When we were planning for Gab’s first travel out of the country, a friend told us to check if there’s a need for us to get a travel clearance for Gab. Checking the DWSD for details, here are the information we got.
A Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Travel Clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to a Filipino child age below 18 years of age, regardless of civil status, leaving the Philippines alone or with someone other than his or her parents. This requirement is to safeguard against the trafficking of Filipino children. The application is filed at a DSWD office by a relative or representative authorized by the parents of the child.
Who needs a DSWD Travel Clearance to leave the Philippines?
◦ A Filipino minor traveling alone from the Philippines to a foreign country ;
◦ A Filipino minor traveling from the Philippines to a foreign country accompanied by a person other than his or her parents.
Who does not need a DSWD Travel Clearance to leave the Philippines?
◦ A Filipino minor traveling with either parent, with his or her solo parent or legal guardian;
◦ A Filipino minor whose parents are in the Foreign Service
◦ A Filipino minor who holds a temporary or permanent resident visa of another country and is rejoining the parents in that country
◦ A child holding a foreign passport
Documentary requirements:
1. Accomplished DSWD Application Form (that can be downloaded from the DSWD website www.dswd.gov.ph)
2. Photocopy of the birth certificate or passport of the minor
3. A written consent of both parents, single parent, or legal guardian permitting the child to travel alone or with someone else to a foreign country
4. Photocopy of passport of traveling companion (as applicable)
5. Appropriate document of the parents civil status:
◦ photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents, or
◦ for legal guardians, a photocopy of the certificate of legal guardianship of the minor, or
◦ for single parents, a photocopy of the solo parent identification card issued by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or Tallaq, or Fasakh Certification issued by the Shariah court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader, or
◦ for single parents, a photocopy of the parent’s Certificate of No Marriage issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO), or
◦ if the parents are deceased, a photocopy of the death certificate;
6. Two colored passport photographs of the minor taken within the last 6 months.
DSWD Travel Clearance Fee
The DSWD collects a processing fee for each DSWD Travel Clearance. The fee will vary according to the length of validity of the Clearance:
◦ PHP 300.00 for a Clearance with validity of one (1) year.
◦ PHP 600.00 for a Clearance with validity of two (2) years.
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 DSWD Travel Clearance was issued have not changed.
If there is a change, like a change in traveling companion, a new DSWD Travel Clearance must be secured.
On how to apply for passports, you may refer to these articles:
How to Get Passport for Infants
Passport Renewal Requirements
List of DFA Offices in Malls
Have a hassle free travel!
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