DFA issues IRR on passport extension

THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued on Wednesday, Oct. 25, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10928 on the extension of the validity of passports, as enacted on Aug. 2

The IRR, Department Order No. 010-2017, stipulates that no changes will be made on current passports except for the 10-year validity period, for passports issued to Filipinos 18 years or older. Filipinos under 18 years, on the other hand, will still be issued five-year passports.

“New passports with appropriate period of validity shall be issued to those applying for the first time and to those applying for replacement or renewal,” the IRR also read in part.

It also stated: “The Department of Foreign Affairs may limit the period of validity of passports to less than ten (10) years whenever the economic interest or political stability of the country requires such restriction.”

The 10-year passport will cost P950.00 — the current price of a five-year passport, DFA said in a statement, adding:

“However, in accordance with the DFA’s mandate to improve the passport processing system to make it seamless, convenient and pro-people, and to ensure that the production and security of passports are at par with technological advances and world standards, additional fees may be imposed in the future for passports that will have enhanced features.”

The 10-year validity period will take effect on Jan. 1, 2018.