For Philippine ePassports at US posts, you don't bring a photo — it's captured digitally on-site. The rules that matter: no glasses, decent clothing (no sleeveless), bangs off forehead, and no large jewelry. Dual citizenship (RA 9225) requires 2×2" printed photos with white background.
| Passport photo | Captured on-site (not submitted) |
| Background | Light blue at many posts |
| Expression | Neutral or medium smile (no teeth) |
| Glasses | Not allowed (strict) |
| Contacts | Colored contacts banned |
| Clothing | Decent/office attire, no sleeveless |
| Hair | Bangs must not cover forehead/eyebrows |
| RA 9225 | 2×2", white bg, no glasses |
Verified for all 7 US posts: DC Embassy, LA, SF, NY, Chicago, Honolulu, and Houston. You do NOT bring passport photos.
No sleeveless tops, no shorts, no slippers. Collared or higher-neckline tops encouraged. No theatrical makeup, eyelash extensions, or large earrings.
ePassport = on-site capture (no prints). RA 9225 dual citizenship, visas, NBI clearance = printed 2×2" photos with white background.
| Requirement | PH ePassport (Capture) | PH Printed Photos | US Passport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submitted? | No — taken on-site | Yes, applicant supplies | Yes, applicant supplies |
| Size | N/A (digital capture) | 2×2" (most docs) or 3.5×4.5 cm (some visas) | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) |
| Background | Light blue (many posts) | White | White or off-white |
| Expression | Neutral or medium smile (no teeth) | Neutral, mouth closed | Neutral or natural smile |
| Glasses | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Contacts | Colored contacts banned | Colored contacts banned | Allowed if natural-looking |
| Clothing | Strict dress code | Decent attire | No rules (except head coverings) |
| Jewelry | Restricted (varies by post) | Not specified | Allowed |
Note: Philippine visa photo sizes vary by consulate post. The DC embassy uses 2×2" for most visa types; New York specifies 3.5×4.5 cm and explicitly rejects digital photos.
US citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. Former Filipinos may qualify for the Balikbayan privilege — up to 1 year visa-free with no return ticket required.
Book an appointment via the DFA system, appear in person (all ages), complete biometric capture, then receive the passport by mail. Passports are printed in the Philippines — expect 4-8 weeks.
Fees are consistent across all US posts. Passport validity: 10 years for adults 18+, 5 years for minors under 18.
All 7 posts capture passport photos on-site — verified.
Former natural-born Filipinos can reacquire citizenship. Age 18+ required; children under 18 as derivative applicants.
The consulate can reject and re-take your capture if you don't comply:
Listed as rejection reason at NY, Chicago, and LA. Remove all eyewear. Colored contacts also rejected.
No sleeveless tops, shorts, or slippers (LA). No plunging necklines (DFA). Collared tops encouraged (SF).
Bangs must not cover forehead or touch eyebrows. Eyebrows must be fully visible.
Large earrings and excessive makeup rejected (NY). Theatrical makeup and eyelash extensions banned (SF).
While ePassport photos are captured on-site, dual citizenship, visa, NBI clearance, and travel document applications still require printed photos. We generate compliant 2×2" and 35×45mm formats.
Get Started — $6.99Digital download + print template included. Works for RA 9225, visa, NBI, and SRRV.