After I passed the board exam for nurses, one of the things I wanted to get right away was a passport. I wanted to go abroad as early as I could without thinking about its consequences. If only I knew that there are agencies here in the Philippines that provide expedited services for passports and visas, I might have grabbed the chance. However, innocent as I was, of course, I didn't know.
I had to go through a step by step process to get my passport around two years ago. I went to Department of Foreign Affairs with a friend. Though that was the first time we've ever been there, we fortunately didn't get lost! We brought the documentary requirements and had to go through the painful step of falling in a long line. When I say long, it means LONG! It took us about half a day to finish everything and we had to go back after three weeks or so to claim our passport. Looks like a hassle? Right. It is not only a waste of time but also of effort and money. The only reward you get from it is, of course, YOU GET YOUR PASSPORT. :p
Setting up an online appointment wasn't in effect yet back then. These days, passport applicants here in the PH are required to set an appointment first through DFA's online system for them to be entertained in the office.
But, over the years and with advancements in almost everything here on earth, did you know that these days too, different agencies offer nice and convenient ways for you to get your passport? Yes. I just knew about it after I already got my passport. :p You just have to submit to them all the requirements, they'll tell you your schedule of appearance and even have your passport delivered to your doorstep or office once available! Some agencies even provide travel accommodation during your scheduled appearance! If you're in a hurry to get your passport, there are agencies too that can process it within 7days. See? That is better, faster and easier. You just have to be careful in choosing an agency though. And remember, fees for their services vary from agency to agency.
How about you? Do you have a passport already? How did you get it? Share your experience! :)
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This is a sponsored post however, all the views and points are my own.
I already have a passport and I obtained it through the old process with very long lines. It is good that you didn't entertained fixers when you went to DFA. There are so many of them at the gate of DFA.
ReplyDeleteI didn't encounter any fixer. :) I went to DFA-Pampanga branch and the guard at the gate was so mahigpit. lols.
DeleteI am now on the road to getting my passport. But luck is not on my side, I can't avail the online scheme in securing one. I have to do it the old-fashioned way -- make a personal appearance at DFA. Why you may ask? Change of name kasi me, so mabusisi ang proseso.
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