This article talks about the requirements you need to be able to travel abroad with a minor that’s not your child. Maybe you want to go to UAE with your nieces or nephews, or have a vacation in Singapore with them.
Basically, you have to prove to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that the parents of these minors allow you to be their guardian during the trip, and that you are capable of providing for them financially and with the care and protection they need.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFWs in the videos below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFWs by commenting on their videos on their accounts.
Contents
When and How to get a DSWD Travel Clearance
The following information is shared to us by YouTube vlogger Lerma of Pinay Abroad Vlogs. Lerma shares her experiences about the requirements and the steps for getting a DSWD Travel Clearance for her two nieces; clearances that they needed when they went to Malaysia and Singapore for vacation.
Who Needs a DSWD Travel Clearance?
A travel clearance from DSWD is NOT NEEDED for minors if they are:
- Traveling with either parent
- Traveling with a legal guardian
A travel clearance from DSWD is NEEDED for minors who are:
- Traveling alone
- Traveling with a person who’s not their parent
Here are the requirements you need:
1. Application Form
You can download the Application form from the DSWD website.
2. Photocopy of Birth Certificate of the Minor/s
The photocopied birth certificates must be PSA authenticated.
3. Photocopy of the Passport of the Minor
4. Photocopy of the Passport of the Minor’s Companion
5. Marriage Contract of the Parents of the Minor
The original and photocopied marriage contract of the parents of the minor must also be PSA authenticated.
If the minor has a single parent, then you must supply a PSA authenticated CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage).
6. Notarized Affidavit of Support or Guarantee
The affidavit must state that you, as the adult companion, must sponsor the travel of the minors. The affidavit should also include your name, occupation, passport details, salary details, etc.
Indeed, it is very important that you are able to shoulder the expenses of traveling and taking care of the minor while on travel.
You should also indicate in the affidavit the country you are visiting in and how many days you will be in the country.
7. Notarized Affidavit of Consent to Travel
This document should note that the parents are providing consent to the adult companion to be with the minor during the travel. This should include the photocopy of the valid IDs of the parents and the name of minor/s.
The photocopy of the valid IDs of the parents should contain three specimen signatures of the parents.
Other details include travel destination, period of travel, name and details of the accompanying adult, including relationship to the minor.
8. Two (2) Colored with White Background Passport Size Picture of the Minor
These pictures will be pasted directly on the top left portion of the travel clearance.
Photos should be recent; within the last 6 months.
9. Passport Copy of the Traveling Companion
10. COE or Employment Contract or Bank Statement (Accompanying Adult)
11. Waiver Signed by the Minor’s Parents
The waiver should state explicitly that DSWD is not liable or responsible for any untoward incident that may happen to the minor during the travel.
In case the parents are deceased, you have to provide death certificate of the diseased parent. For the guardian: one copy of the guardian’s birth certificate .
The fee for each minor is 300 PhP, although you must check the DSWD website at all times for changes.
Processing time is usually 3 days, but in most cases, you can actually get the clearances in the same day you applied for them. Usually it takes 2 to 3 hours.
Steps to Filing for a Travel Clearance
1. Go to a DSWD Office.
2. Fill up the form.
3. A DSWD Personnel will assist you to test the validity of your requirements.
4. Make the payment.
5. Wait. Typically, the clearance will be released after a few minutes.
The Clearance will include the following information:
- Name of minor
- Date of birth
- Address
- Parents
- Parents address
- At the back: your name (accompanying adult)
- Address
- Relationship to minor
- Destination
- Purpose of travel
Taking Care of the Travel Clearance:
- Keep it in good condition while traveling
- Make sure that its in good condition while you are traveling. Not tarnished.
- Don’t laminate. Officials have to check the three seals in the document.
- Travel clearances have a one (1) year validity; but if there are changes in any information shown in the clearance, then it is no longer valid.
There you have it. These are the requirements needed to get a DSWD Travel Clearance. However, you should always check the DSWD website for any changes to the requirements.