Passport applicants qualified to use the courtesy lane may now book their appointments at Ayala Malls Glorietta, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Wednesday.
This after the agency opened its Temporary Off-Site Passport Service (TOPS) in the said mall “as an extension office of DFA Aseana’s Courtesy Lane for passport applications.”
“As in DFA Aseana, eligible applicants must book an appointment by emailing the Courtesy Lane Section at oca.cl@dfa.gov.ph,” the agency said in its advisory.
“Only those with confirmed appointments will be accommodated. Walk-ins will not be entertained in line with existing IATF guidelines on social distancing and the need to limit the number of persons in enclosed spaces to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” it added.
Eligible courtesy lane applicants are as follows:
1. Senior citizens
2. Persons with Disability (PWDs)
3. Pregnant applicants
4. Minors 7 years old and below
5. Solo parents
6. Overseas Filipino Workers
7. Exceptional and emergency cases
According to DFA, priority will be given to those with urgent travel (medical or emergency reasons) needs.
Courtesy lane applicants must submit proof of their eligibility when they request an appointment.
In addition, they must attach “proof of the necessity to travel urgently” but the DFA noted that a booked flight will not be accepted as travelers have been advised not to book flights if their travel documents are not updated.
“Applicants who do not meet the requirements for the use of Courtesy Lane may book their appointments at other TOPS locations through the website http://www.passport.gov.ph,” it said.
The list of accepted proof of eligibility, meanwhile, may be found here: https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/courtesy-lane-facility-availment.
DFA last week officially launched five TOPS that applicants may select when getting a passport application or renewal appointment, including in SM Mall of Asia, SM City North Edsa, Robinsons Place Magnolia, SM Aura, and Robinsons Place Las Piñas. (PNA)
