Travelling to PH w/ passport about to expire

[Tinjf10 1]

We are planning on a 3-week vacation in the Philippines. My passport will expire on Aug 2014 and we are looking at travelling 1st week of June 2014. My travel agent says that she will write to the Phil consulate since they require passports to be unexpired of at least 6 months before travelling so I can just renew my passport there. I have talked to my friends in PH and they said it might take 3-6 weeks to renew my passport in PH and I wonn't have enough time to do all that while I'm on vacation. I can't renew my passport before I travel since I have to fly to Los Angeles and spend $700 just for that. Will I have any trouble going home to Philippines? My passport is still good when I travel anyway?

[Ryan E 10]

The 6 month passport requirement is for foreign passport holders coming in. As a citizen returning, you should not have a problem. Isn't there the possibility of paying ask expedite fee and getting your passport faster?

[HappyinLove2014 30]

That would be a bad idea to gamble. I know someone who attempted to travel with a 5months left for passport to expire. Booked ticket and expensive hotel to stay at. But on the airport they refused to accept the passport and ended up rebooking everything and spent a lot to do it, since the expensive hotel didnt do refund. So better not try. Just renew passport if you have an ample time..?

If you are a native from the country that shouldn't be a problem I guess, but just ask for more information to be sure. good luck

[Tinjf10 1]

Yes I am still a Filipino citizen. I am currently waiting for my interview letter for my citizenship but I doubt it will be here in time. My problem is if they let me enter PH.

[HappyinLove2014 30]

Hmmm.. Call DEpartment of Foreign affairs in the philippines to be sure, but if I were you I won't gamble. Call them just to be sure you won't waste money

[Ryan E 10]

Yes I am still a Filipino citizen. I am currently waiting for my interview letter for my citizenship but I doubt it will be here in time. My problem is if they let me enter PH.

You can always enter your home country, provided the passport has not expired -- and in certain circumstances with an expired passport. The 6 month rule is for entering a country where you are not a passport holder. Contact your embassy for verification if you wish to be certain.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Yes I am still a Filipino citizen. I am currently waiting for my interview letter for my citizenship but I doubt it will be here in time. My problem is if they let me enter PH.

Philippines is the country of your passport, there really shouldn't be an issue, because in essence you are traveling "home". Flying back to the USA could be your issue later if you don't renew your passport.

[Greenbaum 12,260]

We are planning on a 3-week vacation in the Philippines. My passport will expire on Aug 2014 and we are looking at travelling 1st week of June 2014. My travel agent says that she will write to the Phil consulate since they require passports to be unexpired of at least 6 months before travelling so I can just renew my passport there. I have talked to my friends in PH and they said it might take 3-6 weeks to renew my passport in PH and I wonn't have enough time to do all that while I'm on vacation. I can't renew my passport before I travel since I have to fly to Los Angeles and spend $700 just for that. Will I have any trouble going home to Philippines? My passport is still good when I travel anyway?

Here is a good article on renewing your Filipino passport expeditiously. http://www.sunsetgoddesstravels.com/2012/05/how-to-renew-your-philippine-passport.html

[Ryan E 10]

Philippines is the country of your passport, there really shouldn't be an issue, because in essence you are traveling "home". Flying back to the USA could be your issue later if you don't renew your passport.

Actually, if you have a greencard you do not require a passport to enter the US.

Source: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1191/kw/passport%20expiry%20within%20six%20months/suggested/1

[sweet cakes 326]

Hank is right, there may be no problem going in and out of the Philippines for a Philippine-passport holder. The bigger concern is when it's time to go back to US. The Passport renewal lead time in Philippines is also very unreliable. Besides that, you have to schedule your passport renewal in DFA or its satellite offices in certain malls. This may add another month, considering you have all the requirements on-hand.

How about trying to renew it here in US asap at your nearest Philippine consulate office? that is, if there is no embassy outreach near your area soon. I think this is a safer option.

[sweet cakes 326]

Actually, if you have a greencard you do not require a passport to enter the US.

Source: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1191/kw/passport%20expiry%20within%20six%20months/suggested/1

There is a remark in that link that should be significantly noted:

While CBP does not require the passport as noted above, the airlines may have their own requirements, please check with your airlines prior to travel.

Most airlines require the 6-month passport validity. OP should check with her US-bound flight airline.

Edited March 12, 2014 by sweet cakes