IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? Passports in the Philippines will be valid for 10 years under legislation recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

What does the change mean? Once the change takes effect, newly issued passports will be valid for 10 years rather than five. The change is not expected to affect the validity period of passports that have already been issued.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The regulations necessary to implement the legislation have not been issued.
  • Visas/Permits affected: Passports.
  • Who is affected: Those applying for Philippine passports. The change does not apply to diplomatic or official passports.
  • Impact on processing times: The change will save passport applicants time because they will only need to apply for a passport every 10 years rather than every five years.

Background: Many Filipino nationals, including those who live abroad, had pushed for an extension of passport validity. While the passports for adults will be valid for 10 years, they will only be valid for five years for those under the age of 18. Officials reserve the right to limit passport validity if they determine it is in the national interest.

BAL Analysis: While the government has yet to announce an implementation date, the change, once implemented, will be particularly welcome news to Filipino nationals living abroad and other frequent international travelers.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the Philippines. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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