The Embassy of the Philippines in Berne, Switzerland wishes to inform Filipinos in its consular jurisdiction that starting January 2009 it will be accepting and processing applications for the new Machine Readable Passports (MRP).The new MRPs will provide improved security features at no additional cost. The new MRP will still cost CHF70.00 or US$50.00. 

     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 MRP allows faster entry and exit of the traveler at airports, as the data and biometrics in the MRP can be read by a machine and stored automatically in the database of immigration officers. This means greater convenience and security for traveler. 

     The new MRP, which is maroon in color, consists of 44 pages. The data in the MRP is now fully printed. The MRP has superior security features compared to the old green passports, which virtually eliminates the possibility of identity theft and acts of fraud.
Only the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila prints the MRP. Applications received by the Embassy will be sent to DFA via diplomatic pouch or by Federal Express. In view of the transit time, it will now take SIX (6) WEEKS for a passport to be released to the applicant, from the time the application is processed. Applicants are advised to apply for or renew their passport way ahead of their expected date of travel or at least six months before the expiration of their passport.

     PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF APPLICANT IS REQUIRED except when the applicant is 8 years old and younger, 65 years and older, and mentally or physically incapacitated for data verification, thumb mark/finger-printing and signing of the application form. Application by mail will not be accepted.

     Current holders of valid Philippine green passports will still be honored until its date of expiry.

Processing Flow For MRP Implementation

1. The applicant should fill up the regular application forms for renewal, lost and for first time applicant of passport.
2. Submit accomplished application form together with all the requirements for renewal, lost and for new applicant.
3. Consular Officer should evaluate the documents submitted and the new photo requirements.
4. The processor shall encode applicant’s data on the MRP computer in front of the applicant.
5. The applicant is given a chance to verify the accuracy of the data to make sure that the entries in the data page in the application are accurate.
6. Print the applicant’s data on the 8.5”x14” required paper.
7. Ask applicant to affix signature and thumb mark on the computer generated application form.
8. Ask the applicant to pay the processing fee at the cashier.
9. Inform applicant of the waiting period for the release of MRP passport.
10. The computer-generated, bar coded applications forms should be processed and signed by Consular Officer.
11. In claiming the New Machine Readable Passport:

1. Applicants may pick up their new MRP in person at the appointed date(after minimum period of six weeks) and surrender current passport for cancellation, or
2. After minimum period of six weeks, applicants may send their current original passport, for cancellation, by mail and enclose a self-addressed envelope with a stamp of CHF5.50 for postal delivery of new and cancelled passport.