The Embassy has observed that there are numerous requests for travel documents for purposes other than immediate travel back to the Philippines. To protect the integrity of public documents and to ensure that the travel document will be issued for the purpose it was intended, the issuance of a travel document will be limited for a period of thirty (30) days only from the date of issuance.

Under the Regulations of the Department of Foreign Affairs, a travel document allows the bearer only a direct, one-way trip to the Philippines. It is issued only in emergency or critical instances, such as deportation order or life and death situation of a family member. A travel document is not intended as a means in complying with the requirements for the renewal of a passport or the replacement of a lost passport. Further, a valid proof of an emergency may be required by the consular officer aside from presentation of a return ticket.

Following are the requirements for the issuance of a travel document:
1. Four(4) passport –size photographs
2. Old Philippine passport or documents evidencing Philippine citizenship
3. Copy of travel itinerary or booking confirmation
4. Deportation order issued by Korea Immigration or other proof of emergency situation
5. Fee of W 31,590. payable in cash

The issuance of a travel document with thirty days validity will take effect immediately. Travel documents already issued by the Embassy will be considered valid until its expiration date.

In place of the travel document, which is being used as a citizenship identification paper, the Embassy encourages Filipinos in Korea to apply for an Embassy ID which may be presented if asked by Korean authorities. The Embassy ID is free of charge.


(sgd)
LUIS T. CRUZ
Ambassador

27 April 2010