Other Services

Coming Soon

OVERSEAS VOTING AND OTHER SERVICES

The public is informed that  the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has discontinued using the paper Arrival Card since 5 December 2022. All incoming travelers, regardless of nationality and visa privilege, will be required to provide their arrival information and health declaration through the eTravel portal at least 72 hours prior to their travel to the Philippines.

With the launch of the new platform, the One Health Pass is no longer required, and its related system is longer accessible.

The eTravel website includes useful information for travelers to the Philippines, including the latest updated entry guidelines for all international travelers bound to the Philippines, and contact details of support hotlines for travelers for their further inquiries, and for the latest updates.

Republic Act No. 11982, which was signed into law on 26 February 2024, is an amendment to the Centenarians Act of 2016. It expands the benefits previously granted under Republic Act No. 10868 by providing cash incentives to all Filipino senior citizens upon reaching certain age milestones, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad.

Under this law, qualified senior citizens will receive a one-time cash gift of Php 10,000 when they reach the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old, and Php 100,000 when they reach 100 years old, along with a letter of felicitation from the President of the Philippines.

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is the lead agency responsible for implementing the provisions of this Act. It is also tasked with maintaining an Elderly Data Management System (EDMS) to ensure accurate and timely distribution of benefits. This system is developed in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Local Government Units (LGUs).

For overseas Filipinos, relevant applications and documents should be coordinated through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant’s country of residence, to ensure proper validation and processing of benefits under this expanded law.

HOW TO APPLY

Overseas Filipinos or their authorized representatives must submit the duly accomplished application form and requirements to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of residence through mail. Walk-ins are accepted.

REQUIREMENTS

  1. Duly accomplished and signed application form
  2. Original or certified true copy of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) birth certificate
  3. Copy of Philippine passport
  4. Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Certification and Identification Certificate
  5. Order of Approval
  6. Oath of Allegiance
  7. Certificate of Attestation from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate
  8. Driver’s license
  9. Overseas Voting Card or affidavit (if applicable)
  10. One (1) 2×2 photo
  11. One (1) full body photo printed on A4-size paper

Inquiries may also be directed to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas through:

Email: pmd@cfo.gov.ph

Mobile/Viber: +63 907 179 8891

Telephone: +632 8552-4724 local 734 to 736

Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Memorandum Circular No. 22, Series of 2024 introduces the Digitized Travel Clearance for Filipino Minors Traveling Abroad.

Under the updated guidelines, Filipino minors who are not traveling with their parent or legal guardian must secure a travel clearance through the Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) Online System. The new system enhances security, speeds up processing, and ensures child protection against trafficking and exploitation.

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Visit the MTA Online System: https://mta.dswd.gov.ph
  2. Create an account and complete the application form
  3. Upload the required documents (e.g. PSA-issued birth certificate, valid IDs, notarized affidavit of support and consent to travel)
  4. Schedule and attend an online interview
  5. Pay the applicable fee
    1. ₱800 for Travel Clearance
    2. ₱300 for Certificate of Exemption
  6. Wait for processing (typically within 3 working days)
  7. Download the digitized travel clearance with QR code

How to Apply via MTA Online System (YouTube)

Filipinos who are living/working abroad applying for a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance must secure and accomplish the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Fingerprint Card Form No. 5, which may be obtained at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General. This is not equivalent to the NBI clearance.

The accomplished form must then be submitted to the NBI Office in the Philippines for processing and issuance of clearance.

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Obtain an NBI Form no. 5 through:
    • Walk-in basis. Visit the Philippine Consulate from 9:00 AM to #:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays, except holidays. No appointment needed.
    • Through mail. Send a letter requesting for an NBI Form No. 5 with a self-addressed, stamped return envelope to the Philippine Consulate in Houston 9990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 100N, Houston, Texas 77042
  2. Principal/s (person/s executing the document) must personally appear at the Consulate to sign the document/s before the Consular Officer.
  3. Submit the NBI Form No. 5 to the local police station for finger printing
  4. After completing the fingerprint impression, personally submit the duly accomplished NBI Form No. 5 to the Philippine Consulate, together with the following requirements:
    • One (1) 2×2 colored photo taken within the last six (6) months and with a plain, white background; without eyeglasses or colored contact lens and clearly showing the full front view of the face. Blurred and low-quality photos are not accepted.
    • Original and two (2) photocopies of the valid passport (data page only).
    • Original and two (2) photocopies of additional valid IDs from the country of residence

In Houston, this may be submitted to the Houston Police Department’s Identity Verification Unit, with the following details:

  • Location
    • 1002 Washington Ave., Houston, Texas 77043
  • Hours of Operation
    • 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Contact Information
    • Phone: (832) 394-4880; Fax: (832) 394-4882

Outside of Houston, please check your local police station.

Applicants have the option to receive their passports/consular documents by mail, using a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The Consulate strongly recommends courier services through companies such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS to lessen the possibility of loss or delay in the receipt of the passports/consular documents.

Applicants may opt to use USPS’ services, but are also advised to secure a package tracking number. Moreover, applicants are solely responsible for ensuring that the self-addressed, stamped envelope contains enough stamps for it to reach its intended destination from the Consulate, that handwriting is legible, and delivery address indicated is clear and correct.

The Consulate is not liable for any delay or loss during mail delivery or while documents are in the custody of the courier service.

FEES

  • USD 25.00 processing fee
  • USD 10.00 for expedite release (3 business days)
  • Accepted payment methods include CASH, money order payable to “Philippine Consulate General”, or credit card (with convenience fee)

 


Any foreign organization intending to bring medicines and/or medical equipment to be donated or used during the conduct of medical missions in he Philippines must comply with the requirements of the Department of Health’s Bureau of International Health Cooperation (DOH-BIHC).

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Fill out application form.
  2. Prepare application letter addressed to the President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), with the following information:
    • Type of mission (i.e., medical, surgical, or both)
    • Duration of the mission and inclusive dates
    • Names and specializations of the members of the mission team
    • Written consent from the host local government executive (i.e., Governor, Mayor)
  3. If medicines, medical supplies, and/or medical equipment will be donated or used during the mission, the following information must be submitted and the following documents obtained:
    • Itemized list of medicines, medical supplies, and medical equipment, quantity, and expiration dates for medicines. Medicines and medical supplies should have a shelf life of at least twelve (12) months upon arrival in the Philippines. Medicines should be used solely for the
      indicated medical mission.
    • Flight details
    • Deed of donation authenticated at the country of origin
      (Please refer to Notary Services for requirements and process).
    • Deed of acceptance from the host local government and/or health facility.
  4. Secure the following documentary requirements:
    • Letter of certification from the host local government or NGO certifying the need and type of mission that will be conducted
    • Certified true copy of the proof of juridical entity registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
    • Notarized letter of guarantee from both the medical mission group and host organization assuming full responsibility for the outcome of the mission
  5. Submit the duly accomplished application form together with the above-listed documents sixty (60) days before the date of the mission.
  6. For foreign medical professionals, a temporary medical license needs to be secured to be able to practice for the duration of the medical mission, each member of the foreign medical team must submit the following documents (in English or with English translation):
    • Valid/current license from country of origin, authenticated by the Philippine Consulate (Please refer to Notary Services for requirements and process)
    • Curriculum vitae (CV) acknowledged by the Philippine Consulate (Please refer to Notary Services for requirements and process)
    • Four (4) passport-sized photos taken within one (1) year
  7. Former Filipinos who are registered health professionals and are part of the medical mission may practice their specialization in the Philippines upon presentation of proof of a valid PRC license. Otherwise, the PRC license needs to be renewed, upon submission of the following documents:
    • Photocopy of the following passport pages: bio page and page showing date of arrival in the Philippines
    • Photocopy of PRC license and valid certificate of registration
    • License/certificate of registration in the country of origin or certification employment with letterhead, indicating job description
    • Four (4) passport-sized photos taken within one (1) year
    • Payment of prescribed PRC fees
    • Certificate of training and board certification (for specialists)
    • Application for Temporary Special Permit (PRC Form 103-A)
  8. Submit a post-mission report fifteen (15) days after completion of the medical mission to the oversight agencies: DOH, PMA, and PRC. The report must be noted by the PMA President and/or Head of the specialty society
    and host local government and should contain the following information:
    • Number and ages of cases seen
    • Patients’ diagnoses
    • List of medicines distributed and surgical interventions undertaken
    • Endorsement to the concerned health facilities (follow-up, further evaluation, and management)
    • Morbidities and mortalities, if any
  9. All records and audio-visual documents must be submitted in triplicate.

PROCEDURE

For the temporary medical license to practice

  • Upon receipt of the above listed requirements, PMA will forward the application to the concerned specialization societies for the evaluation of credentials of the foreign medical professionals.
  • Following this evaluation, PMA will send a letter of endorsement to the DOH.
  • DOH will then endorse these documents to the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC).
  • The PRC, upon final review, shall issue the Special Temporary Permit to Practice to members of the medical mission team.

For the clearance for medicines, medical supplies, and medical equipment

  • DOH will be furnished with a copy of the list of medicines, medical supplies, and medical equipment. It will facilitate issuance of the necessary clearances of the same from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Bureau of
    Health Devices and Technology (BHDT).

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is able to assist organizers of foreign medical missions to the Philippines through:

Commission on Filipinos Overseas
Citigold Center, 1345 President Quirino Avenue,
Corner South Superhighway, Manila
Telephone Nos. (632) 561-8327, 552-4701
Fax No. 561-8332
Mobile Nos. (+63) 9175630773 / (+63) 9175630782
Email: imelda.nicolas@cfo.gov.ph

The DOH’s Revised Policies and Guidelines in the Conduct of Foreign Surgical and Medical Missions (FSMM) may be found here: www.doh.gov.ph

REQUIREMENTS

  1. Duly accomplished application form
  2. Application letter addressed to the President of the PMA, with the following information:
    • Type of mission (i.e., medical, surgical, or both)
    • Duration of the mission and inclusive dates
    • Names and specializations of the members of the mission team
    • Written consent from the host local government executive (Governor, Mayor) and/or health facility where the mission will be conducted
  3. If medicines, medical supplies, and/or medical equipment will be donated or used during the mission, the following documents must be submitted:
    • Itemized list of medicines, medical supplies, and medical equipment, quantity, and expiration dates for medicines. Medicines and medical supplies should have a shelf life of at least twelve (12) months upon arrival in the Philippines. Medicines should be used solely for the
      indicated medical mission.
    • Flight details
    • Deed of donation authenticated at the country of origin
      (Please refer to Notary Services for requirements and process)
    • Deed of acceptance from the host local government and/or health facility
  4. Letter of certification from the host local government or NGO certifying the need and type of mission that will be conducted
  5. Certified true copy of the proof of juridical entity registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
  6. Notarized letter of guarantee from both the medical mission group and host organization assuming full responsibility for the outcome of the mission

For foreign medical professionals to secure a temporary license to practice

  1. Valid/current license from country of origin, authenticated by the Philippine Consulate (Please refer to Notary Services for requirements and process)
  2. Curriculum vitae (CV) acknowledged by the Philippine Consulate (Please refer to Notary Services for requirements and process)
  3. Four (4) passport-sized photos taken within one (1) year

For former Filipinos previously registered with the PRC and need to renew their PRC license

  1. Photocopy of the following passport pages: bio page and page showing date of arrival in the Philippines
  2. Photocopy of PRC license and valid certificate of registration
  3. License/certificate of registration in the country of origin or certification employment with letterhead, indicating job description
  4. Four (4) passport-sized photos taken within one (1) year
  5. Payment of prescribed PRC fees
  6. Certificate of training and board certification (for specialists)
  7. Application for Temporary Special Permit (PRC Form 103-A)

Pursuant to applicable Rules and Regulations issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Supreme Court of the Philippines, persons ordered by a Philippine Trial Court to appear before it through videoconference hearings (VCH) may conduct said VCH at the premises of the Consulate General at 9990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 100N, Houston, TX 77042.

HOW TO REQUEST FOR AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE CONDUCT OF A VCH

  1. Prior to the submission of the motion to the relevant court, the requesting party, through counsel, must send a letter of request addressed to the Philippine Consulate General in Houston and the Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs (OTLA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) via e-mail to houston.pcg@dfa.gov.ph and pcghouston.atn@gmail.com. The request must indicate the following:
    • Nature of the case;
    • Proposed date and time for the conduct of (VCH)
    • Name, nationality, and contact details of the person/s to appear before the videoconference hearing;
    • Contact details of the requesting counsel; and
    • An undertaking to do the following:
      • Pay the prescribed fees for the conduct of the VCH;
      • Comply with the health and security measures implemented by the Consulate;
      • Ensure that all other parties are notified and aware of the arrangements (i.e., schedule of hearing, time zone difference, etc.); and
      • Provide all necessary equipment, including internet access, and if necessary, interpreters, for the VCH.
  2. The applicant will be informed of the action on the request. Due to the different time zones, only requests scheduled during the first business hour of Philippine courts (8:00 AM, Philippine Standard Time (PST)/6:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST)) will be accommodated.
  3. Only upon receipt of the approved VCH schedule from the Consulate should the applicant proceed with filing the necessary motion for the Court to issue the order for the conduct of the VCH.
  4. The applicant will furnish the Consulate with a copy of the Court Order for VCH to confirm the schedule.
  5. On the scheduled date of the VCH, the applicant must be at the Consulate premises before 5:00 PM (CST). Only the applicant will be allowed to enter the Consulate premises.
  6. The applicant must bring the following on the on the date of the VCH:
    • Payment for corresponding fees
      • $115.00 – Administrative fee
      • $40.00 – Certification
      • $10.00 – Additional copy of certification (optional)
    • Equipment (laptop, portable internet connection) that will be used in the conduct of the VCH
    • Self-addressed, stamped envelope
  7. The certification for attendance and receipt will be mailed to the applicant after three (3) business days.

Applicants have the option to receive their passports/consular documents by mail, using a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The Consulate strongly recommends courier services through companies such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS to lessen the possibility of loss or delay in the receipt of the passports/consular documents.

Applicants may opt to use USPS’ services, but are also advised to secure a package tracking number. Moreover, a Applicants are solely responsible for ensuring that the self-addressed, stamped envelope contains enough stamps for it to reach its intended destination from the Consulate, that handwriting is legible, and delivery address indicated is clear and correct.

The Consulate is not liable for any delay or loss during mail delivery or while documents are in the custody of the courier service provider.

The Consulate’s role in the conduct of VCH is to provide the venue. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the necessary equipment, device, and stable internet connection are available to enable him/her to participate in the virtual hearing.

If requested by the Presiding Judge, the duty of the Consular Officer attending to the hearing shall be limited only to verifying the identity of the person’s appearing before the videoconference hearing through his/her valid identification document.

The Consular Officer may not perform any other act unless with prior written consent of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Further, the issuance of transcript of stenographic notes (TSN) shall be the responsibility of the relevant trial court.

The above guidelines must be strictly complied with. Any deviation from the guidelines will be a valid ground to postpone or cancel the conduct of the VCH. For further inquiry on this matter, please send an email to: pcghouston.atn@gmail.com

REQUIREMENTS

  1. Letter of request addressed to the Philippine Consulate General in Houston and the Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs of the DFA detailing the following:
    • Nature of the case;
    • Proposed date and time for the conduct of (VCH);
    • Name, nationality, and contact details of the person/s to appear before the videoconference hearing;
    • Contact details of the requesting counsel; and
    • An undertaking to do the following:
      • Pay the prescribed fees for the conduct of the VCH;
      • Comply with the health and security measures
        implemented by the Consulate;
      • Ensure that all other parties are notified and aware of the arrangements (i.e., schedule of hearing, time zone difference, etc.); and
      • Provide all necessary equipment, including internet access, and if necessary, interpreters, for the VCH.
  2. Copy of the Court Order for the conduct of the VCH
  3. Equipment to be used during the conduct of the VCH
  4. Corresponding fees:
    • $115.00 – Administrative fee
    • $40.00 – Certification
    • $10.00 – Additional copy of certification (optional)

Overseas voter’s registration period for the 2028 National Elections is from 01 December 2025 to 30 September 2027.

Overseas Filipinos, including dual citizens, who are not otherwise disqualified by law, and are at least 18 years of age on 08 May 2028 may register as an overseas voter or update their existing overseas voter record at the Consulate or during the scheduled consular outreach missions. Personal appearance is required.

Registered overseas voters may vote for the following positions during the national elections: President, Vice President, Senators, and Partylist Representatives.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

  1. Any person who has been sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment for not less than one (1) year, such disability not having been removed by plenary pardon or amnesty;
  2. Any person who has been adjudged by final judgment by a competent court or tribunal of having committed any crime involving disloyalty to the duly-constituted government, such as, rebellion, insurrection, violation of the firearms laws, or any crime against national security unless restored to his/her full civil and political rights in accordance with law; and
  3. Insane or incompetent person as declared by a competent authority unless subsequently declared by proper authority that such person is no longer insane or incompetent.

During this period of overseas voter registration (01 December 2025 to 30 September 2027), the following individuals may register:

  • First-time voters based overseas
  • Registered voters in the Philippines who have moved overseas
  • Registered voters in the Philippines who will be overseas during the voting period
  • Registered overseas voters who have changes to their personal details
  • Overseas voters whose registrations were deactivated, transferred, or with multiple registrations

CHECK YOUR VOTER RECORD

Refer to the following documents to check if you are a registered voter under the Philippine Consulate General of Houston: 

Certified List of Overseas Voters – if your name is on this list, your voter record is ACTIVE under the Philippine Consulate. No further action is required from you currently. You are eligible to vote in the 2028 National Elections. 

List of Overseas Voters whose Registration Records have been Deactivated – if your name is on this list, this means your overseas voter record is now INACTIVE because you did not vote in the 2022 and/or 2025 National Elections. You will need to reactivate your record during the ongoing voter registration so you can vote in the 2028 National Elections.

HOW TO REGISTER/UPDATE VOTER RECORD

  1. Prepare your application. Complete the registration form and gather required documents. 
  2. Visit the Consulate to submit your registration form and supporting documents. No appointment needed.
  3. Biometric data collection. Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.

WHAT TO BRING

1. Application Form   

2. Latest, valid Philippine Passport 

  • Original and one (1) photocopy of the data page of Philippine passport 

3. Proof of Philippine Citizenship 

  • Original and one (1) photocopy of visa, work permit, permanent resident card, Report of Birth, or Dual Citizenship Certificate 

NEXT STEPS

Check our website or follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated on announcements related to the 2028 National Elections. 

For further inquiries, send an email to: houstonpcg.consular@gmail.com  and ov.concerns@comelec.gov.ph

1. HOW CAN I REGISTER TO VOTE FOR THE 2028 ELECTIONS

  • To register to vote, you will need to personally appear at the Philippine Consulate or at our consular outreach missions. Appointment is not needed to register for overseas voter registration. 

2. WHAT IS THE MODE OF VOTING FOR THE 2028 NATIONAL ELECTIONS?

  • According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the mode of overseas voting in the United States for the 2028 National Elections is internet voting.

3. WHEN CAN I RECEIVE MY BALLOT?

  • The mode of overseas voting in the United States for the 2028 National Elections is internet voting. No ballots will be mailed to registered overseas voters. Further guidelines on online voting will be made available in due course.

4. CAN I VOTE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS?

  • Overseas voters can only vote for president, vice president, senators, and party-list representatives.

5. I AM A REGISTERED OVERSEAS VOTER BUT WILL BE IN THE PHILIPPINES DURING THE ELECTIONS. CAN I VOTE THERE?

  • Overseas voters can only vote while outside the Philippines. If you intend to vote in the Philippines, you will need to transfer your voter record.