Middle East tensions slow late-March passport processing – DFA

MANILA, Philippines – Passport applicants in the last week of March 2026 can expect to receive their new passports within 10 to 15 working days, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.

In a statement, the DFA Office of Consular Affairs attributed the delay to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“Due to logistical and supply chain issues caused by the Middle East crisis, passport applications filed beginning the last week of March 2026 may experience delays in release,” the office began.

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“In this regard, applicants are advised that the release of new passports may take 10 to 15 working days from the date of application until further notice,” the office added.

In response to the logistical issue, the DFA said it began coordinating with third parties for the timely printing of ePassports.

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“The Department is closely working with the third-party service provider for the printing of the ePassports on resolving the current delays and ensuring that passport operations normalize as soon as possible,” the DFA also said. /dl