The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday, Dec. 6 reiterated its guidelines for obtaining travel clearance for minors aged 17 and under who are traveling abroad alone or unaccompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
DSWD Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said the issuance of a travel clearance will prevent abuse and exploitation of Filipino children who are going to study, attend competitions, or visit relatives abroad.
“With the approaching holiday season, the DSWD urges parents and legal guardians to secure travel clearance for their children, who will be going abroad unaccompanied by adults or without their parents. This will protect the best interest of children since they will be safeguarded from any act that may constitute child trafficking,” Lopez explained.
The travel clearance is a document issued by DSWD Field Offices or its attached agency, the National Authority on Child Care, to a minor traveling abroad unaccompanied by any of the people who have parental authority and legal custody over the child.
It can be obtained in three working days after all required documentation is submitted and a processing fee of P300 (valid for one year) or P600 (valid for two years) is paid.
The issuance of travel clearance for minors is specified under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Philippine Passport Act of 1996.
Any DSWD Field Office under the jurisdiction of the minor’s place of residence may process the clearance on-site.
The complete list of requirements may be accessed at www.dswd.gov.ph/travel-clearance-for-minors/.
The DSWD has also established a satellite office in SM City Manila to facilitate travel clearance for minors going overseas.