Australian Embassy to adopt appointment system on July 1

The Australian Embassy in Manila will adopt an appointment system starting July 1 for passport and consular services. In an announcement posted on its website, the Australian Embassy said the system will cover notarial acts and lodgement of passport applications. “Appointments for notarial acts and lodgement of passport applications can be requested from the Passport and Consular Section by phone (+63 2 757 8100 309), fax (+63 2 757 8344) or email (manila.consular@dfat.gov.au)," the embassy said. Requests for appointments must be made at least one working day ahead of the date the applicant plans to go to the embassy, it added. The notarial acts include consular services such as Certificates of No Impediment; certified copies; witnessing signatures; authentications; and binding documents. “Every effort will be made to accommodate your request, however due to the volume of passport applications and notarial acts we are not able to guarantee your requested time unless you book your appointment well in advance," the embassy said. The Consular Section is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, except public holidays. For after-hours emergencies, the public can call +63 2 757 8100, follow the prompts to transfer to the Department of Foreign Affairs toll free hotline or call direct : +61 2 6261 3305. The Consular Section is located at Level 23 - Tower 2, RCBC Plaza at 6819 Ayala Avenue in Makati City. – VVP, GMA News