PHL Passport Renewal at VFS Global WTC AUH

 Just renewed my passport today!

My initial schedule at PHL embassy was supposed to be on January 28th and my UAE residence visa was up for renewal ALSO on the 28th :( --- I had to think of an alternative because I need a renewed passport for my Feb-March plans!!!

Ok, panic attack aside - I was really glad I chanced upon an FB post regarding passport renewals at VFS Global. I was hesitant at first because I didn't want to pay extra for an appointment but when I e-mailed them for the earliest one they can provide - they told me I can come in on the next day! 

Convenience fee is TRULY worth it. 

BTW, it's an additional 91.75 AED for it (not bad). Passport release, as per their e-mail, will be 4-8 weeks. If you want to be notified via SMS of process updates, you can opt for their SMS service for an extra 8 AED. Actual fee for renewal is 240 AED.

To book your own appointment, send an email to info.philippinespptauh@vfsglobal.com with your preferred date and time. They will respond in a very timely fashion, with the link to the online application form which you will need to print out and sign. Make sure to save a PDF copy on your mobile as well just in case the QR code is blurry on your print-out.

In addition to your original passport, make sure to bring:

• Copy of passport bio page and residence visa
• Print out of completely filled out passport application form which was emailed to you upon appt. confirmation. Make sure all info is correct so you won't have to go through re-registration (will cost you an extra 20 aed for the typing fee).
• Copy of your appointment
• Exact fee (passport + appt fee) if you'll be paying in cash but if you're paying by card, then kaliwali.

Also, can I just say just how lovely it is not to queue up in a mall vs. in a villa somewhere remote? I didn't have any breakfast yet and once I was finished with the renewal all I had to do is to go opposite VFS to Spinneys for brunch.

How to go there if you're coming from Al Wahda Area:

• Bus - Take the 041 bus (if from Airport Road)
• Taxi - 12 AED

Once you're inside WTC, just go down to the basement. VFS is right across Caribou Coffee and Spinney's. Walk-ins are welcome as well, I believe.

Update: 26 days still no sms for release. Last youtube vid I watched, he got it 48 days after renewal so good luck T_T

Update as of 21-Dec, passport now ready for release. A day after I renewed my EID. Yyyyyyyy