_{DSWD TRAVEL CLEARANCE FOR MINORS}

If a minor child is planning to travel outside the country without both parents accompanying them, it's essential to obtain a Travel Clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Without this clearance, the child won't be permitted to leave the country. This clearance will be checked during the boarding process and at immigration, and if the child or their adult companions fail to produce it, they will not be allowed to board their flight.

Children below 18 years old who are traveling alone or with companions other than their parents or legal guardians are required to present a travel clearance. Additionally, if a traveler is 18 years old or above but is unable to take care of themselves due to physical or mental disabilities and is traveling without their parents or legal guardians, a travel clearance is also necessary.

Specifically, a DSWD travel clearance is required for the following situations:

1. Minor traveling alone
2. Minor traveling with adoptive parents for the purpose of inter-country adoption
3. Minor traveling with a person other than the child’s parents, legal guardian, or person with legal custody over the child
4. Illegitimate minor traveling with only their biological father
5. Married minors are still required to secure a travel clearance

Requirements for New Travel Clearance Applications:

• For a new application, you will need the following:

1. Duly accomplished DSWD Travel Clearance Application Form
2. PSA birth certificate of the minor (original and photocopy). If the child’s birth registration is delayed, include their baptismal certificate, immunization record, or school records.
3. PSA marriage certificate of parents if the child is legitimate (original and photocopy)
4. PSA Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) of the mother if the child is illegitimate (original and photocopy)
5. PSA death certificate if one or both parents are deceased.
6. A Notarized Affidavit of Consent from the parents or person with parental authority or legal custody over the child, specifying the country, purpose, and dates of travel, including the names of the persons traveling with the child.
7. Copies of parents' or legal guardians' valid IDs with specimen signatures. If parents are abroad, provide copies of their passports and visas, or seafarer’s book if applicable.
8. Two colored passport-size pictures of the minor child with a white background.
9. Original and copy of the minor’s traveling companion’s valid passport. If the companion is not a relative, include a Notarized Affidavit of Undertaking.
10. Notarized Affidavit of Support and certified true copy of any evidence to show the financial capability of the sponsor.

• Requirements for Travel Clearance Renewals:

For renewals, you will need the following:

1. Duly accomplished DSWD Travel Clearance Application Form
2. Original copy of the old travel clearance from the DSWD-NCR
3. A notarized Affidavit of Consent by the parents, legal guardian, or the person exercising parental authority over the child, specifying the country, purpose, and dates of travel, along with the names of the persons accompanying the child.
4. Copies of parents' or legal guardians' valid IDs with specimen signatures. If parents are abroad, provide copies of their passports and visas, or seafarer’s book if applicable.
5. Two colored passport-size pictures of the minor with a white background.
6. Original and copy of the minor’s traveling companion’s valid passport. If the companion is not a relative, include a Notarized Affidavit of Undertaking.
7. Notarized Affidavit of Support to demonstrate the financial capability of the child’s travel sponsor.

• Additional Requirements for Special Circumstances:

1. If the child is traveling alone, an unaccompanied minor certificate from the airlines is required.
2. Parents must execute a waiver to release DSWD-NCR from liability if the child encounters any issues during the trip.
3. Relatives abroad providing board and lodging for the minor must send a letter of invitation, along with a copy of their passport and visa if applicable.
4. For school-related trips, a certificate of participation, an invitation from the sponsoring organization, and other relevant documents are necessary.
5. Medical reasons for travel require a medical abstract and a physician's recommendation.
6. Various special requirements apply to inter-country adoption, foster care, legal guardianship, and ongoing adoption cases.

Important Reminders when securing a travel clearance from the DSWD:

1. Children below 13 years old cannot travel alone.
2. Migration to another country requires a visa petition approval.
3. Specific requirements apply to inter-country adoption and legal guardianship cases.
4. Ongoing adoption cases require a decree of adoption and a certificate of finality from the court for a travel clearance to be issued.

Travel Clearance Exemptions:

The following individuals are exempt from obtaining a travel clearance:

1. Legitimate children traveling with one or both parents.
2. Illegitimate children traveling with their biological mother.
3. Illegitimate children traveling with their biological father who has sole parental authority or custody as evidenced by a court order.
4. Minors traveling with their legal guardians.
5. Adoptive parents traveling with their adopted child, with the presentation of the adoption decree and certificate of finality.

DSWD e-Services for Travel Clearance:

You can apply for a travel clearance online through the DSWD’s e-Services. Here's how:

1. Visit the DSWD website and click on e-Services.
2. Select "Travel Clearances for Minors Traveling Abroad."
3. Register for an account if you haven't already, or log in if you have an existing account.
4. Fill out the Minor Traveling Abroad application form, including all mandatory fields.
5. Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
6. You will receive an email notification upon successful submission.
7. After assessment, you'll receive an email notification with an interview schedule.
8. Attend the interview at the DSWD field office, bringing copies of all submitted documents, including valid IDs.
9. Pay the application fee at the cashier, receive an official receipt, and present it to the MTA Regional User.
10. You'll receive an MTA Certificate and Certificate of Travel Clearance.

For more information on DSWD’s travel clearance for minors traveling abroad, you can visit their website at www.dswd.gov.ph.