In the Philippines, a travel clearance for minors refers to an official document issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This document grants permission for minors (individuals below 18 years of age) to travel alone or with someone other than their parents or legal guardians, both domestically and internationally.
The travel clearance serves as proof that the parents or legal guardians of the minor have given their consent for the child to travel. It is designed to prevent child trafficking, abduction, exploitation, and other forms of abuse by ensuring that minors are traveling with the knowledge and approval of their legal guardians.
Who May Need for a Travel Clearance?
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a travel clearance for minors in the Philippines depend on various factors and circumstances.
- Age Requirement
Minors below 18 years of age are generally required to obtain a travel clearance if they are traveling alone or with someone other than their parents or legal guardians.
- Unaccompanied Minors
Minors traveling alone, regardless of age, are typically required to obtain a travel clearance. This includes minors flying domestically or internationally without the presence of their parents or legal guardians.
- Minors Traveling with Someone Other Than Parents or Legal Guardians
Minors who are traveling with a person other than their parents or legal guardians, such as relatives, family friends, or guardians, may also need to secure a travel clearance. This requirement ensures that the minor is traveling with the consent and knowledge of their parents or legal guardians.
- Domestic and International Travel
The requirement for travel clearance applies to both domestic and international travel. Even if a minor is traveling within the Philippines, they may still need to obtain a travel clearance if they meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
Required Documents
A. For New Application
- Original and photocopy of the minor’s PSA birth certificate; in cases of delayed birth registration, provide additional documentation such as the baptismal certificate, immunization record, or school records.
- Original and photocopy of the PSA marriage certificate of parents for legitimate children.
- Original and photocopy of the PSA Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) of the mother for illegitimate children.
- PSA death certificate if applicable to one or both parents.
- A Notarized Affidavit of Consent from the parent or legal guardian, indicating permission for the minor to travel abroad. The affidavit should specify the destination, purpose, and dates of travel, and list the accompanying persons.
- Include copies of valid IDs of parents or legal guardians, with specimen signatures. If parents are overseas, provide copies of their passports, visas, or seafarer’s books if applicable.
- Two colored passport-sized photos of the minor with a white background.
- Original and photocopy of the valid passport of the minor’s travel companion. If the companion is not a relative, include a Notarized Affidavit of Undertaking.
- A Notarized Affidavit of Support and certified true copies of any financial evidence demonstrating the sponsor’s capability to provide support.
B. For Renewal
- Previous travel clearance issued by DSWD.
- A notarized Affidavit of Consent from the parents, legal guardian, or individual exercising parental authority over the child. The affidavit must explicitly grant permission for the child to travel outside the Philippines, specifying the destination country, the purpose of the trip, travel dates, and the names of accompanying persons along with their relationship to the child.
- Include copies of valid IDs of parents or legal guardians, along with their specimen signatures. If parents are overseas, provide copies of their passports, visas, or seafarer’s books if applicable.
- Two colored passport-sized photos of the minor with a white background.
- Original and photocopy of the valid passport of the minor’s travel companion. If the companion is not a relative, a Notarized Affidavit of Undertaking must be included.
- Notarized Affidavit of Support demonstrating the financial capability of the child’s travel sponsor.
C. Additional requirements apply if the child is traveling under specific circumstances:
- For unaccompanied minors:
- In addition to the standard travel clearance requirements, provide an unaccompanied minor certificate from the airline.
- Parents must sign a waiver releasing DSWD-NCR for instance, from liabilities in case of any incidents during the trip.
- Relatives abroad hosting the minor must send a letter of invitation along with a copy of their passport and visa if applicable.
- For school-related trips or activities:
If the child is traveling for educational purposes, such as attending a conference, field trip, competition, student exchange program, or church-related activity, provide:
- A participation certificate is printed on the organization’s letterhead and signed by a school principal, parish officer, or similar authority.
- Invitation from the sponsoring organization abroad, including the travel itinerary.
- For sports competitions, include an Affidavit of Undertaking detailing safety measures by the sports agency.
- For studying abroad:
If the child is traveling for educational purposes, provide:
- Certificate of Acceptance or proof of enrollment/registration from the school abroad.
- For medical travel:
If the child is traveling for medical reasons, provide:
- Medical abstract.
- Recommendation signed by the attending physician endorsing the child’s need for medical treatment abroad.
Steps to Apply for Travel Clearance for Minors
Here are the general steps to apply for travel clearance for minors in the Philippines:
Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
- Valid IDs of Parents or Legal Guardians: Prepare government-issued identification documents of both parents or legal guardians.
- Birth Certificate of the Minor: Obtain a certified copy of the minor’s birth certificate.
- Affidavit of Consent or Special Power of Attorney (if applicable): If one parent is unavailable to sign the application form, an affidavit of consent or special power of attorney may be required.
Step 2: Visit the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Office
- Locate the Nearest DSWD Field Office: Identify the DSWD office nearest to your location where you can apply for the travel clearance.
- Set an Appointment (if required): Some DSWD offices may require applicants to set an appointment beforehand. Check the requirements and procedures of the specific office you plan to visit.
Step 3: Submit the Application
- Fill out the Travel Clearance Application Form: Obtain the application form from the DSWD office and complete it accurately.
- Present Required Documents: Submit the completed application form along with the necessary documents mentioned earlier, including valid IDs, the birth certificate of the minor, and any additional documents required.
Step 4: Pay the Processing Fee
Check if there are any processing fees associated with the application for travel clearance. Payment methods and fees may vary depending on the DSWD office.
Step 5: Processing Time
Inquire about the processing time for the travel clearance application. The duration may vary depending on the workload and procedures of the DSWD office.
Step 6: Follow Up on Application Status
After applying, follow up with the DSWD office regarding the status of your application if necessary. Be prepared to provide any additional information or documents requested by the authorities.
Step 7: Receive the Travel Clearance Certificate
Once the application is approved, the DSWD will issue a travel clearance certificate for the minor. Ensure that you receive the certificate and keep it safe for presentation during travel.
Step 8: Review and Prepare for Travel
Review the travel clearance certificate to ensure that all details are accurate and up-to-date. Make necessary arrangements and preparations for the minor’s travel according to the approved itinerary.
Processing Time and Fees
Processing Time:
Processing times can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the efficiency of the DSWD office and the completeness of the application.
It’s advisable to inquire about the estimated processing time at the DSWD office where you plan to apply. This will help you plan your travel arrangements accordingly.
Fees and Charges:
The processing fee for obtaining a travel clearance is either P300.00 per applicant, valid for one (1) year, or P600.00 per applicant, valid for two (2) years.
Important Reminders
- A child under the age of 13 will not be permitted to travel unaccompanied.
- A visa petition approval is mandatory if the minor intends to migrate to another country.
- Parents or legal guardians will be required to fulfill special conditions if the minor’s travel purpose involves inter-country adoption.
- Parents or legal guardians will be required to fulfill special conditions if the minor is under foster care or legal guardianship.
- If the child is currently part of an adoption process, a travel clearance will not be granted. Instead, a decree of adoption and a certificate of finality from the court must be presented for the issuance of a travel clearance.
Application Form
Video: DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors – Online Application Tutorial
This video discusses an online application tutorial for those individuals who need a travel clearance for minors. Everything you need to know is tackled here, so it is recommended that you watch this video to thoroughly understand the purpose and process of getting one. Take note, online application is only possible in DSWD Field Offices of NCR, VII, and XI. Read more from here- https://www.dswd.gov.ph/eservices-3/ to learn more about the schedule of availability of its service for getting a travel clearance for minors.