Dswd Certificate Requirements For Minors Traveling Abroad Philippines 18 Years Old 'link' (2024)

In the Philippines, a DSWD Travel Clearance is only mandatory for Filipino citizens below 18 years of age. Once an individual reaches their 18th birthday, they are considered an adult and are no longer required to secure this certificate for international travel. 

For those who are still under 18 (minors) and traveling alone or without their parents, the following requirements apply:  Who Needs a DSWD Travel Clearance? 

Minors traveling alone to a foreign country for the first time or repeatedly.

Minors traveling with a companion other than their parents or legal guardians (e.g., relatives, family friends).

Illegitimate children traveling with their biological father (unless the father has a court order for parental authority).  Standard Documentary Requirements 

To apply, you must generally provide the following at a DSWD Field Office: 

For a Filipino citizen who is 18 years old a DSWD Travel Clearance is not required . Philippine law defines a "minor" (or child) as a person below 18 years of age In the Philippines, a DSWD Travel Clearance is

. Once an individual reaches their 18th birthday, they are considered to have reached the age of majority and are no longer subject to DSWD travel regulations for minors. Department of Foreign Affairs

The only exception where someone 18 or older might still need DSWD intervention is if they have a physical or mental disability that makes them unable to fully take care of or protect themselves from abuse or exploitation.

Requirements for Minors (Below 18) Traveling Without Parents If you are inquiring for someone who is still

and traveling alone or with someone other than a parent, they must secure a Digital Blue Card (formerly the Travel Clearance Certificate) via the DSWD MTA Online System Core Documentary Requirements PSA Birth Certificate

: A QR-coded copy issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Affidavit of Consent

: A notarized document from both parents (or the solo parent/legal guardian) permitting the travel. If parents are abroad, this must be consularized by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Proof of Relationship Married Parents : PSA Marriage Certificate. Solo Parents Duly accomplished DSWD Form No

: Solo Parent ID or certification from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office. Illegitimate Minors : PSA Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) of the mother. Financial Documents

: Affidavit of Support and proof of financial capability (e.g., Bank Statement, ITR, or Certificate of Employment) from the sponsor.

: Two (2) original colored passport-size photos with a white background, taken within the last six months. Travel Companion

: If not traveling alone, a photocopy of the companion's valid passport. Department of Foreign Affairs Fees and Processing Processing Fee

: ₱300 per child for a clearance valid for one year (some online portals may list updated fees up to ₱800 for digital processing). Processing Time

: Approximately 3–5 working days after the online interview and submission of complete requirements. Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore Who is Exempt? need a clearance if they are: or PHP 10

A. Application Form

• Duly accomplished DSWD Form No. 001 (Application for Travel Clearance).
• This can be downloaded from the DSWD website or obtained at the office.

1. The "Travel Authority" from the DSWD for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

If an 18-year-old is going abroad as an OFW (domestic helper, factory worker, etc.) for the first time, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), not the DSWD, requires a different set of documents. An 18-year-old OFW does not need a DSWD clearance because they are of legal working age.

Comprehensive Guide: DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors in the Philippines

1. Who Needs a DSWD Travel Clearance?

Under Philippine law (Republic Act 7610), a minor traveling abroad MUST secure a DSWD Travel Clearance if they fall under any of the following categories:

1. Traveling Alone: The minor is traveling unaccompanied by either parent.
2. Traveling with a Non-Parent: The minor is accompanied by someone other than their parents (e.g., relatives, friends, teachers, guardians).
3. Traveling with Only One Parent:
   • If the parents are married, but one parent is not traveling.
   • If the parents are not married, and the minor is traveling with the biological father (as the mother usually has sole parental authority unless declared otherwise by a court).
   • If the traveling parent is an OFW and the minor is traveling to visit them (specific rules apply).

Who is EXEMPT? A minor does NOT need a DSWD Travel Clearance if:

• They are traveling with both parents.
• They are traveling with the sole parent (usually the mother if parents are unmarried and no court order states otherwise).
• They are traveling with a legal guardian who has a Court-Appointed Guardianship Certificate.
• They hold a permanent resident card or immigrant visa of the destination country (though Immigration may still require documents).

Step 1: Register and Create an Account

Visit the official DSWD Travel Clearance System. Avoid fixers. Create an account for the parent or legal guardian.

1. Duly Accomplished Application Form

You can download the DSWD Travel Clearance Application Form from the official DSWD website or the DSWD TARPA application portal. Fill it out completely and sign it.

Essential Documents for an 18-Year-Old:

1. Valid Philippine Passport (not expiring within 6 months).
2. Visa (if applicable – US, Schengen, Japan, etc.).
3. Return or onward ticket (non-negotiable).
4. Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, Airbnb, or an invitation letter from a friend/relative abroad).
5. Proof of financial capacity (bank certificate, credit card, or PHP 10,000-20,000 cash equivalent).
6. For students: Current school ID and a certificate of enrollment (to prove you are returning to studies).
7. For employed: Company ID, approved leave request, and certificate of employment.
8. For visiting a romantic partner: An invitation letter from that partner, plus their passport copy and proof of address.