The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines is responsible for issuing travel clearances for minors traveling abroad without their parents or legal guardian. The primary purpose of this clearance is to protect the welfare and safety of Filipino minors during international travel.
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Travel clearances for minors serve as proof that the child has obtained permission from their parents or legal guardian to travel abroad. This system helps prevent child trafficking and ensures that the minor’s rights and well-being are protected while they are away from their primary caregivers.
The DSWD Travel Clearance for minors is a vital document for Filipino children below 18 years old who are traveling alone or accompanied by someone other than their parents or legal guardians. By obtaining this clearance, minors can enjoy a safe and hassle-free journey, while their parents or guardians have peace of mind knowing that their children’s welfare is safeguarded during their trip.
Benefits of DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors
Obtaining a DSWD Travel Clearance for minors provides several benefits and ensures their safety and welfare during international travel.
Some of the main benefits include:
1. Child protection
The clearance serves as proof that the minor has obtained the necessary permission from their parents or legal guardian to travel abroad. This helps prevent child trafficking, kidnapping, and illegal adoption by ensuring that the minor is traveling legally and with the knowledge of their parents or guardians.
2. Smooth immigration process
A DSWD Travel Clearance helps facilitate a smoother immigration process at the airport, as it demonstrates to immigration officers that the minor has been granted permission to travel by their parents or legal guardian. This can help avoid delays, questioning, or potential issues during immigration checks.
3. Emergency assistance
In case of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances during the trip, the DSWD Travel Clearance can serve as a point of reference for Philippine consular offices or embassies to provide assistance to the minor, since it contains important details about the child’s identity and travel purpose.
4. Legal compliance
Obtaining a DSWD Travel Clearance ensures that the parents, legal guardians, and the minor are complying with Philippine laws and regulations regarding international travel for minors. This can help avoid potential legal issues or penalties.
Overall, obtaining a DSWD Travel Clearance for minors contributes to their safety and well-being while traveling abroad, providing peace of mind for both the minor and their family.
Who Needs a DSWD Travel Clearance
A DSWD Travel Clearance is required for Filipino minors who are below 18 years old and traveling abroad under the following circumstances:
- Filipino minor traveling alone using a Philippine Passport: Minors who are traveling internationally without being accompanied by either parent, legal guardian, or someone exercising parental authority or legal custody over them.
- Filipino minor traveling with prospective adoptive parent(s) for the purpose of inter-country adoption: Minors who are in the process of being adopted and traveling with their prospective adoptive parent(s).
- Filipino minor traveling with a person other than his/her parents, legal guardian, or person exercising parental authority/legal custody over him/her: Minors who are traveling abroad with a companion who is not their parent, legal guardian, or someone exercising parental authority or legal custody over them (e.g., a relative, family friend, or group).
- Filipino minor who is illegitimate and is traveling with his/her biological father: If the minor is considered illegitimate under Philippine law and is traveling with their biological father, a DSWD Travel Clearance is required.
- Filipino married minors: Minors who are married but still below 18 years old need a DSWD Travel Clearance when traveling abroad without their spouse or under any of the circumstances mentioned above.
In all these cases, the travel clearance serves as proof that the minor has obtained permission from their parents or legal guardian to travel abroad, ensuring their welfare and safety during international travel.
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Requirements for Obtaining a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors
- A properly completed DSWD Application Form: This form can be downloaded from the DSWD website.
- Photocopy of the minor’s birth certificate or passport: This document verifies the child’s age and identity.
- Written permission from either parents, a single parent, or a legal guardian: This document grants the minor permission to travel abroad alone or with someone other than their parent or guardian.
- A copy of the traveling companion’s passport (if the child is traveling accompanied): This verifies the identity of the person accompanying the minor.
- The appropriate documents proving the parent’s or guardian’s status:
- A photocopy of the minor’s parents’ marriage certificate.
- A copy of the minor’s legal guardianship certificate for legal guardians.
- Photocopy of the solo parent identification card obtained from the municipal social welfare and development office.
- Talaq or fasakh certification from a Shariah court or any Muslim barangay or religious leader.
- A photocopy of the minor’s parents’ marriage certificate for single parents.
Additional Requirements:
- For minors going abroad to study: They must provide a certificate of acceptance and enrollment form issued by the school they will be attending.
- For minors seeking medical treatment overseas: A recommendation letter from a doctor stating that the required treatment is not available within the country is needed, as well as a letter from the sponsor covering the expenses.
- For minors attending seminars, student exchange programs, pilgrimages, or similar activities: The following documents are required:
- a. Certificate from the sponsoring organization.
- b. Undertaking from the organization ensuring the minor’s welfare during the event.
- c. Invitation duly signed by the host organization, specifying the event’s duration and purpose
Steps on How to Get a DSWD Travel Clearance for Walk-in Applicants
Follow these steps to obtain a DSWD Travel Clearance for a minor:
Step 1: Register and get a queuing number
Visit your nearest DSWD field office and register with the guard on duty to receive a queuing number.
Step 2: Fill out the application form
Complete the DSWD Travel Clearance application form while waiting for your number to be called. Ensure you have all the required documents ready.
Step 3: Submit requirements
When your number is called, submit the completed application form and required documents to the social worker for an initial assessment. They will review the completeness and authenticity of your documents.
Step 4: Initial interview
The Social Welfare Officer of MTA will conduct an initial interview with the applicants to gather more information about the minor’s travel plans and circumstances.
Step 5: Approval of the application
If your application has complete documents and a favorable result from the assessment, it will be approved (10-20 minutes). If not, you may need to go back to step 1 and provide additional documentation or information.
Step 6: Payment of the fee
Proceed to the cash unit in the DSWD field office to pay the required fee for the chosen validity period (1-year or 2-year clearance).
Step 7: Processing of the Travel Clearance Certificate
After payment, the DSWD will process your Travel Clearance Certificate.
Step 8: Issuance of the Travel Clearance Certificate
Once processed, the DSWD will issue the Travel Clearance Certificate for the minor. Keep this document safe and make sure the minor carries it during their international travel.
Please note that the processing time for a DSWD Travel Clearance usually takes 3-5 working days, but it may vary depending on the field office and the volume of applications.
Fees and Validity for DSWD Travel Clearance
The fees for obtaining a DSWD Travel Clearance with different validity periods are as follows:
1-year validity
- PHP 300 (approximately USD 6). This clearance is valid for multiple international trips within one year from the date of issuance.
2-year validity
- PHP 600 (approximately USD 12). This clearance is valid for multiple international trips within two years from the date of issuance.
Please note that these fees are subject to change and may vary slightly depending on the DSWD field office where you apply. It is recommended to confirm the current fees with your local DSWD office before submitting your application.
The validity of the DSWD Travel Clearance is indicated on the certificate itself. Once the clearance expires, you will need to apply for a new one if the minor needs to travel abroad again under the same circumstances.
Application Forms for DSWD Travel Clearance
You can obtain a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors by downloading the form online from this link: https://ncr.dswd.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/mta_iso_form.pdf.
You can also refer to the sample form provided below.
Video: How to get a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a DSWD Travel Clearance?
A: A DSWD Travel Clearance is an official document issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines, granting permission for Filipino minors to travel abroad under specific circumstances.
2. Who needs a DSWD Travel Clearance?
A: A DSWD Travel Clearance is required for Filipino minors traveling alone, with prospective adoptive parents, with someone other than their parents or legal guardian, with their biological father if they are illegitimate, or if the minor is married but still below 18 years old.
3. What is the validity of a DSWD Travel Clearance?
A: A travel clearance will be issued with a validity period of one or two years from the date of issuance, allowing for multiple travels within that time. However, if there are any changes in conditions, a new travel clearance must be acquired.
4. Do all Filipino minors need a DSWD Travel Clearance?
A: If a minor child is traveling outside the country without both parents, they will need a Travel Clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). If this document is not obtained, the child will be prohibited from leaving the country.
5. How long does it take to process a DSWD Travel Clearance application?
A: You can get the Travel Clearance Certificate in three (3) business days after submitting the necessary documents.
6. What should I do if I lost my travel clearance?
A: If you lose your travel clearance, you need to submit a new set of requirements to the Field Office to obtain a new one. However, please note that this is not a renewal of your previous travel clearance, but a completely new application.
Summary
Parents and guardians who plan to travel with their minor children need to secure a DSWD travel clearance to avoid any hassle and delays during their trip. This requirement is set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure the safety and protection of minors traveling within and outside the country.
The process includes providing necessary documents and scheduling an appointment with the DSWD office. It may seem like an additional task to complete, but the travel clearance can give parents peace of mind knowing that they are complying with the law and making sure their children are safe while traveling.
Contact Information
Contact Number: (032) 233 0261
Email: fo7@dswd.gov.ph
Website: fo7.dswd.gov.ph
