In a previous post, we’ve talked about how adults can renew their Philippine passports in Taiwan. This time around, we will discuss the same topic — as applied to minors (below 18 years old).
Currently, the validity period of Philippine passports is 10 years for adults, and five (5) years for minors. To avoid any travel-related problems, it would be wise to renew a passport before it expires. For Filipinos based in Taiwan, they can apply for passport renewal services at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), which has offices in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
Guide to Renewing Minors’ Philippine Passport in Taiwan
Here is an overview of the requirements, steps, and other details regarding the passport renewal of Filipino minors in Taiwan.
Passport Renewal Requirements for Minors
Before applying for passport renewal, the following documents must be prepared. These requirements vary slightly for minors who are: (a) holding an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC); (b) holding an ARC and born in Taiwan; and (c) dual/multiple passport holders.
Minors Holding Taiwan ARC
- Online appointment at MECO;
- Personal appearance of the child;
- Personal appearance of Filipino parent;
- Printed application form;
- Current Philippine passport plus one (1) photocopy of data page (pages 2 and 3);
- One (1) photocopy of passport pages 4 to 5 and 44
- Valid Taiwan ARC plus one (1) photocopy of front and back sides;
- One (1) photocopy of latest Taiwan Visa;
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Certificate of Live Birth or PSA Report of Birth plus one (1) photocopy;
- PSA Certificate of Marriage or PSA Report of Marriage plus one (1) photocopy;
- Filipino parent/s Philippine passport plus one (1) photocopy; and
- Processing fee of TWD 2,000.
Minors Holding Taiwan ARC (Born in Taiwan)
- Online appointment at MECO;
- Personal appearance of the child;
- Personal appearance of Filipino parent;
- Printed application form;
- Current Philippine passport plus one (1) photocopy of data page (pages 2 and 3);
- One (1) photocopy of passport pages 4 to 5 and 44
- Valid Taiwan ARC plus one (1) photocopy of front and back sides;
- One (1) photocopy of latest Taiwan Visa;
- PSA Certificate of Live Birth or PSA Report of Birth plus one (1) photocopy;
- PSA Certificate of Marriage or PSA Report of Marriage plus one (1) photocopy;
- Filipino parent/s Philippine passport plus one (1) photocopy; and
- Processing fee of TWD 2,000.
Minors who are Dual/Multiple Passport Holders
- Online appointment at MECO;
- Personal appearance of the child;
- Printed application form;
- Current Philippine passport plus one (1) photocopy of data page (pages 2 and 3);
- One (1) photocopy of passport pages 4 to 5 and 44
- Taiwan/Foreign passport/s plus one (1) photocopy
- PSA Certificate of Live Birth or PSA Report of Birth plus one (1) photocopy;
- PSA Certificate of Marriage or PSA Report of Marriage plus one (1) photocopy;
- English version of Taiwan Household plus one (1) photocopy; and
- Processing fee of TWD 2,000.
NOTES:
- For passports that are not renewed one (1) year after the date of expiration, please include an Affidavit of Delayed Renewal of Passport.
- Additionally, for minors who are dual/multiple holders and included in their parent’s Reacquisition/Retention of Philippine Citizenship document, the following requirements must be included: (a) Bureau of Immigration/MECO Reacquisition (Republic Act 9225) document; and (b) One (1) photocopy of Order, Order of Approval, and Oath of Allegiance.
Steps for Passport Renewal
As soon as all the documents have been prepared, the applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit this link to set an appointment at MECO office.
- Be sure to provide correct information in the application, and include an active or working email address.
- Confirm the application by clicking the link sent to the registered email address.
- On the appointed date and time, go to the MECO office. The schedule for passport applications are: Mondays to Thursdays (8:00 am to 2:30 pm); Fridays (8:00 am to 12:30 pm); and Sundays (9:00 am to 12:30 pm).
- Submit the application form and documents for checking and verification. Follow instructions for a smooth process.
- Pay the passport processing fee at the Cashier.
- After the appointment, wait for an email or text message from MECO regarding the schedule of passport release. Applicants can also check the status of their passports by logging into MECO’s Passport Releasing Portal.
NOTE: Appointments are NOT required for: senior citizens (60 years old and above); minor children below seven (7) years old and accompanied by their parents; pregnant women; persons with disability accompanied by their guardian; caregivers accompanied by their elderly ward; and fishermen.
Additional Reminders
Meanwhile, here are some additional reminders related to passport renewal at MECO:
- Filipinos can apply for passport renewal as early as one (1) year before their current passport expires.
- Setting an appointment with MECO is FREE of charge. Beware of any persons or groups that charge fees for setting MECO appointments.
- Applicants must dress appropriately for their MECO appointment. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and/or slippers are not allowed.
- For the biometrics portion of the application process, applicants must remove their earrings, necklaces, headbands, contact lenses, or any other items that obstruct the face.
Passport Releasing Procedure
Starting from the date of application, new passports are released after around five (5) weeks. This period includes time for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to evaluate, approve, and print the passports, which are done in the Philippines.
As soon as you have confirmed that your passport is ready for release, you can claim it from MECO during: Mondays to Fridays (8:00 am to 2:30 pm); and Sundays (9:00 am to 12:30 pm).
How to Claim Philippine Passport
To claim the passport “in person” at MECO office, applicants need to show their old passports and MECO claim stub. On the other hand, to claim it through a representative, applicants need to prepare their old passports, MECO claim stub, and ID of the authorized representative.
Another way to claim the new passport is via courier. During the day of application, applicants can avail of passport delivery services, which cost TWD 270 for inter-city delivery and TWD 290 for delivery to outlying islands. Through this option, the new passport will be delivered straight to the registered address.
Contact Information: MECO Taipei
For inquiries regarding passport renewal and other services, Filipinos who are based in Taipei can get in touch with MECO through these contact details:
Address: 2F, Chang Hong New Era Building, 55 & 57 Zhouzi St., Neihu District, Taipei, Taiwan
Telephone: +886 2 2658 8825
Website: https://www.meco.org.tw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MECO.official/
Google Map:
Meanwhile, in case your passport gets lost or damaged, you will need to have it replaced as soon as possible. Check out this guide on how you can replace a lost or damaged passport at MECO office.