Advisory on Machine Readable Passport

The Embassy is pleased to inform the public, particularly Filipino Citizens, that it shall commence the processing of Machine Readable Passport (MRP) application on Monday, 14 December 2009, at the Embassy located at 50 Hobson Street, Thorndon, Wellington (see map).

Please be advised that the green passport shall remain valid until its expiration date. However, the Embassy shall no longer issue the green passport from the aformentioned date.

The Embassy shall process MRP applications which shall be forwarded to the office of Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, Philippines. This office will then issue the said passport.

Please be advised that MRP applicants must apply personally at the Embassy to enable them to affix their thumb marks and signature on the Computer Generated Form provided for this purpose. However, applicants who are exactly 65 years old and above at the time of application; and those who are mentally and/or physically incapacitated but with properly filled out application form by their duly authorized immediate family member presenting their ID to the passport processor at the Embassy, are not required to personally appear at the Embassy.

Furthermore, children under eight (8) years old are likewise exempted from appearing personally at the Embassy. However, personal appearance by either one of their parents is required.

Due to the fact that the MRP shall be issued in the Philippines, the processing and issuance of said passport shall take four (4) weeks from the time of filing of the accomplished MRP application forms at the Embassy.

The fee for the issuance of an MRP is NZ$70.00 in cash.

The Passport Application Form, together with requirements and guidelines, are downloadable from the Embassy's website at: http://www.philembassy.org.nz.

For the information and guidance of all concerned.

(Sgd) MARCOS A.S. PUNSALANG