An Affidavit of Support and Sponsorship for Travel is usually prepared when another person will pay for a traveler’s airfare, accommodation, daily expenses, or other costs. For Filipinos leaving the Philippines, the document is commonly called an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee, or an Affidavit of Support and Undertaking. Proper notarization matters, but the correct process depends on where the sponsor is located, where the affidavit will be used, and whether the receiving authority requires notarization, consular notarization, or an apostille.

Most importantly, a notarized affidavit does not guarantee visa approval or clearance at Philippine immigration. It is supporting evidence. Visa officers and Bureau of Immigration officers may still examine the traveler’s purpose, financial circumstances, itinerary, relationship with the sponsor, and overall credibility.

What Is an Affidavit of Support and Sponsorship?

An affidavit is a written statement made under oath. The person signing it is called the affiant. In a travel sponsorship affidavit, the affiant usually declares that he or she will provide some or all of the traveler’s expenses and, where applicable, accommodation during the trip.

Depending on the purpose, the document may be called:

Affidavit of Support
Affidavit of Support and Guarantee
Affidavit of Support and Undertaking
Affidavit of Support and Sponsorship
Affidavit of Support and Consent to Travel, particularly for minors
Letter of Invitation with Financial Undertaking

The title is less important than the contents and the requirements of the authority receiving it. A foreign embassy may have its own sponsorship form. A Philippine Embassy or Consulate may also publish a prescribed AOSG template for sponsors residing within its jurisdiction.

A privately prepared sponsorship letter is not automatically an affidavit. It becomes an affidavit only when the sponsor swears to or affirms its contents before an authorized notary or consular officer.

When Is a Notarized Affidavit of Support Needed?

A notarized affidavit may be requested or useful in several situations:

A Filipino tourist is financially sponsored by a relative living abroad.
A parent, sibling, spouse, partner, or friend will pay for the trip.
The traveler is unemployed, newly employed, a student, or otherwise unable to show sufficient personal funds.
A foreign embassy requires proof of sponsorship for a visa application.
The traveler will stay at the sponsor’s home rather than in a hotel.
A minor will travel without both parents.
Philippine immigration refers a sponsored traveler for secondary inspection.
The destination country requires an invitation, undertaking, or guarantee from a resident sponsor.

For Filipino tourists, the basic documents identified in DOJ Memorandum Circular No. 036, series of 2015 are a valid passport, a visa when required, and a round-trip or return ticket. Additional documents may be examined during secondary inspection, particularly when another person is sponsoring the trip.

The guidelines form part of the Philippine government’s measures against trafficking and illegal recruitment under Republic Act No. 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by RA 10364 in 2013 and further amended by RA 11862 in 2022.

What Philippine Immigration Looks for in a Sponsored Trip

Under the 2015 departure guidelines, immigration officers may consider the traveler’s age, educational background, financial capacity, travel history, declared purpose, and destination. For a sponsor-based trip, the affidavit may be examined together with proof of the sponsor’s identity, legal status, financial capacity, contact details, and relationship to the traveler.

Where the sponsor lives in the destination country, the guidelines refer to an Affidavit of Support and Undertaking authenticated by a Philippine Embassy or Consulate. For a relative sponsor, the document should ordinarily show:

The relationship between the sponsor and traveler
The sponsor’s financial capacity
The sponsor’s legal immigration or residence status
The sponsor’s complete contact information

The guidelines refer to relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity. This generally includes parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and first cousins, as well as certain relatives by marriage.

The guidelines also recognize sponsorship by another person or by a legal entity, provided the affidavit and supporting documents adequately establish the sponsor’s identity, finances, legal status, contact information, and, for a company or organization, registration and authority documents.

A local sponsor in the Philippines

When a local sponsor travels with the passenger, the 2015 guidelines specifically refer to a notarized undertaking containing the sponsor’s financial capacity, reason for sponsorship, address and contact information, and an undertaking that the trip is for tourism and that the passenger will return after the tour.

The situation is less clear when the local sponsor is not traveling. In a 2024 Freedom of Information response, the Bureau of Immigration explained that the guidelines do not provide a specific rule for Filipino passengers sponsored by someone who remains in the Philippines. BI further stated that a notarized affidavit or sponsorship letter is not, by itself, decisive because departure is based on the totality of the circumstances. (www.foi.gov.ph)

A local affidavit may nevertheless help explain who is paying, why the sponsor is paying, and how the trip will be funded.

What the Affidavit Should Contain

A useful travel sponsorship affidavit should be specific enough to be verified. It should normally state:

The sponsor’s information
- Complete legal name
- Citizenship
- Civil status
- Residential address
- Passport or government ID details
- Employment, business, or source of income
- Immigration or residence status if living abroad
The traveler’s information
- Complete name exactly as shown in the passport
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Address
- Relationship to the sponsor
Trip details
- Destination country or countries
- Intended departure and return dates
- Purpose of travel
- Planned accommodation
- Basic itinerary, where available
Scope of financial support
- Airfare
- Accommodation
- Meals and daily expenses
- Local transportation
- Travel insurance
- Emergency and medical expenses, if applicable
The sponsor’s undertaking
- That the information is true
- That the stated financial support will be provided
- That the trip is temporary where the traveler is applying as a visitor
- That the traveler will not be employed illegally
- That the sponsor may be contacted for verification
A proper jurat
- Place and date of notarization
- Identification presented
- Signature and seal of the notary or consular officer
- Notarial commission details where notarized in the Philippines

Avoid vague wording such as “I will support the traveler as necessary.” State exactly which expenses the sponsor will cover and the approximate duration of the support.

How to Notarize an Affidavit of Support in the Philippines

The 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, issued as A.M. No. 02-8-13-SC, govern ordinary notarization in the Philippines. For an affidavit, the proper notarial act is generally a jurat. In a jurat, the affiant personally appears, signs in the notary’s presence, and takes an oath or affirmation that the contents are true. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Step-by-step process

Prepare the affidavit but do not sign it yet.

The document should be complete, with no unexplained blank spaces. A notary should not notarize a blank or incomplete document.
Check all names and passport details.

The traveler’s and sponsor’s names should match their passports. Correct differences in spelling, middle names, dates, and passport numbers before notarization.
Gather the supporting documents.

Bring the original and photocopies of:
- Sponsor’s valid passport or government-issued photo ID
- Traveler’s passport bio page
- Birth or marriage certificates establishing the relationship
- Employment certificate, payslips, business papers, bank certificate, tax return, or other proof of finances
- Itinerary, invitation, accommodation details, and visa documents where available
Go to a duly commissioned notary public.

Not every lawyer is automatically a notary. The lawyer must have a valid notarial commission for the city or province where the notarization takes place.
Appear personally before the notary.

The sponsor must normally be physically present. Sending a signed affidavit through a messenger, relative, travel agency, or document processor is not proper notarization.
Present competent proof of identity.

Use a current government-issued ID containing a photograph and signature, such as a passport, driver’s license, Philippine Identification Card, PRC ID, or another acceptable official ID. A cedula without a photograph is generally not the safest identification to rely on.
Sign and take the oath before the notary.

The notary should confirm that the sponsor understands the affidavit and is signing voluntarily.
Review the completed jurat.

Confirm that it states the correct place and date, the ID presented, and the notary’s commission, roll, PTR, IBP, and office details where required.

The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that notarization is not an empty formality. In Ladrera v. Osorio, A.C. No. 10315, January 22, 2020, a lawyer was disciplined for notarizing documents without the parties’ proper personal appearance and identification. (Lawphil)

Typical cost and processing time

A straightforward affidavit can often be notarized on the same day when the document and identification are complete. Fees vary according to locality, document length, number of originals, and whether the lawyer must draft or revise the affidavit.

Ask whether the quoted amount covers:

Legal drafting
Notarization
Additional original copies
Photocopying
Certificates or supporting attachments

Do not choose a notary merely because someone offers notarization without personal appearance. That shortcut may make the affidavit unreliable and may expose both the signatory and notary to legal consequences.

How to Notarize the Affidavit When the Sponsor Is Abroad

A sponsor abroad usually has two possible routes. The correct route depends on the country and the instructions of the Philippine Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over the sponsor’s residence.

Option 1: Sign before a Philippine Embassy or Consulate

Many Philippine foreign service posts provide consular notarization. The sponsor usually must:

Download or prepare the prescribed affidavit.
Obtain an appointment if required.
Leave the affidavit unsigned.
Appear personally before the consular officer.
Present a valid passport and proof of legal residence.
Submit the traveler’s passport copy.
Submit proof of relationship and financial capacity.
Pay the consular fee.
Collect the original or arrange its return by mail or courier.

Requirements differ significantly by post. For example, the Philippine Embassy in Berlin requests the affidavit, passport copies, proof of relationship, proof of the sponsor’s finances, and other supporting documents. It lists regular processing of approximately five working days and an express option of two working days for personal applicants, subject to its current fees and procedures. (philippine-embassy.de)

The Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya requires personal appearance for notarial services and, for an Affidavit of Support or Guarantee, requests copies of the invited traveler’s passport. Its published processing time is approximately seven working days, although procedures and fees can change. (nagoyapcg.dfa.gov.ph)

Option 2: Use a local notary and obtain an apostille or legalization

Since the Philippines became a party to the Apostille Convention in 2019, a public document from another contracting country can generally be used in the Philippines after it has been apostilled by the competent authority of that country. Embassy legalization is normally unnecessary for an apostilled document covered by the Convention. (Philippine Embassy in New Delhi)

The usual process is:

Sign the affidavit before a local notary or authorized officer.
Have the notary’s signature or certificate apostilled by the country’s competent authority.
Obtain an English translation if the affidavit or apostille is in another language.
Send the original or verifiable electronic apostille to the traveler.

For countries that are not parties to the Apostille Convention, the document may require local authentication, foreign ministry certification, and legalization or authentication by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

Consular practices are not uniform. Some Philippine posts offer direct notarization, while others instruct applicants to use local notarization and apostille. Some posts also restrict direct consular notarization for non-Filipino signatories. A foreign sponsor should therefore follow the current instructions of the Philippine post covering the sponsor’s place of residence. (Philippine Embassy in New Delhi)

Does a Philippine-Notarized Affidavit Need a DFA Apostille?

It depends on where the document will be used.

Intended use	Is a DFA Apostille normally needed?
Presentation to Philippine immigration at a Philippine airport	Usually no
Domestic travel-agency or private transaction in the Philippines	Usually no
Submission to a foreign embassy in the Philippines	Depends on the embassy’s requirements
Submission to an authority or person abroad	Often yes
Use in a country that is not an Apostille Convention member	Embassy legalization may be required instead

For a Philippine-notarized private document that will be apostilled, the usual supporting requirement is a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act, commonly called a CANA, from the Regional Trial Court Executive Judge or appropriate court office supervising the notary. The affidavit and CANA can then be submitted through the DFA Apostille system. (Apostille Philippines)

An apostille authenticates the origin of the public document, such as the signature and authority of the notary. It does not prove that every factual statement in the affidavit is true.

Supporting Documents to Attach

Notarization proves that the sponsor personally swore to the affidavit. It does not prove financial capacity or relationship. Attach documents that support the statements made.

Information to prove	Useful supporting documents
Sponsor’s identity	Passport, national ID, residence card
Sponsor’s legal status abroad	Visa, residence permit, citizenship or permanent-residence document
Relationship	PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, family registry
Employment	Certificate of employment, contract, recent payslips
Business income	Business registration, tax records, financial statements
Financial capacity	Bank certificate, bank statements, tax return
Accommodation	Lease, property document, hotel reservation, invitation
Trip details	Flight booking, itinerary, travel insurance
Traveler’s circumstances	Employment certificate, approved leave, school enrollment, business papers

Bank statements should be recent and consistent with the sponsor’s stated income. A large unexplained deposit shortly before the visa application or trip can raise more questions than it answers.

Common Mistakes That Cause Problems

Signing before meeting the notary

For a jurat, the sponsor should sign in the presence of the notary or consular officer. A previously signed affidavit may need to be reprinted and signed again.

Using a generic internet template

A generic template may omit the sponsor’s legal status, trip dates, relationship, accommodation, or exact financial commitment. Use the receiving embassy’s or consulate’s form whenever one is prescribed.

Treating notarization as proof of funds

A notary does not verify that the sponsor actually has the money stated. Financial documents must still be submitted.

Presenting inconsistent information

Problems arise when the affidavit states one travel date, the ticket shows another, and the visa application contains a third. The sponsor’s address and telephone number should also match the supporting records.

Believing the affidavit guarantees departure

The German Embassy’s Philippine AOSG guidance expressly notes that the Philippine Embassy’s role is limited to handling the affidavit; the decision to allow a Filipino tourist to depart belongs to Bureau of Immigration officers. (philippine-embassy.de)

Using the affidavit to conceal overseas employment

A tourist affidavit should never be used when the traveler’s true intention is to work. Misrepresenting the purpose of travel may lead to deferred departure, visa consequences, trafficking investigation, or other legal problems.

Making false sworn statements

False material statements in a sworn affidavit may expose the affiant to prosecution for perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 11594, apart from possible liability for falsification, fraud, or immigration violations depending on the circumstances.

Forgetting the separate rules for minors

An Affidavit of Support and Consent does not automatically replace a DSWD travel clearance when a Filipino minor is traveling alone or with a person other than the required parent or legal guardian. The 2015 departure guidelines expressly identify minors without the required DSWD clearance as subject to secondary inspection.

Practical Timeline Before the Trip

Begin preparing the affidavit well before the flight, particularly when the sponsor is abroad.

Process	Practical preparation period
Drafting and notarization in the Philippines	One to three working days
Obtaining relationship and financial records	Several days to two weeks
Consular appointment abroad	Depends on appointment availability
Consular processing and return by mail	Commonly several working days, plus delivery
Local notarization and apostille abroad	Depends on the country
CANA and DFA Apostille in the Philippines	Allow additional time for court and DFA processing
Correction of rejected or inconsistent documents	Several additional days or weeks

A sensible target is to complete an overseas-executed affidavit at least two to four weeks before the visa appointment or departure date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any lawyer notarize an Affidavit of Support?

No. The lawyer must hold a valid notarial commission for the place where the notarization is performed. Not all practicing lawyers are commissioned notaries.

Does the sponsor need to appear personally?

Ordinarily, yes. For an affidavit with a jurat, the sponsor must personally appear, present acceptable identification, sign before the notary, and take an oath or affirmation.

Can the traveler have the affidavit notarized for the sponsor?

No. The person making the financial undertaking must execute the affidavit. The traveler cannot swear on behalf of an absent sponsor unless the document is fundamentally different and valid authority exists for the representation.

Is a scanned copy of the affidavit enough at the airport?

A scanned copy may be useful, but an original notarized, consularized, or apostilled document is safer when the affidavit is likely to be examined. The traveler should also carry accessible copies of the sponsor’s passport, residence status, proof of relationship, and financial documents.

Is an affidavit required for every sponsored Filipino traveler?

Not necessarily. It is not listed as one of the three basic documents for every tourist at primary inspection. However, sponsored travelers may be asked for it and related evidence during secondary inspection, visa processing, or airline verification.

Can a boyfriend, girlfriend, or friend be the sponsor?

Possibly, but a non-relative sponsor may receive closer scrutiny. The affidavit should clearly explain the relationship, reason for sponsorship, financial arrangement, and travel plan. Some foreign service posts or destination-country authorities may impose stricter sponsor qualifications.

Can a foreigner execute the affidavit?

Yes, subject to the rules of the receiving authority. A foreign sponsor should provide a passport, proof of residence or legal status, proof of income, contact details, and evidence of the relationship. Some Philippine posts may require the foreign sponsor to use a local notary and apostille rather than direct consular notarization.

How long is an Affidavit of Support valid?

There is no single general validity period for all travel sponsorship affidavits. It should be recent and tied to the particular trip, traveler, destination, and travel dates. An old affidavit referring to a previous itinerary may be rejected or given little weight.

Does an apostille make the affidavit automatically acceptable?

No. An apostille authenticates the public official’s signature and authority. It does not establish the truth of the sponsor’s statements, financial ability, or the traveler’s genuine purpose.

What happens if immigration still refuses departure?

A properly notarized affidavit does not remove the Bureau of Immigration’s authority to assess the totality of the circumstances. The officer may examine inconsistencies, missing documents, doubtful travel purpose, possible illegal recruitment, or indicators of trafficking. The traveler should remain calm, answer truthfully, and request clear information about the reason for referral or deferred departure. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

Key Takeaways

An Affidavit of Support is a sworn financial undertaking, not a guarantee of visa approval or Philippine immigration clearance.
A sponsor signing in the Philippines should personally appear before a duly commissioned notary, present valid identification, sign before the notary, and take an oath.
A sponsor abroad may use Philippine consular notarization or local notarization followed by apostille or legalization, depending on the country and consular instructions.
Attach proof of identity, relationship, legal residence, employment, finances, accommodation, and trip details.
A DFA Apostille is generally unnecessary when a Philippine-notarized affidavit will be used only in the Philippines, but may be required when the document will be used abroad.
Philippine immigration considers the traveler’s complete circumstances, not the affidavit alone.
False statements, fake financial records, and notarization without personal appearance can create serious legal and immigration consequences.