February 26, 2019: LAST UPDATED. This post contains tips and other information about applying for a DSWD TRAVEL CLEARANCE including the list of REQUIREMENTS and the step-by-step application process. This applies to Filipino travelers only. A minor is defined as being below 18 years of age.
It’s always fun traveling with kids. Seeing the look on their faces when they experience something for the first time is always priceless. I had traveled with kids in the family twice: First, to Hong Kong for their much awaited Disneyland visit, and second, to Tokyo, to visit a close relative.
The problem is, I am not their father, just an uncle, so I had to secure a travel clearance for them.
Traveling with minors who aren’t your children adds a step in the whole trip preparation. You will need a get a DSWD Travel Clearance before your trip. Failing to secure one will lead to being offloaded by the Immigration Officials at the airport. It is a necessary document that they need to protect children from crimes including child trafficking.
WHO NEEDS A DSWD CLEARANCE?
Not all minors traveling to a foreign country need a DSWD Clearance. It is only required for the following:
- a minor traveling alone
- a minor accompanied by a person other than his/her parents
If the minor is traveling with either parent, no need for one. If the minor is traveling with the legal guardian, no need for one (but you must have all documents to prove that you are indeed the legal guardian).
If you’re not the mother or father or legal guardian, you need a DSWD clearance for each minor you’re traveling with. If that’s not clear enough: Even if you are a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandmother, grandfather, or cousin of the minor, you need a clearance.
Note: When we say “legal guardian”, we mean LEGAL guardian with LEGAL documentation stating your guardianship by law. If you’re ACTING as a guardian but you don’t have the legal documents to show guardianship, you will still need a DSWD clearance to travel with the minor.
DSWD CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Below is a list of documents required to secure a DSWD Travel Clearance. This covers minors traveling with someone who isn’t their parent or legal guardian. If the minor will be traveling alone, there is a separate list for that with additional requirements such as Unaccompanied Minor Certificate from the Airlines.
There have been a lot of changes to the requirements. Now, there is a separate list of documents for those who are traveling for the first time and those who have traveled before with the non-parent companion.
IMPORTANT! I have applied for my nephew and niece multiple times now, and THE REQUIREMENTS CHANGE EACH AND EVERY TIME! It’s absolutely frustrating, to be honest, because I couldn’t predict what other documents they would need from me. And they don’t update their website accordingly. Hence, please call DSWD before your application to be absolutely sure.
FIRST-TIME DSWD Clearance Requirements
These are the requirements for minors traveling for the FIRST TIME with a companion who is NOT their parent.
- A duly accomplished application form. You can download it here.
- A photocopy of the minor’s birth certificate (SECPA)
- 2 colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the past 6 months. Scanned photos are NOT accepted.
- A photocopy of the passport of minor’s travel companion.
- Notarized Affidavit of Support and Consent to Travel. Download a copy here.
- Valid ID of parents with specimen signature
- A photocopy of one of the following, whichever is appropriate:
– If minor has both parents: the parents’ marriage certificate (SECPA)
– If minor is under a legal guardian: the Certificate of Legal Guardianship
– If minor is under a solo parent: solo parent identification card or certification from the Municipal DSWD Office; or if Muslim, Tallaq or Fasakh certification from any Muslim Barangay, the Shariah court or a religious leader
– If minor is illegitimate: a Certificate of No Marriage from the local civil registrar
– If one of the parents is deceased: death certificate
– If minor is an immigrant, visa petition approval.
– If minor is traveling for medical purposes, medical certificate
– If minor is studying abroad, acceptance letter from school abroad
– If minor is attending a conference, a certification from the organizers - Authorization Letter from Parents/Legal Guardian. Only if the person applying is not a parent or legal guardian of the minor. Download sample here.
- Waiver signed by parents. This should explicitly state releasing DSWD from any liability/responsibility in case of untoward incident during the travel of the minor.
DSWD Clearance RENEWAL Requirements
These are the requirements for minors who have already traveled before with a companion who is not their parent.
- A duly accomplished application form. You can download it here.
- Original copy of previous DSWD travel clearances.
- 2 colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the past 6 months. Scanned photos are NOT accepted.
- A photocopy of the passport of minor’s travel companion.
- Notarized Affidavit of Consent to Travel. Download a copy here.
- Valid ID of parents with specimen signature
- Authorization Letter from Parents/Legal Guardian. Only if the person applying is not a parent or legal guardian of the minor. Download sample here.
- Waiver signed by parents. This should explicitly state releasing DSWD from any liability/responsibility in case of untoward incident during the travel of the minor.
Possible Additional Requirements
DSWD may require additional documents aside from those listed above, so make sure you apply early and NOT too close to the travel dates so you have time to secure them.
Here are some other requirements that they might look for based on my experience and those of some of our readers.
- Roundtrip ticket of the minor and companion. In my experience, sometimes they ask for it; sometimes, they don’t. If you’re already booked, best to bring a copy of the ticket. If your flights are not yet booked, it’s best to just call the office before your application to confirm.
- Notarized Affidavit of Support with Undertaking of Sponsor (showing employment status and salary). Some sources say this is a requirement, and one of our readers was also asked to provide this. The official DSWD website’s FAQ page lists this as a requirement. But it’s hard to trust the website because it’s messy as eff.
- Proof of Financial Capability of Sponsor. This can be Certificate of Employment, Latest ITR, Bank Statements, etc. of sponsor (parent, legal guardian or other person/agency shouldering the expenses). In my experience, I was never asked to submit this.I also always bring a copy of this, but they never asked to see it. Maybe it’s a new requirement, maybe they ask applicants depending on the situation. Call the office where you plan to submit to be 100% sure. Just bring it with you to be on the safe side.
- Invitation Letter, only if the purpose of travel is to visit a friend or relative, or the minor won’t be staying in a hotel.
- Copy of parents’ passports. Only if the parents are based abroad.
That’s about it.
IMPORTANT! If we haven’t stressed this enough, let us say this again: CALL THE DSWD FIELD OFFICE where you wish to apply for the updated list of requirements. THE REQUIREMENTS CHANGE EACH AND EVERY TIME so it’s hard to keep track!
Written Consent or Affidavit of Consent?
Update: October 2018.
A notarized Affidavit of Consent is now a requirement.
In my previous applications, I was never asked to submit an Affidavit of Consent. I would usually just present a simple non-notarized written consent signed by both parents and they accepted it. However, in my most recent application, they asked for a notarized Affidavit of Consent for the first time.
So to be on the safe side, I strongly recommend that you secure a Notarized Affidavit of Consent to Travel for a couple of reasons. First, because a notarized affidavit can take the place of the simple written consent. Meaning, if DSWD asks for a simple consent letter, they will accept the affidavit because it’s a more binding legal document. On the other hand, if they require an affidavit and you don’t have it, the written consent may not suffice. It’s safer to have the affidavit.
The second reason: because you might also need it when passing through Immigration. Normally, the DSWD Clearance is enough to let you through, but having that affidavit can be more convincing, if the officer has doubts.
The affidavit I submitted had the following details.
- Travel dates
- Destination and origin
- Minor’s passport number
- Contact details of parents/legal guardian
- Signature of the parents
In addition, if the minor is traveling with someone who isn’t his/her parent, it would be wise to include the details of the companion:
- Name of the companion
- Relationship of the companion to the minor
- Companion’s passport number
Don’t forget to have it signed by the parents.
You can find a sample here: SAMPLE AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT.
HOW TO GET A DSWD CLEARANCE
Getting a DSWD clearance is easy. It might take a few hours, but it is not as complicated as you probably have been picturing in your head. Here’s how I got mine.
1. Complete the requirements.
See the list of requirements above.
2. Find the nearest DSWD Field Office.
Pay a visit to the DSWD Field Office that covers the permanent address of the minor. For example, my niece and nephew reside in Batangas. The Region IV-A (Calabarzon) Office is in Alabang. If the minor is based in Metro Manila, file for a clearance at the NCR Office in Sampaloc, Manila.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
Below is the complete list of DSWD Field Offices.
- DSWD National Capital Region (NCR)
389 San Rafael St. corner Legarda St.,
Sampaloc, Manila
Phone: +632 313-1435 local 210, +632 733-0010 to 14 - DSWD Field Office I
Quezon Avenue, San Fernando, La Union
Phone: +6372 888-2505, +6372 888-2184 - DSWD Field Office II
3 Dana Pagyaya, Regional Government Center
Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Phone: +63 78 846-7532, +63 78 846-7043 - DSWD Field Office III
Government Center, Maimpis, San Fernando, Pampanga
Phone: +63 45 861-2413 - DSWD Field Office IV-A (CALABARZON)
Alabang-Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City
Phone: +63 2 387-2632, +63 2 850-8380, +63 2 807-1518 - DSWD Field Office IV-B (MIMAROPA)
1680 F.T. Benitez St. corner Gen. Malvar St., Malate, Manila
Phone: +63 2 336-8106 local 401, +63 2 336-8106 local 103 - DSWD Field Office V
Magnolia St. PBN Buraguis, Legazpi City
Phone: +63 52 821-7920, +63 52 480-5346, +63 52 480-5754 - DSWD Field Office VI
M.H. del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo City
Phone: +63 33 300-0526, +63 33 337-6221 - DSWD Field Office VII
MJ Cuenco Avenue cor. Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City
Phone: +63 32 233-8779 - DSWD Field Office VIII
Magsaysay Boulevard, Tacloban City
Phone: +63 53 321-3090, +63 53 321-117, +63 53 321-1007 - DSWD Field Office IX
General Vicente Alvarez St., Zamboanga City
Phone: +63 62 991-6030, +63 62 991-6056 - DSWD Field Office X
Masterson Ave., Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City
Phone: +63 88 858-8892, +63 88 858-8959 - DSWD Field Office XI
Suazo St., cor. Magsaysay Ave., Davao City
Phone: +63 82 226-2857, +63 82 227-8746 - DSWD Field Office XII
9506 Purok Bumanoag, Brgy. Zone 3, Koronadal City
Phone: +63 83 520-0572, +63 83 228-3180, +63 83 228-8637 - DSWD Field Office CARAGA
R. Palma St. Butuan City
Phone: +63 85 346-0113, +63 85 815-9173 - DSWD Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
40 North Drive, Baguio City
Phone: +63 74 444-3209, +63 74 444-3262, +63 74 442-7917
You must apply at the DSWD Field Office that has jurisdiction over the minor. If the minor lives in Region IV, apply in Alabang. If the minor resides in Metro Manila, apply in Sampaloc, Manila.
They started implementing this policy in January 2018. Prior to this, applicants could apply at any field office, even if the minor doesn’t reside in their region. But that’s not the case anymore. You must apply at the designated DSWD Field Office now.
3. Submit the requirements at the DSWD Field Office and wait for your clearance.
Here’s the step-by-step process that you will go through once you are at the DSWD office. The process below details my experience applying at the Alabang office, but according to the DSWD website, the process at all branches are almost the same.
- Tell the Security Guard that you’re there for Travel Clearance. Ask for a Sequence Number.
- Register in the logbook while waiting for your number to be called.
- When your number is called, submit all the requirements to the Social Worker for the initial screening. He/she will check if the requirements are complete and authentic.
- If all your documents are okay, the Social Worker will interview you and assess the application. He/she will ask a few questions about your relationship with the minor, the purpose of the trip, and why the parents can’t be with the minor, among others.
- If the Social Worker is satisfied, your application will now be processed and the clearance will be prepared.
- Pay processing fee:
– P300 for travel clearance with validity of 1 year
– P600 for travel clearance with validity of 2 years - Return at the time of release. Ask any of the processing staff what time you can expect the clearance to be issued. At the Alabang office, it works this way:
Don’t forget to check the clearance card before you leave the DSWD Office. Make sure the validity of the clearance and the name spellings are correct.
Reminder: After assessment, DSWD may require additional documents aside from those listed above, so make sure you apply early and NOT too close to the travel dates so you have time to secure them.
DSWD CLEARANCE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it possible to apply for a DSWD Clearance online?
Yes. DSWD has recently launched its e-services website, which allows application for a DSWD Travel Clearance online. However, as of this writing, it is only available at Field Offices NCR, VII and XI. Also, a personal interview will still be required so you will have to appear at their office at some point.
The online service hasn’t rolled out in our region (Region IV), so I haven’t tried this yet.
More info here.
When should I apply for a DSWD Clearance?
If you think you have complete requirements, best practice is at least a month before the travel dates. This way, you would still have enough time to resend documents that you forget or to fix anything that goes wrong.
How long does it take to get a DSWD Clearance?
In most cases, one day. If you have all the requirements and you come early, you will get it on the same day that you applied. It takes only a few hours.
HOWEVER, if you arrive in the late afternoon (past 3pm), you will have to return the next day. You can still have it processed but you will get the clearance the next working day. At least, that’s how it is at the DSWD Field Office IV-A in Alabang. I applied here because the kids’ address are in Batangas.
Does the minor have to be with me when I apply?
No. Just make sure you have all the requirements.
I have applied 3 times now and the minors were never with me.
Should the parent be the one to apply?
No. Although it would be best that the person who would apply knows the minor and the details of the trip really well and can spot any clerical error in the clearance. (Happened to me twice.)
I found an error in the Travel Clearance. What should I do?
Happened to me twice!
Simply tell the social worker or anyone in charge. They can correct it or replace it with a new one immediately.
How much should I pay for the DSWD Clearance?
Processing Fee:
P300 for travel clearance with validity of 1 year
P600 for travel clearance with validity of 2 years
I’m applying for a DSWD Clearance, a visa and a passport for the child. What should I work on first?
The DSWD Clearance first. You can’t apply for a passport for a minor without the DSWD Clearance.
Then work on the passport because you can’t apply for a visa without the passport.
In summary: DSWD Clearance, then Passport, then Visa.
Do you have a sample Affidavit of Consent?
Yes, you can find a sample Affidavit of Consent to Travel here: Sample Affidavit of Consent.
Where can I find more info about DSWD Travel Clearance?
Although we try to try to update this post regularly, it would still be best to visit the DSWD website or call their office to make sure that there are no changes to this list of requirements.
You may visit the official DSWD website, call the numbers indicated on the list of offices above, or tweet @DSWDserves.
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