It’s been five years since I moved to Spain. This means I need to renew my residency permit to permanent status. However, I decided to renew my Philippine passport first since it will expire soon.
Initially, I was apprehensive because it was my first time going through the process, and we were in the middle of a pandemic. Despite this, I needed to get it done, so I did.
At that time, outreach services were not available at our nearest consulate office in Valencia, and they didn’t offer passport renewal services—only other documentation like NBI clearance. So, I had to go to Madrid (Calle Guadalquivir 6). Luckily, my husband also needed to renew his passport at the Norwegian embassy in Madrid.
I booked an appointment online. They sent an email with additional requirements and instructions to avoid virus contagion. We traveled for many hours from the south, passing through the Murcia and Castilla-La Mancha regions. Traveling to another region was allowed at that time for important reasons, with justification.
We stayed at Velázquez 45 by Pillow, which cost 40 euros for one night for two people. It was clean, cheap, and near the embassy. Most importantly, it was only a few steps from where we parked our car.
My husband renewed his passport first, and I processed mine the following day. At the embassy, I went to the counter and presented my requirements. After presenting my documents, the officer told me to pay 54 euros at the cashier and wait for the photo and fingerprint process. It was fast, and I was happy to see some fellow Filipinos. Unfortunately, there were many social restrictions. Outside the embassy gate, I met a friendly fellow selling fruit cakes. I bought one, and it was so tasty that I wished I had bought more.
Two months later, I saw my name on the list of released passports on the embassy website. Since I live far from Madrid, I needed to use a courier service. They instructed me to use MRW. I went to the nearest MRW office and requested the courier to bring my old passport and receipt to the embassy in Madrid and bring the new one back to me. The down payment for the courier service was 13 euros, and I paid 34 euros when I collected my new passport. After three days, I tracked my package on the courier’s website and got a bit worried as it wasn’t real-time or updated. However, my new passport was already there when I visited their office.
The new Philippine passport is now valid for 10 years. The design, especially the interior of the front cover, has undergone some changes. It features a large image of the Philippine eagle. Being from Mindanao, where many Philippine eagles reside, this made me happy.
That’s how I renewed my Philippine passport at the embassy in Madrid. I hope my little story helps you on your journey, too.
