How To Renew Your Philippine Passport in Kuwait: Simplified Guide

Under Republic Act No. 8239, also known as the “Philippine Passport Act of 1996,” a Philippine passport is a document issued by the Philippine government to its citizens requesting other governments to allow its citizens to pass freely, and in case of need to give them lawful aid and protection [RA 8239, Sec. (d)]. The acquisition of a Philippine passport is a privilege. The law recognizes the passport applicant’s constitutional right to travel.

However, the State is also mandated to protect and maintain the integrity and credibility of the passport and travel documents proceeding from it. It is a function of our Philippine consular officers to pass upon claims for or resolve matters involving Philippine citizenship and, upon determination of such citizenship, to issue an applicant with a Philippine passport. The passport remains a property of the Philippine Government and should be surrendered to the State should it be demanded through a competent Philippine Government Official.

Given the significance of Philippine passports, it’s crucial for Filipino citizens to understand the renewal process, particularly when residing in Kuwait. To assist in this endeavor, we present a concise guide outlining the steps involved in renewing your Philippine passport in Kuwait.

Regular Renewal of Philippine Passport

For the regular renewal process (applicable to ePassports, Brown Passports, Green Passports, and Maroon Passports without IC Chip Logo), please follow these steps:

Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment

Visit either https://passport.gov.ph or https://visa.vfsglobal.com/kwt/en/phl to schedule your appointment for passport renewal.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

• Duly accomplished application form: Print the ePassport Application Form from the Global Online Appointment System.
• Most recent Philippine passport: Bring the original and one photocopy of the data page (the page showing your photo and complete name).
• Proof of Philippine Citizenship: Bring the original and one photocopy of any of the following, if applicable:
  • Civil ID
  • Valid permanent/temporary residence card or work permit (if in the process of renewal, bring proof of your pending application)
  • Dual citizenship documents issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration or Philippine Embassy/Consulate General (Identification Certificate, Oath of Allegiance, and Order of Approval)
  • Latest tourist visa
• Payment of fees: Prepare KD 19.500 to be paid in cash (Kuwait Dinar only) at the Embassy during your appointment.

Step 3: Attend Your Appointment

Appear in person on the date and time of your confirmed appointment. Make sure to bring all the required documents mentioned above.

Step 4: Additional Documents (if necessary)

Additional supporting documents may be requested. To avoid errors, it’s highly recommended to bring your original and one photocopy of your Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) if born in the Philippines, or Report of Birth if born abroad.

Minor Applicants

Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment

Visit either https://passport.gov.ph or https://visa.vfsglobal.com/kwt/en/phl to schedule your appointment for passport application or renewal.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

1. Duly accomplished application form (FOR RENEWAL: Print the ePassport Application Form from the Global Online Appointment System).
2. Most recent Philippine passport – original and one (1) photocopy of the data page (page showing photo & complete name)
3. Proof of Philippine Citizenship – original and one (1) photocopy of one of the following, if available or applicable:
   • Civil ID
   • Valid permanent/temporary residence card or work permit (if in the process of being applied for/renewed, please present proof of your pending application for your permit)
   • Dual citizenship documents issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration or Philippine Embassy/Consulate General (Identification Certificate, Oath of Allegiance, and Order of Approval)
   • Latest tourist visa
4. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – original and one (1) photocopy (required for first-time applicants, may be required for renewal as proof of minor’s relationship to parents)
   • If entries are blurred or unreadable, transcribed Birth Certificate from the Local Civil Registry is required
   • If born abroad, Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA or registered by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait within one year of applying for the passport
5. Marriage Certificate (MC) of parents in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – original and one (1) photocopy
   • If entries are blurred or unreadable, transcribed Marriage Certificate from the Local Civil Registr
   • If married abroad, Report of Marriage duly authenticated by PSA or registered by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait within one year of applying for the passport
6. Passports of parents – original and one (1) photocopy of the data page (page showing photo and complete name)
7. Payment of fees: KD 19.500 (to be paid by applicant at the Embassy in person, in cash, Kuwait Dinar only)

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Personal appearance of the applicant and either parent if married. If not married, appearance of the mother is required.

Changing Surname in Philippine Passport

Step 1: Schedule Appointment

• Visit passport.gov.ph and book an appointment.
• Select a suitable date and time.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

• Most recent Philippine passport (original + photocopy).
• Proof of Philippine citizenship.
• Marriage Certificate (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) with photocopy.
• Payment of fees: KD 19.500 (cash).

Step 3: Fill Out Application Form

• Print the ePassport Application Form from the website.
• Complete the form accurately.

Step 4: Attend Appointment

• Show up at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait on the appointed date.
• Bring all required documents, including application form and photocopies.
• Pay the fees in cash.

Reverting to Maiden Name in Philippine Passport

For married women who would like to revert to their maiden name

Step 1 Visit the Passport Appointment Website: Go to https://passport.gov.ph to schedule your passport appointment. Choose a date and time convenient for you. Ensure you select a slot that fits your schedule well.

Step 2 Prepare Application Form: Print the ePassport Application Form from the Global Online Appointment System. Fill out all the required information accurately.

Step 3 Gather Required Documents:

• Most Recent Philippine Passport: Bring both the original and a photocopy of the data page showing your photo and complete name.
• Proof of Philippine Citizenship: Provide original and photocopy of one of the following, if available:
  • Civil ID
  • Valid permanent/temporary residence card or work permit
  • Dual citizenship documents issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration or Philippine Embassy/Consulate General
  • Latest tourist visa
• Additional Documents for Certain Situations:
  • For widows: Death certificate of the deceased spouse or Death Certificate in English authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • For annulled marriages: Annotated PSA Marriage Certificate or Report of Marriage, Certified True Copy of Court Order effecting the annulment, Certified True Copy of the Divorce Decree in English.
  • For divorced individuals: Certified True Copy of the Divorce Decree in English, Certified True Copy of Philippine Court recognition of foreign divorce decree, PSA Marriage Contract or Report of Marriage with the annotation of the Divorce Decree.

Step 4 Payment of Fees: Prepare KD 19.500 in cash, Kuwait Dinar only, to be paid at the Embassy in person. Ensure you have the exact amount ready to expedite the process.

Step 5 Personal Appearance: On the date and time of your confirmed appointment, make sure to appear in person at the designated location along with the required documents. Arrive at the embassy or consulate office a little early to avoid any delays.

First-Time Applicant

Requirements for New (First-Time) Passport for Adults

Step 1: Book Your Appointment:

• Visit passport.gov.ph to schedule a passport appointment.

Step 2: Fill Out Application Form:

• Complete the application form for adults. Print it from the appointment system.

Step 3: Prepare Citizenship Proof:

• Bring original and photocopy of any of the following:
  • Philippine Government Issued ID (Refer to the list of acceptable IDs).
  • Valid residence card/work permit.
  • Dual citizenship documents issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration or Embassy/Consulate General.
  • Latest tourist visa.

Step 4: Provide Birth Certificate:

• Have your Birth Certificate in Security Paper (SECPA) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) ready. Include original and photocopy.
• If the entries are unclear, a transcribed Birth Certificate from the Local Civil Registry is needed.
• For those born abroad, present a Report of Birth authenticated by PSA or registered by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

Step 5: For Married Women:

• If married, bring Marriage Certificate (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) from PSA along with a photocopy.
• If the entries are unclear, a transcribed Marriage Certificate from the Local Civil Registry is required.
• For marriages abroad, provide a Report of Marriage authenticated by PSA or registered by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait within one year of passport application.

Step 6: Payment of Fees:

• Prepare KD 19.500 in cash (Kuwait Dinar) for payment at the Embassy.

Step 7: Appear in Person:

• Show up at the Philippine Embassy on the confirmed appointment date and time.

Lost or Damaged Passports

Requirements for Replacement of Lost or Damaged Passport

Step 1: Book Your Appointment:

• Visit passport.gov.ph to schedule a passport appointment.

Step 2: Fill Out Application Form:

• Complete the application form provided on the website.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents:

• Most recent Philippine passport (original + photocopy of the data page).
• Proof of Philippine Citizenship:
  • Civil ID and Philippine Government Issued ID.
  • Valid permanent/temporary residence card or work permit.
  • Dual citizenship documents issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration or Embassy/Consulate General.
  • Latest tourist visa.
• Affidavit of Loss (if lost passport) or Affidavit of Mutilation (if damaged passport).
• Police report in English (for lost passport).
• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with original and photocopy.
• For those born abroad, provide a Report of Birth authenticated by PSA or registered by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.
• For married women, Marriage Certificate (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) from PSA with original and photocopy.
• If married abroad, provide a Report of Marriage authenticated by PSA or registered by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait within one year of passport application.

Step 4: Payment of Fees:

• For replacing a lost ePassport: KD 48.750.
• For replacing a damaged ePassport: KD 19.500.
• Payment to be made at the Embassy in person, in cash (Kuwait Dinar) only.

Travel Documents

The Embassy may issue emergency travel documents (TD) for Filipino citizens who lost their passports in Kuwait, or who do not have a valid passport, for one reason or another, and wish to travel to the Philippines but cannot wait for the issuance of a passport. The TD is valid for 30 days from issuance for direct, one-way travel to the Philippines ONLY.

Step 1: Complete the Application Form:

• Fill out the Travel Document Application Form accurately and completely.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents:

• Affidavit of Loss (if applicable).
• Police report in English (if applicable).
• Most recent Philippine passport (original + photocopy of the data page), or Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) if passport is not available.
• Confirmed one-way plane ticket to the Philippines.
• Four (4) colored 4.5 x 3.5 cm ID photos of the applicant in proper attire, taken within the last six (6) months.

Step 3: Payment of Fees:

• Prepare KD 8.125 in cash (Kuwait Dinar) to be paid at the Embassy in person.

Important Reminders

• Personal appearance is required for all applicants.
• Incomplete requirements will not be processed.
• Earrings, necklaces, false eyelashes, facial piercings, and contact lenses are not allowed during data capturing. Smiling with visible teeth is also not allowed.
• Make sure to check the data in the computer monitor before affixing your signature to certify that the encoded information is accurate and correct. Your signature indicates your confirmation on the accuracy of the information contained therein. Once signed, any errors in the passport will no longer be the fault of the Embassy, which means the fee for the replacement of the passport will be shouldered by the applicant.
• Only immediate family members are allowed to get the passport on behalf of the applicant. Immediate family members include father, mother, brother, sister, spouse and children of legal age with proper authorization letter.
• Passport of a minor applicant shall be released to parents only or to an authorized representative with Special Power of Attorney.
• Passports unclaimed after six (6) months will be cancelled per Department Order No. 37-03.
• Please allow 4 to 6 weeks (45 days) waiting time after application for the release of your passport.
• For claiming of new passports, we require presentation of your old passport for cancellation and original official receipt before we can release your new passport. If your name is on list of passports for release, please bring your old passport and receipt when you pick up your new passport at the Embassy.
• Upon receipt, check all data in the new passport and affix signature on page 3.
• The Embassy may require additional supporting documents as may be necessary, especially for applicants with dual citizenship and with foreign-sounding family names to prove citizenship.
• Flight bookings should be made ONLY if passports are still valid for at least six (6) months beyond intended travel.

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