For Filipino families and guardians, international travel involving minors involves more than just booking flights and securing passports. In the Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) oversees strict regulations to protect children from trafficking and exploitation.

A critical component of this protection is the DSWD Travel Clearance. Understanding when this document is legally required is essential to avoid being offloaded at the Bureau of Immigration.

What is a DSWD Travel Clearance?

A DSWD Travel Clearance is a certificate issued by the Department to a Filipino minor (a person under 18 years of age) traveling abroad. It serves as an official verification that the minor has been authorized by their parents or legal guardians to travel, and that the travel is not for illegal purposes.

When is a Travel Clearance Required?

The requirement for a clearance depends primarily on who is accompanying the minor during the trip. Under Philippine law (specifically RA 7610 and its implementing rules), a clearance is required in the following scenarios:

1. Traveling Alone

Any Filipino minor traveling abroad without a companion must secure a DSWD Travel Clearance.

2. Traveling with Someone Other Than a Parent

If the minor is traveling with an adult who is not their biological mother or father, a clearance is mandatory. This applies even if the companion is:

A grandparent, aunt, or uncle.
An older sibling (even if of legal age).
A legal guardian (unless they have court-appointed documents specifically allowing travel).
A family friend or school representative.

3. Illegitimate Minors Traveling with the Father

In the Philippines, parental authority over an illegitimate child (one born outside a valid marriage) rests solely with the mother. Therefore, if an illegitimate minor travels with their biological father without the mother, a DSWD Travel Clearance is required, unless the father has obtained a court order granting him legal custody.

When is a Travel Clearance NOT Required?

There are specific exemptions where a clearance is not legally necessary:

Traveling with Both Parents: No clearance is needed if both parents are present.
Traveling with Either Parent: If the child is legitimate, they may travel with either the mother or the father without a DSWD clearance.
Minors with Foreign Passports: A minor who holds a foreign passport and is not considered a Filipino citizen is generally exempt.
Minors Residing Abroad: Minors who hold a valid permanent resident visa or equivalent in another country (and are merely visiting the Philippines) usually do not need a clearance, provided they present proof of residency (e.g., a Green Card or PR Card).
Adopted Children Traveling with Adoptive Parents: If the adoption is legal and finalized, and the minor is traveling with the adoptive parents named in the amended birth certificate.

Key Documentary Requirements

To apply for the clearance, the DSWD typically requires the following (though specific regional offices may have variations):

Application Form: Duly accomplished and notarized.
Birth Certificate: PSA-issued copy of the minor’s birth certificate.
Consent: A notarized affidavit of support and consent from the parents (or the parent with legal custody).
Identification: Photocopies of the parents' and the travel companion's passports.
Photos: Recent passport-sized photos of the minor.
Itinerary: Flight details and destination address.

Validity of the Clearance

A DSWD Travel Clearance is typically valid for one (1) year or two (2) years from the date of issuance, depending on the application. It can be used for multiple travels within that period, provided the conditions of the travel (such as the companion) remain the same.

Legal Note: Always ensure the clearance is obtained at least two weeks before the scheduled flight. The Bureau of Immigration is very strict; a missing clearance is one of the most common reasons Filipino minors are denied departure at the airport.

Would you like me to provide a detailed checklist of the specific documents required for an illegitimate child traveling with a guardian?