DSWD travel clearance for a minor: who needs one and which forms
A child under 18 who flies abroad alone, or with someone who is not a parent, may need a travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This page is for the parent or guardian preparing it. At the end you will know whether you need one, which paper each form is, and what DSWD itself lists as requirements.
PhilForms fills the forms. DSWD decides the application, after an interview. PhilForms is not affiliated with DSWD or any government agency, and DSWD's page, not this one, is the rule.
Who needs it, and who does not
DSWD's citizen's charter says a travel clearance is secured by a minor traveling alone to a foreign country, or a minor traveling accompanied by a person other than his or her parents (DSWD citizen's charter).
DSWD's online system lists who is automatically exempted (no clearance, no certificate): a minor accompanied by either or both parents if the minor is legitimate, by the biological mother if the minor is illegitimate, or by the adoptive parent(s) with a decree and certificate of finality. A minor with a valid foreign passport, an immigrant visa, a permanent resident card, or a dependent visa of a parent working abroad is also exempt (DSWD MTA FAQ). Some cases get a Certificate of Exemption instead, for example a child traveling with a biological father who has sole parental authority, or with a legal guardian. When in doubt, ask DSWD before you buy tickets.
The four forms
I read each from its own PDF.
Form · What it is; Application Form, DSWD-GF-010A · DSWD Field Office 1's application (Annex A, rev. 22 Sep 2023). Ticks traveling alone or with a companion and validity of 1 or 2 years; lists the minor, both parents, the traveling companion and sponsor, and the destination and dates; Affidavit of Support and Consent, DSWD-PMB-GF-001 · A sworn statement by the parents: the minor will travel to a named country for a stated reason, who will care for the child, why the parent cannot go, consent to the named companion, and a promise of financial support. It has a notary block; Consent to Travel, DSWD-PMB-GF-003 · A shorter consent letter signed by father and mother naming the child, the destination, the dates and the companion; Waiver letter, unaccompanied minor · A letter from both parents allowing the child to travel alone and accepting responsibility for the child's safety during the trip, and releasing DSWD Field Office MIMAROPA from liability
DSWD's online page asks for an "Affidavit of Support and proof of sponsor's financial capacity" for a minor traveling alone, and a "notarized oath of undertaking" if the companion is not a relative (DSWD MTA FAQ). The application now runs through DSWD's online Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) system, so check what that portal asks you to upload before you print any of these; these forms may be older than the portal.
What DSWD lists as requirements
Per the MTA FAQ (DSWD MTA FAQ), for a minor traveling alone, scanned copies of:
- PSA QR-coded birth certificate of the minor (or the minor's passport if the birth certificate has no QR code) - PSA marriage certificate of the parents, or a court decision on guardianship, or a Solo Parent ID, if applicable - Affidavit of Support and proof of the sponsor's financial capacity (certificate of employment, latest ITR or bank statement) - Death certificate, if a parent has died - A recent colored passport-size photo of the minor, white background, taken within 6 months - Valid ID or passport of the parents, with signature
For a minor traveling with a person other than the parents, add the companion's passport and the other items on the same page. Both parents, the minor and the companion take part in an online interview on the scheduled date.
Fee, time and validity
DSWD's MTA FAQ says the Travel Clearance Certificate costs ₱800.00 and the Certificate of Exemption ₱300.00, paid through MAYA, GCash or LandBank, processed in one to three working days if the requirements are complete and consistent, and valid for one year while the companion, purpose and destination stay the same (DSWD MTA FAQ). The older citizen's charter lists ₱300 for one year and ₱600 for two years (DSWD citizen's charter). The two pages disagree, so check the portal's amount when you pay.
Mistakes that get an application disapproved
- Details that do not match across the birth certificate, the passport and the form. DSWD says incorrect applicant details may result in disapproval (DSWD MTA FAQ). - A non-QR birth certificate without the minor's passport. - A missing proof of the sponsor's financial capacity. - Applying as the wrong person: DSWD lists parents, solo parents, legal guardians, substitute parents and an authorized companion with written parental consent. - Printing an old form when the portal asks for upload.
Questions
Do I need a DSWD clearance if my child flies with the mother only?
DSWD's online FAQ lists a minor accompanied by either parent as exempt if the minor is legitimate, and by the biological mother if the minor is illegitimate (DSWD MTA FAQ). If the parents are not married and the father has sole custody, DSWD lists a Certificate of Exemption instead.
Magkano ang travel clearance ng DSWD?
DSWD's online page lists ₱800 for a Travel Clearance Certificate and ₱300 for a Certificate of Exemption; the older charter lists ₱300 and ₱600. Check the amount shown when you pay.
How long is it valid?
One year from issue, with the same companion, purpose and destination, per DSWD's FAQ. A new companion or purpose needs a new application.
Does PhilForms apply to DSWD for me?
No. PhilForms fills the forms; you or the parent apply on DSWD's own portal or office.
Last checked 2026-10-16. Not affiliated with BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG or any government agency.