Implementation of Machine Readable Passport (MRP) Project in the US

The Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C. wishes to inform Filipinos in its consular jurisdiction that from June 2, 2008 it will be accepting and processing applications for the new Machine Readable Passports (MRP).

A Machine Readable Passport (MRP) is a passport where the personal details of the applicant is printed in such a way that it can be read by the naked eye and at the same time, it contains a “machine readable zone” containing the personal data of the passport holder that can be read by a machine or computer.

The processing of travelers airports of entry and exit is faster because the data in the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) can be read by a machine and stored automatically in the database of immigration offices. This means greater convenience and security for the traveler.

The new MRP is now maroon in color and consists of 44 pages. The MRP has the following security features: watermarked paper, colored UV fibers, UV reactive inks, special designs, microtexts, laser perforated numbers, ultrathin laminates, letter screen, invisible personal information, and holograms.

Only the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila prints the Machine Readable Passports (MRP). Applications received by the Embassy will be sent to the DFA, Manila via diplomatic pouch. In view of the transit time, it will now take SIX (6) weeks for a passport to be released to the applicants, from the time the application is accepted.

All applicants whether for the renewal of a passport or those applying for the first time MUST appear personally at the Consular Office of the Embassy to affix his thumb mark and sign his application form. Applications by mail cannot be accepted.

The passport fee did not change. It still costs US$50.00 per passport.

Currently, holders of a valid Philippine passport (green passport that has not expired) need not worry as the green passport will still be honored as a bonafide travel document issued by the Government of the Philippines until it expires, even after the roll out of the new Machine Readable Passports.

Please check the Embassy of the Philippines website: www.philippineembassy-usa.org for the latest information regarding the Philippine Machine Readable Passport.