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Travel Clearance for Minors

WHAT IS TRAVEL CLEARANCE?

Travel Clearance is a document issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Offices whichever is applicable to a minor travelling abroad unaccompanied by any of the parent or those persons having parental authority and legal custody over the child.

WHO IS A MINOR?

Minor (also referred to as “Child”) as defined in RA 7610 refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or one who is over eighteen (18) but is unable to fully take care of or protect himself/herself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, or discrimination because of physical or mental disability or condition.

WHO NEEDS TO SECURE A TRAVEL CLEARANCE?

• Filipino minor who is travelling alone using the Philippine Passport only for their travel outside the Philippines;
• Filipino minor travelling with prospective adoptive parent/s for purpose of inter-country adoption;
• Filipino minor travelling with a person other than his/her parent/s, legal guardian or person exercising parental authority/ legal custody over him/her;
• Filipino minor who is illegitimate and is travelling with his/her biological father;
• For married minors, the same requirement applies to that of unmarried minors travelling abroad.

WHO ARE EXEMPTED TO SECURE TRAVEL CLEARANCE?

• A minor accompanied by the following:
• Either or both of the minor’s parents, if legitimate minor;
• The minor’s biological mother, if illegitimate minor;
• The minor’s father who has been granted sole parental authority or custody by the proper court, if the minor is illegitimate;
• The minor’s legal guardian;
• The person, including one of the minor’s parents, who was granted sole parental authority or legal custody by the proper court, in which case the court decision should specifically include a statement to this effect, i.e., naming the person to whom sole parental authority or legal custody over the minor has been granted;
• Minor’s adoptive parents if the minor granted with adoption decree and certificate of finality.
• A minor who is an immigrant or a permanent resident abroad, with foreign passport, or whose parents are in the Foreign Service holding diplomatic/official passport such as Ambassador/ General Consul/Consul/Attaches, provided he/she is holding a valid passport such as dependent visa/identification card which served as proof that the travel does not constitute trafficking.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS IN SECURING A TRAVEL CLEARANCE?

For first time applicant:

• Duly accomplished application form.
• Birth Certificate of minor issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (Original and Photocopy)

Note* (If delayed birth registration, include baptismal certificate of minor or immunization record or school records/Form137.)

• As appropriate, PSA issued Marriage Certificate of the parents if legitimate child (Original and Photocopy).

If unmarried parents, PSA issued Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) of the mother issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (Original and Photocopy).

Certificate of No Marriage from the Local Civil Registry if fictitious marriage.

• In case of deceased parent, PSA issued Death Certificate (Original and Photocopy).
• Notarized Affidavit of consent signed by both parents, or the person exercising parental authority or legal custody over the minor, whichever is applicable, permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country indicating the specific destination, purpose of travel, inclusive date of travel, the accompanying person and its relation to the minor.
• Valid ID of parents with specimen signatures. If parents are working abroad, include copy of their valid passport and visa. If seafarer, copy of the seafarer’s book.
• Two (2) pieces colored, and latest passport size pictures of minor (white background)
• Valid passport of the minor’s travelling companion. Notarized Affidavit of undertaking if travelling companion is a non-relative of minor.
• Notarized affidavit of support and certified true copy of any evidence to show financial capability of sponsor.

For renewal:

• Duly accomplished application form
• Original copy of the travel clearance issued by the DSWD Field Office.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR/S UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

For Filipino minor travelling unaccompanied/ alone:

• Unaccompanied minor certificate from the airlines
• Waiver from the parents releasing DSWD-NCR from any liability/responsibility in case of untoward incident during the travel of the child.
• If minor will be visiting a relative abroad, include letter of invitation/support and guarantee from the inviter/sponsor with attached copy of his/her passport and visa.

NOTE: NO MINOR BELOW 13 YEARS OF AGE SHALL BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL ALONE

For Filipino minor who will attend conference, study tour, competition, student exchange program, summer camp, pilgrimage, world youth day and other related activities:

• Certificate of participation with list of participants from the school or local organization with letter head and signature of official head.
• Signed invitation from the sponsoring agency/organization abroad with itinerary of travel.
• Affidavit of undertaking executed by the travelling companion indicating the safety measures undertaken by the sports agency (for sports competition).

For abandoned minor with alleged missing parent, if parents are married, the following shall be the requirements:

• Social Case Study Report executed by a licensed social worker of the Local Government Unit (LGU).
• Barangay Certification of non-existence of the alleged missing parent from his/her last known address. (Indicate complete date when was the alleged missing parent last seen)
• Notarized affidavit of Three (3) disinterested persons/somebody who has no blood relation to the family of minor that can attest/certify abandonment of either parent. (Attach valid ID of affiants)

For Filipino minor who will study abroad:

• Acceptance or Certificate of Enrollment/Registration from the school where minor is to be enrolled.

For Filipino minor migrating to another country:

• Visa petition approval

For Filipino minor going abroad for medical purposes:

• Medical abstract of the minor.
• Recommendation from the attending physician that such medical procedure is not available in the country.

For Filipino minor going abroad for inter-country adoption:

• Placement Authority issued by the ICAB
• Authority to Escort issued by the ICAB

For Filipino minor under Foster Care:

• Notarized affidavit of undertaking by the Foster Parent/s indicating the purpose of travel, destination, duration of travel and a provision stating the commitment of the Foster Parent on the personal appearance of child and foster parent to the Regional Director or his/her duly authorized representative, within 5 days upon return to the country.
• Notarized affidavit of consent from the Regional Director or authorized representative.
• Foster Placement Authority (Original and Photocopy)
• Foster Care License (Original and Photocopy)
• DSWD Certification of Child Declaring Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA) except those under Kinship Care wherein their parents did not relinquish the minor for adoption.
• Return tickets

For Filipino minor under Legal Guardianship:

• Certified true copy of Court Order on Legal Guardianship

For Filipino minor who is the subject of an ongoing adoption case:

• No adoptee shall be issued a travel clearance unless a decree of adoption and certificate of finality is issued by the court. Further, no minor who was issued Pre-Adoption Placement Authority (PAPA) shall be issued travel clearance unless a  court order  is issued allowing the minor to travel with the Prospective Adoptive Parent.

NOTE: Other documentary requirements may be required according to the purpose of travel and based on the assessment of the social worker.

WHO SHALL GIVE CONSENT FOR THE TRAVEL OF A TOTALLY ORPHANED MINOR?

The paternal and maternal grandparents who exercise parental authority over a minor whose parents are both deceased may issue the consent even without guardianship order from the Court. In cases where b oth paternal and maternal grandparents are deceased, the relative given the Guardianship Order over the minor by the proper court may provide the consent to travel.

A MINOR UNDER CUSTODY BATTLE BETWEEN PARENTS

A minor who is the subject of an on-going/pending custody battle before the court between his/her parents and is travelling abroad with either of his/her parents will not be issued a travel clearance unless a court order is issued allowing him/her to travel with said parent. The family of the minor shall be responsible to file a manifestation in the court for the issuance of a hold departure order, inclusion of the minor’s name in the Bureau of Immigration’s watch list as well as in the delisting of the name of the minor, once the issue of custody has been resolved by the court.

HOW DOES THE MOTHER PROVIDE CENOMAR IF SHE IS ALREADY MARRIED TO ANOTHER?

For illegitimate child, his/her mother is still required to provide CENOMAR issued by PSA as proof that the mother has no record of marriage to the minor’s father.

THE MINOR WILL NOT TRAVEL YET, HE/SHE WILL SECURE/RENEW PASSPORT

For an applicant who has not reached the age of majority, an affidavit of consent from a parent as indicated in the passport application if the minor is travelling with either parent, and a clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, if the minor is travelling with a legal guardian or a person other than a parent/s;  (R.A. 8239 otherwise known as the Philippine Passport Act of 1996 Section 5, under letter f)

WHERE TO FILE THE APPLICATION FOR TRAVEL CLEARANCE?

The application for travel clearance shall be submitted/filed manually by the parent/s or legal guardian or a duly authorized representative at DSWD Field Office that has jurisdiction over the residence of minor.

Service Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays – Fridays (Except Holidays)

The Travel Clearance Certificate may be obtained within Three (3) working days upon submission of the required documents.

A fee of Php 300.00 per child with One (1) year validity

“In case of loss of the issued travel clearance, new set of requirements should be submitted to the Field Office and will be issued a new travel clearance. This should not be taken as a renewal of travel clearance but a new application.”

A.O #12 series of 2017 also known as “Omnibus Guidelines for Minors Travelling Abroad”

(Application Form, Affidavit of Support and Consent, Affidavit of Undertaking)

For more inquiries, kindly contact the DSWD Field Office that has jurisdiction over the residence of minor. (See the Directory of the Field Offices below):

DSWD-National Capital Region 389 San Rafael corner, Legarda Street, Sampaloc, Manila Tel/Fax:  8-310-1435,   8-733-0010 local 210

Email Add: [email protected]

DSWD Field Office I Quezon Avenue, San Fernando, La Union Tel/Fax: (072) 888-2505/888-2184

DSWD-Field Office II 3 Dana Pagyaya, Regional Government Center Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Tel/Fax: (078)846-7532/846-7043

DSWD-Field Office III Government Center, Maimpis, San Fernando, Pampanga Tel/Fax: (045)861-2413 (telefax)

DSWD Field Office IV-A (CALABARZON) Alabang-Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City Tel/Fax: (02) 387-2632 or 850-8380/807-1518

DSWD Field Office IV-B (MIMAROPA) 1680 F.T. Benitez corner Gen. Malvar Sts., Malate, Manila Tel/Fax: (02) 336-8106 local 401/336-8106 local 103

DSWD Field Office V Magnolia St. PBN Buraguis, Legaspi City Tel/Fax: (052) 821-7920 or 480-5346/480-5754

DSWD Field Office VI M.H. del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo City Tel: (033) 300-0526/ 337-6221

DSWD Field Office VII MJ Cuenco Avenue corner Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City Tel/Fax: (032) 233-8779 or through trunkline no. 412-9908

DSWD Field Office VIII Magsaysay Blvd., Tacloban City Tel/Fax: (053) 321-3090 or 321-1176/ 321-1007

DSWD Field Office IX General Vicente Alvarez St., Zamboanga City Tel/Fax: (062) 991-6030, 991-6056 (trunkline)/993-0652

DSWD Field Office X Masterson Ave., Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City Tel/Fax: (088) 858-88-92/858-89-59

DSWD Field Office XI Suazo St., cor. Magsaysay Ave., Davao City Tel/Fax: (082) 226-28-57/227-8746

DSWD Field Office XII 9506-Purok Bumanoag, Brgy. Zone 3, Koronadal City Tel/Fax: (083) 520-0572 or 228-3180/228-8637

DSWD Field Office CARAGA R. Palma St. Butuan City Tel/Fax: (085) 346-0113/815-9173

DSWD Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) 40 North Drive, Baguio City Tel/Fax: (074) 444-3209 or 444-3262/442-7917

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8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear

Editor's Note

As we hurtle through the summer travel months, it's hard to think that fall and the holidays will be here before we know it.

With flight delays and airport queues becoming something of a universal travel experience — particularly during summer and colder holiday seasons — there's no better time to arm yourself with tools to pass through the airport as quickly as possible. We're specifically talking about the Transportation Security Administration checkpoints and customs lines when returning from abroad.

Both Clear and TSA PreCheck can speed travelers through the TSA security line; Global Entry can be great if you regularly travel abroad. Each service is slightly different — and offers ways to join them for reduced costs or even free.

What are TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear?

Tsa precheck.

TSA PreCheck enables users to pass through airport security using a dedicated line. In this line, users do not have to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets like passengers in the regular TSA line.

Global Entry

Global Entry is useful for frequent international travelers. It gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad. Global Entry users can enter the country through automated kiosks at more than 75 airports .

Like TSA PreCheck, Clear users begin the security process in a dedicated Clear-only lane. They are biometrically identified via fingerprint or iris scans, which spares them from having to show their IDs anytime during security screening. Users are then taken to the front of the line for the security screening machines (either the front of the TSA PreCheck screening line for those with Clear and TSA PreCheck or the front of the normal TSA screening line).

How much do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear cost?

A five-year membership to TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85, while five years of Global Entry costs $100. However, starting in October, Global Entry will cost $120 to apply.

TSA PreCheck's fee varies by provider. It costs $78 to apply through Idemia and $85 through Telos . Online renewal costs $70 through either provider.

With a Global Entry membership comes membership in the TSA PreCheck program. Essentially, you reap the benefits of both programs for an extra $22 for applications before October or an additional $42 from October on.

As for Clear, an annual membership costs $199.

'Free' TSA PreCheck and Global Entry via credit cards

There are several cobranded airline, hotel and other credit cards offering up to $100 in statement credit reimbursement for the application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is typically available every four to five years, though you should check the terms for your specific card for the exact frequency.

Some of the cards conveying free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry memberships are:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• United℠ Explorer Card
• Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees )
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($120 starting Oct. 1, 2024)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($120 starting Oct. 1, 2024)
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card ($120 starting Oct. 1, 2024)
• United Club℠ Infinite Card

Visit the TSA website for a full list of credit cards that offer a discount for TSA PreCheck. As of August, Citi, Chase and American Express confirmed an increased statement credit of $120 will be issued from October on to correspond with the program's price increase.

Bundled TSA PreCheck and Clear

As of April, Clear users can enroll in TSA PreCheck for a bundled rate of $199 instead of paying $78 for TSA PreCheck alone. To get that price, travelers must apply for both TSA PreCheck and a Clear Plus membership on the Clear website. Clear will issue a rebate of $77.95 after travelers complete the process and are approved.

Your miles can pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

In addition to the aforementioned cards offering credits for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, some loyalty programs allow members to use points or miles in exchange for membership fee coverage. While these are options, the return per point is less than TPG's August 2024 valuations , so they're not our top picks for ways to save on these memberships.

Still, if you wish to go this route, these are the programs that provide this option for members:

• Radisson Rewards Americas: Members can redeem 65,000 points for an $85 application credit to TSA PreCheck only.
• Orbitz Rewards: Platinum members get a free TSA PreCheck membership every five years.
• Marriott Bonvoy : Members can redeem 25,000 points for an $85 application credit.
• IHG One Rewards : Members can redeem 30,000 points for an $85 application credit.
• United MileagePlus : Members can redeem 11,000 miles for a TSA PreCheck membership.

'Free' Clear memberships via credit cards

Since Clear costs $199 per year instead of $85 to $100 every five years, there aren't nearly as many credit cards that provide a free Clear Plus membership as there are with the others.

However, you do still have some options if you want your travel credit card to pay for your Clear Plus membership.

Cards that currently cover the membership fee include:

• The Centurion Card from American Express
• American Express® Green Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Occasionally, targeted Amex Offers covering the cost of Clear Plus membership are available for those with different American Express cards . So, keep your eyes peeled for limited-time offers.

The information for the Centurion, Green and Hilton Aspire cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Credit cards that save you money on Clear

If you don't have a credit card that makes Clear completely free with statement credits, some additional credit cards can at least reduce your annual Clear membership cost:

• All Delta SkyMiles cobranded Amex cards : $159 annual membership
• All United credit cards available in the U.S. : $149 annual membership

Save on Clear with a frequent flyer membership

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines offer their frequent flyers free or discounted memberships to Clear.

Discounts from Delta SkyMiles

Top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion members can get Clear for free. The airline's Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members can pay a reduced price of $149. The same price applies to those without a Delta credit card .

All Delta SkyMiles members without elite status can get a discounted membership for $189 — a $10 discount.

Discounts from United MileagePlus

Similarly, United's Premier 1K members are entitled to free memberships in Clear, while United Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members can pay $149. Those with a United credit card receive this same discount.

United MileagePlus members without status can access Clear for $179 per year.

Discounts from Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can enroll in Clear at a slightly discounted rate of $189 annually.

Mileage Plan members who sign up for Clear will also receive bonus miles. MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members will receive 1,500 miles, plus an additional 1,250 miles each year they renew.

Clear discounts for families and students

For families, children under 18 can pass through Clear with an adult for free without needing to scan their eyes or fingerprints.

College students can use a discounted student Clear rate of $60 per year for up to four years.

Clear also has a family plan , and you can add up to three adults to your primary membership for $119 per additional person, per year.

Try Clear for free with a referral code

TPG readers can try Clear for free for two months before deciding if it's worth keeping. Fair warning: In my experience, once you go Clear, you never go back.

Bottom line

Not only do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear help travelers save time, but it's also possible to get memberships without breaking the bank. Before you sign up for one or more of the programs, see if you can get a membership for free or at a reduced cost through one of these methods.

Related reading:

• Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
• Global Entry fee hike is coming: It will soon cost $120 to apply
• Clear just increased its annual price for users by $10
• Travelers can now enroll in TSA PreCheck via Clear at 13 US airports

How to Get a DSWD TRAVEL CLEARANCE: REQUIREMENTS & Application Process

It’s always fun traveling with kids. Seeing the look on their faces when they experience something for the first time is always priceless. I had traveled with kids in the family twice: First, to Hong Kong for their much awaited Disneyland visit, and second, to Tokyo, to visit a close relative.

The problem is, I am not their father, just an uncle, so I had to secure a travel clearance for them.

Traveling with minors who aren’t your children adds a step in the whole trip preparation. You will need a get a DSWD Travel Clearance before your trip. Failing to secure one will lead to being offloaded by the Immigration Officials at the airport. It is a necessary document that they need to protect children from crimes including child trafficking.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

WHO NEEDS A DSWD CLEARANCE?

Not all minors traveling to a foreign country need a DSWD Clearance. It is only required for the following:

• a minor traveling alone
• a minor accompanied by a person other than his/her parents

If the minor is traveling with either parent, no need for one. If the minor is traveling with the legal guardian, no need for one (but you must have all documents to prove that you are indeed the legal guardian).

If you’re not the mother or father or legal guardian, you need a DSWD clearance for each minor you’re traveling with. If that’s not clear enough: Even if you are a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandmother, grandfather, or cousin of the minor, you need a clearance.

Note: When we say “legal guardian”, we mean LEGAL guardian with LEGAL documentation stating your guardianship by law. If you’re ACTING as a guardian but you don’t have the legal documents to show guardianship, you will still need a DSWD clearance to travel with the minor.

DSWD CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

Below is a list of documents required to secure a DSWD Travel Clearance. This covers minors traveling with someone who isn’t their parent or legal guardian. If the minor will be traveling alone, there is a separate list for that with additional requirements such as Unaccompanied Minor Certificate from the Airlines .

There have been a lot of changes to the requirements. Now, there is a separate list of documents for those who are traveling for the first time and those who have traveled before with the non-parent companion.

IMPORTANT! I have applied for my nephew and niece multiple times now, and THE REQUIREMENTS CHANGE EACH AND EVERY TIME! It’s absolutely frustrating, to be honest, because I couldn’t predict what other documents they would need from me. And they don’t update their website accordingly. Hence, please call DSWD before your application to be absolutely sure.

FIRST-TIME DSWD Clearance Requirements

These are the requirements for minors traveling for the FIRST TIME with a companion who is NOT their parent.

• A duly accomplished application form. You can download it here .
• A photocopy of the minor’s birth certificate (SECPA)
• 2 colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the past 6 months. Scanned photos are NOT accepted.
• A photocopy of the passport of minor’s travel companion.
• Notarized Affidavit of Support and Consent to Travel . Download a copy here .
• Valid ID of parents with specimen signature
• A photocopy of one of the following , whichever is appropriate: – If minor has both parents: the parents’ marriage certificate (SECPA) – If minor is under a legal guardian: the Certificate of Legal Guardianship – If minor is under a solo parent: solo parent identification card or certification from the Municipal DSWD Office; or if Muslim, Tallaq or Fasakh certification from any Muslim Barangay, the Shariah court or a religious leader – If minor is illegitimate: a Certificate of No Marriage from the local civil registrar – If one of the parents is deceased: death certificate – If minor is an immigrant, visa petition approval. – If minor is traveling for medical purposes, medical certificate – If minor is studying abroad, acceptance letter from school abroad – If minor is attending a conference, a certification from the organizers
• Authorization Letter from Parents/Legal Guardian . Only if the person applying is not a parent or legal guardian of the minor. Download sample here.
• Waiver signed by parents. This should explicitly state releasing DSWD from any liability/responsibility in case of untoward incident during the travel of the minor.

DSWD Clearance RENEWAL Requirements

These are the requirements for minors who have already traveled before with a companion who is not their parent.

• Original copy of previous DSWD travel clearances.
• Notarized Affidavit of Consent to Travel . Download a copy here .

Possible Additional Requirements

DSWD may require additional documents aside from those listed above, so make sure you apply early and NOT too close to the travel dates so you have time to secure them.

Here are some other requirements that they might look for based on my experience and those of some of our readers.

• Roundtrip ticket of the minor and companion . In my experience, sometimes they ask for it; sometimes, they don’t. If you’re already booked, best to bring a copy of the ticket. If your flights are not yet booked, it’s best to just call the office before your application to confirm.
• Notarized Affidavit of Support with Undertaking of Sponsor (showing employment status and salary). Some sources say this is a requirement, and one of our readers was also asked to provide this. The official DSWD website’s FAQ page lists this as a requirement. But it’s hard to trust the website because it’s messy as eff.
• Proof of Financial Capability of Sponsor . This can be Certificate of Employment, Latest ITR, Bank Statements, etc. of sponsor (parent, legal guardian or other person/agency shouldering the expenses). In my experience, I was never asked to submit this.I also always bring a copy of this, but they never asked to see it. Maybe it’s a new requirement, maybe they ask applicants depending on the situation. Call the office where you plan to submit to be 100% sure. Just bring it with you to be on the safe side.
• Invitation Letter , only if the purpose of travel is to visit a friend or relative, or the minor won’t be staying in a hotel.
• Copy of parents’ passports . Only if the parents are based abroad.

That’s about it.

IMPORTANT! If we haven’t stressed this enough, let us say this again: CALL THE DSWD FIELD OFFICE where you wish to apply for the updated list of requirements. THE REQUIREMENTS CHANGE EACH AND EVERY TIME so it’s hard to keep track!

Written Consent or Affidavit of Consent?

Update: October 2018.

A notarized Affidavit of Consent is now a requirement.

In my previous applications, I was never asked to submit an Affidavit of Consent. I would usually just present a simple non-notarized written consent signed by both parents and they accepted it. However, in my most recent application, they asked for a notarized Affidavit of Consent for the first time.

So to be on the safe side, I strongly recommend that you secure a Notarized Affidavit of Consent to Travel for a couple of reasons. First, because a notarized affidavit can take the place of the simple written consent. Meaning, if DSWD asks for a simple consent letter, they will accept the affidavit because it’s a more binding legal document. On the other hand, if they require an affidavit and you don’t have it, the written consent may not suffice. It’s safer to have the affidavit.

The second reason: because you might also need it when passing through Immigration. Normally, the DSWD Clearance is enough to let you through, but having that affidavit can be more convincing, if the officer has doubts.

The affidavit I submitted had the following details.

• Travel dates
• Destination and origin
• Minor’s passport number
• Contact details of parents/legal guardian
• Signature of the parents

In addition, if the minor is traveling with someone who isn’t his/her parent, it would be wise to include the details of the companion:

• Name of the companion
• Relationship of the companion to the minor
• Companion’s passport number

Don’t forget to have it signed by the parents.

You can find a sample here: SAMPLE AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT .

HOW TO GET A DSWD CLEARANCE

Getting a DSWD clearance is easy. It might take a few hours, but it is not as complicated as you probably have been picturing in your head. Here’s how I got mine.

1. Complete the requirements.

See the list of requirements above.

2. Find the nearest DSWD Field Office.

Pay a visit to the DSWD Field Office that covers the permanent address of the minor. For example, my niece and nephew reside in Batangas. The Region IV-A (Calabarzon) Office is in Alabang. If the minor is based in Metro Manila, file for a clearance at the NCR Office in Sampaloc, Manila.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Below is the complete list of DSWD Field Offices.

• DSWD National Capital Region (NCR) 389 San Rafael St. corner Legarda St., Sampaloc, Manila Phone: +632 313-1435 local 210, +632 733-0010 to 14
• DSWD Field Office I Quezon Avenue, San Fernando, La Union Phone: +6372 888-2505, +6372 888-2184
• DSWD Field Office II 3 Dana Pagyaya, Regional Government Center Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Phone: +63 78 846-7532, +63 78 846-7043
• DSWD Field Office III Government Center, Maimpis, San Fernando, Pampanga Phone: +63 45 861-2413
• DSWD Field Office IV-A (CALABARZON) Alabang-Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City Phone: +63 2 387-2632, +63 2 850-8380, +63 2 807-1518
• DSWD Field Office IV-B (MIMAROPA) 1680 F.T. Benitez St. corner Gen. Malvar St., Malate, Manila Phone: +63 2 336-8106 local 401, +63 2 336-8106 local 103
• DSWD Field Office V Magnolia St. PBN Buraguis, Legazpi City Phone: +63 52 821-7920, +63 52 480-5346, +63 52 480-5754
• DSWD Field Office VI M.H. del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo City Phone: +63 33 300-0526, +63 33 337-6221
• DSWD Field Office VII MJ Cuenco Avenue cor. Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City Phone: +63 32 233-8779
• DSWD Field Office VIII Magsaysay Boulevard, Tacloban City Phone: +63 53 321-3090, +63 53 321-117, +63 53 321-1007
• DSWD Field Office IX General Vicente Alvarez St., Zamboanga City Phone: +63 62 991-6030, +63 62 991-6056
• DSWD Field Office X Masterson Ave., Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City Phone: +63 88 858-8892, +63 88 858-8959
• DSWD Field Office XI Suazo St., cor. Magsaysay Ave., Davao City Phone: +63 82 226-2857, +63 82 227-8746
• DSWD Field Office XII 9506 Purok Bumanoag, Brgy. Zone 3, Koronadal City Phone: +63 83 520-0572, +63 83 228-3180, +63 83 228-8637
• DSWD Field Office CARAGA R. Palma St. Butuan City Phone: +63 85 346-0113, +63 85 815-9173
• DSWD Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) 40 North Drive, Baguio City Phone: +63 74 444-3209, +63 74 444-3262, +63 74 442-7917

You must apply at the DSWD Field Office that has jurisdiction over the minor. If the minor lives in Region IV, apply in Alabang. If the minor resides in Metro Manila, apply in Sampaloc, Manila.

They started implementing this policy in January 2018. Prior to this, applicants could apply at any field office, even if the minor doesn’t reside in their region. But that’s not the case anymore. You must apply at the designated DSWD Field Office now.

3. Submit the requirements at the DSWD Field Office and wait for your clearance.

Here’s the step-by-step process that you will go through once you are at the DSWD office. The process below details my experience applying at the Alabang office, but according to the DSWD website, the process at all branches are almost the same.

• Tell the Security Guard that you’re there for Travel Clearance. Ask for a Sequence Number.
• Register in the logbook while waiting for your number to be called.
• When your number is called, submit all the requirements to the Social Worker for the initial screening. He/she will check if the requirements are complete and authentic.
• If all your documents are okay, the Social Worker will interview you and assess the application. He/she will ask a few questions about your relationship with the minor, the purpose of the trip, and why the parents can’t be with the minor, among others.
• If the Social Worker is satisfied, your application will now be processed and the clearance will be prepared.
• Pay processing fee: – P300 for travel clearance with validity of 1 year – P600 for travel clearance with validity of 2 years
• Return at the time of release. Ask any of the processing staff what time you can expect the clearance to be issued. At the Alabang office, it works this way:

Don’t forget to check the clearance card before you leave the DSWD Office. Make sure the validity of the clearance and the name spellings are correct.

Reminder : After assessment, DSWD may require additional documents aside from those listed above, so make sure you apply early and NOT too close to the travel dates so you have time to secure them.

DSWD CLEARANCE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it possible to apply for a dswd clearance online.

Yes. DSWD has recently launched its e-services website, which allows application for a DSWD Travel Clearance online. However, as of this writing, it is only available at Field Offices NCR, VII and XI. Also, a personal interview will still be required so you will have to appear at their office at some point.

The online service hasn’t rolled out in our region (Region IV), so I haven’t tried this yet.

More info here .

When should I apply for a DSWD Clearance?

If you think you have complete requirements, best practice is at least a month before the travel dates. This way, you would still have enough time to resend documents that you forget or to fix anything that goes wrong.

How long does it take to get a DSWD Clearance?

In most cases, one day . If you have all the requirements and you come early, you will get it on the same day that you applied. It takes only a few hours.

HOWEVER, if you arrive in the late afternoon (past 3pm), you will have to return the next day. You can still have it processed but you will get the clearance the next working day. At least, that’s how it is at the DSWD Field Office IV-A in Alabang. I applied here because the kids’ address are in Batangas.

Does the minor have to be with me when I apply?

No. Just make sure you have all the requirements.

I have applied 3 times now and the minors were never with me.

Should the parent be the one to apply?

No. Although it would be best that the person who would apply knows the minor and the details of the trip really well and can spot any clerical error in the clearance. (Happened to me twice.)

I found an error in the Travel Clearance. What should I do?

Happened to me twice!

Simply tell the social worker or anyone in charge. They can correct it or replace it with a new one immediately.

How much should I pay for the DSWD Clearance?

Processing Fee : P300 for travel clearance with validity of 1 year P600  for travel clearance with validity of 2 years

I’m applying for a DSWD Clearance, a visa and a passport for the child. What should I work on first?

The DSWD Clearance first. You can’t apply for a passport for a minor without the DSWD Clearance.

Then work on the passport because you can’t apply for a visa without the passport.

In summary: DSWD Clearance, then Passport, then Visa.

Do you have a sample Affidavit of Consent?

Yes, you can find a sample Affidavit of Consent to Travel here: Sample Affidavit of Consent .

Where can I find more info about DSWD Travel Clearance?

Although we try to try to update this post regularly, it would still be best to visit the DSWD website or call their office to make sure that there are no changes to this list of requirements.

You may visit the official DSWD website, call the numbers indicated on the list of offices above, or tweet @DSWDserves .

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Is this post helpful to you?

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hi your info about dswd clearance is very helpful indeed. I wonder if the written consent must authenticated by the philippine consulate here in dubai, or a plain letter will do??

Very helpful. Thank you very much!

What if yung minor lang yung nagaasikaso? Pwede bang siya na lang yung pumunta ng office alone?

thanks for the info…how about if both parents are working abroad, is a written consent is acceptable or do i need to get a affidavit of consent from the Philippine consulate where we are currently working??

thanks for the info…how about if both parents are working abroad, is a written consent is acceptable or do i need to get an affidavit of consent from the Philippine consulate where we are currently working??

A simple written consent will not do. The affidavit of consent to travel for that matter needs to be authenticated with the designated PCG or embassy where you both are working. :-)

whats the requirement for renewal for DSWD travel permit to minor please reply thank you ..

hi there.. thanks for the detailed info.. but what if po the father is currently in dubai and the mom is in canada.. do i need to secure consents from both? or pwed na from the father lang? should it be authenticated?

How about if one of the parents just suddenly dissappeared and the child is now with only one parent? What would the written consent be like?

tnx, what if father is Foreigner and kids are Filipino and they are travelling together and mother can’t come with kids, do we have to secure the permit?

Hello does 18 years old still need DSWD Travel Clearance? I’m pretty confused, Other says 18 years old and below, while the other one says 18 years old below.

When other than the parent applies for the travel clearance, the DSWD WILL ASK FOR AN AUTHORIZATION LETTER. Some might think it is basic, but we learned it the hard way. Hassle.

thank you. this is really helpful.

Thank you for a helpful blog. My son is minor and will be travelling with my cousin to visit me here in Houston, Tx .. now i have guide on what to do.

Pano kung yung mother nasa ibang bansa at ayun ung pupuntahan? Pano ung consent ng mothee need padin po ba?

wow this sure is convenient that the whole process is explained. now i only need their workday schedule…

Hi, should i already book y ticket before applying, or not?

Thank you so much this really helps =)

Will the immigration still ask for an affidavit of consent from parents? Or only dswd clearance? Because the dswd will ask for an affidavit of consent when issuing the travel clearance, and we only have one copy.

hi your info about dswd clearance is very helpful indeed. I wonder if the written consent must authenticated by the philippine consulate here in dubai, or a plain letter will do?? ano po ba mauuna passport or dswd clearance?

what is the requirements needed by the guardian? what should he/she bring in the office. please . answer me because i need it now. i’ve been chosen to be an ambassador of goodwill and my father was deceased and my mother is currently working in bahrain. so, my aunt is my legal guardian. because of my situation, what are the additional requirements?

How about if there is no specific travel dates?

Hi! I would like to clarify the following: a. Is the affidavit required by the DSWD the same as the sample consent you wrote here?; and b. Isn’t there an official form of affidavit needed to be filled up? Thank you in advance!

Hi! Thank you for this post. it is informative. however, it is still unclear for my situation.

I have a son who is 2y.o.. me and his dad was never married.. he abandoned us while I was still pregnant.. he never acknowledged my son as his son..

how can I still get to apply for travel clearance as well as the passport? Thank you in advance!!!

Hi, No need for travel clearance if minor is traveling with his/her mother.;) I

This was very helpful for me! Thank you so much!

I just want to add some info as I have applied for a travel clearance for my 2 niece *Illegitimate*.

Please don’t forget to have a clear copy of the mother/father’s valid ID with signature *this was not clearly stated on the requirements on their website!, good thing is that I have a copy with me*

On our case,we will be visiting the mother of my nieces who’s working abroad that’s why I was also asked to provide a copy of my sister’s resident ID, which I didn’t have but was sent to me after an hour and luckily I have still acquired the travel clearance on the same day.

Hi may tanong lang po ako if kailangan pa ng travel clearance or consent letter of the father if magtatravel po siya kasama ako ung nanay lang ? Nakaapelyedo kase sa tatay pero matagal na kaming walang contact at d po kami kasal.. Pasagot naman po need ko lang..tnx.

Hi, I’m Italian and my girlfriend is Filipina. we are not married but my baby has double nationality and I’v acknowledged the paternity in front of a public official and so he carries my surname. maybe its better to have 2 passports(italian and Filipino) for the baby? we should travel from the Philippines to Italy all together in the future. Do I need a DSWD clearance?

If you’ll be traveling alone with your baby without the mother, yes a DSWD travel clearance is needed. However, if your baby will be traveling with the mother, there is no need for travel clearance.

Regarding passports – by the default, the baby will acquire a Filipino citizenship hence a Philippine passport will be provided. But im not entirely sure about Italian rules regarding off-springs if the child is born to an Italian father, if they’ll automatically acquire the citizenship of the father as there are other nationality who does apply that rule.

But it guess you really dont need this answer now as you posted your inquiry back in 2017 and its now 2019 hahaha

Hi I have a queries Im taking my sister and her grand daughter to hongkong to visit her mother my niece for one week. My niece and her husband was separated for the last 5 years. She left for hongkong to work as a nannys. My sister my niece Mother become the guardian of her minor daughter whilst she gain a employment to hongkong. My question is do we need a father letter of concent for her to travel visiting her mother in hongkong with me and the grand mother? appreciate your help.

Good Day I would like to as k if I need to get a travel clearance if I’m a mother but the problem is I’m not using my husband surname the reason why we are separate 14 years ago but not yet legal, we are planning to travel in Hongkong next year but agency not allowed my daughter the reason why we are not the same sure name but I have all legal documents that i’m her mother like NSO birth certificate, NSO marriage contract and I have my NSO birth certificate that certify the middle name of my daughter is my surname.

Hi Melissa, naku, we don’t know po. It would be best to call DSWD to be absolutely sure.

Hi! The DSWD site tells that you may apply at any DSWD Field office. Can you clarify on this? We are also from Batangas. But, I work in Manila. I am very close to the NCR office. I was planning to apply in NCR then I read your article saying I need to still go to far away Alabang to apply. Thanks!

Hi Mcoy! We called a DSWD regional office and asked them about this scenario and they said that while they encourage people to apply at their respective regional office, they can actually apply at ANY office. They will still process it. :)

Hi Ara, been traveling with kids every year for 6 years now and they only ask us for the DSWD Clearance. :)

Hi, I just wanna know since the permit has specific location and purpose of travel, and we will use it multiple times like different country, wala na magiging problema sa immigration?

It would be my son’s first travel abroad without me and my wife. He will travel with my sister. My son is only 3 yrs old. Can you confirm if we only need to get DSWD clearance? Can’t seem to find any information from DFA website. Thanks!

Hi Joseph! I can only speak based on experience, and over the past 6 years that I’m taking my nephew and niece abroad (sometimes as tourists, sometimes to visit parents), they only ask for the DSWD clearance. Not sure if they ask for more in other circumstances.

This day ko po na receive yung travel clearance ng anak ko going to L.A. with her Ate. They ask an additional documents which at the time of application, I did not know na kailangan pala. Just to inform you para di kayo mabigla at lalo na sa mga may malapit ng oras o araw ng pag alis baka kse magahol kayo at maiwan ng biyahe.Hiningan po ako ng 1.) Invitation Letter with signature kung saan po titigil o mananatili yung minor. 2.) Valid Permanent Card or Valid Visa of inviter 3.) Round trip booking ticket of minor.Payo ko lang po na agahan ang pag apply para may time asikasuhin ang mga additional requirements. Sana maka tulong sa inyo at di magahol sa oras, sa case ko po huwebes po ako nag apply sa martes na po ang alis, kung di ko po nakuha ang mga documents ng maaga malamang naiwan na kme ng biyahe, nakuha ko naman po kinabukasan yung clearance. Salamat po.

Thanks for sharing, Banjo! Because of your update, we’re also updating the post to highlight that there may require additional documents. Thank you!

kailangan po ba exact travel date ilagay sa parental consent..”? kc una po iapply sna yung travel clearance kesa savisa

Ang alam ko po ay oo, pero di ko po sure.

Pwede bang kunan ng passport yong minor kahit wala pang date kung kailan mag travel abroad? Required ba talagang kunan ng DSWD clearance kahit wala pang date?

Hindi ko po sure. Best to contact na lang po the DSWD office nearest you to be sure sure. Yung numbers po, nasa taas.

Kung magtravel ako abroad alone with my son, but my wife is living in another country other than the country we are travelling to, do I need to get a travel clearance?

As far as I know, no need because you’re his dad. No need if the kid is traveling with either parent.

How sure po na may consent ang mother ni minor kung xa at kanyang father lang ang nagbiyahe? Is the minor not at risk if he travels po with either parent without travel clearance?

Ang alam ko, if the parents are married and the child is legitimate, no need for a travel clearance if traveling with either parent. That’s what’s on their website and that’s what they told me when I asked.

If illegitimate yung child and traveling with father, dun kailangan ng travel clearance. Best to call the field office to be sure.

Nakakalito po. Kasi may nakita naman po ako about Permit to Travel (which is different from Travel Clearance). This Permit to Travel is required if only one parent of a legitimate child will accompany the minor to travel abroad. So if ang mother and kasama, kailangan ng notarized permit to travel from the father, and vice versa. Again, this is for LEGITIMATE CHILD/REN only. Nakakalito. Better to call DSWD talaga.

if you do not need travel clearance any additional documents, or do not need to go to Dswd

No need for DSWD Clearance or additional docs basta kasama parents.

Hi, can I ask the full details on how and where can I get the Affidavit of Support and Consent?

Hi Jecca, we got mine from our lawyer. But you can also get it from here and have it notarized: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/affidavit-of-consent-and-support/

Hi! What if the child is illegitimate? The Father is single and the mother is married. Can you just get one CENOMAR or we also need the Marriage contract of the mother? Thanks!

Same question. Is there anyone who can answer for us, please. Thank you.

Call DSWD Field Office na may sakop sa area nyo. The numbers are in the post.

Hi, ask ko lng po….kapag po ba nagtravel abroad(tourist) mother kasama ang anak na 6yrs old, ano po ung mga requirement(addditional requirement for minor)..

Hi good evening ☺ ask ko lang po kung kailangan pa po ng dswd pabalik ng pinas? Hindi na po kasi ako ang kasabay nya pabalik ng pinas tnx

Hi Rosalyn, sa experience namin, di naman na kami hiningan nung pabalik.

Pano po kayo nakakuha nung Invitation Letter?

Ask the inviting party to write a letter or write it yourself tapos pa-pirmahan sa nag-invite.

magkaiba pa po ba yung Affidavit Of Consent And Support sa Written Consent and pano po yun sa written Consent, tatay ko lang po yung nandito ang yung mother ko po nasa ibang bansa.

If may Affidavit of Consent & Support ka na, di mo na kailangan ng isa pang written consent.

My husband and me will be travelling to USA this June 2018 to accompany our 14 yr old granddaughter who is a US citizen and a holder of US visa. What documents do we need to prepare? Do we still need parental consent from the father based in USA and from the mother based here in the Philippines.

They’re going to give you a letter of exemption instead of the usual travel clearance which is free!

Hi Mercy. I don’t know the rules for US citizens, but I don’t think the DSWD Clearance rule applies to them. One of my nephews has recently been granted a Japan dependent visa and he’s now exempted from securing a DSWD Clearance because of it. Something similar might apply to you. It’s best to contact DSWD to be sure.

Hello there, your article is accurate and very helpful. Pero tanong ko lang po if I can apply my own DSWD Clearance and I am not accompanied by either of my parents, since OFW ang mother ko and walang time ang father ko. I am already 17 years old and I am going to travel alone this december 2018. :)

What if my brother is in abroad, separated with his wife. Wife is here in the Philippines but not capable financially. Can i file this earlier while he is here?

Yes, you can apply early. The clearance is valid for 1 year or 2 years.

My daughter was issued a travel clearance for her to join a study tour in China this April and May 2018. The travel clearance is valid for 1 year. Can I use this same clearance for her to travel to Thailand with my secretary this June 2018? Our arrival from a trip to New Zealand will overlap with our departure for Bangkok, so my wife and I have decided to get another flight in the afternoon via another airline and meet up with our daughter in the hotel in Bangkok.

Hi! I’m planning to travel with my 14 year old nephew to Tokyo later this year or early next year. The thing is, he is a holder of two citizenships: USA and Philippines. We plan to have him use his USA passport to get him through Philippine and Japanese immigration since they don’t require US citizens a Japan Visa to enter Japan. It’s less paperwork for us too. My concern is I am a Philippine passport holder and I will be the one accompanying him to Tokyo. How will we be able to go through PH immigration? Do we need a DSWD Travel Clearance? One of the requirements for the travel clearance is a birth certificate. Do we need to show his US birth certificate since he was born there? I’m sorry for the questions, I just haven’t found anything online regarding this. Thanks in advance!

Hi Edlaine, it’s a pretty specific/unusual case. It’s best to just call the DSWD or Bureau of Immigration to be completely sure.

Hi, nabasa ko po sa taas na dswd clearance po yung hinahanap dito sa pinas na immigration. ask ko lang po na how about in Japan? Meron po ba hinanap yung japan immigration na affidavit or dswd clearance? Thank you po.

Hi Von, in my experience, wala silang hinahanap sa Japan.

Hello there! I have read your article recently. I have question po. Once available na po ang mga supporting documents (Passport, Affidavit of support and Consent, DSWD Clearance, ITR, etc) technically, pwede na sya pumasa sa immigration, right? Do you have any ideas po regarding to the possible questions Immigration officer will ask to the Minor Traveller?

Hoping for your response and thank you! :)

Hi Yukio. Yep, basta complete na, pwede na lumagpas sa immigration.

Yung questions sa minors, usually, sino kasama? Anong gagawin dun? Kailan balik?

Yun lang yung sa experience ko.

pwede po ba kahit hindi kau mag ka maganak??

Hi. Just want to ask if there are any requirements for domestic travel? My daughter will be having a vacation at cebu with my mother. Hindi ako kasama o yung papa nya kc may work. Need po ba ng travel clearance or anything? Thanks

Hi. Ask ko lang, paano po kung nanay ko wala pang passport, sabay na kasi sila kukuha ng passport ng baby ko. Need pa ba muna hintayin marelease ang passport bago mag apply ng travel clearance? Thank you in advance.

Hmmm. Part of the requirements is the companion’s passport copy. But for minors, the DSWD clearance is required to apply for a passport. Ideally, dapat mauna ang companion na magka-passport. And then tsaka yung minor. At least, sa surface, that’s how it’s supposed to go.

But i’m not sure if the DSWD office can make an exception or kung gaano sila kalenient. Best to call yung DSWD Office kung saan ka mag-apply kung okay lang na walang passport copy yung companion.

Hi, hope you can help me. My niece (a minor) will be travelling with us abroad, and she haven’t applied yet for a passport. Sa DFA application form, may field doon na “TRAVELLING COMPANION’S NAME,” pwede ba na ‘yong father ng niece ko ang ilagay muna doon or should it be my name since ako ang kasama niya pag-travel abroad? We’re thinking kasi na passport ‘to and once lang naman siya sasama with me and might travel soon with her own father and mother. So ok lang ba na father’s name ang nasa TRAVELLING COMPANION’s NAME? Thanks in advance!

hi, im from batangas po, and punta po kami ng nephew ko sa dubai sa december, pupuntahan po namin ang mama nya, na kapatid ko naman, tapos andto ung papa nya sa pinas, tanong ko lng po kung paano po ung consent ng mama nya and signature, need po ba ipa courrier? thank you po.

Hi Cheene, ‘yung sa amin pina-courier ko yung docs na may signature ng sister ko.

Sir, ano papo ung need from his mom bukod sa consent?

Pa-check na lang po sa taas yung list of requirements.

hi.. can a minor travel together even though they are not relatives??

Hi Perillo, ang alam ko pwede basta may Affidavit of Consent. Pero tawag ka pa rin sa DSWD to be sure.

Hello po, i’ve been to singapore many times na po and this coming november which is sembreak kasama ko na po kapatid ko na 22 yes old, future inlaw ko na 25yrs old and minor ko po na kapatid na 11 years old. 4 lang po kami na pupunta ng singapore just to visit my fiance. Nakakuha narin po ako ng travel clearance sa minor kung kapatid, affidavit of consent. Invitation letter from my fiance. Additional Documents po namin is RT tickets, Hotel accomodation, USS tickets, Vacay leave ng kapatid at future inlaw ko company id’s nila, certificates of employment nila and pocket money po. 5days po travel namin 3days sa sg and 1 day sa KL. Any suggestions pa po or may chance po ba kami maoffload? Please reply po. Thank you

Lahat naman ay may chance na ma-offload. Di naman mawawala yung chance. But it looks like you’ve done the preps that you can do, so just be confident lang with your answers.

Hi. Im travelling to HK with my nephew. In your experience, do they still ask for the affidavit of consent sa immigration both in Manila and Hongkong? Or do they only look for the DSWD clearance? We ended up booking a hotel thats different from the one in the affidavit kasi. Thanks!

Hi MT. I always carry an affidavit of consent with me when passing through Immigration. However, I had never been asked for it by any officer. They would just ask for a DSWD Clearance.

Thank you! The airline ended up rebooking our flight for some reason. So now, the dates have changed too. Im thinking if I need a new travel clearance or just a fresh affidavit with the new info. I’ll call DSWD to confirm. Thank you!

Hi MT. Yep, best to call them. Hope you could share with us din what they will say so we can add to this post and help others. Thank you! :)

Hi. I called DSWD, they said I dont need a new clearance as long as the new dates are within the validity period of the clearance issued.

If the companion or country is changing, thats when we need a new clearance.

Hope this helps. Thank you! :)

Hello, Pwede pu ba ipascan ung affidavit of consent na may red ribbon para maprint sa Pinas to bring sa DSWD office?

Di ko po alam. Call na lang po the field office kung saan kayo mag-aapply.

Ask ko lang po kung parehas lang ba yung DSWD Clearance na kailangan sa pagkuha ng passport for minor at yung DSWD travel clearance? Medyo na confused po ako. Kasi need ko ikuha ng passport yung pamangkin ko na 9 yrs. old at yung brother ko na 17 yrs. old nakita ko na kailangan sa DFA ng DSWD clearance, pareho lang din po ba yung

Maraming Salamat!

Hi Ann, yep pareho lang. Yung tawag talaga dun ay DSWD Travel Clearance, pero most people refer to it as simply DSWD Clearance. Pero it’s the same thing. :)

Hi, this is very informative. I just want to know if my children still need to secure a travel clearance if they’re coming back to Manila. I will be with them on their flight MNL-SIN (so I think they don’t need a travel clearance anymore)but I don’t know if my flight will be the same going back to MNL? I have my cousin who will be with them when they go back to MNL…. Do I still need to secure a travel clearance for them? Thank u.

Hi Rai, based on my experience, PH immigration didn’t check for DSWD clearance for returning residents. Japan and HK Immigration didn’t either.

I’m not sure about SG Immigration, but I don’t think they would check. I think it’s only when passing through PH Immigration when exiting the country. So I think you should be fine.

Can my wife do all the application and procedure to let our daughter travel alone to visit me here abroad? Is the unaccompanied minor certificate really necessary as a requirement to apply for the travel clearance. based on PAL’s website https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/ph/Home/TravelInformation/BeforeYouFly/SpecialHandling/UnaccompaniedMinor ,and to their staff I spoke with, only 8-11 years old are eligible for UM certificate, my daughter’s 13yrs old so she’ll not be given. DSWD insisted that they require one. Any suggestions or Idea?

Hi Jhay, oh, I don’t know for sure because I haven’t tried applying for a clearance for an unaccompanied minor. But you can try to post this on our Support Group. Maybe some of our members have had similar experience and can help: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler/

Travelling Minor: Case Situation: Father and mother UNMARRIED (but paternal acceptance appears on the minor’s BC) Father UNMARRIED AND Mother is married. Father is an OFW while Mother is in Pinas with own family.

Travelling Companion: Uncle (brother of minor’s Father) Uncle does the processing as authorized by the minor’s Father and Mother Minor is studying. Mother waives her responsibility to the processing of needed docs.

IS PERSONAL APPEARANCE (OF MINOR AND COMPANION) STILL REQUIRED TO GET DSWD CLEARANCE?

Hi Pax, best to call DSWD pag ganitong specific case.

HI, just want to ask paano ang case kapag ang bata na kasama ko magtravel ay nawala nalang bigla ang kanyang Father, and ang mother nya ay nasa ibang bansa (tho i have a contact sa kanya). Paano po yung COnsent letter?

Hi Nico, pag ganyan pong specific na case, di ko na po alam. Best to contact na lang po the DSWD Field Office kung saan kayo mag-aapply para sigurado.

Hi, ask ko lang po kasi yung ate ko nasa UAE po, then my plan po kami ng cousin ko mgtravel sa Malaysia kasama ung nephew ko (son ng ate ko, gift nya sa anak nya) , actually nka book n kami ng flight, kya need ko daw travel clearance from DSWD for my nephew, ano po kya need ng ate ko na letter para proof daw na in-authorized nya ako kumuha ng travel clearance for my nephew?

thanks in advance.

Hi Chantal,

since ikaw din yung kasama nya mag-travel, need mo ng Affidavit of Support. Notarized if pwede. Since nasa abroad sya, I think may kelangan syang gawin sa embassy. Di ko lang alam ang details nun. Tapos gawa na rin sya ng Authorization letter allowing you to apply for her son.

Di ko lang ganun kakabisado yung details pag ganyan, so best to call the DSWD Field Office kung saan ka mag-aapply.

I would like to clarify if need ba ng visa ng minor and the companions bago mag apply ng dswd clearance?

Hi Jeca, may existing passport na ba ung minor or wala pa?

Hi! I’d like to ask if I’m applying for an illegitimate child, would there be a need for the consent of the father? Or the Certificate of Non-Marriage will suffice? Thank you!

Hi Joanne, sa website nila last time I checked, parang wala naman sa list ung consent ng father kahit illegitimate. Tawag ka na lang sa DSWD field office to be sure.

Mabuhay kayo!!buti nalang may mga ganitong tao na gumagawa ng mga ganitong post.salamat ng marami,marami talaga kayong natutulungan.

Salamat din po sa pagbisita, Mang Kiko!

hi. just want to inquire. May travel clearance na yung anak ko issued last year kasi need for passport renewal and wala ako sa pinas, so the travel clearance stated an adult accompanying which is my cousin (for passport renewal purposes). This year I’m planning na magbakasyon ang anak ko dito sa uae but without an adult. Do i still have to get a new travel clearance for unaccompanied minor travelling alone.? Do i have to give the requirements of cenomar etc. again?thanks in advance

Hi Jen, I’m not sure. Best to just contact the DSWD Field Office that covers your area to be sure. You’ll find the phone numbers in the post above.

Hi! Just want to ask. I am travelling with my pamangkin also. Pano po kung may existing passport na yung minor and nun kumuha ng passport sya yung requirements na pinasa is under the category travel with parents. Kailangan ba baguhin ulit yung passport kasi not travelling with parents na ngaun? Thanks in advance

ANg alam ko po, di kailangan na baguhin ung passport kung di naman pa pa-expire. Pero itawag nyo na lang sa DSWD Field Office para sure.

Hindi pa nman po expired kakakuha lang last year. Pero po yung pamangkin nyo nun may passport na sila nun? Or wala pa tapos kumuha muna na kayo travel clearance bago passport? Thanks po.

Nung first time na nag-apply kami, DWSD Clearance muna bago passport.

Tapos nung 2nd time, since may passport na, clearance na agad. We didn’t have to get a new or renew the passport.

Hi! The DSWD told me to get certifcate from the airline, how can i get one?

Hi Pamela, it’s for a minor traveling alone, right? Contact the airline where you booked the ticket.

Hi. Just wanted to know regarding this requirement ( A photocopy of the minor’s birth certificate (SECPA). what does it mean ? kelangan nasa security paper or ok lng na photocopy lng. sobrang hassle kc if ibbigay mo pa yun original bc galing sa PSA

Hi Moto, photocopy of the birth certificate is okay, but as far as I know, it should be a photocopy of a PSA-issued birth cert.

I submitted only the photocopy of a secpa PSA copy the last time I applied.

hi. regarding this requirement ( – If minor is illegitimate: a Certificate of No Marriage from the local civil registrar)

possible ba na sa local civil registrar na lng kumuha ? sobrang kc expensive ng cenomar if you will request it online and have it deleivered to you eh

Need nila ng PSA issued CENOMAR.

I am not familiar with the process for illegitimate minor. Best to call the DSWD Field Office that will process your application before your visit to be sure.

hi. Im applying for a passport para sa pamangkin ko. I notice na kelangan ng affidavit of support and consent dun as one of requirements. Ask ko lng na need ba ibigay yun original copy kc need ko din yun consent na yun sa pagaaply for passport para sa knya, or ok lng na photocopy na lng the pakita na lng yun oroginal. Thank you

Hi moto, yung experience ko sa Alabang office pag nag-apply ako, pinakapakita ko ung original, tapos ina-ask nila ako kung pede nilang ikeep yun. Once sabi ko, gagamitin ko pa (for Immigration), humingi na lang sila photocopy. Di ko alam kung ganun talaga ang protocol sa lahat ng offices or nagkataon lang.

Hi! How to get certification from the airlines?

Contact the airline po.

Hi, thank you for this very helpful and informative post. I appreciate your kindness for sharing this. By the way, if I will apply at DSWD Alabang and targetting the 8am to 10am slot, what time should I be in their office? Should I be there very early, around 6am or earlier? Is there a long queue?

Hi Michelle, in my experience, konti lang ang tao kapag before 9am. It opens at 8.

Last time I applied, I arrived at 8:30-ish, I was fourth in line. :)

Thank you very much :) God bless you!

I will be travelling with my niece international would you know if it’s necessary to secure both signatures of mother and father? Do you think it’s alright for me to secure just the mother’s since the parents are not in good terms?

Hi Norma, di ko po alam. Pag nagsasubmit po kasi ako laging may pirma ng both parents. Di ko natanong if okay lang na isa lang. :(

I am travelling to South Korea from Dubai this month and my 3 daughters are travelling from Manila. We are just meeting at INC airport. My eldest is 19 years while other 2 are still minor, 15 and 13 years. Can my eldest be considered as their legal guardian? My other 2 daughters still need to obtain the travel clearance?

If yes, is the affidavit of support and consent can be done and notarized here in Dubai? Kailangan ba na original ang documents from me para maissuehan sila ng travel clearance. Please respond, thank you.

Hi Melai, your other 2 daughters still need to obtain a travel clearance, unless your eldest is the legal guardian, meaning your eldest has the documents (e.g. certificate) proving guardianship.

As far as I know, if the Affidavit of Consent and Support is executed abroad, it has to be accredited at the embassy where they will affix a gold seal and red ribbon to it.

Hello po, ask ko lang po sana if may idea po kayo if need pa kumuha ng DSWD clearance let say po kasabay ko naman anak ko papunta ng SG, bale susunduin ko siya kasama pamilya ko, then pag-uwi sina Mama na lang kasama niya hindi ko na hatid ng pinas. Or if ano po experience nyo sa check in from other country nung pauwi na, hinahanap pa ba nila ung clearance ng DSWD? Salamat po.

Hi Jazel, if kasabay po kayo pa-exit, no need na for DSWD Clearance.

Pag pabalik na, sa experience ko pag nagtatravel with my pamangkins tapos walang kasamang parents, di naman chinecheck ung DSWD clearance. Di ko alam if ganun din with others pero un ang experience ko.

What if it is an aunt traveling with her two nieces just within the Philippines? Flight from Cebu to Clark? Still need clearance? Thanks!

Hi CJ, no po. Pag abroad lang po yung clearance.

ask q lng po if need q pa po ba ng dswd for my 2kids single parent aq ung bunso q po is 5 nka appelyido skin ung panganay q is 12 sa father nmn nya nka appelyido.. flight namin tatlo sa Friday going to singapore do i still need the permit to travel nd affidavit?

If kasama kayo magtravel, no need.

Hi ask ko lang if traveling to domestic needed din po b kumuha ng clearance if yung grandparents and auntie lang ang kasama? My baby is 1 yr.old

Di po needed ang DSWD Clearance pag domestic pero di ko rin alam if ano ung requirement pag domestic.

Hello po ask lang po ako if need pa po ba ng dswd para sa anak ko 12 years old po sya. bale ako po ang magdadala nya dito pa UAE. Ang sakin lang di kasi kami nagkatuluyan ng mama niya. Kailangan pa po ba ng Authorization sa mama niya or DSWD Clearance?

Ang alam ko po, di kailangan pag may kasamang kahit sinong parent. Pero tawag na rin po kayo sa DSWD to be sure.

Need po ba ilagay yung hotel name kung saan sila mag stay sa Travel Clearance form??? Kahit wala pang nabook for hotel to stay,, or dapat nakapabook na for hotel accom?

Good afternoon, ask ko lang what if yung husband ko nasa abroad pwede bang ako lang pumirma ng affidavit of consent para apply ko for dswd clearance?ty

My father po is abroad, eh nakagreencard siya, tapos mommy ko seperated. Meron akong red ribbon ng travel authorization na pinapayagan yung kaibigan ng daddy ko na kasama ko siya magtravel sa states. Kailangan po ba ng travel clearance if ganon? Photocopy ng green card ng father ko ok lang? Sunday kasi tomorrow eh diko alam if bukas yung dswd sa alabang. Okay lang ba magtravel with him kahit walang travel clearance pero merong red ribbon na travel authorization from the philippine embassy itself sa san francisco? tsaka meron ding photocopy ng greencard? Thank you for the helpp. asap

Hi Matt, ang alam ko, if minor ka and PH citizen and hindi mo kasama either parent, need mo ng DSWD Travel Clearance. Di ko sure pero ung naka-red ribbon na yan, pwede mo gamitin to apply for a DSWD Clearance. Di ko alam ang intricacies kapag OFW pero tawag ka na lang sa DSWD Office para sigurado.

hi po.. ask ko lang.. dapat po ba kasama ung minor sa office ng dswd? or kahit ako nlng po?

Hi Yssai, sa experience ko po, never ko kasama yung minor pag nag-aapply ako.

Hi, We have secured the DSWD clearance… Have you encountered any problems when going thru immigration? I am going to singapore with my niece and were going to cross the border to Indonesia…. Is there any additional requirements if were going to cross the border??

Hi Karen, naku, I haven’t tried crossing a border or traveling to a second country with a minor so di ko alam for sure. I think sa PH exit lang concern yun pero di ko sure.

Hi. Solo parent ako (me id kasi expired na from 2015 pa) yung anak ko nasa puder ko, Hindi kasi kami kasal ng nanay nya. Alam ko nakasal na sia last year ata.

Since ako naman yung tatay ng bata, need ko paba kumuha ng travel clearance from DSWD o need ko lang ng AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT AND SUPPORT from the mother?

Nawa’y mapansin nyo itong message ko. salamat

Hi John, ang alam ko po, di nyo need ng clearance kasi parent nya po kayo. Pero call na lang din po the DSWD Field Office if you want to make sure.

Thanks Yoshke for your reply. Hindi ko napansin na nag reply pala kayo walang notif sa email haha anyhow, regarding don sa tanong ko para narin don sa ibang merong katulad na tanong gaya ng sa akin.

I reached out to DSWD and sabi nila, pag ang bata ay nasa puder ng tatay at hindi kasal sa nanay, need ng tatay na mag present ang court order granting the custody of the child to the father. So dapat nag file ang tatay ng Petition for Custody sa korte. Kasi nasasaad sa Family Code of the Philippines na by default ang custody ng minor illegitimate child ay nasa nanay unless meron ngang document granted by the court regarding the child’s custody. Pag meron nitong document na ito, no need na for DSWD travel clearance

Pero kung walang court order (in my case, hindi naman umabot sa ganon kasi maayos naman pag uusap namin regarding the child’s custody) the father needs to acquire a DSWD travel clearance.

Kaya in my case need ko pala sya para maitravel ko ang anak ko abroad.

Hi we applied for Travel Clearance and it was easy because of your guide. I wonder if you could answer my question (i forgot to ask about it when I claim the clearance).. Our destination is South Korea, can I use the same clearance if we will go to Thailand or any other countries? or Do I need to apply for a new to reflect the new destination?

According to a reader, if the companion or the country changes, the clearance has to be renewed. :) I haven’t tried this personally, so call the DSWD field office to be sure na lang. :)

Gd pm po ask kolang po need papoba ng clearance ng anak kong 14 yrs old going japan with her half sister?

Hi Gina, if your child isn’t Japanese, doesn’t have a resident status, and traveling without a parent, need pa rin ng DSWD clearance.

Hi Alfie, yung sa experience ko, di naman need ng hotel booking na. Kung saan mo pa lang plan mag-stay. Yung target hotel pa lang.

Thank you so much for this article. it was very helpful. I live in Las Piñas City and I plan to apply in Alabang. My son is traveling with his grandfather, my father-in-law and will be staying at my sister-in-law’s house in SG. Will DSWD require an invitation letter from SG? Do I have to present financial support documents? Thank you so much. Your answers will be greatly appreciated. :)

Hi Sol, pa-double check po sa field office if nag-aaccept sila ng applicants from Las Pinas, kasi last time I was there, yung from Region IV-A lang yung inaallow nila. May sarili yata kasing field office ang NCR, which is in Sampaloc.

Ano po requirements kapag may kailangan pong baguhin sa travel clearance na valid parin po. Nakalagay kasi sa travel clearance ko may kasama akong companion pero papalitan po un to travelling alone.

Hi Yosh. Have you tried applying for multiple travel dates and destination in one clearance? For example Japan in Oct, SG-Malaysia in Dec, Taiwan in May. Hk, Macau in Apr. If so, are there any additional documents? Thanks!

Hi MT, not yet. :(

Hi Yosh. I’ve been trying to figure out what to do but I still got no answers. Here’s my case, my daughter is in the Philippines and is supposed to travel here in Japan on October with her uncle, my younger brother, and i’m puzzled on the requirements because one of the requirements is a CENOMAR but I am married but not to the father of my daughter hence I will not be able to get that requirement. Also, one requirement is a notarized affidavit of consent, how can I make this if I am here in Japan?

Regarding CENOMAR, I honestly have no idea about it.

Regarding Notarized Affidavit of Consent, I think it must be authenticated at the Philippine Embassy in Japan. That’s why my sister who is based in Japan always takes care of these docs when she comes home to visit, kasi mas mahirap pa daw if doon gagawin.

Tawag ka na lang din sa DSWD about CENOMAR problem mo tapos isabay mo na rin itanong ung sa affidavit, para sure talaga.

Hi po ask ko lang..father ako ng 16yrsold kong anak..di pa kami kasal nung pinanganak xa pero 5yrs later pinakasalan ko na mama nya…kailangan ko pa ba ng travel clearance?tanx

My daughter will be travelling to the US with her father (my husband) and my mother. Do we have to go through the DSWD clearance process? Or would a simple consent letter from me as mother suffice? My husband and I are working abroad and I will eventually meet up with them in the US.

Another thing, my mother and daughter only have 1 way tickets as I am not yet certain when they would be going home. I also intend to apply for my daughter’s resident status abroad. Will this create a problem when they go through immigration at the airport?

Many thanks in advance for your response.

Hi, just on the above required docs for 1st time DSWD clearance applicant. So, my niece is an illegitimate child and she’s under her mother’s care. It says below that if the child is illegitimate a CENOMAR is needed? Whose CENOMAR is it? Her mother has been married to another man for a while now and we don’t have any news about the father.

A photocopy of one of the following, whichever is appropriate: – If minor has both parents: the parents’ marriage certificate (SECPA) – If minor is under a legal guardian: the Certificate of Legal Guardianship – If minor is under a solo parent: solo parent identification card or certification from the Municipal DSWD Office; or if Muslim, Tallaq or Fasakh certification from any Muslim Barangay, the Shariah court or a religious leader – If minor is illegitimate: a Certificate of No Marriage from the local civil registrar – If one of the parents is deceased: death certificate – If minor is an immigrant, visa petition approval. – If minor is traveling for medical purposes, medical certificate – If minor is studying abroad, acceptance letter from school abroad – If minor is attending a conference, a certification from the organizers

Best to call the DSWD Field Office po para sure kung ano dapat gawin.

We have a similar situation to above. Son wants to travel with birth mother to Canada from Philippines. The parents of this child were never married but the boy was under care of father for 12 years while mother was abroad. Boy is 14 years old now. Purpose of travel to Canada is immigration. What docs does the mother need to have on hand when they are ready to leave Philippines?

hi, i will be the one accompanying the child on the travel. His father is my cousin. Gusto ko sana ako na din magapply sa DSWD for the clearance kase mas malapit ako sa DSWD office where the residency of child is assigned. My question is, doon ba sa DSWD form name at signatiure pa din ng father nya ang ilalagay ko sa last part “i hereby certify the information etc. etc.”

Hi! Pag ako nag-aapply for my niece/nephew, ako yung nagsa-sign doon as uncle. Tinatanggap naman. Never naman ako nagka-problem.

hello po. my question is this po, my husband will travel with our 15 months old son. both of us live here in Australia, the thing will be, he will go home sa Pinas po and bring our son here. I understood a travel consent is still need po, but I am wondering about one thing, should I still make an authorization letter, stating that I allow my husband to travel with our son, or po ba, I allow my husband to obtain a travel consent for dswd? thank you very much and kind regards.

What if the purpose is not really to travel but to use it as requirement for a petition…does still need a dswd clearance to renew the passport

hi po need ko Help nyo, kunin ko sana ang anak ng ka live-in ko 3,sa province to manila, ano pa po b kylangan ng requirements plz po

To whom it may concern, I hope you will see my comment. I just want to clarify if you will provide DSWD CLEARANCE for my 16yrs old brother. We will travel san quintin to la union only for the purpose for renewing of his passport. We don’t have plans to travel abroad. I have a SPA Authenticated from my mom where indicated that I’m his sister that will be the one to accompany him for processing his passport. Thank you for your reply.

hi, i would like to ask about the waiver of parents for minor to travel alone sample? do i need a lawyer to make that for me or o can do it myself? bka may sample kayo, salamat

is SPA enough as affidavit of consent?

How about the waiver signed by parents? Does DSWD have a draft form or we can make our own? Thank you!

Hi Love, not sure if may format/draft form na sila ngayon. Pero when I applied, eto ung format na ginamit ko: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Letter-of-Consent-PDF.pdf

Thank you so much!

Hello. Regarding Affidavit of Consent and Support, kahit po ba ikaw ang sumagot sa vacay trip niyo ng mga pamangkin mo e parents padin niya nilagay mo mag sponsor for the trip? Kasi diba hihingi din sila proof of financial capability. Ginaya ko kasi yung sample mo po and I put my name as the one sponsoring since mas madali ako maka secure ng bank statements and ako naman talaga ang gagastos for the trip. Any advise po? Thank you so much!

If I remember correctly (medyo matagal na rin po ako since huling nag-apply nito), naka-stipulate dun sa document na ako as uncle ang sasagot nung expenses. May dala rin ako noon na COE ko and bank cert, pero di naman chineck sa case ko. Pero yep, nakalagay sa affidavit na pinapayagan ung niece ko ng parents and na ako ang sasagot sa gastos.

Hello po thank you for the info. . Itatanong ko lang sana kung ang validity ng dswd clearance ay 1 or 2 years, how many times mo po sya pwd gamitin?

AFAIK pwede naman siya kahit ilang beses basta within the validity. Pwedeng 1 year or 2 years. Ikaw bahala. Mas mahal lang ung 2 years.

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How do I apply?

It's a two-step process:

• Fill out an online TSA PreCheck application and schedule an in-person appointment for a background check. There are more than 380 enrollment centers for the in-person interview. Unlike in the early years of the program, they're not all located in airports, either.
• Go to the appointment to answer questions for the background check and get fingerprinted.

The TSA estimates that the online application takes five minutes to fill out, and the in-person appointment takes 10 minutes to complete.

Global Entry

Global Entry is a no-brainer if you like the idea of TSA PreCheck but travel internationally. Run by US Customs and Border Protection, this program includes free TSA PreCheck  but also lets you get through customs more quickly when entering the US.

International travelers going by air, land or sea can benefit. To be eligible, you need to be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of the following countries: Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan or the UK. Kids will need their own Global Entry membership at the same cost as adults.

Global Entry lets you skip the long line at customs as well as the paperwork and awkward interviews with a customs agent when returning to the US. Instead, Global Entry members can use a self-serve kiosk. The program also includes TSA PreCheck to get you through airport security faster.

You can use Global Entry at dozens of airports  in the US, including Guam, Saipan and Puerto Rico. It's also available in some major Canadian airports (Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg) as well as a handful of other international airports (Abu Dhabi, Aruba, Bermuda, Dublin, Grand Bahamas, Nassau). That's in addition to the advantages of a full TSA PreCheck membership, which you can use at over 200 US airports.

Global Entry costs $100 for five years. You can pay by credit card or through an electronic bank transfer.

Similar to TSA PreCheck, you need to fill out an online application . Start by creating a Trusted Traveler Program account. Then, complete the application for Global Entry (which includes the nonrefundable $100 fee). Once you're conditionally accepted, schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center and pass a background check. For your in-person interview, you will need a valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license. Lawful permanent residents must present their machine-readable permanent resident card.

Look for the dedicated Global Entry kiosks at customs when entering the US at participating airports. The ATM-style kiosk snaps a photo and asks you the same sort of questions you'd get on hand-written immigration forms (for instance, whether you are bringing in fruit or whether you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash). If the answer to those questions is no, you can hand off the printed receipt to an immigration officer who checks your passport and be on your way in as little as two minutes. 

You will also get a Global Entry ID card , but that's only needed for land and sea entry from Mexico or Canada. (If you're not familiar with the SENTRI and NEXUS programs related to those respective countries, you probably don't need to worry about this.)

Unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, Clear is run by a private company, not the government. It lets you jump to the front of the main security line or the TSA PreCheck line at the airport. Instead of waiting to show your ID and boarding pass to the TSA agent, you can scan your eyes and fingerprints at a Clear kiosk, then be escorted to the front of the security line.

Clear only lets you skip the line. You'll still need to remove your shoes, belt, laptop and liquids when you go through security unless you're also a member of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Air travelers who hate long lines and are willing to scan their eyes and fingers will benefit from Clear. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and have one of these photo IDs: a US driver's license, US passport, US passport card, US-issued Permanent Resident Card, state-issued ID or US military ID.

Clear lets you skip the airport security line, but you'll still need to go through regular security screening. It saves you from needing to present your ID and boarding pass to a TSA agent after standing in the security line. Instead, you can use a Clear kiosk to scan your eyes and fingerprints. After that, a Clear employee escorts you to the front of the line for security screening. You'll need to take off your shoes and belt and remove your laptop and liquids from your carry-on unless you also have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Your eyes and fingerprints are scanned when you enroll. You can then use those biometrics to zip through the Clear lane at an airport or stadium instead of the regular security line. With the Health Pass, you can add a digital vaccine card to prove your vaccination credentials. 

Clear isn't as widespread as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. It's available in a select number of airports as well as a handful of stadiums .

Clear is pricier than TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. It costs $189 per year, and you can add up to three family members for $60 each per year. Kids under 18 can use the Clear kiosk when traveling with a Clear family member. 

Clear is the priciest of the three programs, but it's also the only one that offers a free trial. You can try it free for two months.

Delta and United frequent flyers can get a deal on Clear. For Delta, Clear is free for Diamond Medallion members; $149 a year for Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members; and $179 a year for general SkyMiles members. For United, Clear is free for Premier 1K members and $149 a year for United credit card members in the US and Platinum, Gold and Silver Premier members. It's $179 a year for MileagePlus members.

What is Clear Sports?

For stadium entry only, a Clear Sports membership is free and lets you bring one guest with you through the Clear security lane.

Clear is the most expensive program, but it's the easiest to join. You fill out an application online and finish the process at an airport or stadium that offers Clear. There's no need for a separate trip to an enrollment center, and you can start using Clear on the same day you enroll.

Anyone traveling between the US and Canada on a regular basis may want NEXUS. It makes it easier and faster to cross the border no matter your mode of transportation.

The program expedites processing upon entry into the US and Canada.

NEXUS members are pre-scanned before heading to the border and are able to cross more quickly via land, air or sea.

You'll have access to dedicated processing lanes at border crossings, as well as NEXUS kiosks in airports and at marine reporting locations. You can also use Global Entry kiosks when entering the US from Canada.

NEXUS is $50 for a five-year membership.

Apply online via the Trusted Travelers Program website . You'll undergo risk assessment by both the US and Canada as part of the application and registration process.

Which service should you get?

The best service for you depends on your travel habits. If you do a lot of domestic travel in the US, TSA PreCheck will cut down on the time you spend in security lines. Global Entry is best for international travelers since it expedites the often-slow immigration process. NEXUS is ideal for travelers who go between the US and Canada regularly. Clear is the most expensive choice and isn't the best option for airports, but for avid sports fans, it can get you to your seat quickly. 

Global Entry is the best overall option .   One CNET writer once called it "the best $100 I ever spent" -- and the first time you use it, you'll probably agree. Global Entry folds in all of the advantages of TSA PreCheck, including much faster and less invasive TSA security checks, but adds an express line through customs and immigration on your way back into the US from international airports and destinations. If you have a passport, this is the one to get.

TSA PreCheck is the best option if you don't have a passport . If you only travel domestically, TSA PreCheck will make flying a less onerous process. But if you take even one international trip in the next five years, you may kick yourself if you don't pay the extra $22 for Global Entry.

We don't recommend Clear at its current price . The base price of Clear feels prohibitive unless you're a frequent flyer -- particularly a Delta or United frequent flyer. It's almost $200 for one year, versus just $100 for five years of Global Entry. It also doesn't get you the quicker TSA PreCheck security check, so you're probably still going to want to invest in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck anyway. Delta and United Airlines frequent flyers can get a discount, but Clear just doesn't seem worth it for most travelers planning to take only a trip or two a year. However ...

Clear Sports is worthwhile for sports fans and concertgoers in select cities . No, this doesn't really have anything to do with airports or traveling. But Clear Sports, the free tier of Clear, will give you expedited entry into 19 stadiums around the country, which could be a time-saver for season ticket holders who attend many games each year. If you live in one of the cities where it's offered -- and you're OK with Clear having your biometric data -- this free service is worth checking out. Clear also has another free service called  Health Pass  that works as a vaccine passport, letting you gain entry into venues that require proof of vaccination.

Finally, as you might suspect: If you're a real stickler for privacy, you might want to skip all of these services.

Are TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Clear and NEXUS safe?

Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and NEXUS are government programs, while Clear is a private corporation. But if you use any of the services, you'll be surrendering a lot of personal information, including fingerprints -- and your face.

In Clear's case, the company's website says : "We never sell or rent personal information. Personal information is only used to deliver a frictionless and secure experience with Clear."

For Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, you're surrendering your information to the federal government. That gives many people pause, especially since the government has shown it's no better than corporations at keeping data safe. From the SolarWinds breach to the  US Treasury and Commerce departments getting hacked , the feds have a pretty dismal reputation. And US Customs and Border Protection -- the agency that administers Global Entry and co-administers NEXUS -- has admitted that traveler photos were compromised in a cyberattack . 

None of these systems are ideal for folks who value privacy. However, while arguing for higher privacy standards is a worthy debate, it's not going to get you through the security line any faster. For better or worse, increased convenience will mean sacrificing some degree of privacy, whether that's to the airlines, the government or a private corporation. 

Can you get TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Clear or NEXUS at a discount?

You can get all of these programs at a discount by using certain credit cards. There are many travel credit cards that offer application fee discounts for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and NEXUS. Select American Express credit cards offer CLEAR application discounts.

While getting access to these programs at a discount is great, you shouldn't choose a credit card based solely on program access. Consider the card's other perks as well. More often than not, credit cards with these perks also charge an annual fee, so you'll want to be sure you get enough value from its perks and rewards to justify the cost.

How to Get DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors

The DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors is a document issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that allows a minor child to travel alone, or with an adult who is not his/her parent or legal guardian. The clearance has a minimum validity for one year from the date of issue, and must be presented to immigration authorities when the minor child is leaving the Philippines.

Do you have to travel with your minor children and wonder how to get a travel clearance for minors? A Filipino minor kid must obtain a travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regardless of their civil status before leaving the country, whether they are traveling alone or with another adult besides their parents.

Any Filipino citizen below 18 years old who will be travelling alone, or with an adult who is not his/her parent or legal guardian, may apply for a DSWD Travel Clearance. Follow the instructions below on how to apply and what the requirements are. This process can be completed fairly quickly, so you can focus on your upcoming trip!

What is Philippine Travel Clearance for Minors?

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One of DSWD’s program is protecting our children from any form of abuse. As required by law under The Special Protection of Children against Abuse and Exploitation Act 1996, they ensure that all guidelines are followed to get travel clearance for 17-year-olds and below.

The DSWD has a special office that helps people who need travel Clearance for their minor children. The port and airport authorities will require it, so make sure you apply with them first!

As previously mentioned, all Filipino citizens below 18 years old who will be travelling alone or with an adult who is not his/her parent or legal guardian should apply for travel clearance.

Those who are exempted From The Travel Clearance For Minors. The following minor children are the only ones who do not require a DSWD travel clearance:

• Taking a trip with either parent
• Accompanying the legal guardian on trips
• Foreign nationals who enter the country legally possess a dependents visa, a valid permanent residency card, or other documents proving residency with their parents overseas.  Travel authorization is not required for minors with valid passes, such as dependents’ visas and identification cards, or permanent resident visas, passes, and identification cards.
• Have a foreign passport but are not Filipino citizens.

There are many benefits that come with having a DSWD travel clearance for minors.

• One of the most important benefits of having a DSWD travel clearance is that it helps protect minors from being subjected to human trafficking or abuse. The clearance serves as a way to document that the child traveler is not traveling alone and that there is an adult accompanying them who is responsible for their safety.
• A travel clearance from DSWD ensures the safety of the child during travel.
• The Department of Social Welfare and Development is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of every Filipino child. Part of their mandate is to make sure that minors who are traveling outside the country are accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Another benefit of the DSWD travel clearance is that it can be used to prove the identity of the child traveler. The clearance contains information such as the name, date of birth, and place of birth of the child. This information can be used to get a passport or other government-issued ID.
• Lastly, the DSWD travel clearance shows that the parents or guardians of the child have given their consent for the child to travel. This is important because in some cases, one parent may not have full custody over a child, so they may not be able to provide consent for them to travel alone. The DSWD travel clearance can help ensure that both parents are on board with the child’s travel plans.
• A properly completed DSWD Application Form, available for download on the DSWD website.
• A photocopy of the minor’s birth certificate or passport
• Written permission from either parents, a single parent, or a legal guardian allows the youngster to go abroad alone or with someone else.
• A copy of your traveling companion’s passport (if the child is traveling accompanied).
• A photocopy of the minor’s parent’s marriage certificate
• A copy of the minor’s legal guardianship certificate for legal guardians
• Photocopy of the solo parent identification card from the municipal social welfare and development office,
• Talaq or fasakh certification from a shariah court or any Muslim barangay or religious leader,
• Or a photocopy of the minor’s parents’ marriage certificate for single parents.

Additional Requirements:

• If a minor is going abroad to study, he/she must need the certificate of acceptance and enrollment form issued by that particular school.
• Those minors who are going out of the country for medical treatment, need a recommendation letter from the doctor clearly mentioning that such treatment is not available within the country. And also a letter of the sponsor.
• Certificate from the sponsor organization
• Undertaking from the organization
• Invitation duly signed by the host organization and time duration of the event

Getting a DSWD Travel Clearance is relatively simple.

• First, gather all the required documents, which include a duly-accomplished application form, birth certificate, passport-size photo, travel itinerary, and proof of relationship to the child (if you are not the parent).
• Visit the nearest DSWD Field Office with all your documents. You may call them ahead of time to inquire about availability or to make an appointment.
• Once you arrive at the office, give your documents so that you will be assessed.
• If approved, you will be given a payment stub; the clearance costs PHP 300 for one year or PHP 600 for two years.
• Present your Official receipt to get the Clearance printed, then receive it and use it for travel purposes.

In order to get a DSWD travel clearance for minors, all of the necessary paperwork must be completed and filed with the appropriate DSWD Field Office. Once the application is received, social workers will review it and determine whether or not the minor is eligible for travel.

If everything is in order, the travel clearance will be approved and issued within 24 hours.

Applying for a DSWD Travel Clearance is easy to do online.

• Simply scan all the required documents
• Once all of the required documents have been scanned, applicants can then go to the DSWD website and register for an online account.
• After registering for an online account, applicants can then select the Minor Traveling Form. This form must be filled out completely and accurately, as any inaccurate information may result in delays or the rejection of the application.
• Once the form has been completed, the applicant must then attach all of the required documents. After attaching the documents, the form can then be submitted online.
• Once the documents are submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. After an initial assessment, you will be contacted for an interview.
• Once the interview is successfully completed, you will receive your DSWD Travel Clearance.

Keep in mind that the DSWD has jurisdiction over the minor’s place of residence, so it is important to file the application with the correct office.

This YouTube video will help you all with travel clearance for minors. It walks you through the process of how to apply for travel clearance, what documents you need to bring, and the fees involved.

Having a travel clearance is important for minors who are traveling abroad, as it ensures that they have all the necessary paperwork in order and that they are not denied entry into the country they are visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding DSWD travel clearance for minors.

A DSWD travel clearance is a document that is issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It allows minors to travel abroad for leisure, business, or educational purposes.

DSWD travel clearance is valid for one to two years, depending on what is indicated on the document.

The fee for a DSWD travel clearance is 300 pesos for one year or 600 pesos for two years.

DSWD travel clearance can be obtained from any DSWD Field Office.

Requirements for a DSWD travel clearance include a birth certificate, passport, and school ID (for students). Additional requirements may be necessary, depending on the purpose of travel.

DSWD travel clearance can be applied for online or in person at a DSWD Field Office.

Children under the age of 15 who are traveling to the Philippines alone or who are not visiting a parent there may be denied entry. This is because the government feels that these children are at risk of being exploited or trafficked. As a result, it is essential that any child traveling to the Philippines have all the necessary documentation in order to be allowed into the country. This includes a letter from the child’s parents or guardian indicating their permission for the child to travel to the Philippines.

In the Philippines, children under the age of 18 are considered minors. As such, they are not legally allowed to travel without parental or guardian consent.

There are some ways around this, however. If a minor has a valid reason for traveling without parents or guardians (such as attending a school trip), they may be able to get permission from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. In addition, if the minor is traveling with an adult relative or family friend, they may also be able to get consent from their parents or guardians. Ultimately, whether or not a minor can travel without parents in the Philippines will depend on the individual circumstances.

According to the official website of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, children below 18 years old are not allowed to travel alone. They must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or another adult relative who is authorized by the parents. The authorization must be in writing and must be signed by both parents. It should also indicate the name of the person who will be accompanying the child, as well as the date and destination of travel. In cases where only one parent is available, the other parent must give his or her written consent.

All minors who are less than 18 years of age and who are traveling alone or with adults other than their parents or legal guardians must obtain a clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The purpose of the clearance is to ensure that the minor is not being trafficked or exploited in any way. In order to obtain a DSWD minor clearance, the minor must present a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of travel itinerary. The clearance must be obtained prior to travel and is valid for a period of one year.

Traveling with a minor can be complicated, as there are many rules and regulations that must be followed. In order to ensure a safe and smooth trip, it is important to know what the requirements are and how to go about obtaining the necessary documentation. We have outlined the basics of DSWD travel clearances for minors in the Philippines. We hope that this information will help you prepare for your next journey with your child.

Please make sure to prepare beforehand so that there will be no problems during the trip such as getting denied travel or not being able to go on the trip at all. Getting a DSWD travel clearance will help ensure that your minor child is not being trafficked or exploited in any way and that they are legally allowed to travel. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the nearest DSWD office or travel agency.

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Your Guide to Airport Security Clearance

Christina Ianzito,

There are now a handful of prescreening programs that allow their members to speed through security checkpoints — TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at the airport gate before boarding and Global Entry when you arrive in the U.S. from another country. Each has different advantages, depending on how often you fly domestically or internationally; for some frequent travelers, it can make sense to enroll in two of the programs.

Below is a guide to the benefits of each, and how to enroll.

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TSA PreCheck

What it is:  PreCheck is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after 9/11. It allows certain qualified airline passengers to use separate, typically shorter security lanes leading to the screening area. During screening, PreCheck passengers don't have to take laptops or liquids out of their bags, nor do they have to remove shoes, coats and belts. 

PreCheck costs $85 for five years and is now available at more than 200 U.S. airports . It’s offered to American citizens and lawful permanent residents who apply. Even if you're not enrolled, you may sometimes be randomly given temporary PreCheck status on individual flights. If you have paid for PreCheck or you're in the randomly selected group, there will be a PreCheck symbol on your boarding pass, and you can head for the fast lane. Although some lines for PreCheck members are longer than others, the TSA reports that 93 percent of PreCheck passengers wait less than five minutes.

If you have PreCheck status, you can bring along a travel partner age 12 or younger; if you’re traveling with someone older, he or she must have their own PreCheck clearance to join you in the PreCheck lane.

Note that PreCheck passengers aren’t guaranteed access to the PreCheck lanes; they will sometimes be asked to enter the full-security line.

How to enroll:  Go to  tsa.gov  to pre-enroll and pay the $85 fee. Then visit one of more than 350 enrollment centers around the country, most of them at airports, to get fingerprinted and show identifying documents.

After two or three weeks (or sometimes just a few days) you’ll receive an email with a Trusted Traveler Number — the airlines call it a Known Traveler Number — good for five years. You’ll include that number in your profile when you make a reservation in order to be flagged as a PreCheck passenger.

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Bottom line:  PreCheck is relatively inexpensive (and some credit card companies will reimburse you for the charge, including American Express, depending on which type of card you have), so if you travel several times a year and are easily irked by long lines, there isn’t a big downside.

What it is:   CLEAR  is a private program that uses biometrics — your identity is verified through a scan of your iris or fingerprint, depending on which image is most distinctive. 

For $179 per year (less if you’re a Delta SkyMiles member) you get to use a dedicated line to get to the screening area that is often even shorter than the PreCheck line — CLEAR promises it’ll take less than five minutes. You enter the CLEAR lane after scanning your boarding pass and eye/fingertip at a CLEAR kiosk, with the help of a CLEAR representative. (CLEAR plans to eventually eliminate the need for the boarding pass; passengers' flight information would be accessible through their biometric scan.)

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The program is for adults 18 and older. Children younger than 18 can join an adult family member who has CLEAR in the CLEAR lane for free; they don’t need to be enrolled. But it’s $50 a year for every adult family member you want to bring along (up to three people).

CLEAR is now at 30 domestic  airports and sports venues ; enrollment also allows you expedited security screening at major league ballparks such as Yankee Stadium and Detroit’s Comerica Park. The program is free if you only want to use it at sports venues.

Some travelers think it’s worth having both CLEAR and PreCheck: If you have only CLEAR, you’ll still need to go through screening like everyone else — taking out your computer, removing coats and shoes. The two programs are complementary, the CLEAR people like to say.  

How to enroll:  Go  online  and complete the pre-enrollment process, before signing up at any of the 30  CLEAR enrollment sites  with a driver’s license, passport or other accepted form of ID. They’ll need to scan your fingerprints and eyes, but that should take only about five minutes. Then you can start using the CLEAR lanes.

Bottom line:  It’s pricey, but if you fly a lot domestically (if you're big on international travel, consider Global Entry, detailed below) and loathe long lines, it may be worth giving it a try. And combining CLEAR with PreCheck is likely to make your journey through security especially fast.

Global Entry

What it is:  Run by DHS’s Customs and Border Protection (CPB) agency, the Global Entry program allows approved American travelers faster clearance through customs when they re-enter the U.S. by air or land. 

Members pay $100 for five years, but that includes enrollment in TSA PreCheck, which alone will cost you $85. If you're a Global Entry member arriving back in the U.S. after international travel, you present your passport and scan your fingerprints at a kiosk. That's it: Head to baggage claim. You may sometimes be selected to go through a more thorough screening.

You can take advantage of your Global Entry status at all major U.S. airports, and at 13 "preclearance airports" abroad, which means that you can get screened before you depart from those airports, instead of when you arrive in the U.S.

There's no minimum age to join, but anyone under the age of 18 needs to have a parent or guardian's approval; the parent/guardian doesn't need to be a member. 

Note that DHS also has two other Trusted Traveler programs that may be useful if you often visit our neighbors to the north and south: NEXUS expedites the screening process for members crossing by land or air between the U.S. and Canada ($50 for five years), and SENTRI speeds the process for members traveling between the U.S. and Mexico ($122.50 for five years).

How to enroll:  Go to the  CPB website  and create an account, then fill out a Trusted Traveler application and pay the $100 fee. Your status will be “pending review.” If you’re lucky you’ll receive an email notifying you of “conditional approval” in a few weeks — but a CPB spokesperson says “it could take two weeks or it could potentially take longer,” so it’s smart to apply well before you plan to travel.

Once approved you can go back online to schedule an interview at one of the more than 100 enrollment centers around the country (you need to do so within 120 days of receiving conditional approval). Most people are told immediately after the half-hour or shorter interview that they’ve been approved, and given a Trusted Traveler Number. 

You’ll later receive a Trusted Traveler card in the mail, though you won’t need to show it at Global Entry airport kiosks.

Bottom line:  Because it includes PreCheck, Global Entry is an obvious option for anyone who takes even just a few international trips within the five years of membership. Getting Global Entry with CLEAR will make the screening process as fast as it can be on both ends of your trip — passing through security before your flight to another country and through customs when you return. 

​Christina Ianzito covers scams and fraud, and is the books editor for aarp.org and AARP The Magazine . Also a longtime travel writer and editor, she received a 2020 Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation.​

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Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.  If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry.  If you take less than four international trips a year, TSA PreCheck is a great choice for domestic travelers. For more information on all of the DHS Trusted Traveler Programs use the DHS interactive  Trusted Traveler Tool .

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The Travelers Guide to CBP Preclearance

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When entering the U.S. from overseas, travelers must pass through immigration and customs at the airport. However, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol or CBP, has set up “preclearance” points at several international airports in cooperation with local authorities, which allow travelers to complete immigration formalities at the departure airport before their flight. Once they land in the U.S., they step off the plane like an arriving domestic traveler would, and do not need to undergo any arrival inspections or paperwork.

This program is popular with frequent travelers because it means you don’t spend additional time waiting when you land in the U.S. Here’s a rundown of the program and where you can take advantage of it.

How does U.S. preclearance work?

First: standard airport security and departure formalities.

U.S. preclearance facilities are a secondary step to the traditional departure processes for the country you are exiting. First, travelers undergo airport security as they would on any flight, then, they complete any immigration requirements to exit the country (immigration is before security in some airports). This leaves travelers within the airport terminal where shops, lounges, dining and other amenities are.

Second: U.S. preclearance formalities

U.S.-bound travelers at an airport with preclearance should then leave ample time to go through CBP immigration, which they must pass through to reach the departure gate.

Often, there is a second round of security to pass through (it depends on the airport), and since this is still a foreign country, expedited security programs like Clear and TSA Precheck are not available.

Like arriving in the U.S., travelers complete any necessary forms (whether paper or via kiosk), and then approach an officer for any potential questioning. All preclearance airports have separate lanes for travelers with Global Entry . Conversely, you’re unlikely to find any using Mobile Passport .

Checked bags from the ticket counter may need to be recollected to go through immigration and customs. This is the case in some, but not all, airports with CBP preclearance. Next, you would redeposit your luggage on the other side of immigration with bag tags to your final destination. These are screened like they would be upon arrival in the U.S., which may include an officer opening your bag and inquiring about items in it.

Once you've passed successfully through preclearance immigration, you can proceed to your gate for your U.S.-bound flight.

Pro tip: Don’t forget the rules

Many travelers may overlook the strict list of prohibited items at this point because they have not yet physically arrived in the U.S. Beware that if you're traveling with things like fruits, meat, cheese and other items that must be declared, you must do so during the preclearance process.

Even though you're not physically in the U.S. yet, you're completing the formalities at the departure airport. That means the apple or banana in your carry-on bag that you planned to eat on the flight must be discarded before going through preclearance, otherwise you might be fined.

» Learn more: Credit cards with TSA Precheck or Global Entry credits

Which airports offer U.S. border preclearance?

Preclearance facilities are available at 15 airports and one cruise port around the world. They are often a source of pride for an airport as they make better use of travelers’ time and speed up the process for after you land. In effect, it becomes a marketing tool they can use to attract travelers looking for the fastest journey.

Bahamas - Freeport.

Bahamas - Nassau.

Victoria, Canada (cruise port).

Preliminary discussions are in place to add preclearance to airports in Amsterdam, Bogota, Brussels and Stockholm, among others. Since they require significant infrastructure development at an airport to reconfigure the terminal layout for immigration facilities, it is something that can take time to implement.

Pros and cons of U.S. preclearance

✅ time saver upon arrival.

The major benefit of preclearance is that when you finally reach the U.S., you land as a domestic passenger and can head straight for baggage claim or your connecting flight saving valuable time.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Control, preclearance also has the benefit of stopping potential security threats before arriving onto U.S. soil, as well.

✅ more airports can host international flights

These facilities also open up new service to U.S. airports that don’t have substantial customs and immigration facilities of their own. By completing these formalities at the departure airport, smaller airports like Hartford, Connecticut (which is serviced from Ireland) can more easily accept international flights.

❌ more time spent boarding your departing flight

Unfortunately, this means that at the departure airport for your U.S.-bound flight, there will be extra items on your to-do list. If there are multiple U.S.-bound departures leaving around the same time, lines can be long, meaning it is wise to arrive with plenty of time.

❌ potential for connection hiccups

Also, if you're making a connection at an airport with preclearance, you’ll need to allow ample time to do so. For example, if you’re flying from Madrid to Boston with a connection in Dublin, you’ll need to allow plenty of time to land from Madrid and pass through U.S. preclearance immigration in Dublin before heading for your Boston-bound gate.

Any delays landing in Dublin could cause you to miss your connection to Boston as you would be required to pre-clear U.S. immigration there.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

The bottom line

Overall, just be sure you know if you’re heading through a preclearance airport on your journey so you can be prepared accordingly. If you like the idea of preclearance, you can prioritize those airports when planning international trips and booking your return flights.

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DSWD Program

How to Apply DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors

In the event that you need to take your child out of the country, you must secure a DSWD travel clearance for minors. You may apply for it at any Social Welfare Development Center (SWDC) or any accredited agency.

Before a minor can travel outside the country, he or she must first obtain a travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) . The purpose of the clearance is to ensure that the child is not being trafficked or forced into labor.

In order to obtain a travel clearance, the child’s parents or guardians must submit an application form to the DSWD. The form must be accompanied by a birth certificate, passport, and other supporting documents. Once the application is approved, the DSWD will issue a travel clearance certificate. The certificate is valid for one year and can be used for multiple trips.

But in order to proceed, you need to understand what a DSWD travel clearance for minors is and what it entails. You can learn more about it by reading the following sections.

Table of Contents

What is a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors?

The DSWD travel clearance for minors is an official document that allows you to take your child out of the country. It can also be used to identify you when traveling with your child. This document will contain important information about your child, such as his/her name, birthdate, and nationality.

This document confirms a child’s identity up to 18 years old and his/her relationship with you—the parent or guardian. It also confirms that you have met all the requirements in order to take your child out of the country.

• Authorizes a child to leave the country for a vacation or other purpose either with or without their parents
• Serves as proof that the child can be able to travel abroad
• Helps protect him/her from any form of abuse, trafficking and other forms of abuse that children might encounter while traveling.

These three points are very important to parents who want their children who are minors to travel abroad. The DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors is a very useful document in many situations and can help with the protection and well-being of your child.

Who Needs a Travel Clearance?

The DSWD travel clearance is required by both Filipino and foreign nationals when traveling with a child. The DSWD travel clearance for minors can be used as an alternative to the passport.

This document is issued to a:

• A minor traveling alone to a foreign country ;
• A minor traveling to a foreign country accompanied by a person other than his or her parents.

You don’t need to get this document if:

• A minor traveling to a foreign country with either parent or with his or her solo parent or legal guardian;
• A minor traveling abroad whose parents are in the Foreign Service or living abroad or are immigrants, provided he/she is holding a valid pass such as a dependents visa/pass/identification card or permanent resident visa/pass/identification card which serves as proof that he/she is living with parents abroad. Their travel does not constitute child trafficking.

What are the Requirements to Get a DSWD Travel Clearance?

A. For a minor traveling alone to a foreign country for the first time

• Duly accomplished DSWD Travel Clearance application form – check here
• A photocopy of the birth certificate of the minor
• Written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country
• As appropriate, a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents or a photocopy of the certificate of legal guardianship of the minor or in the case of solo parents, a photocopy of the solo parent identification card from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or a photocopy of a certification from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office of being a solo parent or Tallaq or Faskh certification from the Shariah court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader or in the case of an illegitimate minor, a certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR)* from the National Statistics Office (NSO) or in the case of a deceased parent, a photocopy of the death certificate

* Issuance of CENOMAR will take 1-5 days for cases of uncommon surnames and 1-15 days for common surnames.

* Issuing office of CENOMAR is the National Statistics Office not the Local Civil Registrar.

• Two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last six (6) months

B. For a minor traveling for the first time with a person other than the parents or legal guardian

• Duly accomplished application form
• A photocopy of the birth certificate of minor
• A written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country with a specific person other than them
• As appropriate, a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents or a certificate of legal guardianship of the minor or in the case of solo parents, a solo parent identification card from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or a certification from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office of being a solo parent or a court decree of separation, annulment or divorce, or Tallaq or Fasakh certification from the Shariah court or any muslim barangay or religious leader or in the case of an illegitimate minor, a certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) *from the National Statistics Office or in the case of a deceased parent, a photocopy of the death certificate

* Issuance of CENOMAR will take 1-5 days for cases of uncommon surnames and 1-15 days for common surnames

*Issuing office of CENOMAR is the National Statistics Office not the Local Civil Registrar

• Two colored passport-size photos of the minor taken within the last six months.
• Photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion

C. In the case of illegitimate children traveling abroad accompanied by their biological father, they are still required to secure a travel clearance certificate as parental authority is vested only to the child’s mother, per Article 176 of the Family Code of the Philippines.

What is the Process for Filing an Application for a DSWD Travel Certificate for Minors?

The application for travel clearance and supporting documents should be submitted to the DSWD Field Office.

Step 1:  Obtain DSWD-Field Office Travel Clearance application forms from their website or any DSWD field office.

Step 2:  Submit all the necessary documents. 

Step 3:  Go to the nearest DSWD field office on the appointed due date and pay the required amount for the travel clearance certificate.

The travel clearance certificate may be issued within three (3) working days following the submission of the necessary documents.

How Much is the Fee for the DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate?

The application fee for the DSWD travel clearance certificate will depend on how long you wish to use the travel clearance and what purpose it is used for.

• A fee of Php 300.00 per child will be valid for one (1) year
• A fee of Php 600.00 per child will be valid for two (2) years

NOTE: If the travel clearance has been lost, the new requirements for the approval of a new travel clearance should be submitted to the field office. This should not be considered a renewal of the clearance.

Application Form for DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA)

As mentioned, you may download a copy of the DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors Application Form online. Here is a COPY you may use you can download online – https://ncr.dswd.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/mta_iso_form.pdf

Check out a sample of the DSWD Travel Clearance Application Form below:

Please read the instructions carefully before filling out the form. You can use either a black or blue ballpoint pen to fill out the form and ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before applying. If you have any questions about applying for a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors or other concerns related to traveling abroad with minors under your care, you may contact the nearest DSWD Field Office. 

Video: Filipino Vlogger Shares Details of Getting a DSWD Clearance for Travel for Child

Follow this step-by-step guide, and learn from the experience of the vlogger on how they went about applying for a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors.

Sending your child overseas on their own can be a very difficult decision to make. One of the most important things you need to do before sending your child overseas is to apply for a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors.

The travel clearance is a document that states the specific details about your child’s travel abroad, including his/her age and any special needs they may have. This document will also show that their parents or guardians are giving them permission to go abroad alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is a minor according to the law.

The term minor , also referred to as “Child,” is defined in RA 7610 as a person under 18 years old or one who is over 18 years old but is unable to protect himself or herself from abuse, neglect, discrimination, or exploitation due to a mental or physical disability.

2. Are the following minors exempted from securing a travel clearance?

• A minor with permanent residency card
• A minor who holds a valid pass such as dependents visa/pass/identification or permanent resident visa/pass/identification card is no longer required to secure travel clearance from DSWD. A permanent residency card is a valid pass and a holder of such is exempted from securing a travel clearance.
• A minor born abroad but has no permanent residency card

Depending on the minor’s citizenship and residency, they may not need a travel clearance. For instance, minors who are not Filipino citizens but have a foreign passport may not need one. However, those who are living abroad and do not have a permanent resident card may need one.

3. Who would give consent for the travel of a totally orphaned minor who has no appointed legal guardian?

Grandparents who have the authority to give consent to a minor child whose parents are deceased may do so even without a court order. However, in cases where both the parents are dead, the legal guardians should be the relatives or acting guardians of the child.

4. What about those children whose parents have marital conflict and are on hold order?

Unless a court order is issued to allow a child to travel with either of his or her parents, a travel clearance will not be granted. The child’s name will be added to the Bureau of Immigration’s watch list if the family fails to provide the necessary information. The agency is also responsible for ensuring that the child does not leave the country.

5. Can a travel clearance be issued to illegitimate children who are still applying for their visas in the embassy?

Children of illegitimate parents are under the custody of their mother. If they are going to be traveling with their mother, they do not need to secure a clearance from the DSWD. On the other hand, if they are going with someone other than their mother, they need to secure a clearance.

6. Is a faxed copy of the parental consent of parents residing abroad acceptable?

Sending a copy via fax is acceptable, as long as it is accompanied by a photo of minors. Also, email documents and a computer generated image of children are allowed.

7. What are the requirements for illegitimate children abandoned by the mother and under the custody of the father or other relatives who will be traveling alone or with the father or other relatives?

The father would need to secure a court order granting him the authority to raise his illegitimate children. If the mother has the absolute authority over her children, then the father would not be required to provide a travel clearance for the minor. However, if the minor travels with the father, or with someone else, he or she would need to secure a clearance.

8. Is a married minor required to secure a travel clearance?

Regardless of one’s civil status, a minor must get a travel clearance if they go on a solo or group trip without their parent. 

Aside from providing social services to the poor and needy, the DSWD is also responsible in ensuring that children in the Philippines are protected from abuse and exploitation. For this reason, parents need to ensure that their children are safe and secure when traveling abroad. If you want to send your child overseas alone, you must apply for a DSWD travel clearance first.

We hope that this guide has helped you better understand the application process for a DSWD travel clearance for minors traveling abroad, which is fairly simple and quick.

So, do you think you’re ready to send your child abroad? If so, do you have the right documents? Are there any other things you need to do before you send them overseas? Do let us know in the comments section below!

DISCLAIMER: This post is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for the DSWD’s official travel clearance requirements and procedures. We strongly recommend you visit the DSWD website for more information.

How to get a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors [With Tips on Online Submission]

One requirement for minors to travel abroad (or even on visa applications) is a DSWD Travel Clearance. It’s a requirement to keep those not yet adults to be secure or protected. There are no doubt child traffickers or abusers out there, to keep the children safe, it’s better to follow this. Here’s a guide on how to get a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors .

The rules are as per DSWD Administrative Order No. 12, s. 2017 or the Omnibus Guidelines for Minors Travelling Abroad. It’s better to register online then have an appointment as to lessen interaction with people. However, online applications are limited to a few regions. There had been cases on which minors were not allowed to travel abroad or granted visas because of this. Make sure you read thoroughly to get one!

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What is a Minor?

As per the A.O.’s definition, it’s a person below 18 years old or someone who is over 18 but can’t take care or protect him/herself due to physical or mental condition.

Minors required getting a DSWD Travel Clearance

• Traveling alone using P.H. passport only for travel outside the Philippines
• Those traveling with the prospective adoptive parent(s) for intercountry adoption
• Going with a person that is not the parent, legal guardian, or in custody of the child
• An illegitimate child traveling with biological father
• Married minor stated above (P.S. a married minor is someone below 18 who is married at an early age due to their cultural or indigenous practices)

Exempted from getting a DSWD Travel Clearance

• For legitimate children, those accompanied by either or both parents
• Illegitimate child traveling with biological mother
• Illegitimate child traveling with biological father, if the court has granted him sole parental authority or custody
• Accompanied by Legal guardian
• With a parent who has been granted sole parental authority or custody by a court
• Traveling with adoptive parents, with adoption decree and certificate of finality
• Minor who is an immigrant or a permanent resident abroad with a foreign passport or parents have diplomatic or official passports

Who can file for application of DSWD Travel Clearance

• Parent(s) or Legal Guardian
• Traveling Companion
• Duly Authorized Representative of parents within the 4th degree of affinity or consanguinity
• Legal guardian supported by an authorization letter

Requirements needed for a DSWD Travel Clearance

• Minors Traveling Abroad Application form (if online, there’s no need to download) PSA Birth Certificate
• Notarized Affidavit or written consent of parent(s), solo parent, or legal guardian permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country and/or authorizing a specific person (with valid I.D. with signature) to accompany minor
• Two (2) original colored passport size photos of the minor – taken within the last 6 months from the application

Other Required Documents:

Requirements for Minors Traveling Alone or with a Companion other than Parent or Legal Guardian

• Affidavit of Support and Certified Copy of Financial Capability of Sponsor – e.g., Certificate of Employment, Latest Income Tax Return, Bank Statement,
• Original copy of previous Travel Clearance (renewal)
• Passport Copy of Travelling Companion
• Unaccompanied Minor Certificate from Airlines
• Waiver from the parents releasing DSWD from any liability or responsibility in case of an incident during travel of child

Requirements of Minors under the care of Parents/Legal Guardians/Solo Parents

• Married Parents – PSA Marriage Certificate
• Under a Legal Guardian – Copy of Court Order on Legal Guardianship
• Solo Parent – Solo Parent ID or Certificate of being a solo parent, court decree on legal separation, annulment, or divorce
• Illegitimate – PSA Certificate of No Marriage
• For Muslims – Tallaq or Fasakh certification from the Shariah Court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader
• Sea Man Parents – Certificate from Manning Agency attesting Parent’s Employment, Seaman’s Bool (copy)
• Deceased Parent(s) – PSA Death Certificate
• Social Case Study Report from a Social Worker
• Blotter Report from Police or Barangay Certificate
• 1 Returned Registered Mail to the last known address
• Notarized Affidavit of Undertaking by Foster Parents with the following details: Purpose of Travel, Destination, Duration, Commitment to appear with the child to the Regional Director after 5 days of return in the country
• A notarized affidavit of Consent from Regional Director or Authorized Representative
• Copy of Foster Placement Authority (Original must be presented)
• Copy of Foster Care License of Family (Original must be shown)
• DSWD Certificate stating that Child is available for adoption
• Return Ticket

Other Supporting Documents:

• Migrating to another country – Visa petition approval
• Studying Abroad – Certificate of Enrollment or Acceptance or Registration from School
• Endorsement Letter of School Head
• Certificate from Sponsoring Organization
• Affidavit of Undertaking of Companion (if sports competition)
• Invitation from Sponsoring Agency or Organization Abroad – with itinerary, list of participants, and duration
• Medical Abstract of Minor, Recommendation from Attending Physician (e.g., the procedure is not available in the Philippines), Letter from sponsor covering the expenses,
• Placement Authority issued by the Inter-Country Adoption Board
• Authority to Escort issued by the ICAB

How to get a DSWD Travel Clearance Walk-In

STEP 1 : Gather all the documents required.

STEP 2 : Go to the nearest DSWD Field Office, along with all your documents. You may call them ahead to have an appointment or ask if the in-charge will be present.

STEP 3 : Give your documents so that you will be assessed.

STEP 4 : Once you are approved, you will be given a payment stub. Pay the Fee at the Cashier. It will cost PHP 300 for 1 year, while its PHP 600 for two years.

STEP 5 : Present your Official receipt to get the Clearance printed. Receive it and use it for travel purposes.

How to get a DSWD Travel Clearance Online

(Available to NCR, Region 7, and 9)

STEP 1 : Gather all the documents required. Scan them Ahead.

STEP 2 : Go to this website .

1. Choose Travel Clearance for Minors Travelling Abroad.

2. Register to an online account.

3. Sign-up.

4. Then, log-in.

STEP 3 : Select Minor Travelling Abroad Form or Apply for Travel Clearance for Minors Travelling Abroad. Fill up the information asked.

STEP 4 : Upload the documents needed.

STEP 5 : Review the documents then submit the application form.

STEP 6 : You will receive an e-mail that your form has been received. After the initial assessment, you will receive another e-mail for the interview schedule.

STEP 7 : On the appointment date, go to the DSWD Field Office with original copies of the documents. Pass it to the officer-in-charge.

STEP 8 : Once you are approved, you will be given a payment stub. Pay the Fee at the Cashier. The fee is PHP 300 for 1 year, while its PHP 600 for two years.

STEP 9 : Present your Official receipt to get the Clearance printed. Receive it and use it for travel purposes.

Sometimes it will take less than a day in getting a DSWD Travel Clearance , especially if your documents are complete. What takes time is gathering the documents. You can do this a month before your travel or before the visa application as it doesn’t expire immediately. You’ll have to secure usually before applying for a visa as a DSWD Travel Clearance is needed as a requirement. I hope this will help in your future travels!

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my  Instagram .

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11 thoughts on “ How to get a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors [With Tips on Online Submission] ”

Paano po kukuha ng affidavit of support papunta po ng Switzerland pero kasama nya nmn nya c mama nya magtravel para sa bakasyon nila kc doon nagwork Ang mama nya at sunduin nya dto sa pilipinas at sabay na cla pupunta doon ..wat is the requirements po?..I’m the father of the girl po

Is it still needed if the minor is travelling with his/her sibling to their biological mother with an affidavit of consent and marriage certificate from the biological father?

Double check with the DSWD po; there are no “siblings” under the exemption

Hi, my son will be travelling abroad with my sister in law. Is my sister in law considered as legal guardian? Do we still need to get DSWD travel clearance? When is court legal guardianship needed? Thanks!

He probably needs to have one as your sister-in-law is not considered a legal guardian. legal guardians usually are there in case the minor is orphaned and they are in custody of them.

Is it possible to get a travel clearance with only one parent consent? as i dont have any contact with my ex husband? any suggestions? thank you.

You’ll need to present a Solo Parent – Solo Parent ID or Certificate of being a solo parent, court decree on legal separation, annulment, or divorce

This was very helpful. Thanks a lot!

Would you know where I can find a template for the waiver that needs to be attached?

we don’t have a template po, you can search the internet or get it from a lawyer

Do you have any experience with applying travel clearance online? I applied 1 week ago and no reply yet from DSWD, the status is still “submitted”. I’ve been calling DSWD Region 4A but all the nos. I tried are incorrect. I’m based here in Dubai and don’t know who can I contact to follow up. My daughter’s flight is in 2 weeks.

Hi Irish, I also applied online and after two weeks I dont have a reply with DSWD. How long it takes for you to have your application assess and how about the travel clearance processing time. Thank you very much.

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• Get To Know Preclearance

Get to Know Preclearance

U. S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Preclearance program strategically stations CBP officers and agriculture specialists at foreign airports to inspect and process travelers and their goods prior to boarding U.S.-bound flights. Travelers bypass CBP and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspections upon arrival to the U.S., allowing them to proceed directly to their connecting flight or destination.  Preclearance makes travel safer, more efficient, and has unique travel and security benefits for travelers, airports, airlines, and governments.

Collaboration

Upon sufficient fulfillment of requirements necessary for implementing Preclearance, CBP and partners engage in three fundamental agreements.

• Bilateral Agreement - An agreement between CBP and the host government establishing the parameters of Preclearance operations, including CBP authorities, protections, infrastructure requirements, etc.
• Memorandum of Understanding - An agreement between CBP and the airport operator outlining roles and responsibilities and cost sharing.
• Memorandum of Cooperation - An agreement between TSA and the host government that outlines adherence to TSA-commensurate aviation security screening for precleared flights.

The host government, airport, and airlines must engage with CBP consistently for successful completion of Preclearance agreements.

Cost Sharing

Preclearance costs include capital expenditures, for which the applicant is responsible, and operational expenditures, which are shared between the applicant and U.S. Government.

Total cost is broken into two categories: Capital Expenditures & Operational Expenditures. Each category is broken down as follows:

• Facilities - Build or renovate a facility for Preclearance, per CBP specifications
• Technology - Procure and install Information-Technology (IT) and inspection equipment  
• Labor - Share cost of salaries, benefits, and overtime of CBP staff
• Operational Support & Overhead - Provide administrative support for CBP staff and operations
• Direct Non-Labor - Support services for housing and security, supplies, travel, and training
• Equipment Maintenance & IT - Maintenance of CBP proprietary and IT equipment
• Temporary Duty Staff & Relocation Benefits - Deployment and relocation of CBP staff and their families

Capital expenditures are the applicant’s responsibility. Operational expenditures are shared costs between CBP and the applicant.