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.

 WHAT ARE THE LEGAL BASIS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRAVEL CLEARANCE?

International Instruments

  1. United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC)
  2. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction

Local Laws

  • Republic Act No. 11983 – New Philippine Passport Act
  • Republic Act No. 11930 – Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act
  • Republic Act No. 11909 – Permanent Validity of the Certificates of Live Birth, Death, and Marriage Act”
  • Republic Act No. 8972 – Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act
  • Republic Act No. 11596 – An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof
  • Republic Act No. 11642 – Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Care Act
  • Republic Act No. 11032 – the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018
  • Republic Act No. 10165 – An Act to Strengthen and Propagate Foster Care and to Provide Funds therefor
  • Republic Act No. 9255 – An Act Allowing Illegitimate children to use the surname of their father
  • Republic Act No. 9231 – An Act Providing for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor and Afford Stronger Protection for the Working Child Amending for this purpose RA 7610
  • Republic Act No. 9208 – Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 and further amended by Republic Act No. 11862 or the Expanded Trafficking in Persons Act
  • Republic Act No 8239 – Philippine Passports Act of 1996
  • Republic Act No. 7658 – An Act Prohibiting the Employment of children below 15 years of age in Public and Private Undertaking, amending for this purpose Section 12, Article VIll of RA 7610
  • Republic Act No. 7610 also known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse Exploitation and Discrimination Act” Executive Order No. 209, s. 1987 or the “Family Code of the Philippines”

 

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:
  1. Either or both of the minor’s parents, if legitimate minor;
  2. The minor’s biological mother, if illegitimate minor;
  3. The minor’s father who has been granted sole parental authority or custody by the proper court, if the minor is illegitimate;
  4. The minor’s legal guardian;
  5. 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;
  6. 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.

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Manual application of MTA 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS IN SECURING A TRAVEL CLEARANCE?

For first time applicant:

  1. Duly accomplished application form.
  2. 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.)

  1. 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.

  1. In case of deceased parent, PSA issued Death Certificate (Original and Photocopy).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Two (2) pieces colored, and latest passport size pictures of minor (white background)
  5. Valid passport of the minor’s travelling companion. Notarized Affidavit of undertaking if travelling companion is a non-relative of minor.
  6. Notarized affidavit of support and certified true copy of any evidence to show financial capability of sponsor.

 

For renewal:

  1. Duly accomplished application form
  2. Original copy of the travel clearance issued by the DSWD Field Office.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Two (2) pieces colored, and latest passport size pictures of minor (white background)
  6. Valid passport of the minor’s travelling companion. Notarized Affidavit of undertaking if travelling companion is a non-relative of minor.
  7. Notarized affidavit of support and certified true copy of any evidence to show financial capability of sponsor.

 

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 both 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)

 

ISSUANCE

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.”

 

REFERENCE

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)

DOWNLOAD HERE

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ONLINE APPLICATION

 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS IN SECURING THE TRAVEL CLEARANCE?

 

FOR FIRST TIME APPLICANT

  • QR-coded Birth Certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA);
  • QR-coded Marriage Certificate of the minor’s parents or the Court Decision on Legal Guardianship, Solo Parent ID, if applicable;
  • Affidavit of support and Certified copy of Evidence of financial capability of the sponsor such as any of the following:

a.A certificate of Employment;

b.Latest ITR; or

c.Bank Statement.

  • QR-coded Death Certificate (in case of death of either parent or both issued by the Local Civil Registrar;
  • Scanned copy of colored passport-size photos of the minor (in white background) taken within six (6) months;
  • Valid ID/Passport of Parents (with signature); and
  • Passport of Minor (if available)

 

FOR RENEWAL

  • Scanned copy of colored passport-size photos of the minor (in white background) taken within six (6) months;
  • Valid ID/Passport of parents (signature), Solo Parent ID, if applicable;
  • Affidavit of support and Certified copy of Evidence of financial capability of the sponsor such as any of the following:
  1. A certificate of Employment;

b.Latest ITR; or

c.Bank Statement.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR/S UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

 

FOR FILIPINO MINORS MIGRATING TO ANOTHER COUNTRY (FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING IF EXEMPTED)

  • Scanned copy of the Visa petition approval.

 

FOR A MINOR WHO IS OVER 18 YEARS OLD BUT IS UNABLE TO FULLY TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF/HERSELF FROM ABUSE, NEGLECT, CRUELTY, EXPLOITATION OR DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY OR CONDITION

  • Scanned Certification from a Physician citing the minor’s condition and his/her inability to fully take care of him/herself.

 

FOR A MINOR WHO WILL STUDY ABROAD

  • Scanned copy of the student visa or Acceptance or Certificate of Enrollment or Registration from the school where a minor is to be enrolled.

 

FOR A MINOR WHO WILL ATTEND CONFERENCE, STUDY TOURS, COMPETITION, STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM, SUMMER CAMP, PILGRIMAGE, WORLD YOUTH DAY AND OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES

  • Scanned copy of the Certification from the sponsoring organization;
  • Scanned copy of the Affidavit of undertaking of the companion indication the safety measure undertaken by the sports agency (sports competition); and
  • Scanned copy of the Signed invitation from the sponsoring agency/organization abroad with an itinerary of travel and list of participants and duration of the activity/travel.

 

FOR MINORS GOING ABROAD FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES (ONLY APPLICABLE TO CHILDREN IN CHILD CARING AGENCIES AND SWDAS WITH SPONSORS ABROAD FOR THEIR MEDICAL TREATMENT

  • Scanned copy of the Medical Abstract of the minor;
  • Scanned copy of the Recommendation from the attending physician that such medical procedure is not available in the country; and
  • Scanned Letter from the Sponsor.

 

FOR A MINOR GOING ABROAD FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION

  • NACC issued Consent to Travel.

 

FOR A MINOR UNDER FOSTER CARE

  • RACCO issued Consent to Travel.

 

FOR MINORS UNDER ADOPTION (MUST HAVE AN UNDERGOING FILED PETITION)

  • RACCO issued Consent to Travel.

 

FOR MINORS UNDER LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP 

Scanned Certified True Copy of Court Order on Legal Guardianship.

 

FOR ABANDONED MINORS WITH ALLEGED MISSING PARENTS:

  • Social Case Study Report executed by a Licensed Social Worker of the Local government unit of the parent/guardian; and
  • Blotter report from either the local police or barangay certification from the locality or the last known address of the alleged missing parent.
  • Solo Parent ID, if applicable.

 

FOR SECURING THE MANDATORY CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION

  • If the parents are not married, and the child’s traveling companion is the biological father who has sole parental custody or legal custody over the minor as evidenced by a Court Order;

a.QR-coded PSA issued birth certificate of minor;

b.Scanned Court Order granting the Sole Parental Custody to the biological father.

  • When the traveling companion is the legal guardian;
  1. QR-coded PSA-issued birth certificate of a minor;
  2. Scanned Court Order granting Legal Guardianship over the minor.

 

FOR SECURING THE MANDATORY CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION

  • Orphans of married parents and traveling with substitute parent/s (grandparents or nearest kin per Family Code):

a.QR-coded PSA issued a birth certificate of a minor;

b.QR-coded PSA-issued Marriage Certificate of the minor’s

c.QR-coded PSA-issued Death Certificate of minor’s parents

d.QR-coded PSA-issued Birth Certificate of the traveling parents companion (grandparents or nearest kin) to establish the relationship with the minor

 

FOR SECURING THE MANDATORY CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION

  • Orphans of non-married parents and traveling with the substitute parent/s (maternal side):

a.QR-coded PSA-issued birth certificate of a minor;

b.QR-coded PSA-issued Death Certificate of the minor’s

c.QR-coded PSA issued Birth Certificate of the traveling biological mother companion (maternal grandparents) to establish the relationship with the minor

 

CENTRALIZED PROCESSING OFFICE APPLICATION MINORS TRAVELLING ABROAD

  1. The applicant should review the frequently asked questions (faqs) section on the mta portal found in the portal to determine if a travel clearance or certificate of exemption is required.
  2. The applicant should create an account in the mta portal to access and manage their application. This account will serve as the primary hub for submitting documents, scheduling interviews and assessment, and tracking the application’s progress. The applicant is advised to use an active and accessible email address when creating their account.
  3. The applicant must select whether they are applying for a travel clearance or a certificate of exemption. All necessary documents should be prepared in advance to complete the application process.
  4. Once selected, the applicant completes the required application form, uploads the necessary documents, and pays the applicable fee. After payment, the system issues a notification confirming receipt of the application.
  5. The social worker assesses the completeness of an application with its complete supporting documents and verifies authenticity with issuing agencies/offices such such bureau of immigration (bi), philippine statistics authority (psa), department of foreign affairs (dfa), regional alternative child care office (racco), interpol, and local social welfare development office (lswdo).
  6. Once the documents are assessed as complete and verified its authenticity with the issuing offices, the applicant receives a notification to select an interview and assessment schedule via video conferencing. If, during the assessment the applicant’s documents are found inconsistent, incomplete or potentially fraudulent, the applicant will receive a notification explaining reasons for the decision and the next steps that should be undertaken.
  7. The applicant then selects an appointment schedule or chooses to queue on the same day for the online interview and assessment.
  8. Once interviewed and assessed and the result is favorable, the application is recommended for approval by the authorized signatory.
  9. Once interviewed and assessed and the result is favorable, the application is recommended for approval by the authorized signatory.
  10. The applicant receives a congratulatory email confirming that their application has been successfully approved and that the digital blue card is now available for download in the online portal.
  11. The mta office then sends the link/qr coded digital blue card of the minor to the bureau of immigration (bi) for reference and monitoring.

 

CENTRALIZED PROCESSING OFFICE  MINORS TRAVELLING ABROAD

 

ISSUANCE OF TRAVEL CLEARANCE AND CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION 

The Travel Clearance or Certificate of Exemption may be obtained/ downloaded within a maximum of three working (3) days upon completion of the required documents.

 

*A process a fee of Three Hundred Pesos (Php 300.00) per child shall be paid by the applicant.

 

VALIDITY 

The Digital Blue Card and Certificate of Exemption generated through the system shall be valid per travel of the child.

 

 

SECURE A TRAVEL CLEARANCE FOR MINORS TRAVELLING ABROAD ONLINE HERE!

(https://www.dswd.gov.ph/eservices-3/)

 

For inquiries on the Centralized Processing Office for Minors Traveling Abroad (CPO-MTA), you may email: cpo-mta@dswd.gov.ph.

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

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