Details on the process, fees, and list of documents required to get travel clearance for minors from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Application for travel clearance for a minor travelling abroad will be filed in the DSWD’s field office with jurisdiction over the applicant’s residence. But you can get the form by visiting any branch or by downloading the DSWD travel clearance application form. Submit the duly accomplished form together with the requirements. Personal appearance of the minor is not required during the application process.

Travel clearance is different from parental travel permit or parental travel authority which is also issued by DSWD. Read further for more details.

Who are minors? These are individuals who are less than 18 years old.

Who should apply for the DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors? It will the parents, legal guardian, or authorized representative.

When should you apply? At least a week before the flight date or even a month earlier in case there are additional requirements that will be asked of you.

Step by step application process:

Go to the DSWD office > Get the application form and fill-it up > Submit the form and required documents (bring the original documents as these may be needed for confirmation of the submitted photocopies) > Evaluation of submitted requirements > Interview with the social worker > Pay the corresponding fee > Get the Travel Clearance.

Some DSWD offices which are busy or with high work load may ask you to come back on another day. Or if you have incomplete requirements, processing will take longer.

Processing schedule of DSWD is Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM (except holidays).

Fees for Travel Clearance for Minors

• Minor travel clearance valid for one year – Php 300
• Minor travel clearance valid for two years – Php 600

The validity of the travel clearance will start on the date of issuance. During the one year or two-years validity period as the case maybe, the minor can go for multiple trips abroad as long as the conditions under which the travel clearance was issued has not changed.

REQUIREMENTS DSWD MINOR TRAVEL CLEARANCE

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has set different documentary requirements for Minors travelling abroad, specifically:

 (A) first time and alone

(B) first time with companion other than the parents

(C) minors who have already travelled abroad with a companion other than parents or legal guardian

1 Piso Fare will share with you the required documents for Philippine-passport-holders who are minors per section for greater clarity.

A. REQUIREMENTS for TRAVEL CLEARANCE of a MINOR who will travel outside the Philippines ALONE for the first time

*Submit the following documents to any DSWD field office for unaccompanied minor.

1. Completely filled up travel clearance application form – get this from DSWD.
2. Photocopy of the Birth Certificate OR the passport of the minor.
3. Two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last six (6) months.
4. A written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country.
5. Submit the appropriate document(s) – the minor applicant may need to submit more documents as appropriate on his / her case.

5.1. If the submitted written consent is by both parents – Submit photocopy of marriage certificate.

5.2. If the submitted written consent is by the legal guardian – Submit a photocopy of the certificate of legal guardianship of the minor.

5.3. If the submitted written consent is by a solo parent – Submit a photocopy of the solo parent identification card from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or a photocopy of a certification from the local DSWD office of being a solo parent or a court decree of separation, annulment or divorce, Tallaq or Faskh certification from the Shariah court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader.

* If the minor is an illegitimate child – Submit a certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR)* from the PSA or the Philippine Statistics Authority (formerly NSO). Please note that you cannot get a CENOMAR via Local Civil Registrar.

* If the minor’s parent is deceased – Submit a photocopy of the death certificate.

B. REQUIREMENTS for TRAVEL CLEARANCE of a MINOR who will travel abroad for the first time with a companion other than the parents or legal guardian

Example of companion are aunts, uncles, grandparents, friend of the parent, ninang or ninong, etc.

1. Submit duly accomplished application form.
2. Submit a photocopy of the birth certificate of minor.
3. Submit a written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country with a specific person other than the parent.
4. Two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last 6 months.
5. Photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion.
6. For the additional documents required (as appropriate), please see SECTION A – Number 5 above.

DSWD Reminder: “The social worker may require additional documentary requirements during the assessment of the Travel Clearance application to make sure that no child shall be trafficked and that the child’s best interest and welfare is ensured”.

C. REQUIREMENTS for TRAVEL CLEARANCE of a MINOR who have already traveled abroad and will travel with a companion other than the parents or legal guardian.

1. Submit duly accomplished application form.
2. Submit a written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country with a specific person other than the parent.
3. Photocopy of a previously issued Travel Clearance.
4. Two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last 6 months.
5. Photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion.

ADDITIONAL INFO on Travel Clearance and Parental Permit Authority

If the minor (legitimate) is traveling with just one parent (not both parents), DSWD requires what is called the Parental Travel Permit. When a minor is traveling only with the mother or father, the parent who is left behind shall execute a duly notarized Parental Travel Permit, certifying that he/she is allowing the minor to travel with his/her spouse. DSWD will then grant a Parental Travel Authority and the minor child travelling abroad with one parent can push on with the flight.

TO SUM UP – Who needs travel clearance and/or parental travel permit?

1. A minor who will travel with BOTH parents – travel clearance and parental travel permit are not needed.
2. A minor who will travel with the solo parent – travel clearance and parental travel permit are not needed. *We suggest though to bring a copy of the solo parent certification in case immigration will ask you to prove solo parent status.
3. A minor who will travel with the legal guardian – travel clearance not needed, but must present Parental Travel Permit from the parents of the minor together with a certified copy of Letter of Guardianship or Court Order declaring the same. If the parent is deceased, present death certificate.
4. A minor (legitimate) who will travel only with the mother – travel clearance not needed, but the father must execute a notarized parental travel permit.
5. A minor (legitimate) who will travel only with the father– travel clearance not needed, but the mother must execute a notarized parental travel permit.
6. A minor (illegitimate) who will travel only with the mother, solo parent, or the legal guardian – travel clearance not needed.
7. A minor (illegitimate) who will travel only with the biological father – travel clearance needed. See Section A Number 5.
8. A minor who will travel with a companion other than the parent or legal guardian – travel clearance is needed. See Section B.

If you have concerns or questions or info on more clearance exemptions, please contact the DSWD field office nearest you or visit the website at dswd.gov.ph. The DSWD social worker will be able to answer all your queries and concerns regarding clearances and permits for minors travelling abroad.

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