The Department of Foreign Affairs has launched a Courtesy Lane for OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers), Senior Citizens, pregnant women, PWD (Persons with Disabilities), solo parent, and minor applicants.
On this page, we will share with you the complete guides and procedures you need to know and need to have if you are a passport applicant eligible for the courtesy lane.
UPDATE: Because of the current health crisis and pandemic, courtesy lane applications in DFA ASEANA will be strictly by online appointment through the passport appointment system.
What is DFA Passport Courtesy Lane?
DFA Courtesy Lane is a passport priority service launched by the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, solo parents, minors, and overseas Filipino workers.
DFA Passport Courtesy Lane Requirements – Who are Covered?
1. Senior citizen (60 years and above) with a proof of age
A senior citizen applicant is allowed one (1) companion.
The companion of the senior citizen must be an immediate family member, i.e., spouse, siblings, adult children, adult grandchildren, and children-in-law of the senior citizen, and must show proof of relationship.
Suppose the companion is not an immediate family member. In that case, the companion has to show proof of travel arrangements (e.g., confirmed plane or hotel booking) with the senior citizen to avail of the courtesy lane facility.
2. Person with disability (PWD) with a proof of disability
A PWD applicant is also allowed one (1) companion.
The companion of the PWD must be an immediate family member, i.e., spouse, siblings, adult children, adult grandchildren, parents-in-law, and children-in-law of the PWD, and must show proof of relationship.
Suppose the companion is not an immediate family member. In that case, the companion has to show proof of travel arrangements (e.g., confirmed plane or hotel booking) with the PWD to be able to avail of the courtesy lane facility.
3. Solo parent with a valid solo parent ID card
Minot children of the solo parent applicant are also eligible to apply their passport through the courtesy lane.
4. Minor children (7 years old and below)
A minor applicant must be accompanied by his or her parents, legal guardian, or their authorized representative. The adult companion may also be an applicant.
5. Pregnant women
If pregnancy is not visible, the applicant must present a medical certificate or a medical record as a proof of pregnancy.
6. Overseas Filipino Worker (Land and Sea based) with a valid proof of status
The OFW applicant must present a proof of their OFW status such as:
- OFW eCard
- Valid Employment contract
- Valid Work Visa
- Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) stamped at an international border not more than three hundred sixty-four (364) days from the date of application;
- Expired or canceled working visa or employment contract, and a Philippine passport with an immigration arrival stamp of not more than three hundred sixty-four (364) days from the date of application.
7. Exceptional and emergency cases
In exceptional and emergency cases, Courtesy Lane privileges may be extended to applicants upon due approval of his or her written request by any of the following Department officials:
- The Secretary of Foreign Affairs
- The Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns
- The Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs
Important Reminders for Passport Applicants Using the Courtesy Lane:
Senior citizens and PWD applicants may select either regular or expedited processing of their passport applications during regular working days. Hence, all applications outside the regular working hours are required to pay for expedited processing fees.
Other passport applicants, including their companions, must pay for the expedited processing fees because they are not entitled to use the courtesy lane.
DFA branches and consular offices are authorized to set their maximum daily number of passport applicants to comply with social distancing and health protocols.
How to Make an Online Appointment for DFA Courtesy Lane?
Because of the pandemic, the DFA now strictly requires an online appointment system for those passport applicants eligible for the courtesy lane through DFA ASEANA. To schedule an appointment, follow the steps below:
- Visit the DFA Passport Appointment website
- Select “Asia Pacific” as your Region
- Select “Philippines” as your country
- Choose “DFA Manila (ASEANA-Courtesy Lane)”
- Confirm your qualification
- Click the NEXT button
- Select your date of appointment
- Provide your profile details
- Keep your confirmed appointment
Other Helpful Guide in Passport Processing:
- ULTIMATE GUIDE in Getting a Passport in the Philippines in 2021
- Passport Requirements for Minors
- List of Acceptable IDs and Documents in Getting a Passport
Share your experience and views about DFA OFW Lanes below at the comments.
