Philippine passports (Photo from DFA website)
DAVAO CITY – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said it would accept online appointments only until June 30.
In July, it will enhance the passport online appointment system by incorporating an electronic payment system.
In an advisory sent to reporters, the DFA said the pilot testing of ePayment had actually started.
“(The DFA) wishes to inform the public that passport online appointment slots from July 2018 onwards have not been opened,” because of the preparations, the agency said.
The adoption of ePayment “will enable applicants to pay at a payment facility of their choice before going to any DFA Consular Office in the Philippines,” it said.
“This will make the passport application process faster by lessening the amount of time each applicant spends at a Consular Office. The ePayment will also minimize the number of no-show applicants and open more online appointment slots,” the DFA added.
However, for those who need passports, the DFA said slots for May and June remained open. /lb