Birth Certificate or Report of Birth, alternative documents can be presented.
e. Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
If only one parent is accompanying the child, a marriage certificate is required. For minors with unmarried parents, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the mother is needed if she’s not accompanying the child. If the SPA is executed abroad, it must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
f. Valid Identification
An original and a photocopy of the passport or valid government-issued ID of either parent or the authorized adult companion is required.
g. School ID (if applicable)
If the minor is a student, a school ID must be provided.
Step 2: Submit the Documents to DFA
For minors aged 8 – 17 years old
Minors in this age bracket must secure an appointment online unless they’re accompanied by a minor sibling aged seven or below.
For minors aged 0 – 7 years old
Babies and minors aged seven and below can use the courtesy lanes at DFA Aseana Office and all consular offices in the country. Their parents and minor siblings aged 17 and below can also use the passport courtesy lane.
Step 3: Pay the Passport Fee
The passport fees must be paid as per the DFA’s guidelines. If you’re unable to personally receive the passports on the claim date, you can opt for a courier service by paying an additional Php 150.
Step 4: Collect the Passports
You can collect the passports from the DFA office on the date specified on your receipt. If you opted for delivery, wait for the passports to arrive at your designated address.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to Renew a Philippine Passport for Minors?
Minors, defined as individuals below 18 years old, have a specific process for renewing their Philippine passports. Due to the ongoing pandemic, all applicants, regardless of age, must secure an online appointment before arriving at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) premises.
What are the Steps to Renew a Philippine Passport for Minors?
- Complete All Passport Renewal Requirements The basic requirements for passport renewal for minors include:
- Confirmed online appointment: This is to ensure compliance with health protocols implemented to contain COVID-19.
- Personal appearance of both the minor applicant and either parent: If neither parent is available, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) designating an authorized adult companion is required. The SPA must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate if executed abroad.
- Current ePassport with a photocopy of the passport data page
- Marriage certificate: Required if only one parent is accompanying the child.
- Original and photocopy of proof of filiation and/or guardianship
- Original and photocopy of either parent’s passport or valid government-issued ID
- School ID (if applicable) Additional supporting documents may be required for illegitimate children, adopted children, or foundlings, or if the passport is lost, mutilated, or damaged.
- Proceed to the DFA Office on the Day of Appointment If the minor applicant is 7 years old or below, they can go straight to the courtesy lane along with the parents and/or minor siblings 17 years old or below who are also renewing or applying for a Philippine passport.
- Get Photo and Biometrics Captured in the Encoding Section
- Wait for the Scheduled Release of the New Philippine Passport
2. What are the Passport Requirements for Adopted Minors?
Adopted minors follow the same procedure as regular minor applicants, but the requirements vary depending on whether the adoption was domestic or foreign.
- Domestic Adoption: Requirements include the personal appearance of the minor applicant and adoptive parents, PSA Birth Certificate, valid passport or valid government-issued ID of adoptive parents, and Court Decree of Adoption.
- Foreign Adoption: Requirements include personal appearance of the minor applicant and ICAB representative, PSA Birth Certificate/PSA Certificate of Foundling, endorsement from ICAB, Certificate of Child Available for Adoption/Deed of Voluntary Commitment, Placement Authority issued by ICAB, Certificate for Issuance of Passport issued by ICAB, Clearance for Inter-Country Adoption, and Child Study Report.
3. How to Apply for a Passport for Minors Without Both Parents?
In cases where both parents are not available, an authorized adult companion can assist the minor child with the passport application. Additional requirements include:
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the parents, designating the minor’s adult companion to assist in the application process. An Affidavit of Support and Consent can also be submitted instead of SPA. A copy of the parents’ valid ID and/or passports should be attached to it. If executed abroad, the SPA or the Affidavit must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate.
- Valid passport or valid government-issued ID of the authorized adult companion
- DSWD travel clearance and Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the parents (in case the minor applicant is not traveling with parents). Affidavits executed abroad must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
4. How to Obtain a Philippine Passport for Minors with Separated Parents?
When parents are separated, the process of applying for a minor’s Philippine passport can be different from the standard procedure. Here’s what you need to know:
What Should You Do if You Are Legally Separated?
If you’re legally separated, which means you and your spouse are prohibited from living together but are still legally married, you should follow these steps:
- Bring a court order: This document should award guardianship of the minor applicant or substitute parental authority to you.
- Obtain a DSWD Travel Clearance: This is required for the minor to travel.
What If the Parents Are Annulled?
Annulment legally dissolves a marriage, allowing the former spouses to remarry. If you have an annulled marriage, you’ll need to:
- Provide a court order: This should state that you have guardianship over the minor applicant.
- Get a DSWD Travel Clearance: Necessary for the minor’s travel.
- Show a PSA/NSO Marriage Certificate: This must have an annotation of the annulment decree.
5. Can a Minor with a US Passport Obtain a Philippine Passport?
Yes, a minor born in the US with at least one Filipino parent can obtain a Philippine passport. Here’s what to consider:
- Understand the principle of jus sanguinis: This principle grants citizenship based on the parents’ nationality, not the place of birth.
- Recognize dual citizenship: The child can be a US citizen by birth and a Filipino citizen through their parents.
- Report of Birth: You must have the Report of Birth filed at the Philippine Consulate in the country of birth and transmitted to the DFA in Manila.
6. How to Apply for a Philippine Passport if the Minor Is an Illegitimate Child?
The process for an illegitimate child, who is born to parents that are not legally married, is similar to the standard application but with some specific requirements:
What if the Illegitimate Child Is in the Custody of the Mother?
- Personal appearance: Both the minor and the mother or an authorized adult companion must be present.
- Valid ID: The mother or the authorized adult companion must present a valid ID.
- PSA Birth Certificate: This should indicate the mother’s single status or the father’s acknowledgment, if applicable.
- Special Power of Attorney: If the mother is not accompanying the child, an SPA is needed.
- DSWD clearance and Affidavit of Support and Consent: Required if the child is not traveling with the mother.
What if the Illegitimate Child Has No Parents?
- Personal appearance: Both the adult guardian and the minor must be present.
- PSA Birth Certificate: Required for the application.
- Valid ID: The adult guardian must present a valid ID.
- DSWD clearance: Necessary for the minor’s travel.
- Affidavit of Guardianship: This document is needed to establish the guardian’s role.
Tips and Warnings:
- Travel clearance from DSWD: Required if the illegitimate child is traveling abroad with the biological father.
- No travel clearance needed: If the child is traveling with the mother, no DSWD clearance is required as per Article 176 of the Family Code of the Philippines.
7. What Is the Validity Period of Philippine Passports for Minors?
The validity of Philippine passports for minors is different from adults:
- 5-year validity: Passports issued to minors under 18 years old are valid for 5 years.
- Reason for shorter validity: This is likely due to the significant changes in a minor’s appearance over a decade.
Note: The information provided here is based on the current processes and regulations. Always check with the official DFA website or consulate for the most up-to-date information.