How to Apply for a DSWD Travel Clearance (for Minors)
A DSWD Travel Clearance is a document required for Filipino minors (below 18 years old) who are traveling abroad without both parents or legal guardians. It serves as an anti-trafficking safeguard mandated under Republic Act No. 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), ensuring that children leaving the country are not victims of trafficking, illegal recruitment, or exploitation.
When is a DSWD Travel Clearance Required?
- Minor traveling abroad with only one parent (the other parent is not joining the trip)
- Minor traveling abroad with a non-parent relative or companion (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle, family friend)
- Unaccompanied minor traveling abroad alone
- Minor traveling abroad for purposes such as study, medical treatment, sports competition, cultural exchange, or any other reason without both parents
When is it NOT Required?
- Minor traveling abroad with both parents (both mother and father are accompanying the child)
- Minor traveling with a solo parent who holds a court-issued sole custody order or legal guardianship document
⚠ Important Warning
Apply for your DSWD Travel Clearance at least 10 working days before your travel date. Processing times may vary depending on the DSWD Field Office and the completeness of your documents. Do not wait until the last minute — incomplete requirements or issues found during the interview may delay the release of your clearance. Last-minute applications may not be processed in time for your departure.
Requirements
For Minor Traveling with One Parent
- PSA-issued birth certificate of the minor (original + photocopy)
- Valid passport of the minor
- Valid passport of the traveling parent
- Valid passport of the non-traveling parent
- Notarized Affidavit of Consent and Support from the non-traveling parent
- PSA-issued marriage certificate of the parents (if applicable)
- 2 pcs. recent 2x2 ID photos of the minor (white background)
For Minor Traveling with Non-Parent Companion
- PSA-issued birth certificate of the minor (original + photocopy)
- Valid passport of the minor
- Valid IDs or passports of both parents
- Notarized DSWD Affidavit of Consent and Support from both parents
- Valid ID of the traveling companion (e.g., grandparent, aunt, uncle)
- 2 pcs. recent 2x2 ID photos of the minor (white background)
Note: Additional documents may be required depending on the circumstances (e.g., death certificate if a parent is deceased, court order for legal guardianship, DSWD endorsement for special cases). Always check with your DSWD Field Office for the complete and updated list of requirements.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Apply for a DSWD Travel Clearance
Step 1: Determine which DSWD Field Office to go to
• Go to the DSWD Field Office in the region where the minor resides
• There are 17 DSWD Field Offices nationwide (one per region)
• Check the DSWD website for the complete list of Field Office addresses
Step 2: Prepare all required documents
• Gather all documents listed above based on your situation
• Ensure the Affidavit of Consent is notarized
• Bring original documents and photocopies
Step 3: Go to the DSWD Field Office and fill out the application form
• Proceed to the Travel Clearance Unit or Protective Services Division
• Request and fill out the DSWD Travel Clearance application form
• Attach required photos and documents
Step 4: Submit documents and undergo interview by a social worker
• A DSWD social worker will review your documents
• The minor and the traveling parent/companion will be interviewed
• The social worker assesses the purpose of travel and the child's welfare
Step 5: Wait for processing
• The social worker may verify documents and conduct background checks
• Processing typically takes 3 to 10 working days
• You may be contacted for additional information or documents
Step 6: Claim your DSWD Travel Clearance
• Return to the DSWD Field Office on the scheduled release date
• Bring a valid ID when claiming the clearance
• The travel clearance must be presented at the airport upon departureExample Explained
Step 1: Identify the correct DSWD Field Office based on where the minor lives. For example, if the minor resides in Quezon City (NCR), you should go to the DSWD Field Office NCR. If the minor lives in Cebu City, go to the DSWD Field Office VII (Central Visayas).
Step 2: Gather all the required documents. The most critical document is the notarized Affidavit of Consent and Support from the non-traveling parent (or both parents, if the minor is traveling with a non-parent companion). This affidavit must clearly state that the parent(s) consent to the child's travel and that the traveling companion is authorized to bring the child abroad.
Step 3: At the DSWD Field Office, proceed to the Travel Clearance Unit or the Protective Services Division. Request the application form, fill it out completely, and attach the required documents and photos. Make sure all information matches your supporting documents.
Step 4: A DSWD social worker will review your application and conduct an interview. The social worker will talk to the traveling parent or companion, and may also interview the minor (depending on the child's age). This is a safeguard to ensure the child's welfare and verify that the travel is legitimate.
Step 5: After the interview, the application undergoes processing. The social worker may verify the authenticity of documents, check for any derogatory records, and prepare the clearance for approval. This typically takes 3 to 10 working days, depending on the Field Office's caseload and whether additional verification is needed.
Step 6: Once approved, return to the DSWD Field Office to claim the travel clearance. Keep the original document safe — you will need to present it at the airport immigration counter when departing the Philippines. Without it, the minor may be offloaded or prevented from boarding.
Complete Example: Minor Traveling Abroad with Grandparent
Real-World Scenario
Scenario: 10-year-old Juan is traveling to Japan with his grandmother (Lola Maria).
His parents, Pedro and Ana, are both staying in the Philippines for work.
Since Juan is a minor traveling without both parents, a DSWD Travel Clearance is required.
What the Family Prepares:
• Juan's PSA birth certificate (original + photocopy)
• Juan's valid passport
• Pedro's (father) valid passport or ID
• Ana's (mother) valid passport or ID
• Notarized Affidavit of Consent & Support from both Pedro and Ana
• Lola Maria's valid passport (as traveling companion)
• Lola Maria's valid government ID
• 2 pcs. 2x2 photos of Juan (white background)
The Family's Timeline:
Day 1 — Pedro and Ana execute a notarized Affidavit of Consent
Day 2 — Lola Maria goes to DSWD Field Office NCR with Juan
Day 2 — Fills out application form, submits documents
Day 2 — Social worker interviews Lola Maria and Juan
Day 2 — Told to return in 5–7 working days for the clearance
Day 8:
• Lola Maria returns to DSWD Field Office
• Travel clearance has been approved and released
• Lola Maria claims the clearance document
At the Airport:
• Lola Maria presents the DSWD Travel Clearance at immigration
• Immigration officer verifies the document
• Juan and Lola Maria are cleared to depart
Total Cost: FREE (DSWD Travel Clearance has no filing fee)
Processing Time: 5–7 working days
Validity: Valid for the specific travel dates indicatedFrequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the DSWD Travel Clearance valid?
The DSWD Travel Clearance is typically valid only for the specific travel dates and destination indicated in the application. If your travel dates change, you may need to request an amendment or apply for a new clearance. Check with your DSWD Field Office for their specific policy on validity and amendments.
Q: What if the non-traveling parent is abroad (OFW)?
If the non-traveling parent is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) or is currently abroad, the Affidavit of Consent and Support must be executed before a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where the parent is located. The consularized affidavit must then be submitted to the DSWD Field Office along with the other requirements. Some DSWD offices also accept a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed abroad.
Q: What if one or both parents are deceased?
If a parent is deceased, you must submit the PSA-issued death certificate of the deceased parent in lieu of the Affidavit of Consent. The surviving parent's consent will be sufficient. If both parents are deceased, the legal guardian must present a court-issued guardianship order and execute the Affidavit of Consent. Additional documents may be required — consult with the DSWD Field Office.
Q: Can I apply for a DSWD Travel Clearance online?
As of the latest guidelines, the DSWD Travel Clearance application must be filed in person at the DSWD Field Office. The interview with the social worker is a mandatory part of the process and cannot be done online. However, some Field Offices allow you to download the application form from the DSWD website to fill out in advance. Check the DSWD website or contact your Field Office for the most current process.
Q: What happens at the airport if I don't have a DSWD Travel Clearance?
If a minor is traveling abroad without both parents and does not have a valid DSWD Travel Clearance, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at the airport may prevent the minor from departing the country. The minor may be offloaded from the flight. This is a strict enforcement measure under RA 11862 to prevent child trafficking. Do not attempt to travel without the clearance — secure it well in advance.
Q: Is there a fee for the DSWD Travel Clearance?
No, the DSWD Travel Clearance is issued free of charge. There is no filing fee or processing fee. However, you may incur costs for notarization of the Affidavit of Consent (notary fees vary), photocopying of documents, and transportation to the DSWD Field Office. Beware of fixers who may ask for payment — the clearance itself is free.
Important Reminders
- Apply at least 10 working days before your travel date to allow sufficient processing time
- The DSWD Travel Clearance is FREE — do not pay fixers or unauthorized persons
- Both the minor and the traveling parent or companion must appear in person at the DSWD Field Office for the interview
- The Affidavit of Consent must be notarized — a simple handwritten letter will not be accepted
- If a parent is abroad (OFW), the affidavit must be consularized at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate
- Bring original documents and at least one photocopy of each — the DSWD will retain copies for their records
- The travel clearance is valid only for the specific trip indicated — you will need a new clearance for future trips
- Always present the DSWD Travel Clearance at the airport immigration counter upon departure — failure to do so may result in the minor being offloaded
- DSWD Field Offices operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM — plan your visit accordingly
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DSWD you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DSWD first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.