If you find yourself in need of an ePassport renewal in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. And with its benefits, every Filipino should consider getting one for ease of use and travel anywhere in the world.
In travel papers, the MRP meets the ICAO’s minimal standards. The ePassport is the international standard for travel papers. As an ICAO member, the Philippines is under an international obligation to improve the security of its travel papers. With the issuing of ePassports, the Philippines will be able to provide world-class consular services to its citizens. Since the ePassport has been upgraded with biometric technology, countries have increased their trust and acceptance of it. At present, ePassports are in use in over 60 nations around the world.
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5 Things You Need to Know About Renewing Your Philippine ePassport in Saudi Arabia
Philippine nationals who live in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and have an ePassport can renew it at the VFS Global ePassport Renewal Centre. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, ePassports should be renewed 10 months before their expiration date. Passports granted to adults (18 years and older) will be valid for ten years, while minors will be valid for five years.
It is vital to remember that the center only accepts applications for ePassport renewal. ePassports include a microchip that stores personal information and biometric information about the passport bearer.
Requests for revisions to the biographical page’s details must be submitted to the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate in Jeddah.
Steps to Renew your ePassport in Saudi Arabia
1. Complete online application form.
Visit the Online Passport Application System by clicking this website: onlineappform.passport.gov.ph/ and make sure to read the reminders before proceeding. Fill in all the relevant information under the tabs Application, Personal, Parental, Contact, until you get to the Summary Page.
2. Prepare all the originals and photocopies of the documents required for passport renewal.
For adult applicants:
- Accomplished Application Form
- Original and Photocopy of the Passport
- Original and Photocopy of the IQAMA or Valid Visit for non-resident
For minor applicants:
- Accomplished Application Form
- Personal appearance of the minor applicant at the Application Centre is a must. Minor must be accompanied by both parents.
- Original and Photocopy of the minors Passport
- Original and Photocopy of the Parents Passport
- Original and Photocopy of the IQAMA or Valid Visit for a non-resident of the minor and the parents.
- Original and Photocopy of Marriage Certificate of minors’ parents issued by PSA and Authenticated by DFA. Notes: Non-PSA documents will not be accepted.
- Original and photocopy of Birth certificate of minors issued by PSA and Authenticated by DFA.
Note: Non-PSA documents will not be accepted.
3. Visit the ePassport Renewal Centre in person to submit the application.
There are three locations you can visit to process your Philippine ePassport renewal depending on where you are based (since Saudi Arabia is a huge country), here are their addresses and location information.
- Riyadh VFS Global Center
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Saturday to Thursday)
- Address: 2M Floor Al Shauüja Plaza, Opposite G Mart, Al Futah King, Faisal Road, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
- Google Map Location:
- Jeddah VFS Global Center
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 (Saturday to Thursday)
- Address: Bin Lawsad Building, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Street, Madinah Al Munnawara Road, Jeddah, KSA
- Google Map Location:
- Al Khobar VFS Global Center
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Saturday to Thursday)
- Address: 2nd Floor, Al Khateery Centre, Opposite SABB Bank, Al Rakka, Al Khobar, KSA
- Google Map Location:
Note: It is also worth noting that VFS Global’s Al Khobar center is honored to serve as a regular location for the “Philippine Embassy on Wheels” initiative in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province to provide consular services to the Filipino population.
4. Pay the fees.
Here is a list of the renewal fees you can pay at the VFS Center:
Passport Renewal Fee: SAR 240.00
Service Fee: SAR 103 (inclusive of 15% VAT)
Total fees per application: SAR 343.00
The passport renewal fee is the same as the fee charged at the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate. Applicant shall be charged a service fee in addition when submitting the application at VFS Global ePassport Renewal Centre.
5. Submit your application form, old ePassport and required documents.
The processing period for each application varies, however, the new passport may be released within 30-45 working days from the date of application submission.
Benefits of Submitting Renewal Application at VFS Global Center
- No prior appointments required
- Visit the ePassport Renewal Centre 6 days a week, Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Reduced crowding at Embassies/ Consulates and greater convenience for the customer submitting application
- Professionally trained staff to handhold customers throughout the application process
- Easy collection of renewed ePassport at the centre or via courier delivery.
- Dedicated email and helpline for applicant queries
Additional Services
VFS Global offers optional services aimed to make the process easy and effortless as part of its continual effort to add value to the customer experience. Customers can choose from the following options for an extra fee:
Form Filling: Professionally qualified employees will provide personalized support in completing the online renewal application form.
Courier Delivery: Receive a renewed passport at a time and location of your choosing. Save time and money by not having to make several trips to the center.
SMS Alerts: With regular SMS updates, you can stay up to date on the status of your application.
Through the services mentioned above, renewing your ePassport in Saudi Arabia is now straightforward or much more convenient for Filipino citizens. If you need to avail of this service soon, make sure to keep a copy of this guide on hand and you’ll be on your way to a hassle-free ePassport renewal in the kingdom.
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