The requirements for minors travelling to the Philippines depend on whether the minor is travelling alone or with an adult, and whether the adult is a parent or legal guardian.
Travelling with a parent or legal guardian
If a minor is travelling to the Philippines with either or both parents, or their legal guardian, no travel clearance is required.
Travelling alone or with a non-parent/non-guardian
If a minor is travelling alone, or with someone who is not their parent or legal guardian, a travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is required. This applies to both Filipino and non-Filipino minors.
The DSWD requires extensive documentation for travel clearance, including:
- A duly accomplished DSWD Travel Clearance Application Form
- The minor's birth certificate and passport (original and photocopy)
- The minor's parents' or legal guardian's valid IDs and, if applicable, passports and visas
- Two coloured passport-sized photos of the minor
- A notarized affidavit of consent, signed by the minor's parents or legal guardian, permitting the minor to travel and specifying the country, purpose of travel, and inclusive dates
- A notarized affidavit of support and evidence of the financial capability of the minor's sponsor
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airline Requirements | Copy of the following: Minor’s Passport & Birth Certificate, Passport or ID of the minor’s parents and/or authorized guardian in the Philippines |
| Unaccompanied Minor Service Fee (UMSF) | |
| Download and submit the necessary form | |
| Government Requirements | For International travel, Philippine Passport holders must secure an “authority to travel” clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) |
| Foreign/Non-Philippine passport holders must check with their respective embassies for any applicable “exit clearance” requirement | |
| Children/minors travelling to and from Davao are not allowed to travel alone without valid reason or without the following: Clearance issued by the Punong Barangay; or Permit to travel certification coming from the City Social Services and Development Office, City of Davao |
Travel clearance is a document issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to Filipino children under the age of 18, or those over 18 who are unable to protect themselves due to a physical or mental disability, who are travelling abroad without their parents. This is a requirement to safeguard Filipino children from child trafficking and exploitation. The DSWD mandates that only minors aged 13 and above with a travel clearance are allowed to travel alone.
The application for travel clearance must be submitted manually by the parent/s or legal guardian or a duly authorized representative at any DSWD Field Office. The application form is available at all DSWD Field Offices and can also be downloaded from the DSWD website. The documentary requirements vary depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with an adult other than a parent or legal guardian.
For minors travelling alone to a foreign country for the first time, the following requirements must be submitted:
The DSWD social worker may require additional documentary requirements during the assessment of the Travel Clearance application to ensure that the child’s best interest and welfare is ensured.
For minors travelling for the first time with a person other than their parents or legal guardian, the following requirements must be submitted:
For illegitimate children travelling abroad with their biological father, a travel clearance certificate is required, as parental authority is vested only in the mother of the child, per Article 176 of the Family Code of the Philippines.
The processing fee for each travel clearance issued to minors travelling abroad is PHP 300 for one year of validity and PHP 600 for two years of validity. The Travel Clearance Certificate may be obtained within three working days upon submission of the required documents.
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The requirements for a minor to travel to the Philippines depend on whether the minor is travelling alone or with a guardian, and whether the minor is a Filipino citizen or not.
Filipino Minors Travelling Alone
Filipino minors travelling alone must have a valid passport. In addition, the Omnibus Guidelines on Minors Travelling Abroad, issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), mandates that only minors aged 13 and above with a travel clearance are allowed to travel alone. Minors 12 and below must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
The DSWD requires the following documents for a travel clearance:
Filipino Minors Travelling with a Guardian
Filipino minors travelling with a guardian must comply with the following requirements:
Non-Filipino Minors
Non-Filipino minors who are citizens of countries with which the Philippines maintains diplomatic relations, including the United States, may be eligible for visa-free entry into the Philippines, provided their stay does not exceed 30 days. Nationals of countries that are not extended the 30-day visa-free privilege should apply for a visa before travelling to the Philippines.
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When travelling to the Philippines, minors are required to present their original birth certificate and passport, as well as a photocopy of each document. The birth certificate must be issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). If the minor was born outside of the Philippines and their birth was not reported to the authorities, a Report of Birth application must first be filed with the PH Embassy/Consulate that has jurisdiction over the place of birth.
The minor's passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the length of the proposed stay in the Philippines. If the minor does not yet have a passport, the parent or guardian must submit a passport application on their behalf. This requires the submission of the minor's birth certificate, as well as their own valid passport or government-issued ID.
In addition to the birth certificate and passport, minors may also be required to present other documents, such as a travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) if they are not travelling with both parents.
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When travelling to the Philippines, minors must be accompanied by a guardian or parent. The requirements for entry include the original and photocopies of the accompanying guardian's passport. Here is some detailed information about this requirement:
The passport of the accompanying guardian is essential, and both the minor and the guardian must have valid passports. The passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the Philippines. This requirement applies to both the minor and the accompanying guardian, ensuring that their travel documents are up-to-date and valid for the duration of their time in the country.
The original passport of the accompanying guardian will be inspected by the relevant authorities to verify its authenticity and validity. It is crucial to have the original document, as photocopies or digital copies may not be accepted. The passport must be in good condition, with no alterations or damage that could affect its legibility or validity.
Photocopies of the accompanying guardian's passport are also required. These copies serve as backup documentation and support the original passport. It is recommended to have multiple photocopies, as they may be needed for different stages of the travel process, such as immigration checks or registration at accommodations. The photocopies should include all relevant pages of the passport, including the biographical page and any pages with visas, entry stamps, or other important information.
The requirements for the accompanying guardian's passport are standard, and the passport must meet all the usual criteria for a valid travel document. This includes having a recent, clear photograph of the guardian, bearing the guardian's signature, and containing blank pages for any necessary stamps or visas. The passport number, issue date, and expiry date are also essential details that should be clearly visible.
In addition to the passport, the accompanying guardian may also need to provide other forms of identification. This could include a driver's license, national identity card, or other recognised forms of ID. These additional forms of identification can further verify the guardian's identity and help establish their relationship with the minor.
It is important to note that the requirements for minor travel may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the country of origin. The information provided here is general guidance, and further research or consultation with official sources is recommended to ensure compliance with all necessary requirements for travelling to the Philippines with a minor.
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When travelling to the Philippines, one of the requirements for minors is to have one 2x2 inch (5.1x5.1 cm) photograph. This is a standard passport photo size, and the photo must meet certain criteria. The head must be between 70-80% of the photograph from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The photo should be taken against a plain background, either white or blue, and the minor should be wearing regular street clothes. Hats are not allowed unless it is religious headgear that is worn every day. The photo should be taken from straight on, with the head and shoulders visible, and the minor should have a neutral expression.
The photograph must be recent, typically taken within the last six months, and it is important to note that digital photos are not always accepted. Some sources state that the photo must be printed, while others mention the option of uploading a digital photo. It is best to check the specific requirements of the relevant consulate or embassy.
In addition to the photograph, there are several other requirements for minors travelling to the Philippines. These include a valid passport, birth certificate, visa application form, affidavit of consent from parents or legal guardians, and proof of financial support. Minors travelling without their parents or legal guardians may need additional documentation, such as a travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or a waiver from their parents releasing the DSWD from liability. It is important to carefully review the requirements and guidelines provided by the Philippine government and the minor's country of origin to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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