DSWD Travel Clearance 2023-2024 | Requirements and Conditions - Philippines Information Desk (2023)

DSWD Travel Clearance for Minor 2023-2024 | Requirements and Conditions

DSWD Travel Clearance 2023-2024 | Requirements and Conditions - Philippines Information Desk (1)

We are pleased to inform you about DSWD Travel Clearance for Minor 2023-2024 | Requirements and Conditions

The Filipinos have long used travel as a kind of recreation. Even young people enjoy taking independent trips overseas.

However, regardless of their civil status, a minor must obtain a DSWD travel clearance due to the prevalence of child abductions.

Travel Clearance for Minors

A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to a Filipino child (below 18 years of age) traveling abroad alone or with someone other than his/her parents.

Whoneeds a travel Clearance

  • Below 18-year-old minor traveling alone to a foreign country;
  • A minor traveling to a foreign country accompanied by a person other than his or her parents; and
  • An illegitimate child traveling to a foreign country accompanied by a person other than the mother.

Whodoes not need a Travel Clearance

  • A minor traveling to a foreign country with either parent or with his or her solo parent or legal guardian;
  • A minor traveling abroad whose parents are in the Foreign Service or living abroad or are immigrants, provided he/she is holding a valid pass such as a dependents visa/pass/identification card or permanent resident visa/pass/identification card which serves as proof that he/she is living with parents abroad and their travel does not constitute child trafficking.
  • A minor with a permanent residency card;
  • A minor who is not a Filipino citizen and holds a foreign passport;
  • An illegitimate child traveling abroad with his/her mother.

Requirements for Travel Clearance

The application for travel clearance and its documentary requirements are filed at any DSWD Field Office.

The application form is available at all DSWD Field Offices and downloadable from DSWD website www.dswd.gov.ph.

The documentary requirements vary depending on whether the child is traveling alone or traveling with an adult other than a parent or legal guardian.

For minors traveling alone to a foreign country for the first time

  1. Duly accomplished DSWD Travel Clearance application form.
  2. Photocopy of either Birth Certificate or passport of the minor.
  3. Written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country.
  4. Proof of the consenting parent’s relation to the child, in one of the following forms:
    • (married parents) a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents
    • (legal guardian) a photocopy of the certificate of legal guardianship of the minor,
    • (solo parent) a photocopy of the solo parent identification card from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, a Local Social Welfare and Development Office, Tallaq or Faskh certification from the Shariah court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader
    • (if the child is illegitimate) a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO)
    • (if parents are deceased) a photocopy of the death certificate
  5. Two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last six (6) months.
  6. The DSWD 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 are ensured.

RelatedNBI Clearance Online Registration and Requirements

For minors traveling for the first time with a person other than the parents or legal guardian

  1. Duly accomplished DSWD Travel Clearance application form.
  2. A photocopy of the birth certificate of the minor.
  3. 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 them.
  4. As appropriate, a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents or a certificate of legal guardianship of the minor or in the case of solo parents, a solo parent identification card from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or a certification from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office of being a solo parent or a court decree of separation, annulment or divorce, or Tallaq or Fasakh certification from the Shariah court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader or in the case of an illegitimate minor, a certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) *from the National Statistics Office or in the case of a deceased parent, a photocopy of the death certificate
  5. Two colored passport photos of the minor taken within the last 6 months.
  6. Photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion.

For minor illegitimate children traveling abroad with the biological father

A minor illegitimate child who is traveling abroad accompanied by the biological father is required to secure a travel clearance certificate as parental authority is vested only to the mother of the child, per Article 176 of the Family Code of the Philippines.

Validity for Travel Clearance

A DSWD travel clearance is valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance and shall be valid for multiple travels within the validity period, provided the conditions under which the travel clearance was issued have not changed.

RelatedSan Juan City Zip Code

If a change in condition occurs like a change in traveling companion, a new travel clearance must be obtained.

HOW MUCH IS THE PROCESSING FEE FOR A TRAVEL CLEARANCE ISSUED TO A MINOR?

The DSWD shall collect a processing fee for each travel clearance issued to minors traveling abroad under the following options:

  • Php 300.00 with a validity of one (1) year.
  • Php 600.00 with a validity of two (2) years.

Where can one file the application?

The application for travel clearance, together with the supporting documents required shall be submitted/filed at the DSWD Regional Office that has jurisdiction over the minor’s residence.

Application forms may be obtained from any DSWD-Regional Office or maybe downloaded from the website www.dswd.gov.ph.

  • On the appointed date, go to the DSWD Regional Office that has jurisdiction over the minor’s residence which processed your application, to submit the original copy of your supporting documents and pay PhP300.00 per travel clearance certificate. The travel clearance certificate will be obtained thereafter.

Other Frequently Asked Questions…

WHO WOULD GIVE THE CONSENT FOR THE TRAVEL OF A TOTALLY ORPHANED MINOR WHO HAS NO APPOINTED LEGAL GUARDIAN?

Paternal/maternal grandparents who exercise parental authority over a minor whose parents are both deceased may issue the consent even without guardianship order from the Court.

But in cases where both the paternal/maternal grandparents are deceased, relatives/acting guardians of the minor should work for their legal guardianship over the minor.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS HAVE MARITAL CONFLICT AND ARE ON HOLD ORDER?

A minor who is the subject of an ongoing custody battle between parents will not be issued a travel clearance unless a Court Order is issued to allow the child to travel abroad with either one of his/her parents or authorized guardian.

RelatedList: Dito Sim Compatible Phones

The family shall be responsible to notify the Bureau of Immigration to include the name of the child/ren in the watchlist of minors traveling abroad.

It is, therefore, the Bureau of Immigration’s responsibility to ensure that no child under the watchlist order leaves the country.

CAN A TRAVEL CLEARANCE BE ISSUED TO ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN WHO ARE STILL APPLYING FOR THEIR VISA IN THE EMBASSY?

Illegitimate children are under the custody of the mother. If they will be traveling with the mother, they are not required to secure a travel clearance from the DSWD. If they are traveling with a person other than the mother, they must secure a travel clearance.

IS A FAXED COPY OF THE PARENTAL CONSENT OF PARENTS RESIDING ABROAD ACCEPTABLE?

Faxed written consent is only applicable to parents whose place of work is not land-based e.g. seafarers, etc.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN ABANDONED BY THE MOTHER AND UNDER THE CUSTODY OF THE FATHER OR OTHER RELATIVES WHO WILL BE TRAVELING ALONE OR WITH THE FATHER OR OTHER RELATIVES?

Since the mother has the absolute parental authority over her illegitimate children the father would need to secure a Court Order vesting in him the parental authority over the illegitimate children.

If a parental authority has been granted to the father, and the minor will be traveling with the father, he is not required to secure a travel clearance. If the minor will travel alone or with someone other than the father, he/she is required to secure a travel clearance.

FAQs

How can I get DSWD travel clearance in Philippines? ›

DSWD REQUIREMENTS FOR A TRAVEL CLEARANCE
  1. Duly accomplished DSWD Travel Clearance application form.
  2. Photocopy of either Birth Certificate or passport of the minor.
  3. Written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country.

What documents are needed when traveling with a child? ›

Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

Can a child travelling with only one parent Philippines? ›

Parental Travel Permit (PTP) - is a document issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to the accompanying parent/legal guardian based on the written consent of any of the parent or legal guardian of the minor allowing the said minor to travel abroad unaccompanied by the said parent.

Can siblings travel without parents? ›

Minor Travel Consent Form

A child travel consent form, often known as a letter of permission to travel as required by law, enables a minor child to travel without being accompanied by both parents or other legal guardians.

What are the requirements for US citizen to travel in the Philippines? ›

Quick Facts
  • PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid for 6 months at time of entry.
  • BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: Sufficient space for an entry visa stamp.
  • TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No (for tourist travel under 30 days).

Can I get exit clearance at the airport Philippines? ›

Tourists staying more than 59 days but less than 6 months must pay an exit clearance fee . If your date of departure is certain, this can be paid through one of the five BI regional offices; otherwise, the exit fee can be paid at the airport upon your departure.

Do I need a notarized letter to travel with child internationally? ›

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian.

What do I need to take my daughter out of the country? ›

Passport. No matter their age, everyone requires a passport to travel outside the United States. It's your child's primary form of identification while out of the country and provides official proof of U.S. citizenship.

What do I need for my minor child to fly internationally? ›

All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children. If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.

How long can a US citizen minor stay in the Philippines? ›

As a US citizen, you can stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days without needing a visa. However, if you wish to stay for more than 30 days, you will need to obtain a visa from a Philippine embassy or consulate in the USA before going to the Philippines.

What letter is needed for minors traveling without parents? ›

A notarized letter of consent will be required for children who travel without one or both of their parents or legal guardians. The letter of consent ensures the legitimacy of the travel consent offered by the accompanying adult.

Can my sister travel with my kids? ›

If you are traveling with a child who is not yours, bring signed and notarized consent forms from the child's parents or legal guardians. Consent form requirements vary by destination, so you may not be asked to produce them, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

What are the rules for traveling with grandchildren? ›

While it's legal for grandparents to transport their grandchildren without a letter of permission, it's a safeguard against any potential emergencies or law enforcement issues. Getting the letter of permission notarized by a licensed official adds an extra layer of security to your document.

Can a US citizen travel to the Philippines without return ticket? ›

PHILIPPINE VISA POLICY

No visa required for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days. Traveler must hold valid ticket for return journey to country of origin or next country of destination and a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the stay in the Philippines.

How long can I stay in the Philippines as a Balikbayan? ›

Visitors who are admitted as balikbayan are given an initial stay of one (1) year. Their stay may be extended for an additional one (1), two (2) or six (6) months at the Visa Extension Section of a Bureau of immigration office.

Can you travel to the Philippines from the US without a passport? ›

Yes, you need a valid passport to travel to the Philippines. It must have at least one blank page, and its expiry date should be more than six months from your arrival date in the Philippines. Keep your passport safe because you'll need it when you leave to travel back home.

What documents do I need to leave the Philippines? ›

A travel document is valid for 30 days from issuance and can only be used one-way to the Philippines. In order for you to leave the Philippines, you will need to apply for a new passport.

What documents do I need to show at the airport Philippines? ›

  • PASSPORT.
  • VISA.
  • Civil Registry.
  • Citizenship.
  • Others. Driver's License renewal. Applying for a Singapore Police Clearance.

Can I travel back home to Philippines with expired passport? ›

For more information, please visit www.dfa.gov.ph. If a Philippine passport has expired, the passport cannot be used for travel to any country including the Philippines. The Philippine citizen must file for a new passport at the PCG Calgary and wait for the new passport.

What documents do you need to travel? ›

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

What documents do you need for international travel? ›

Passport, Travel Visa and National ID Card

Proper identification is the foundation of international travel. As a result, you should ensure to always have an official identification document with you. You can even consider having multiple documents such as your passport, national ID card or driver's licence.

Can a child travel to USA without parents? ›

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requests written consent from both parents or the parent who is not accompanying the minor for minors (those less than 18 years of age) traveling to the U.S. alone or accompanied by only one parent. This written consent must be in English.

Can a child go out of country without parents? ›

Children must usually have the same passport, visa or other international entry documentation required of adults. In addition, certain countries require children leaving that country without both parents or a legal guardian to have a letter of consent, in some cases notarized.

Can I take my child out of the country without a passport? ›

Regardless of age, all children need a valid passport for air travel to another country. The application process for children under the age of 16 needs to be completed in person. To fill out this application, at least one parents needs to appear.

Can I take my niece on a plane? ›

Basic documents

In most cases, children under 18 do not need identification when traveling on an airline but it never hurts to be prepared. The following documents will make traveling smoother. A copy of the child's birth certificate or passport. A notarized letter from the parents giving permission for medical care.

What are the rules for children flying internationally? ›

Unless they're accompanied by both parents, any child under the age of 18 traveling internationally must have:
  • A valid passport and any necessary visas.
  • Notarized permission note from both parents.

Can a child fly internationally? ›

Children must have their own passport, visa or other international entry documentation required of adults. In addition, certain countries require children leaving that country without both parents and a legal guardian to have a letter of consent, in some cases notarized.

Which airlines allow unaccompanied minors to fly? ›

Unaccompanied Minor Policies
AirlineAllows Unaccompanied Minors?Contact
Hawaiian AirlinesYes800-367-5320
JetBlueYes800-538-2583
Southwest AirlinesYes800-435-9792
Spirit AirlinesYes855-728-3555
8 more rows
Feb 8, 2023

Can a U.S. citizen live in the Philippines permanently? ›

Everyone will need a visa to move to the Philippines. If you wish to stay for long-term purposes, you will have to apply for long-term visas. Moreover, a few countries can enter the Philippines visa-free but for a short period. If you want to extend your stay, you must have the necessary visa.

What happens if a U.S. citizen overstayed in the Philippines? ›

If a US citizen overstays their tourist visa in the Philippines, they will be charged approximately 4,000 PHP per month. In addition, they may also be subject to additional fines of 500 PHP per month, as well as a motion for reconsideration of 500 PHP.

How long can a dual citizen of US and Philippines stay in the Philippines? ›

HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES? You can stay in the Philippines indefinitely provided that upon your arrival in the Philippines you present before the Philippine Immigration Officer your valid US/Foreign passport and your Dual Citizenship Documents.

What do you write in a travel consent letter? ›

There are no official guidelines for the content and format of a consent letter, but they usually include:
  1. the name of the child.
  2. the names and contact information of parents or guardians.
  3. the name and relationship of the person who is accompanying the child.
Apr 6, 2023

How do you write a letter of consent for a child to travel with one parent Germany? ›

  1. 1. ) I / We the undersigned,
  2. and.
  3. or.
  4. confirm by the present to be the father / mother / legal guardian of :
  5. 2.) I / We give the authorization to my / our above mentioned son / daughter to travel to.
  6. Germany and / or the Schengen countries without me / us, accompanied by:
  7. 3.) For the intended dates of travel:

Can a Canadian child cross the US border with a birth certificate? ›

Canadian children need a Canadian passport when travelling outside Canada. They may also need the following documents: Consent letter that confirms the child has permission to travel outside Canada (for example, when taking a trip alone or with only 1 parent or guardian) Provincial birth certificate.

How to get a DSWD travel clearance for minors in the Philippines? ›

DSWD REQUIREMENTS FOR A TRAVEL CLEARANCE
  1. Duly accomplished DSWD Travel Clearance application form.
  2. Photocopy of either Birth Certificate or passport of the minor.
  3. Written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country.

What is a DSWD travel clearance for minors in the Philippines? ›

The purpose of the clearance is to ensure that the child is not being trafficked or forced into labor. In order to obtain a travel clearance, the child's parents or guardians must submit an application form to the DSWD. The form must be accompanied by a birth certificate, passport, and other supporting documents.

How do you write a letter of consent for a child to travel with grandparents? ›

Parents should write a simple letter stating that they, as the child's parents or legal guardians, grant permission for him (full name) to travel with his grandparent(s). ‌Include his birth date and passport number, if applicable, and the birth dates and passport numbers of any accompanying grandparents.

Can my daughter travel with her grandmother? ›

Children traveling with grandparents, cousins, other relatives, or school groups will need to have a signed document, such as a Child Travel Consent, allowing them to travel without a parent or legal guardian.

Can my kids fly with a family member? ›

With TSA PreCheck™, you can breeze through airport security. Best part, children 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck™ on their boarding pass. Travelers 13 and older who do not have a TSA PreCheck™ boarding pass must go through standard security lanes or apply for TSA PreCheck™.

What age can a child travel on their own? ›

Children travelling alone are treated differently; depending on their age. For most airlines, the minimum age for an unaccompanied child is five years while the maximum age is twelve years. If the child is younger than the minimum age, they should travel with an adult.

Can my daughter travel with her aunt? ›

The U.S. Customs and Border Control says, “Unless the child is accompanied by both parents, the child must have a notarized letter from the other parent or signed by both parents stating, 'I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission.

Can my child travel with his uncle? ›

If you are travelling with someone else's child/ minor / under 18, you will need a letter of consent from the child's parent/legal guardian to allow you to take responsibility for them.

Can my child travel with my mom? ›

U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends that any child under the age of 16 traveling without both legal guardians should have a notarized Child Travel Consent signed by both legal guardians. Having your Child Travel Consent notarized decreases the chance of travel authorities questioning its validity.

How do I send a request to DSWD? ›

(https://www.dswd.gov.ph/feedback/), email inquiry@dswd.gov.ph, or call (632) 931-8101 to 07.

How to get police clearance in the Philippines when you are abroad? ›

The applicant may choose any two from the following list of acceptable IDs when applying for a police clearance:
  1. Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)
  2. PSA Birth certificate.
  3. GSIS ID.
  4. Driver's license.
  5. IBP ID.
  6. OFW ID.
  7. Passport.
  8. PhilHealth ID.

What travel document do I need to go back to the Philippines? ›

A travel document is valid for 30 days from issuance and can only be used one-way to the Philippines. In order for you to leave the Philippines, you will need to apply for a new passport. You will then be contacted on when to come to the Consulate.

Who is the secretary of DSWD in 2023? ›

The secretary of social welfare and development (Filipino: Kalihim ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Pagpapaunlad) is the head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and is a member of the President's Cabinet. The current secretary is Rex Gatchalian, who assumed office on January 31, 2023.

How do I email DSWD Region 2? ›

Telephone: (078) 304-1004 Email: fo2@dswd.gov.ph Kindly accomplish the Feedback Form available at the PACD Desk located at DSWD Field Office No. 02 lobby.

How can I get police clearance certificate in USA? ›

Go to your local police department where you reside or last resided in the United States, request that the police conduct a local or state criminal records search and provide you with a document reflecting that there is no history of a criminal record.

How can I check my criminal record in the Philippines? ›

If you are located within the Philippines you can visit your local NBI clearance outlet to apply for the Clearance. The NBI now has a new system available to obtain your fingerprints electronically called the NBI Biometric Clearance System.

How long does it take to get a police clearance in the Philippines? ›

Depending on the local government, the entire process of getting a police clearance can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour (for more efficient offices) to as long as half a day. The fee is determined by the local government unit (LGU) where the police office is located.

How long can I stay in the Philippines as a US citizen? ›

How Long Can I Stay In Philippines? As a US citizen, you can stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days without needing a visa. However, if you wish to stay for more than 30 days, you will need to obtain a visa from a Philippine embassy or consulate in the USA before going to the Philippines.

What are the 3 type of travel documents? ›

Driver's license, passport, and travel visa

These documents are required for most forms of travel.

What is a consent letter from mother for travel? ›

A consent letter is a letter giving permission for children to travel abroad without both parents present. Whether the child is travelling with only parent, alone or with another adult, the letter states that all parents have given permission for that child to travel abroad.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aracelis Kilback

Last Updated: 12/19/2023

Views: 5755

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aracelis Kilback

Birthday: 1994-11-22

Address: Apt. 895 30151 Green Plain, Lake Mariela, RI 98141

Phone: +5992291857476

Job: Legal Officer

Hobby: LARPing, role-playing games, Slacklining, Reading, Inline skating, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Dance

Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.