With the proximity of the Philippines to Brunei, several Filipinos have made their way to seeking opportunities in this neighboring state. But of course, regardless of how near Brunei is, our Filipino immigrants and OFWs must secure the required documents to travel legally.
Also Read: Top 10 Countries with the Most Number of Jobs for OFWs
A passport may take time to process, but having a great guide on securing one would get a lot of weight out of your shoulders. For those Filipinos in Brunei who want to renew their passport, keep on reading. Thinking about processing your renewal may sound complicated, but once you get to start with the help of this guide, you’re already just days away from getting your new passport.
Requirements when renewing your passport
You won’t need to look far for the documents you need and exert a lot of effort when processing your passport renewal, as most documents are readily accessible online. Take note that all of the forms, steps and other documents you need to fill out for your passport renewal are available at the Embassy’s official website. These forms are also free of charge and can be downloaded on the same site.
Secure an appointment
Starting November 12, 2019, the Philippine Embassy in Brunei has launched and implemented its Consular Service Online Appointment System, which allows for more efficient and faster processing of passports. With the new system, booking a preferred time and date for your application is optimized and reduces waiting time. Walk-ins would still be accommodated, but those with appointments will be prioritized.
Here is a step-by-step guide provided on the Embassy’s official website to help you with setting an appointment:
Step 1: Go to bruneipe.setmore.com/bookappointment and fill out the form.
Step 2: Choose your favorite provider.
Step 3: Choose Consular Section as your service provider.
Step 4: At this stage, you will decide whether or not to continue with your appointment or incorporate additional resources.
Step 5: Please choose a time and date that is convenient for you. On this tab, only open time slots will be shown.
Step 6: At this stage, you will be asked to build a profile by either A.) logging into your Facebook account, B.) logging into your Gmail account, or C.) logging into our website and creating a profile.
Step 7: Fill in your name, email address, and password if you’ve chosen to build a profile.
Step 8: Fill in your contact information, including your phone number and address. Continue by pressing the enter key.
Step 9: Please double-check the specifics of your appointment. To schedule a meeting, click “Book my appointment.”
Step 10: You have now received confirmation of your appointment. A confirmation email will be sent to you shortly.
Please arrive at the Embassy’s Information Counter on the scheduled date and time.
Print out, fill out, and obtain the needed papers
After scheduling an appointment for your application:
- Print out the filled-out form.
- Ensure that your contact information is updated and active on the application form, and double-check that all details are accurate.
- Prepare your ePassport and secure a photocopy of its data page.
- Bring with you your Original PSA birth certificate.
Appear on your scheduled appointment
All applicants must appear on the day of their appointment; failing to do so forfeits their reservations. This applies to minor applicants as well. This is why it is essential for you to always stay aware and updated on your schedule to avoid any overlapping activities on the day of your chosen date. The importance of your appearance is for the verification of your documents, payment and capturing of biometrics.
Pay the Fee
For the processing fee of your passport renewal, you only have to take care of BND 90.00. Of course, this is only for renewal. Other passport processing asks for a different amount. Payment for the renewal will be made on the day of your scheduled appointment.
Additional documents
These are only asked for special circumstances of the applicants, which will be used for verification and the usual documents asked for renewal. Each circumstance asks for different requirements and fees depending on the changes or type of service. This information is provided on the official website of the Embassy.
Renewal of Green Passports, Machine Readable Passports (Maroon), and any older passports
- Personal appearance
- Duly Accomplished application form
- Original copy of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate on Security Paper duly authenticated (Red Ribbon) by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);
- Married Females must also submit an original copy of the PSA Marriage Contract on Security Paper duly authenticated (Red Ribbon) by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) or Report of Marriage
- Any of the following Valid IDs with one (1) photocopy:
- Social Security System (SSS)/Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card
- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License
- Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
- Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA)/ Integrated Department of Labor and Employment (iDOLE) card
- Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Registration Record from COMELEC Head or Regional Office
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License
- Senior Citizen ID
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID
- School ID (for students)
- Valid Id’s issued by Brunei Government (e.g. Brunei Identification Card (IC), Driving License)
- A fee of BND 90.00
Lost VALID ePassport
1. Personal Appearance
2. Duly Accomplished Application Form
3. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate on Security Paper duly authenticated (Red Ribbon) by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and a photocopy
4. Married Females: Original copy PSA Marriage Contract on Security Paper duly authenticated (Red Ribbon) by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) or Report of Marriage
5. Any of the following Valid IDs with one (1) photocopy:
- Social Security System (SSS)/Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card
- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License
- Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
- Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA)/ Integrated Department of Labor and Employment (iDOLE) card
- Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Registration Record from COMELEC Head or Regional Office
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License
- Senior Citizen ID
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID
- School ID (for students)
- Valid Id’s issued by Brunei Government (e.g. Brunei Identification Card (IC), Driving License)
6. Photocopy of the old passport
7. Statutory Declaration from the Magistrate Court
8. Police Report
9. Special Pass issued by the Immigration of Brunei Darussalam
10. A fee of BND 225.00
Mutilated or Damaged Passports
1. Personal Appearance
2. Duly Accomplished Application Form
3. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate on Security Paper duly authenticated (Red Ribbon) by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and a photocopy
4. Married Females: Original copy PSA Marriage Contract on Security Paper duly authenticated (Red Ribbon) by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) or Report of Marriage
5. Any of the following Valid IDs with one (1) photocopy:
- Social Security System (SSS)/Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card
- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License
- Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID
- Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA)/ Integrated Department of Labor and Employment (iDOLE) card
- Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Registration Record from COMELEC Head or Regional Office
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License
- Senior Citizen ID
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID
- School ID (for students)
- Valid Id’s issued by Brunei Government (e.g. Brunei Identification Card (IC), Driving License)
6. Statutory Declaration from the Magistrate Court
7. Police Report
8. A fee of BND 90.00
Minor Applicants (18 and below)
- Duly accomplished Application Form
- Personal Appearance of minor applicant and either parent
- Original and Photocopy of the old passport
- Original and photocopies of the minor’s Birth Certificate/Report of Birth
- Passport or Valid ID’s issued by Brunei Government (e.g. Identification Card (IC), Driving License) of either parent
- School ID (if available)
- A fee of BND 90.00
Lost Valid ePassport for Minors
- Duly accomplished E-passport application form
- Photocopy of the old passport
- Statutory Declaration from the Magistrate Court
- Police Report
- Special Pass issued by the Immigration of Brunei Darussalam
- Original and photocopies of PSA Birth Certificate/Report of Birth duly authenticated (Red Ribbon) by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
- Original and photocopies of the parents’ passports
- Original and photocopies of parents’ PSA Marriage Contract/Report of Marriage duly authenticated (Red Ribbon) by the Foreign Affairs (DFA)
- Personal appearance of parent/s
- A fee of BND 225
Important things to Remember
These are some things that you should know before, during, and after you have applied for the renewal of your Philippine passport. It is advised that you follow these as they will be able to process your passport with no problem.
- Personal appearance is required for all applicants.
- All applicants are required to wear decent clothing for passport capture. Plunging necklines, sleeveless clothing, spaghetti-strapped tops, see-through tops, sando tube tops, halters and the like are prohibited.
- Earrings and colored contact lenses are not allowed during data capture.
- The new passport will be available after six (6) to eight (8) weeks. The Embassy will inform passport applicants once the new passports are available for release.
- In claiming the new passport, passport applicants are advised to bring along the official receipts and their old passports for cancellation.
- The passport of a minor applicant shall only be released to parents.
- The Consular Officer reserves the right to require additional proof or documents pursuant to R.A. 8239 (The Philippine Passport Act of 1996) for the purpose of verifying the identity, citizenship and personal circumstances of the applicant.
- Passports unclaimed after six (6) months will be cancelled per Department Order No. 37-03.
- For the list of available ePassports ready for release, this is where you can check the http://www.bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph/newsroom/announcements.
Contact information
As straightforward as the steps are, there are instances that we cannot avoid. So, for further assistance in your queries and updates, here are ways you can reach out to the Embassy.
Address: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Simpang 336 Diplomatic Enclave, Jalan Kebangsaan
Bandar Seri Begawan, BA 2312, Brunei Darussalam
Jurisdiction : Bandar Seri Begawan
Website: http://www.bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph
E-mail Address:brunei.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Facebook: Facebook PHL in Brunei
Country Code (+ 673)
Tel. Nos. : 224-1465; 224-1466
Consular Affairs Office : 223-8845; 222-0781
Consular 24-hour Hotline : 871-4881
OWWA 24-hour Hotline :729-1315
POLO 24-hour Hotline : 729-1316
Fax No. : 223-7707
Working Hours:
8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Monday-Thursday, No Noon Break)
8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Every Friday)