A travel consent affidavit for a minor is often the small document that determines whether a child can smoothly board an international flight from the Philippines—or be stopped at the airport because the parent, guardian, or companion cannot prove proper authority. In practice, this document is usually prepared together with the DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate, especially when a Filipino child below 18 will travel abroad alone, with relatives, with a school group, with a family friend, or with only the biological father of an illegitimate child. This guide explains who must sign, what the affidavit should contain, how notarization or apostille works, and how the affidavit fits into the current DSWD Minors Traveling Abroad process.

What Is a Travel Consent Affidavit for a Minor?

A travel consent affidavit is a sworn written statement where the parent, solo parent, legal guardian, or person with parental authority gives permission for a minor child to travel.

For Philippine travel clearance purposes, it is commonly titled:

Affidavit of Consent to Travel
Affidavit of Support and Consent to Travel
Parental Consent Affidavit
Affidavit of Undertaking, if required from a non-relative companion

The document tells DSWD, the Bureau of Immigration, the airline, and sometimes a foreign embassy that the child’s travel is known, authorized, and supported by the proper adult.

The affidavit is not just a formality. Under Philippine child protection rules, minors traveling abroad without the proper parent or legal guardian are screened to help prevent trafficking, abduction, exploitation, or unauthorized removal of a child from the Philippines. DSWD describes the travel clearance as a child-protection measure for minors below 18 who travel abroad alone or without their parents. (DSWD Field Office CAR)

Legal Basis: Why Consent Matters Under Philippine Law

A minor is generally someone below 18

Republic Act No. 6809 lowered the age of majority in the Philippines from 21 to 18 years old by amending Article 234 of the Family Code. This means a child below 18 is still generally under parental authority and cannot simply be treated like an adult traveler for legal consent purposes. (Lawphil)

Parents have parental authority and responsibility

Under Article 209 of the Family Code, parental authority includes caring for and rearing unemancipated children and developing their moral, mental, and physical well-being. Article 211 provides that the father and mother jointly exercise parental authority over their common children, while Article 220 includes the parents’ duty to represent the child in matters affecting the child’s interests. (Lawphil)

That is why, for a legitimate child whose parents are married to each other, DSWD commonly expects both parents to consent unless a court order, death certificate, solo parent status, or other legal circumstance explains why only one person is signing.

Illegitimate children are under the mother’s parental authority

For an illegitimate child, Article 176 of the Family Code states that the child is under the parental authority of the mother. (Lawphil) The Supreme Court has also applied this rule in custody cases, holding in Briones v. Miguel that an illegitimate child is under the sole parental authority of the mother, even if the father recognizes the child. (Supreme Court E-Library)

This is a common airport and DSWD issue: if the child is illegitimate and will travel with the biological father, the father’s name on the birth certificate is not always enough. DSWD rules treat this situation differently because parental authority is generally with the mother unless there is a court order or other legal basis.

DSWD travel clearance is tied to anti-trafficking and child protection laws

Republic Act No. 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, treats certain unauthorized foreign travel of a child as a child-trafficking concern. Section 8 includes a situation where a child travels alone to a foreign country without valid reason and without DSWD clearance or written permit or justification from the parent or legal guardian. (Lawphil)

The current DSWD digitized travel clearance guidelines also cite child protection and anti-trafficking concerns as the reason for regulating minors traveling abroad.

When Do You Need a Travel Consent Affidavit?

You usually need a notarized travel consent affidavit when a Filipino minor will travel abroad:

Situation	Is a consent affidavit usually needed?	Is DSWD clearance usually involved?
Legitimate child traveling with both parents	Usually no	No TCC or CE usually required
Legitimate child traveling with one parent	Usually no DSWD TCC if traveling with either biological parent, but some embassies or airlines may ask for consent from the non-traveling parent	Generally exempt under DSWD rules
Legitimate child traveling with grandparents, aunt/uncle, sibling, school, coach, family friend, or helper	Yes	Yes, Travel Clearance Certificate
Minor traveling alone	Yes	Yes, Travel Clearance Certificate
Illegitimate child traveling with biological mother	Usually no DSWD TCC	Generally exempt
Illegitimate child traveling with biological father	Yes	Often requires DSWD clearance or Certificate of Exemption, depending on custody documents
Child traveling with legal guardian	Yes, plus court order of guardianship	May require Certificate of Exemption or TCC depending on the case
Minor holding a valid foreign passport, immigrant visa, permanent resident card, or dependent visa abroad	Usually depends on airline or destination rules	DSWD lists these as automatic exemption situations in its MTA FAQ

The DSWD MTA FAQ says a minor is automatically exempt from both Certificate of Exemption and Travel Clearance Certificate when accompanied by either or both parents if legitimate, by the biological mother if illegitimate, or by adoptive parents with the proper adoption decree and finality. It also lists minors with a valid foreign passport, immigrant visa, permanent resident card or visa, or dependent visa of a parent working abroad among automatic exemption categories. (DSWD-MTA)

For other situations, such as a minor traveling with a non-parent companion or a father of an illegitimate child who has sole parental authority or legal custody by court order, DSWD may require a Certificate of Exemption or a Travel Clearance Certificate, depending on the facts. (DSWD-MTA)

What Should Be Included in the Affidavit?

A strong travel consent affidavit should be specific. Vague statements like “I allow my child to travel abroad” often cause problems because DSWD, Immigration, an embassy, or an airline may need to verify who is traveling, where, when, and why.

Essential contents

Include the following:

Full name of the parent, parents, solo parent, or legal guardian
- Civil status
- Nationality
- Passport or government ID number
- Current address and contact number
Relationship to the minor
- Mother, father, solo parent, legal guardian, adoptive parent, or person with court-granted custody
Minor’s complete details
- Full name as shown in the PSA birth certificate and passport
- Date and place of birth
- Age
- Passport number, if available
Travel companion’s complete details
- Full name
- Relationship to the child
- Passport number
- Address and contact number
- For a foreign companion, include nationality, visa or ACR I-Card details if applicable
Travel details
- Destination country or countries
- Departure and return dates
- Purpose of travel
- Airline and flight details, if already available
- Address abroad where the child will stay
Clear consent language
- State that the signing parent or guardian knowingly permits the minor to travel abroad.
- Identify whether the child will travel alone or with a specific companion.
Support and financial responsibility
- State who will shoulder airfare, lodging, food, school fees, medical expenses, insurance, and emergency expenses.
- This matters because DSWD requires an affidavit of support and evidence of financial capacity, such as bank statements, employment certificate, or latest ITR. (DSWD-MTA)
Undertaking to protect and return the child
- State that the companion will supervise the child and ensure the child returns or proceeds only according to the authorized itinerary.
Attachments
- Copies of valid IDs or passports of the signing parent or guardian
- Minor’s PSA birth certificate
- PSA marriage certificate of parents, if applicable
- Solo Parent ID, court order, death certificate, adoption decree, or guardianship order, if applicable
- Passport of the travel companion

Sample consent clause

You may adapt this language to the facts:

I/We hereby give my/our full consent and authority for my/our minor child, [child’s full name], born on [date of birth], holder of Philippine Passport No. [passport number], to travel from the Philippines to [destination country/countries] from [departure date] to [return date] for the purpose of [purpose], accompanied by [travel companion’s full name], holder of Passport No. [passport number], who is the child’s [relationship to child].

For a child traveling alone:

I/We hereby give my/our full consent for my/our minor child, who is 13 years old or above, to travel unaccompanied from the Philippines to [destination], subject to airline assistance rules and the DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate to be issued for this purpose.

DSWD-linked consular forms commonly include options for travel with a companion, personal travel by the parent to accompany the child, or solo travel for a child aged 13 or older, together with financial support language.

Who Should Sign the Affidavit?

If the child is legitimate

If the parents are married and the child is legitimate, the safest approach for DSWD travel clearance is to have both parents sign the affidavit, unless one parent is deceased, legally absent, deprived of parental authority, or another legal document explains why only one parent may consent.

DSWD Field Office requirements state that when parents give consent for a legitimate child, the notarized affidavit of consent should be signed by both parents and accompanied by copies of their valid IDs showing signature specimens. (DSWD Field Office X)

If the child is illegitimate

If the child is illegitimate, the mother generally signs because parental authority is with her under Article 176 of the Family Code. DSWD Field Office requirements also state that when the mother gives consent for an illegitimate child, the notarized affidavit should be signed by the mother with a copy of her valid ID. (DSWD Field Office X)

If the biological father will accompany the child, do not assume that his name on the birth certificate is enough. Prepare the mother’s notarized consent, and if the father claims sole custody or legal custody, prepare the relevant court order.

If the signer is a legal guardian

A legal guardian should attach the court order granting guardianship. DSWD requirements for a legal guardian include the notarized affidavit of consent, the court order confirming guardianship, and the guardian’s valid ID with signature specimen. (DSWD Field Office X)

If the signer is a solo parent

A solo parent should attach the Solo Parent ID or other DSWD-accepted proof of solo parent status, plus valid ID with signature specimen. DSWD requirements recognize a solo parent’s notarized affidavit of consent with the solo parent’s valid ID. (DSWD Field Office X)

How to Prepare the Affidavit Step by Step

1. Confirm first whether DSWD clearance is needed

Before drafting, identify the child’s legal status and travel setup:

Is the child below 18?
Is the child Filipino, foreign, or dual citizen?
Is the child using a Philippine passport?
Is the child legitimate or illegitimate?
Who is accompanying the child?
Is there a custody case, guardianship order, adoption case, or missing parent issue?

DSWD currently uses the Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) online system for travel clearance applications, and DSWD has stated that applicants no longer need to physically submit documents at DSWD offices for the new system. (DSWD)

2. Gather the civil registry and identity documents

Prepare clear scanned copies of the documents usually needed for the DSWD portal:

Document	Practical notes
PSA QR-coded birth certificate of the minor	If not QR-coded, DSWD may require the minor’s passport as an alternative verification document.
PSA marriage certificate of parents	Needed to establish legitimacy and parental relationship if parents are married.
Valid IDs or passports of parents	Must show signature specimen.
Passport-size photo of minor	White background, taken within six months.
Passport of travel companion	Include signature page or specimen if available.
Proof of financial capacity	Bank statement, Certificate of Employment, or latest ITR.
Court order	Needed for guardianship, sole custody, or custody issues.
Death certificate	Needed if one or both parents are deceased.

The DSWD MTA FAQ lists these basic requirements for minors traveling alone or with a person other than the parents or legal guardian. (DSWD-MTA)

3. Draft the affidavit using the exact travel facts

Avoid generic affidavits. Use the child’s details exactly as they appear in the PSA birth certificate and passport. Use the travel companion’s passport details exactly as printed. Inconsistent names, missing middle names, different spellings, and outdated passport numbers are common causes of delay.

For example, if the child’s PSA birth certificate says “Maria Angela Santos Cruz” but the ticket says “Angela Cruz”, fix the ticket or explain the discrepancy before submission. DSWD and Immigration look for consistency across documents.

4. Sign before a notary public, consular officer, or apostille route

In the Philippines, the parent or guardian must personally appear before a commissioned notary public with competent proof of identity. Under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, a jurat requires the person to appear before the notary, be identified through competent evidence of identity, sign in the notary’s presence, and take an oath or affirmation. A notary should not notarize if the signatory is not personally present or not properly identified.

If the parent is abroad, there are usually two practical routes:

Consular notarization at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate, often used by Filipino parents abroad.
Local notarization plus apostille, if the document is executed in an Apostille Convention country and will be used in the Philippines.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. explains that, for private documents such as affidavits, the general apostille process is to have the document notarized locally, submit it to the competent authority for apostille, and then use it in the Philippines. (Philippine Embassy) Some Philippine embassies also state that Filipino nationals personally appearing before a consular officer may have documents notarized by acknowledgment or jurat at the Embassy or Consulate. (Philippine Embassy in New Delhi)

5. Upload the affidavit and requirements to the DSWD MTA portal

After notarization, scan the affidavit clearly. Upload it with the required supporting documents in the MTA portal. DSWD has stated that the online system includes real-time status tracking and that complete, verified, and authentic applications may be processed in 1 to 3 days. (DSWD)

6. Attend the online interview

For current MTA processing, DSWD requires the parent or parents, the minor, and the companion, if any, to attend the online interview. The DSWD FAQ says the parent, both parents if married, the traveling companion, and the minor must be present during the scheduled online interview, although they do not have to be physically in the same location. (DSWD-MTA)

This is important for OFW families. A mother in Dubai, a father in Cebu, a child in Manila, and an aunt in Singapore may be able to join the same interview link from different locations, as long as DSWD can verify everyone.

7. Pay the DSWD fee and wait for issuance

The current DSWD MTA FAQ states that the Travel Clearance Certificate costs ₱800, while the Certificate of Exemption costs ₱300. Payment may be made electronically through Maya, GCash, or LandBank, and processing takes 1 to 3 working days if requirements are complete and consistent. (DSWD-MTA)

The Travel Clearance Certificate is valid for one year from issuance, but only if the travel companion, purpose, and destination country or countries remain the same. A change in companion or purpose requires a new application. (DSWD-MTA)

Practical Airport Tips After the Affidavit Is Issued

Bring both digital and printed copies. At the airport, the companion should have:

Minor’s passport
Valid visa, if required by the destination
Airline ticket and itinerary
DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate or Certificate of Exemption, if applicable
Original or certified true copy of the notarized travel consent affidavit
PSA birth certificate
Copy of parents’ passports or valid IDs
Companion’s passport
Proof of relationship, such as birth certificates showing kinship
School invitation, competition documents, camp invitation, or acceptance letter, if relevant
Return ticket, hotel booking, invitation letter, or address abroad

Under the IACAT revised departure guidelines, a minor traveling alone or unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian without the required DSWD clearance is a ground for automatic referral to secondary inspection. This is why even a well-written affidavit may not be enough if the situation legally requires DSWD clearance.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Offloading

1. Only one married parent signs without explanation

For legitimate children, DSWD usually expects both parents to sign unless there is a legal reason only one parent can consent. If one parent is abroad, use consular notarization or apostille rather than simply omitting that parent.

2. The biological father signs for an illegitimate child without the mother’s consent

This is one of the most common mistakes. For an illegitimate child, the mother generally has parental authority. If the father will travel with the child, prepare the mother’s consent or the court order showing the father’s legal authority.

3. The affidavit does not name the travel companion

A consent affidavit should identify the specific person who will accompany the child. DSWD’s requirements for minors traveling with a person other than the parent include the passport of the traveling companion and, for a foreign or family friend companion, passport bio-page and visa or ACR I-Card if applicable. (DSWD-MTA)

4. The affidavit says “any country” or “any date”

Avoid open-ended consent. State the actual destination, purpose, and travel period. If the child will visit multiple countries, list them.

5. The document is notarized without personal appearance

A notarized affidavit can be rejected if it appears irregular. Philippine notarial rules require personal appearance and proper identification.

6. The family relies only on airline advice

Airlines may check their own unaccompanied minor rules, but DSWD and Immigration apply Philippine child-protection rules. A child may be accepted by the airline but still face Immigration issues if DSWD clearance is required.

7. The travel clearance is reused after details changed

A DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate is tied to the same companion, purpose, and destination. If any of these changes, file a new application. (DSWD-MTA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a minor traveling with one parent need a travel consent affidavit in the Philippines?

For DSWD purposes, a legitimate minor traveling abroad with either biological parent is generally exempt from DSWD travel clearance. However, a foreign embassy, airline, school, or destination country may still ask for written consent from the non-traveling parent, especially for visa applications or custody-sensitive situations.

Does an illegitimate child need the father’s consent to travel?

Usually, the key consent is from the mother, because Article 176 of the Family Code places an illegitimate child under the mother’s parental authority. If the child will travel with the biological father, prepare the mother’s notarized consent and check whether DSWD requires a TCC or CE.

Can a child travel abroad alone from the Philippines?

Yes, but only in limited circumstances. DSWD-linked guidance states that only minors aged 13 and above with the proper travel clearance are allowed to travel alone; minors 12 and below should be accompanied by parents or legal guardians when traveling abroad. (philippine-embassy.de) Airlines may impose additional unaccompanied minor rules.

How much is the DSWD travel clearance?

The current DSWD MTA FAQ states that the Travel Clearance Certificate costs ₱800, while a Certificate of Exemption costs ₱300. (DSWD-MTA)

How long does DSWD travel clearance processing take?

DSWD states that processing takes 1 to 3 working days if all requirements are complete and information is consistent. (DSWD-MTA) In practice, delays happen when documents are blurry, names do not match, a parent is unavailable for interview, or a court order is needed.

Does the affidavit need to be apostilled if signed abroad?

If the affidavit is signed before a Philippine Embassy or Consulate, it is usually consularized or notarized there. If it is signed before a local foreign notary in an Apostille Convention country, it usually needs an apostille from that country’s competent authority before being used in the Philippines. The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. describes local notarization followed by apostille as a recognized route for private documents used in the Philippines. (Philippine Embassy)

What if one parent refuses to sign?

If the refusing parent has parental authority and no court order resolves the issue, DSWD may not accept a one-sided affidavit. If there is an ongoing custody dispute, older DSWD guidance states that a minor subject to a custody battle will not be issued a travel clearance unless a court order allows the child to travel. (DSWD Transparency Seal)

Is a travel consent affidavit the same as a DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate?

No. The affidavit is a supporting sworn statement from the parent or guardian. The DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate is the official clearance issued by DSWD after assessment. If DSWD clearance is required, the affidavit alone is not enough.

Can grandparents sign the consent affidavit?

Grandparents may sign only if they have legal authority, substitute parental authority under the Family Code, or DSWD accepts their authority based on the child’s circumstances, such as both parents being deceased. Article 216 of the Family Code lists the surviving grandparent first in the order of substitute parental authority when parents or a judicial guardian are unavailable. (Lawphil)

Key Takeaways

A travel consent affidavit should clearly identify the child, signing parent or guardian, travel companion, destination, dates, purpose, and financial support arrangement.
For legitimate children, DSWD commonly expects both parents to sign when the child travels without them, unless a legal exception applies.
For illegitimate children, the mother generally has parental authority, so her consent is usually essential.
The affidavit must be properly notarized, consularized, or apostilled, depending on where it is signed.
A travel consent affidavit is not the same as a DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate; if DSWD clearance is required, the affidavit is only one supporting document.
Current DSWD MTA processing is online, includes an online interview, and generally takes 1 to 3 working days when documents are complete and consistent.
At departure, carry printed and digital copies of the affidavit, DSWD clearance or exemption, PSA documents, IDs, passports, tickets, and proof of the child’s travel purpose.