Will you accept walk ins?

No. As a policy, all consular applicants are required to have a confirmed appointment prior to coming to the Consulate.

Will there be considerations for ballot drop offs as another option aside from mailing them to the Consulate?

Yes, a ballot receptacle box will be provided at the Philippine Center for voters who wish to personally drop off their sealed accomplished ballots.

Will there be a courtesy lane for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and others with special circumstances?

As a policy the Philippine Consulate General in New York requires all consular applicants to have a booked appointment prior to coming to the Consulate. The Consulate may give exception to meritorious cases, such as those with valid and immediate urgency to their requests. To make a request in case you are unable to book an appointment, you can send an email so we can review the merits of your particular situation to: newyorkpcg.notarials@dfa.gov.ph for Notarization, newyorkpcg.dual@dfa.gov.ph for Dual Citizenship, newyorkpcg.passport@dfa.gov.ph for Passport applications. All requests are subject to evaluation and approval is not guaranteed.

Will the Consulate be open on the weekend of May 7-8?

Yes, the Consulate is open 24 /7 for the entire voting period (including weekends and holidays) from 09 April 2022 to 08 May 2022 for registered voters who wish to personally drop off their ballots at the Consulate. The Consulate will be open on 09 May 2022, the last day for the casting of ballots until 7:00 a.m. Ballots received after 7:00am will no longer be counted.

Will my foreign spouse, who will travel with me to the Philippines, be required to secure additional travel documents from the Philippine Consulate before leaving?

The answer would depend on the intended period of stay in the Philippines and if the spouse is a visa-required national under the Philippine visa regulation. Foreign spouse (as well as children) included in the visa waiver category may avail of the Balikbayan-Program for stays of up to one (1) year. Otherwise, they would need to apply for an appropriate visa.

NEW YORK PCG AND PDOT NY UNVEIL 2024 VERY IMPORTANT PINOY (VIP) TOUR

The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism’s New York Office, officially launched the 2024 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour on 23 January 2024 at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center in New York.

The event was attended by approximately 100 guests, including airline representatives, travel agencies, members of the Filipino-American press, and individuals from various Filipino community organizations.

Scheduled to take place from 21 to 30 July 2024, the upcoming VIP Tour promises an immersive exploration of the captivating destinations of Manila, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Bukidnon.

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile’s welcome remarks set a resonant tone for the evening, highlighting the pivotal role of Filipino Americans as cultural ambassadors. He stated, “I encourage you to view the VIP Tour as a homecoming—a chance to learn or rediscover the Philippines. This year’s VIP Tour is particularly noteworthy, as it will be the first time the itinerary has been expanded to include destinations in Mindanao and opportunities to interact with the local community.”

In a recorded message played during the launch, Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez invited the Filipino community to join the tour and emphasized, “The VIP Tour is a unique and immersive experience, allowing each one of you to delve into the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines.”

Tourism Attaché Francisco Hilario M. Lardizabal presented the “Love the Philippines” campaign and provided an overview of the VIP Tour destinations. Mr. Jose C. Clemente III, President of Rajah Tours Philippines, delved into the finer details of the tour, offering insights into the itinerary, rates, and registration process. Ms. Jocelyn Aligarbes, a previous VIP Tour participant, shared her testimonial, adding a personal dimension to the experiences that define the VIP Tour.

The event launch concluded with a Q&A session, providing attendees the opportunity to pose questions and gain more information about the 2024 VIP Tour.

Formerly known as the Ambassador, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour, the VIP Tour has evolved into a flagship tourism initiative by Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States since its inception in the 2000s. The Philippine Consulate General in New York takes the lead in coordinating this year’s VIP Tour.

The VIP Tour’s itinerary and other important details may be accessed on the VIP Tour website at www.viptourphilippines2023.com. END

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New York, USA