Earlier today, I applied for a passport at DFA. And I experienced something that is not good and corrupt in the business surrounding the DFA office. And I thought that, if many people are applying for passport to find jobs abroad or just applying for travel or for valid id, many people might have been tricked for their money. I’m talking about fixers surround DFA office. So here we are, spreading about the message so you know and you won’t be robbed away from your money.

This is the real guide on how to apply for a passport in the Philippines. Do not be scammed. Read and learn.

What You Should Bring

You MUST (its a must) that you bring these documents before you go to DFA office. You have been warned. If you are not prepared, many fixers will be talking to you to take away your money. These documents are:

  • NSO Birth certificate
  • 3 colored passport ids. (Go to a photo shop and say you want an id picture for passport)
  • 2 Valid IDs
  • Supporting documents indicating your place of birth
  • Ballpen - is expensive inside
  • Paste - for pasting your photo id on the application form (its expensive inside)

To get a complete list please see DFA official website. Once you got all the necessary documents. It’s time to visit the office.

Walkthrough

As soon as you walk towards DFA office, BE ON YOUR GUARD. Immediately, a person will talk to you and will say to you where you should first go when applying for passport. Its a fixer and he’s out to get your money.

How will you know if he’s a Fixer?

  • They wear polo barong. The kind of polo barong that security guards wear please see picture.
  • They have an ID. They have ID saying that they are from DFA. No… They are not from DFA. People from DFA do not work on the streets prying on poor people for money.
  • They will show you where to get the application form. The application form is available INSIDE the DFA office on the basketball court GATE 1. Remember that. The people claiming that they will give you application form is true. But this is a fixer we are talking about and they will sell you things that you already have, photo ids, ballpens. On top of that, you can also download the application form on DFA website. So be prepared.
  • They will ask you if you already have a photo. Keep in mind, you must have a photo id already before you go to DFA office. The price for passport size photo id within the vicinity of DFA office is a wopping P150 - P300. Where you can only get P60 normally.
  • All your documents are wrong. They will try to convince you that all your documents are wrong and you should buy from them or have them “fix” the application for you. No matter what they say, do not believe them. I already experienced being harrassed that my documents are false and they want me to take another photo or wants me to buy their service to fix their application. I just went inside the DFA office and the application was a breeze.
  • They have a warning sign that says “NO TO FIXERS” with DFA logo in it. Its a gimmick. Do not be fooled. They are the fixers. You should head to DFA office immediately and do not entertain anyone that comes to talk to you. Its a jungle out there so be on your guard.

Inside DFA Office

If you made it alive inside the DFA office. Great job! Passport application is just easy. There are only 3 steps in passport application. And are categorized by using gates.

Gate 1, Gate 2, Gate 3.

Gate 1 - Gym

This is where you’ll get the application form and also some validation.

Gate 2

This is where you’ll get the passport for release.

Gate 3

This is where you’ll pay for the passport fee and verification of data. There’s a large sign with gate 3 sign. You won’t miss it.

See this page also.

Final Remarks

Please be on your guard when somebody talks to you especially when you are walking on your way to the DFA office. The most recommended approach to this is to bring everything you need already and go straight to DFA office.

Also, be reminded that even if you’re already inside the DFA office. Be on your guard. Fixer accomplices are still lurking inside wearing security guard uniforms. Well actually, some security guards there are accomplices by other fixers. I was just asking for direction to gate 1 and they want me to go outside DFA office to talk to a fixer.

Having said that. I hope you enjoy this little guide that’s from experience. If you’re applying for job abroad, a passport is a must have. Good luck job hunting.

Lets help our fellow Filipinos not be scammed by telling this information or show them this article. Lets put an end to these fixers and corrupt practices by not being a victim of their crimes. Please pass and share the word.

Thank you!