Do Minors Need a DSWD Travel Clearance for Domestic Flights in the Philippines?

Short answer

No. A DSWD Travel Clearance is not required for domestic travel within the Philippines. It is a document issued only for minors traveling abroad in specific circumstances. That said, airlines, airport security, and anti-trafficking authorities may ask for proof of identity, age, relationship, and parental consent when a child flies within the country—especially if the child is traveling without both parents. Bring the right documents to avoid delays.

The legal framework at a glance

Parental authority and responsibility. Under the Family Code, parents have parental authority over their unemancipated children and may delegate custody and travel to another adult by consent/authorization.
Child protection and anti-trafficking. Laws such as RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination) and RA 9208, as amended (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), empower authorities to verify that a child’s domestic travel is legitimate and safe. These laws do not create a DSWD “domestic travel clearance,” but they justify checks at airports and terminals.
DSWD Travel Clearance (what it really is). Issued under DSWD administrative issuances, the clearance is for minors traveling abroad who are (a) unaccompanied, or (b) accompanied by someone other than a parent or legal guardian, and in certain cases involving illegitimate children traveling with a biological father. By design, it does not cover domestic travel.

Domestic flights: what is (and isn’t) required

Not required

DSWD Travel Clearance – never required for purely domestic flights (e.g., Manila–Cebu, Davao–Iloilo).

Commonly required or requested

While there is no single nationwide checklist, in practice expect some or all of the following when a minor flies within the Philippines:

Proof of identity and age of the minor
- PSA birth certificate (or a clear photocopy) and/or
- Valid school ID or other government-recognized ID (if available).
Proof of the accompanying adult’s identity
- Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, UMID, etc.).
Proof of relationship to the child (when surnames differ or the adult is not a parent)
- Birth certificate naming the parent who issued consent.
- Marriage certificate (for step-parent surname issues).
- Adoption decree, amended birth certificate, or guardianship/placement papers (for adoptive, foster, or court-appointed guardians).
Parental consent/authorization (if the child is not traveling with both parents)
- A signed authorization letter from at least one parent with contact number.
- For higher-risk scenarios, consider notarized consent. (Not legally mandated nationwide, but it reduces questions at checkpoints.)
Itinerary and contact details
- Printed e-ticket/booking, address where the child will stay, and emergency contact.

Tip: If only one parent is present at the airport (or the child is traveling with a relative or family friend), have a clear, signed consent letter and a photocopy of the consenting parent’s ID. If the child’s surname differs from the accompanying adult’s, include an explanation in the letter.

Special domestic scenarios

A. Minor traveling with one parent

Generally straightforward: bring IDs and the child’s birth certificate.
If the child is illegitimate (mother has sole parental authority), and the child is traveling with the father domestically, carry proof of the parents’ arrangement and a consent letter from the mother to avoid delays.

B. Minor traveling with a relative or family friend

Prepare a parental authorization letter (ideally notarized if travel involves multiple legs or sensitive routes), photocopies of parent’s valid ID, and the child’s birth certificate.

C. Adopted, foster, or guardianship cases

Bring the adoption decree and amended birth certificate; for foster care, the foster placement authority; for guardians, the court order.
These papers substitute for “proof of relationship” and help satisfy anti-trafficking checks.

D. Parents separated or with custody arrangements

If there is a court order on custody or travel restrictions, carry a copy.
Absent a contrary order, either parent may ordinarily authorize domestic travel; a specific written consent is prudent if the child travels with a non-parent.

E. Children with different surnames from the accompanying adult

Expect more questions. Carry documents tying the child to the consenting parent (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate), and a clear consent letter.

What airlines and authorities actually check

Airlines run their own unaccompanied minor (UM) policies (age thresholds, forms, fees, and escort rules). These are contractual (conditions of carriage), not laws. Some accept UMs starting at around age 7–12 with restrictions; below that, no unaccompanied travel is typical. Check the specific carrier’s UM policy and bring any required UM forms.
Airport security and IACAT/DSWD desks may conduct brief interviews and request documents to ensure the trip is legitimate and not trafficking-related. Cooperation and complete paperwork usually resolve checks quickly.

Practical document checklist (domestic)

Always bring (originals or clear copies):

Minor’s PSA birth certificate (or school ID, if any).
Accompanying adult’s government ID.
Consent/authorization letter from a parent if the child is not with both parents (include travel dates, destination, flight details, adult’s name, and contact number).
Supporting documents for special cases (adoption decree, guardianship order, foster placement, marriage certificate for step-parent context).
E-ticket/itinerary and emergency contact numbers.

Format for a simple consent letter: “I, [Parent’s Name], parent of [Child’s Full Name, birthday], authorize [Accompanying Adult’s Full Name, ID no.] to accompany my child on Flight [Number] from [City] to [City] on [Date] and return on [Date]. You may contact me at [Mobile] / [Email].” Attach: Parent’s ID (photocopy), child’s birth certificate (photocopy).

Frequently asked questions

1) Is there any domestic situation that triggers a DSWD Travel Clearance? No. The DSWD travel clearance regime addresses foreign travel. For domestic flights, authorities rely on IDs, proof of relationship, and consent—not a DSWD clearance.

2) Can an airline refuse boarding even if I have IDs? Yes, if its UM policy or conditions of carriage are not met (e.g., child below the minimum age to travel unaccompanied, missing UM forms, or no responsible adult at drop-off/pick-up). This is separate from legal “clearance” rules.

3) Will immigration officers question us on a domestic flight? You’ll encounter airport security and possibly IACAT/DSWD personnel (particularly on routes known for child trafficking). They may ask questions and request documents. Cooperate and present your papers.

4) Do I need the other parent’s consent if I’m the mother of an illegitimate child? Under the Family Code and jurisprudence, the mother has sole parental authority over an illegitimate child, but practical travel checks go smoother if you carry documents proving filiation and, when the child travels with someone else (including the father), a consent letter from the mother.

5) What about infants? Infants are still minors. Bring the birth certificate (even a photocopy) and comply with airline infant policies (e.g., lap infant age, fees, and required ID).

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Different surnames, no documents. Solution: carry the birth certificate and a consent letter.
Relying on digital photos of IDs only. Some staff still prefer physical copies; bring printed copies.
Assuming a “notarized consent” is mandatory. It is not a legal nationwide requirement, but notarization helps in higher-risk or complex cases.
Overlooking airline UM rules. Even if the law does not require a clearance, the airline’s policy can still bar boarding.

Bottom line

For domestic flights within the Philippines, a DSWD Travel Clearance is not required for minors. To ensure a smooth trip, focus on the right supporting documents: proof of the child’s identity and age, proof of relationship, and parental consent when traveling without both parents—plus any special papers for adoption, foster care, or guardianship. Align with your airline’s unaccompanied minor procedures, and you’ll be set.