New Philippine Passport Act: Republic Act 11983

On March 11, 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Republic Act No. 11983, providing a new passport law in the Philippines.

This new law effectively repeals the Passport Act of 1996 and introduces significant changes to streamline passport application processes and enhance accessibility for citizens.

Also Read: How to apply for a New Passport?

Key Provisions of the New Philippine Passport Act

1. Online Application Portal and Electronic One-Stop Shop:
   • The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now mandated to establish and maintain an online application portal accessible through its official website.
   • An Electronic One-Stop Shop will also be readily available online, simplifying the passport application process for Filipinos.
2. Offsite and Mobile Passport Services:
   • The DFA is authorized to provide offsite and mobile passport services beyond the traditional consular offices and foreign service posts (FSPs).
   • This means that citizens in remote areas or those unable to visit consular offices can still access passport services conveniently.
3. Special Accommodations:
   • The new law ensures that specific groups receive special accommodations during passport applications. These groups include:
     • Senior citizens
     • Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
     • Pregnant women
     • Minors aged seven years old and below
     • Solo parents
     • Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)
     • Individuals with emergency and exceptional cases
4. Penalties for Violations:
   • The law imposes strict penalties for offenses related to passport issuance and handling:
     • Unauthorized confiscation, retention, or withholding of passports by any person or entity without legal authority may result in imprisonment of not less than 12 years and a fine of not less than ₱1 million (approximately $20,000 USD).
     • Passport forgery carries a penalty of 6 to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of not less than ₱100,000 (approximately $2,000 USD) but not more than ₱250,000 (approximately $5,000 USD).
     • Offenses related to improper passport use and other travel documents may lead to similar penalties.
     • Unfair and discriminatory practices in passport issuance can result in suspension, dismissal from services, and a fine of up to ₱250,000 (approximately $5,000 USD) along with a maximum of six years’ imprisonment.
5. Effective Date:
   • The new passport law takes effect 15 days following its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Also Read: DFA PAssport Renewal Requirements

Conclusion

The New Philippine Passport Act represents a significant step toward modernizing passport services, making them more accessible, efficient, and secure for all Filipino citizens. With the online application portal and streamlined processes, obtaining a passport will be more convenient than ever before.

Remember, your passport is your gateway to the world—make sure you keep it safe and up-to-date!

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or affiliation with any government agency. 

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the content nor ensure that all details are current. For any concerns, you can contact us anytime.

For Job Postings: We are not a government entity, and the job listings on this site are presented solely to assist individuals in their job search efforts or the job posting on this website. Users can verify the details of any job listing directly with the respective government agency.