Renewing a Philippine passport is a critical administrative mission that requires strategic planning and meticulous preparation. The process at the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu has fundamentally shifted, moving away from past practices toward a highly structured system. The most significant operational change is the implementation of a strict, appointment-only system, which began on May 1, 2018. This means that walk-in services for passport renewal are no longer available, and a confirmed appointment is the mandatory prerequisite for all applicants.
This report serves as a definitive resource, consolidating official information and providing actionable guidance to navigate the renewal process successfully. It is designed to empower the applicant by breaking down the procedure into three distinct phases: the pre-appointment strategy, the consulate visit, and the post-appointment period. A thorough understanding of each phase is essential for a smooth and efficient experience.
It is crucial for applicants to rely solely on official sources, as outdated information may persist online on platforms like the old Geocities website. The single source of truth for all current procedures, announcements, and requirements is the official website of the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu
The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu
Location, Contact, and Hours of Operation
Physical Address: The consulate is housed in a historic Southern colonial building located at 2433 Pali Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817.
Official Website: https://honolulupcg.dfa.gov.ph/
Contact Information:
- Telephone: (808) 595-6316, (808) 595-6317, (808) 595-6318, (808) 595-6319
- Fax: (808) 595-2581
- Email: honolulu.pcg@dfa.gov.ph
- Emergency Contact: (808) 253-9446 (For emergencies only)
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Closed on weekends and U.S. and Philippine holidays. All services by appointment only.
Consular Jurisdiction and Scope of Services
The PCG in Honolulu serves Filipino nationals in Hawaii and American Samoa. Services include:
- Passport renewals
- Visa processing
- Notarization/legalization
- Civil registration
- Dual citizenship processing
The Holiday Calendar
Date | Holiday |
January 1 | New Year’s Day |
January 20 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
February 17 | President’s Day |
April 9 | Araw ng Kagitingan |
April 17 | Maundy Thursday |
April 18 | Good Friday |
May 1 | Labor Day |
May 26 | Memorial Day |
July 4 | US Independence Day |
August 21 | Ninoy Aquino Day |
August 25 | National Heroes Day |
September 1 | US Labor Day |
October 13 | Columbus Day |
November 11 | Veterans Day |
November 27 | Thanksgiving Day |
November 28 | Day after Thanksgiving |
December 24 | Christmas Eve |
December 25 | Christmas Day |
December 30 | Rizal Day |
December 31 | Last Day of the Year |
Pre-Appointment: Documentation and Scheduling
The Gateway: Securing Your Appointment via the Global Online Appointment System (GOAS)
Portal: https://www.passport.gov.ph/
Critical Requirements:
- Valid U.S. phone number
- Yahoo or Gmail account (for confirmation email)
Important Notes:
- Appointments are free.
- Double bookings cancel all appointments.
- Confirmation email contains application form and appointment details.
Assembling Your Application Dossier
Item | Requirement | Notes |
1. Application Form | Printed passport application form. | Sent via email upon appointment confirmation. |
2. Current Passport | Original + 1 photocopy of data page. | Original will be cancelled. |
3. Proof of Citizenship | Original + 1 photocopy. | E.g., PR card, Visa, Work Permit, Dual Citizenship ID. |
4. Valid Photo ID | Original + 1 photocopy. | U.S. Driver’s License or State ID. |
5. Return Envelope | USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope. | $10.10 in postage stamps with tracking. |
6. Foreign Passport | Original + 1 photocopy. | For dual citizens only. |
Fees and Payment Protocols
Service | Fee (USD) |
e-Passport Renewal | $60.00 |
Replacement of Lost e-Passport | $150.00 |
Replacement of Lost MRP | $90.00 |
Travel Document | $30.00 |
Passport Amendment | $20.00 |
Passport Extension | $25.00 |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Money Order
- Debit/Credit Card (3% fee applies)
- Bank Draft
- Certified Check
- Cashier’s Check
Not Accepted: Personal checks
The Consulate Visit: The Appointment Day
Arrival and Check-in
- Arrive punctually
- Courtesy Lane users: Check in at Qless kiosk
- Others: Follow signage
The Three Encounters
Step 1: The Processor – Document check and passport cancellation (5 min)
Step 2: The Cashier – Payment and receipt issuance (3 min)
Step 3: The Encoder – Biometrics and data review (7 min)
Departure and Final Confirmation
- Confirm passport will be mailed using provided envelope
Tracking and Receiving Your New Passport
The Journey of Your Passport
- Transmitted electronically to DFA Manila
- Printed in Philippines and returned via shipment
- Timeline: 4–6 weeks
- Begin renewal process 6–9 months in advance
The Final Step: Release by Mail
- Consulate matches and mails passport using applicant’s envelope
- Applicant tracks delivery via USPS
Post-Renewal Responsibilities
Immediate Actions Upon Receipt
- Verify all personal data
- Sign passport
- Make copies (physical and digital)
- Record essential passport details separately
A Critical Note on Passport Care
- Do not staple or alter the booklet
- Unauthorized changes void the passport
Conclusion: A Final Checklist for a Flawless Renewal
- Plan Ahead: Start 6–9 months in advance
- Use Official Sources: honolulupcg.dfa.gov.ph & passport.gov.ph
- One Appointment Only: Use Yahoo or Gmail email
- Prepare Your Dossier: Originals + photocopies
- Verify Status with PSA: For any personal info changes
- Payment: Bring correct amount and accepted payment form
- At the Consulate: Review all info during biometrics
- Be Patient: 4–6 week processing time
- Protect Your Passport: Sign, copy, and store securely