When a Filipino minor plans to travel abroad without both parents, a travel clearance issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is required. This document ensures the safety of young travelers and confirms their guardians’ consent, as well as the legitimacy of their travel plans. Knowing how to apply for a DSWD travel clearance is important for families, ensuring that minors are protected while traveling and avoiding issues with immigration.
Securing a DSWD travel clearance for minors requires following specific steps based on the minor’s travel purpose. Whether the minor is traveling for leisure, studies, medical treatment, or relocation, each reason has distinct documentary requirements. This guide explains each category in detail, enabling applicants to meet the requirements effectively.
What is a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors
A DSWD travel clearance for minors is an official document issued by the DSWD. It permits Filipino minors under the age of 18 to travel abroad without both parents, ensuring their safety and compliance with legal requirements. This clearance verifies that a parent or legal guardian has granted consent, and it validates the minor’s travel purpose, whether for a visit, study, medical treatment, or other specific reasons. Its primary purpose is to protect minors from trafficking risks and to provide clear documentation of their guardianship and travel arrangements.
Who Needs to Secure a DSWD Travel Clearance and Who is Exempt?
When planning for a minor’s international travel, it is important to determine if a DSWD travel clearance is necessary. While most minors traveling abroad will need to secure this clearance, there are certain exemptions based on the travel circumstances.
Who Needs to Secure a DSWD Travel Clearance
- Minors Traveling Without Both Parents: If a minor is traveling abroad with only one parent or a legal guardian, they must obtain a travel clearance to ensure consent and authorization for the trip.
- Minors Visiting Relatives: A minor traveling to visit a relative abroad must submit a letter of invitation and guarantee from the sponsor, along with the sponsor’s passport and visa.
- Minors Attending Educational or Cultural Events: Minors participating in study tours, conferences, or student exchange programs must provide a certificate of participation and an invitation from the sponsoring organization.
- Minors Traveling for Medical Treatment: Those traveling for medical purposes need a medical abstract, a physician’s recommendation that the procedure is unavailable locally, and a letter from the sponsor covering medical expenses.
- Minors Under Foster Care or Adoption: Children in foster care or those subject to inter-country adoption require special affidavits from foster parents or adoption authorities.
Who is Exempt from Securing a DSWD Travel Clearance
- Minors Traveling With Both Parents: If a minor is traveling with both parents, there is no need for a DSWD clearance, as both parents’ consent is assumed.
- Minors Traveling Alone Within the Country: Domestic travel for minors does not require a DSWD clearance, as the clearance only applies to international travel.
- Minors With Court-Approved Guardianship: In cases where a court order grants guardianship to a relative, and that relative is traveling with the minor, the clearance requirement may be waived if the court order specifies consent.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for and receive a DSWD travel clearance for a minor traveling abroad, the applicant must be either of the following:
- Biological parents, but it must include consent from both parents unless one is deceased or absent
- Court-appointed Legal Guardians, if the biological parents are unable or unavailable to provide consent
- Solo parents, with proof of their status (such as a Solo Parent ID or a court decree of separation, annulment, or divorce)
- Foster parents, if the minor is under their care, but with additional requirements
- Grandparents or Relatives with Custody, in case both parents are deceased, with proof of custodial rights.
- Adoptive parents, but only if a decree of adoption or court order permitting travel is in place.
- Authorized Representatives, with written authorization, identification, and supporting documents.
Anyone with legal authority over a minor can apply for a travel clearance but they need to submit the necessary documents based on the minor’s travel purpose and their legal relationship with the child.
Documentary Requirements
When a Filipino minor plans to travel abroad, the following documentary requirements must be submitted:
General Requirements
- Letter of Invitation/Support and Guarantee from the inviter/sponsor (with a copy of their passport and visa) for minors visiting relatives abroad.
- Certificate of Participation for minors attending conferences, study tours, competitions, etc., with a list of participants from the school or organization.
- Signed Invitation from the sponsoring agency abroad with an itinerary.
- Affidavit of Undertaking executed by the traveling companion for safety measures, especially in sports competitions.
For First-Time Applicants
- Duly accomplished application form
- Birth certificate of the minor (issued by PSA) – Original and photocopy
Note: If delayed registration, include baptismal certificate, immunization record, or school records (Form 137)
- PSA-issued Marriage Certificate of parents (if legitimate child) – Original and photocopy
- PSA-issued Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) of the mother (if unmarried parents) – Original and photocopy
- Certificate of No Marriage from the Local Civil Registry (for fictitious marriages)
- PSA-issued Death Certificate (if parent is deceased) – Original and photocopy
- Notarized affidavit of consent signed by both parents or legal guardian
- Valid ID of parents (with specimen signatures)
- If parents are working abroad, include a copy of their passport and visa
- For seafarers, include a copy of the seafarer’s book
- Two (2) colored, passport-size pictures of the minor (white background)
- Valid passport of the minor’s traveling companion
For Renewal Applications
- Duly accomplished application form
- Original copy of the travel clearance previously issued by DSWD
- Notarized affidavit of consent signed by both parents or legal guardian
- Valid ID of parents (with specimen signatures)
- Two (2) colored, passport-size pictures of the minor (white background)
- Valid passport of the minor’s traveling companion
- If visiting a relative abroad, include a letter of invitation/support and a copy of the inviter’s passport and visa
For Abandoned Minors with Missing Parents (if parents are married)
- Social Case Study Report from a licensed social worker.
- Barangay Certification of the missing parent’s last known address.
- Notarized Affidavit from three disinterested persons certifying abandonment.
For Minors Studying or Migrating Abroad
- Acceptance/Enrollment Certificate from the school abroad.
- Visa Petition Approval for minors migrating to another country.
For Minors Traveling for Medical Purposes
- Medical Abstract of the minor.
- Physician’s Recommendation that the procedure is unavailable locally.
For Minors in Foster Care or Legal Guardianship
- Notarized Affidavit of Undertaking by the Foster Parent or Legal Guardian.
- Foster Placement Authority and Foster Care License.
- DSWD Certification of Child Legally Available for Adoption (if applicable).
Special Cases
- For Minors Under Custody Battles: A court order is required for travel clearance.
- For Minors in Inter-Country Adoption: Placement and Authority to Escort from the ICAB.
- For Missing Parents: Additional reports such as Blotter Reports or Registered Mail may be required.
Additional Documents
- Affidavit of Support from the sponsor, with proof of financial capability (e.g., bank statement, ITR).
- Waiver from parents releasing DSWD from liability during the child’s travel.
For all applications, the documents must be submitted to the nearest DSWD field office. The clearance with one year validity is usually issued within three (3) working days for a fee of Php 300.
Note: For minors under 13 years of age, they are not allowed to travel alone.
How to File a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors
To ensure your minor travels abroad smoothly, applying for a DSWD Travel Clearance is a must. The process is designed to safeguard the minor’s welfare by verifying that both parents or legal guardians consent to the trip. You can file your application online or in person at a DSWD Field Office. Below are the steps for both methods.
Filing Online (For First-Time Applicants)
Step 1. Visit the official DSWD website or portal at https://www.dswd.gov.ph/.
Step 2. Click the Menu on the top right portion of the page.
Step 3. Click E-Services from the dropdown, then select e-Services.
Step 4. Click Travel Clearance for Minors Traveling Abroad.
Step 5. Click the “If you do not have an account, kindly register here” tab and follow the instructions to create an account.
Step 6. Once registered, log in and go to the Minor Travelling Abroad application form.
Step 7. Check the list of required documents before filling out the form.
Step 8. Fill out all the necessary fields in the Minor Travelling Abroad (MTA) form.
Step 9. Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
Step 10. Double-check your application before submitting it.
Step 11. You will receive an email confirming that your application was successfully submitted.
Step 12. The MTA Regional User will assess your application.
Step 13. You will receive an email with the results of the initial assessment.
Step 14. You will be notified via email about your interview schedule.
Step 15. Go to the DSWD Field Office on the scheduled date with the original copies of your documents.
Step 16. The MTA Regional User will record the interview result and, if approved, print the payment stub.
Step 17. Pay the MTA application fee at the DSWD FO Cash Division/Unit.
Step 18. Show your official receipt to the MTA Regional User.
Step 19. The MTA Regional User will encode the payment details and print your MTA Certificate.
Step 20. You will receive the Certificate of Travel Clearance.
Filing In Person
Step 1. Go to the nearest DSWD Field Office in your area of residence.
Step 2. Secure an application form and submit along with the required documents.
Step 3. Wait for your turn for Interview and assessment.
Step 4. If approved, pay the Php 300 fee and wait for the payment details to be encoded.
Step 5. Wait for the processing period (3 working days) and come back to the DSWD FO on the scheduled date to claim the clearance.
Where to File and Processing Time
Applications for travel clearance must be submitted in person by the minor’s parents, legal guardian, or authorized representative to the DSWD field office in the minor’s residential area. Processing typically takes three working days after all documents are submitted. Note that incomplete applications may delay the issuance.
Additional Information
For your reference, here are some important information to remember:
- Travel during Custody Disputes: Minors involved in custody battles will not be granted a travel clearance unless a court order allows them to travel with a specific parent.
- Clearance Renewal and Loss: A lost travel clearance is treated as a new application, requiring all documents anew.
Video: How to Secure a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors
To help you visualize the application process, this video guide from Lualhati Malipot breaks down the DSWD travel clearance application into simple steps. Watch the video to understand document preparation, where to file, and how to ensure a smooth and successful application for your minor’s travel clearance.
Summary
Securing a DSWD travel clearance for minors is essential for their safe and lawful international travel. By following the correct steps and gathering the specific documents required for the minor’s travel purpose, guardians can avoid delays and complications. Submit applications to the DSWD field office, where they will be processed in three working days for a small fee. Always check requirements thoroughly, as each minor’s travel purpose and guardianship status may affect the documents needed.