If you are a parent whose minor child is set to travel abroad with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or another relative—or if you are that relative helping organize the trip—you have likely searched for information on the Affidavit of Support because Philippine authorities require specific documentation to protect children leaving the country. This affidavit forms a central part of the process for obtaining the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Travel Clearance when a Filipino minor travels without both parents or a legal guardian. In this article, we explain what the affidavit is, the exact legal requirements when a relative is involved, how to prepare it correctly, the full step-by-step process for the travel clearance, required documents, common family situations, and practical answers to questions people actually ask.

What Is the Affidavit of Support and Consent for Minor Travel Abroad?

The Affidavit of Support and Consent (sometimes called Affidavit of Consent and Support or Parental Travel Permit) is a notarized sworn statement executed primarily by the minor’s parent(s) or legal guardian. It does two essential things: it gives explicit permission for the child to travel abroad and guarantees that the parents or designated sponsor will cover all financial needs during the trip and stay, ensuring the minor will not become a public charge or burden on any foreign authority.

When the traveling companion is a relative other than a parent or court-appointed guardian—such as a grandmother taking her grandchild on vacation, an aunt accompanying a niece for medical treatment, or an uncle bringing a nephew to visit family abroad—the affidavit must specifically identify that relative by full name and exact relationship to the child. It must also detail the purpose of travel, exact dates, destination, length of stay, and who will care for the minor overseas. This document is not a generic permission slip; DSWD reviewers and Bureau of Immigration officers examine it for specificity and truthfulness.

A separate but related Affidavit of Support may be required from the actual financial sponsor (who could be one of the parents or the relative paying for the trip), supported by proof of income or funds. These affidavits work together to demonstrate both consent and capacity to support the child.

Legal Basis Under Philippine Law

Several laws and regulations require this documentation to safeguard minors:

Republic Act No. 8239 (Philippine Passport Act of 1996) requires parental or guardian consent and support documentation for minors applying for or using Philippine passports.
Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) places the State’s duty to protect children from all forms of harm, including during international travel.
Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), strengthens measures against the trafficking of minors, which is why DSWD clearance exists for unaccompanied or relatively accompanied travel.
The Family Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209, as amended) establishes parental authority and the obligation of parents to decide on matters affecting their minor children’s welfare, including travel. Decisions must always serve the child’s best interest.

DSWD implements these laws through its guidelines on Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA). The resulting Travel Clearance (now often issued in digitized “Blue Card” format) verifies that proper safeguards are in place before the minor leaves Philippine soil. Bureau of Immigration officers at airports enforce the requirement.

When Is This Affidavit Required for Travel with a Relative?

You need the Affidavit of Support and Consent plus the DSWD Travel Clearance in these common situations:

The minor (under 18) is traveling with a relative who is not a parent or legal guardian, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult sibling, or cousin.
The minor is traveling alone, even if a relative will meet and care for them at the destination.
The minor is applying for or renewing a Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) without a parent or guardian present.

It is generally not required if the minor travels with both parents (or both legal guardians with custody). Travel with only one parent usually does not trigger the DSWD clearance, though the absent parent’s consent affidavit may still be requested by airlines, foreign embassies for visas, or the DFA for passport matters.

The rules apply to Filipino minors using Philippine passports departing from the Philippines, regardless of whether the relative companion is Filipino or foreign.

Preparing the Affidavit: Key Elements and Practical Tips

Use or closely follow the standard format available from DSWD field offices or the MTA portal. The affidavit must be in English or Filipino, detailed, and truthful. Core contents include:

Full personal details of the parent(s) or guardian (name, age, civil status, nationality, complete address, contact number).
Full details of the minor (name, age, date of birth, address, and status as legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted).
Exact travel information: destination country, purpose (e.g., “summer vacation and family visit with paternal grandmother”), inclusive dates, duration of stay, and flight details if known.
Complete name and relationship of the traveling companion/relative (e.g., “Maria Santos Reyes, paternal grandmother”).
Statement of who will supervise and care for the minor abroad.
Clear consent clause: the parent(s) give full consent for the child to travel with the named relative.
Financial guarantee: the affiant(s) personally guarantee support for travel, accommodation, food, medical care, and all other expenses, and affirm the child will not become a public ward.
Reason the parent(s) cannot accompany (work, health, or other legitimate reasons).
Declaration that the statements are true and that misrepresentation carries civil and criminal liability.
Date and place of signing, signatures of the parent(s)/guardian, and full notarization details (notary public name, commission number, doc. no., page no., book no., seal).

Notarization rules: The document must be notarized by a Philippine notary public. Bring original valid government-issued IDs (passport, driver’s license, UMID, etc.) of all signatories. If both parents are executing it, both should sign in the presence of the notary. Make several original copies—DSWD usually keeps one, and you may need extras for DFA or other uses.

If parents are abroad: The affidavit must be executed and authenticated before a Philippine consular officer at the nearest Embassy or Consulate General. Foreign notarization alone is usually insufficient; consular notarization or proper authentication is required.

When the relative is also the sponsor: Have that relative execute a separate Affidavit of Support stating they will shoulder the expenses, accompanied by their Certificate of Employment, latest Income Tax Return, bank certification, or other proof of financial capacity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing DSWD Travel Clearance

Confirm the requirement applies (companion is not a parent or legal guardian).
Gather all personal, travel, and financial details. Decide who will act as sponsor.
Prepare and notarize the Affidavit of Support and Consent (and sponsor’s affidavit if separate). If parents are overseas, complete consular notarization first.
Obtain QR-coded PSA documents: Birth Certificate of the minor, Marriage Certificate of the parents (if applicable), and Death Certificate if a parent has passed.
Prepare proof of financial capacity and IDs.
Apply online through the official Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) portal at mta.dswd.gov.ph. Create an account, complete the form (including companion details), upload clear scanned copies of all documents, and pay the fee.
Wait for DSWD review and approval (maximum of three working days for complete applications).
Download the digitized Travel Clearance once issued.
At departure: Present the clearance (digital or printed), minor’s passport, companion’s passport or valid ID, tickets, and any supporting letters or proofs to Bureau of Immigration officers. Airlines may also request to see the documents before boarding.

Apply as early as possible—ideally several weeks before travel, especially if consular services or additional court documents are involved.

Required Documents Checklist

For almost all cases involving a relative companion:

Completed online MTA application
QR-coded PSA Birth Certificate of the minor
Notarized Affidavit of Support and Consent from parent(s)/guardian (naming the specific relative)
Proof of sponsor’s financial capacity (ITR, Certificate of Employment, bank statement/certification, or equivalent)
Valid ID or passport of parent(s)/guardian showing signature
Passport or valid government ID of the traveling relative/companion

Additional documents depending on family situation:

QR-coded PSA Marriage Certificate of parents or court order on legal guardianship/solo parenting
QR-coded Death Certificate of deceased parent(s)
Solo Parent ID (if applicable)
Separate notarized Affidavit of Support from the relative sponsor + their financial proofs (when sponsor differs from parents)
Court documents establishing parental authority or custody (in separation or guardianship cases)
For parents abroad: Consularized affidavit instead of local notarization

Proof of relationship between minor and companion (PSA certificates) is often helpful though not always strictly mandatory for close relatives. Non-relative companions require an additional Notarized Affidavit of Undertaking.

Common Challenges and Real-Life Scenarios

Families frequently encounter these issues:

Vague affidavits — “Travel with relative for vacation” without naming the person, dates, or care arrangements leads to rejection. Always be specific and consistent with tickets and other documents.
Separated or uncooperative parents — Both parents of a legitimate child are generally expected to consent. Provide court orders on custody or parental authority if one parent has sole decision-making rights. DSWD assesses based on the child’s best interest.
Parents or sponsor living abroad — Consular notarization adds time. Schedule appointments early and send clear scanned copies of supporting documents.
Modest family income but relative sponsor abroad — Combine the parents’ consent affidavit with the relative’s strong financial proofs. This is common and acceptable when properly documented.
Illegitimate children — The mother usually executes the affidavit; the father participates if he has acknowledged the child and shares parental authority.
Last-minute travel — Processing and notarization take time. Airlines and immigration will not make exceptions for missing clearance.

In every case, completeness and honesty prevent delays. DSWD social workers reviewing applications prioritize the minor’s welfare and safety.

Timelines, Fees, and Government Offices Involved

The process now uses the online HELPS-MTA system at mta.dswd.gov.ph, with centralized processing in many cases.

Processing time: Up to three (3) working days after complete submission and payment.
DSWD fee: Php 300 per minor for the Travel Clearance.
Other typical costs: Notarization (Php 150–600 depending on location and number of documents), PSA certificates (approximately Php 155–365 each), and any consular fees abroad.
Main offices: Start online at mta.dswd.gov.ph. For questions or complex cases, contact your local DSWD Field Office or use the portal’s support channels. Philippine Embassies and Consulates handle consular notarization abroad. Bureau of Immigration enforces the clearance at ports of exit. DFA handles related passport requirements.

The clearance is generally valid for the specific trip or period indicated on the document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a DSWD Travel Clearance if my child is traveling with their grandmother or aunt?
Yes. When the companion is a relative other than a parent or legal guardian, the minor requires the DSWD Travel Clearance. Parents must execute a notarized Affidavit of Support and Consent that specifically names the grandmother or aunt, states the relationship, and details the trip.

Can one affidavit cover two children traveling together with the same relative?
Usually not. Each minor generally needs their own application and supporting documents, although the same companion details can appear in both affidavits. Confirm with the MTA portal for your specific case.

What if one parent refuses to sign or cannot be located?
Both parents are typically required for legitimate children. DSWD may request additional explanation, proof of attempts to obtain consent, or court documents on custody. Complex cases are decided based on the child’s best interest. Consulting a family lawyer or the handling DSWD social worker helps clarify options.

Is the affidavit needed for DFA passport application the same as for DSWD?
It serves the same core purpose and can often be the same or very similar document. DFA requires an Affidavit of Support and Consent when a minor applies without a parent or guardian present. Check current DFA requirements, as formats may vary slightly.

How much does the entire process usually cost?
Budget Php 300 for the DSWD fee, plus notarization, PSA documents, and financial proofs. A typical straightforward case in the Philippines runs Php 1,500–4,000 total, excluding travel costs. Consular processing abroad adds extra fees and time.

Does the relative traveling with the child need to sign anything?
For close blood relatives, the parents’ affidavit is usually sufficient. The companion simply presents valid ID or passport. Non-relatives (family friends or others) must submit a separate Notarized Affidavit of Undertaking.

What happens if we travel without the clearance?
You risk denial of boarding by the airline or refusal of exit by Bureau of Immigration officers. Complete the process before booking or at least well before departure.

If the relative abroad is paying for the trip, do they sign the affidavit?
Yes. The sponsoring relative should execute a separate Affidavit of Support with attached proof of financial capacity, while the parents provide the consent affidavit. Both documents strengthen the application.

Are there extra steps when the traveling relative is a foreigner?
The requirements for the Filipino minor remain the same. The foreign relative’s valid passport (and any required visa for the destination) will be checked. Proof of family relationship through marriage or other certificates can help establish the legitimacy of the arrangement.

How long is the Travel Clearance valid?
It is typically issued for the specific trip and dates indicated in your application. It is not a multi-trip or open-ended permit. New applications are required for future travel.

Key Takeaways

The Affidavit of Support and Consent from the minor’s parent(s) or legal guardian is mandatory when a Filipino minor travels abroad with a relative who is not a parent or legal guardian. It provides both consent and a financial guarantee.
This affidavit supports the DSWD Travel Clearance application through the online MTA system, fulfilling requirements under RA 8239, RA 7610, RA 9208/10364, and the Family Code to protect children from exploitation and trafficking.
Make the affidavit detailed and specific: name the exact relative companion, travel dates, purpose, and care arrangements. Notarize it locally or have it consularized if parents are abroad.
Collect strong financial proofs from whoever is sponsoring the trip and all required PSA civil registry documents.
Apply early via mta.dswd.gov.ph. Processing is generally completed within three working days once documents are complete, with a fee of Php 300 per child.
Special situations—solo parenting, separation, parents abroad, or complex family structures—are manageable with proper documentation focused on the child’s welfare.
Proper preparation ensures smooth passage through Philippine immigration and gives families confidence that the minor’s travel with their relative is fully authorized and supported.

This process exists to keep children safe. Taking the time to prepare accurate documents protects your family and respects the legal safeguards in place for minors traveling from the Philippines.