How to Get DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors

The DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors is a document issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that allows a minor child to travel alone, or with an adult who is not his/her parent or legal guardian. The clearance has a minimum validity for one year from the date of issue, and must be presented to immigration authorities when the minor child is leaving the Philippines.

Do you have to travel with your minor children and wonder how to get a travel clearance for minors? A Filipino minor kid must obtain a travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regardless of their civil status before leaving the country, whether they are traveling alone or with another adult besides their parents.

Any Filipino citizen below 18 years old who will be travelling alone, or with an adult who is not his/her parent or legal guardian, may apply for a DSWD Travel Clearance. Follow the instructions below on how to apply and what the requirements are. This process can be completed fairly quickly, so you can focus on your upcoming trip!

What is Philippine Travel Clearance for Minors?

One of DSWD’s program is protecting our children from any form of abuse. As required by law under The Special Protection of Children against Abuse and Exploitation Act 1996, they ensure that all guidelines are followed to get travel clearance for 17-year-olds and below.

The DSWD has a special office that helps people who need travel Clearance for their minor children. The port and airport authorities will require it, so make sure you apply with them first!

Who should apply for travel clearance?

As previously mentioned, all Filipino citizens below 18 years old who will be travelling alone or with an adult who is not his/her parent or legal guardian should apply for travel clearance.

Travel Clearance Exemptions

Those who are exempted From The Travel Clearance For Minors. The following minor children are the only ones who do not require a DSWD travel clearance:

• Taking a trip with either parent
• Accompanying the legal guardian on trips
• Foreign nationals who enter the country legally possess a dependents visa, a valid permanent residency card, or other documents proving residency with their parents overseas.  Travel authorization is not required for minors with valid passes, such as dependents’ visas and identification cards, or permanent resident visas, passes, and identification cards.
• Have a foreign passport but are not Filipino citizens.

What Are The Benefits Of Travel Clearance For Minors

There are many benefits that come with having a DSWD travel clearance for minors.

• One of the most important benefits of having a DSWD travel clearance is that it helps protect minors from being subjected to human trafficking or abuse. The clearance serves as a way to document that the child traveler is not traveling alone and that there is an adult accompanying them who is responsible for their safety.
• A travel clearance from DSWD ensures the safety of the child during travel.
• The Department of Social Welfare and Development is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of every Filipino child. Part of their mandate is to make sure that minors who are traveling outside the country are accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Another benefit of the DSWD travel clearance is that it can be used to prove the identity of the child traveler. The clearance contains information such as the name, date of birth, and place of birth of the child. This information can be used to get a passport or other government-issued ID.
• Lastly, the DSWD travel clearance shows that the parents or guardians of the child have given their consent for the child to travel. This is important because in some cases, one parent may not have full custody over a child, so they may not be able to provide consent for them to travel alone. The DSWD travel clearance can help ensure that both parents are on board with the child’s travel plans.

What Are The Requirements For Travel Clearance For Minors

• A properly completed DSWD Application Form, available for download on the DSWD website.
• A photocopy of the minor’s birth certificate or passport
• Written permission from either parents, a single parent, or a legal guardian allows the youngster to go abroad alone or with someone else.
• A copy of your traveling companion’s passport (if the child is traveling accompanied).
• The proper papers proving the parents’ civil status:
  • A photocopy of the minor’s parent’s marriage certificate
  • A copy of the minor’s legal guardianship certificate for legal guardians
  • Photocopy of the solo parent identification card from the municipal social welfare and development office,
  • Talaq or fasakh certification from a shariah court or any Muslim barangay or religious leader,
  • Or a photocopy of the minor’s parents’ marriage certificate for single parents.

Additional Requirements:

• If a minor is going abroad to study, he/she must need the certificate of acceptance and enrollment form issued by that particular school.
• Those minors who are going out of the country for medical treatment, need a recommendation letter from the doctor clearly mentioning that such treatment is not available within the country. And also a letter of the sponsor.
• If a minor is going out of the country to attend a seminar, student exchange program, pilgrimage, or any such activity, he/she must need
  • Certificate from the sponsor organization
  • Undertaking from the organization
  • Invitation duly signed by the host organization and time duration of the event

How to Apply for DSWD Travel Clearance  for Minors at DSWD Field Office

Getting a DSWD Travel Clearance is relatively simple.

1. First, gather all the required documents, which include a duly-accomplished application form, birth certificate, passport-size photo, travel itinerary, and proof of relationship to the child (if you are not the parent).
2. Visit the nearest DSWD Field Office with all your documents. You may call them ahead of time to inquire about availability or to make an appointment.
3. Once you arrive at the office, give your documents so that you will be assessed.
4. If approved, you will be given a payment stub; the clearance costs PHP 300 for one year or PHP 600 for two years.
5. Present your Official receipt to get the Clearance printed, then receive it and use it for travel purposes.

In order to get a DSWD travel clearance for minors, all of the necessary paperwork must be completed and filed with the appropriate DSWD Field Office. Once the application is received, social workers will review it and determine whether or not the minor is eligible for travel.

If everything is in order, the travel clearance will be approved and issued within 24 hours.

How to Apply for DSWD Travel Clearance Online

Applying for a DSWD Travel Clearance is easy to do online.

• Simply scan all the required documents
• Once all of the required documents have been scanned, applicants can then go to the DSWD website and register for an online account.
• After registering for an online account, applicants can then select the Minor Traveling Form. This form must be filled out completely and accurately, as any inaccurate information may result in delays or the rejection of the application.
• Once the form has been completed, the applicant must then attach all of the required documents. After attaching the documents, the form can then be submitted online.
• Once the documents are submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. After an initial assessment, you will be contacted for an interview.
• Once the interview is successfully completed, you will receive your DSWD Travel Clearance.

Keep in mind that the DSWD has jurisdiction over the minor’s place of residence, so it is important to file the application with the correct office.

Video: Steps On How To Apply For DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors

This YouTube video will help you all with travel clearance for minors. It walks you through the process of how to apply for travel clearance, what documents you need to bring, and the fees involved.

Having a travel clearance is important for minors who are traveling abroad, as it ensures that they have all the necessary paperwork in order and that they are not denied entry into the country they are visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding DSWD travel clearance for minors.

1. What is a DSWD travel clearance?

A DSWD travel clearance is a document that is issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It allows minors to travel abroad for leisure, business, or educational purposes.

2. How long is a DSWD travel clearance valid for?

DSWD travel clearance is valid for one to two years, depending on what is indicated on the document.

3. How much does it cost to get a DSWD travel clearance?

The fee for a DSWD travel clearance is 300 pesos for one year or 600 pesos for two years.

4. Where can I get a DSWD travel clearance?

DSWD travel clearance can be obtained from any DSWD Field Office.

5. What are the requirements for a DSWD travel clearance?

Requirements for a DSWD travel clearance include a birth certificate, passport, and school ID (for students). Additional requirements may be necessary, depending on the purpose of travel.

6. How do I apply for a DSWD travel clearance?

DSWD travel clearance can be applied for online or in person at a DSWD Field Office.

7. Can Minor Travel Without Parents In The Philippines?

Children under the age of 15 who are traveling to the Philippines alone or who are not visiting a parent there may be denied entry. This is because the government feels that these children are at risk of being exploited or trafficked. As a result, it is essential that any child traveling to the Philippines have all the necessary documentation in order to be allowed into the country. This includes a letter from the child’s parents or guardian indicating their permission for the child to travel to the Philippines.

8. Can A Minor Child Travel Internationally Without Parents?

In the Philippines, children under the age of 18 are considered minors. As such, they are not legally allowed to travel without parental or guardian consent.

There are some ways around this, however. If a minor has a valid reason for traveling without parents or guardians (such as attending a school trip), they may be able to get permission from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. In addition, if the minor is traveling with an adult relative or family friend, they may also be able to get consent from their parents or guardians. Ultimately, whether or not a minor can travel without parents in the Philippines will depend on the individual circumstances.

9. Can A Minor Travel With Only One Parent?

According to the official website of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, children below 18 years old are not allowed to travel alone. They must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or another adult relative who is authorized by the parents. The authorization must be in writing and must be signed by both parents. It should also indicate the name of the person who will be accompanying the child, as well as the date and destination of travel. In cases where only one parent is available, the other parent must give his or her written consent.

10. Who Needs DSWD Clearance For Travel?

All minors who are less than 18 years of age and who are traveling alone or with adults other than their parents or legal guardians must obtain a clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The purpose of the clearance is to ensure that the minor is not being trafficked or exploited in any way. In order to obtain a DSWD minor clearance, the minor must present a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of travel itinerary. The clearance must be obtained prior to travel and is valid for a period of one year.

Summary

Traveling with a minor can be complicated, as there are many rules and regulations that must be followed. In order to ensure a safe and smooth trip, it is important to know what the requirements are and how to go about obtaining the necessary documentation. We have outlined the basics of DSWD travel clearances for minors in the Philippines. We hope that this information will help you prepare for your next journey with your child.

Please make sure to prepare beforehand so that there will be no problems during the trip such as getting denied travel or not being able to go on the trip at all. Getting a DSWD travel clearance will help ensure that your minor child is not being trafficked or exploited in any way and that they are legally allowed to travel. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the nearest DSWD office or travel agency.