The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will temporarily suspend the operations of its consular offices in Metro Manila when the capital region reverts to a two-week strict lockdown in August.
The foreign affairs department however will have limited operations of the DFA-Aseana Business Park in Parañaque City to accommodate applicants with confirmed appointments during the ECQ period.
"All DFA Consular Offices and Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (TOPS) in the National Capital Region will be closed from 6 to 20 August 2021," the DFA said in a statement posted on its official website July 30.
"Passport applicants affected by the temporary closure of DFA’s Consular Offices and TOPS facilities during this ECQ period will receive separate email advisories with regard to their new appointment schedule," it said.
Applicants with appointments for apostille/authentication services at consular offices in Ali Mall Cubao, SM Manila, SM Megamall, and Metro Gaisano Alabang during the ECQ period will keep the original dates and times of their appointments, but will be accommodated only at DFA-ASEANA in Parañaque.
For DFA-Aseana applicants who have confirmed appointments, the department's passport services at the Aseana office will continue accepting their applications during the ECQ period. Walk-in applicants however will not be accepted.
People with emergency and urgent medical travel needs are advised to send an email request to [email protected] with copies of their identity (current passport or if new applicant, a government-issued ID) and proof of their emergency travel. "Possession of a flight ticket in itself is not considered urgent," the DFA said.
Applicants seeking urgent appointments for apostille/authentication services may send an email to [email protected].
"The DFA requests the public's understanding and cooperation as it continues to limit the number of applicants allowed inside its premises at any given time to reduce the risks for both applicants and personnel due to continuing COVID-19 concerns," it said.
The government has decided to tighten movement curbs in Metro Manila to quell the surge in coronavirus cases fueled by the highly transmissible coronavirus variant. The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will be implemented from August 6 to 20, 2021 in the National Capital Region.