MANILA, Philippines — The Office of Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) advised the public not to negotiate with unknown third parties offering passport appointments assistance in Facebook groups and other social media chat groups.

The DFA issued such warning after reports from passport applicants who booked their passport appointment with assistance from unknown individuals online ended up paying more than what the DFA collects for passport issuance.

Worse, these applicants were given tampered application forms and incorrect instructions such as advise to pursue their appointment at a schedule or consular office different from the actual appointment schedule and site.

Applicants who have made an appointment with a third party, and are doubtful of the authenticity of their application, may call the DFA’s appointment hotline at 8234 3488 to verify their appointments.

Applications that were made through a third party will be accepted for processing only after the appointment and the identity of the applicant has been verified, the agency said.

Also, processing will only be done at the Consular Office where the appointment was made.

The public is reminded that passport appointments can be booked directly through https://passport.gov.ph, and applicants are strongly advised to use their own email address and mobile number to ensure that they receive the correct information on their appointment schedule and receive the application packet to be presented during the appointment.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday warned the public against a travel fee scam targeting foreign nationals who wish to enter the Philippines amid imposed travel restrictions.

In an advisory the DFA said they received reports of a “travel exemption fee” that supposedly allows the entry of foreign nationals into the country.

The DFA reiterated that it does not collect such fees “or any kind of fee whatsoever for the purpose of allowing foreign nationals to enter the country.”

“Foreign nationals should be guided by the latest advisory of the Bureau of Immigration as to who are allowed to enter the Philippines during the State of Public Health Emergency,” the advisory reads.

The foreign affairs department also said travel restrictions are still being implemented in the country amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. AAC

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informs the public that its Consular Office in Legazpi, Albay will be closed on Wednesday (November 11), due to inclement weather brought by Tropical Storm Ulysses.

The announcement is in line with Disaster Risk Reduction Management/ Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (DRRM/CCAM) Council Advisory No. 25 s. 2020 of the city government of Legazpi.

The Consular Office – Legazpi will resume its regular operations on Thursday (November 12), unless otherwise advised.

In view of this, affected applicants with confirmed appointments who are unable to avail of consular services due to the suspension of operations must secure another appointment by emailing the Consular Office at legazpi.rco@dfa.gov.ph with the following information:

– Name

– Date of birth

– Original appointment date and time

– Preferred date and time of new appointment

The preferred new appointment may be on any working day from Monday to Friday from November 12 to December 11 during the Consular Office regular operation hours from 10:00AM to 5:00PM.

Applicants who need an emergency or urgent consular service may email the Consular Office  at legazpi.rco@dfa.gov.ph.