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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD urges early application for minors' travel clearance ahead of Christmas travel surge

DSWD urges early application for minors' travel clearance ahead of Christmas travel surge

Published Nov 20, 2025 12:39 pm
Photo from Pixabay
Photo from Pixabay
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reminded parents and guardians to apply early for a minor’s travel clearance ahead of expected increases in applications during the Christmas travel season.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao on Nov. 19 said families planning foreign trips should secure the required travel clearance certificate (TCC) at least 30 days before departure to avoid delays.
“We are reminding parents and guardians to apply for the document ahead of the intended travel dates of their children. This is to prevent any inconvenience on the day of their departure for their travel abroad,” Dumlao said.
The TCC is part of the government’s anti-trafficking safeguards for minors, or individuals below 18 years old, who are traveling abroad unaccompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
Its issuance is mandated under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Philippine Passport Act of 1996.
The DSWD also issues certificates of exemption (COE) for specific cases, such as children traveling with an unmarried parent or orphaned minors traveling with legal guardians.
Dumlao said the application process for both TCC and COE has been fully digitized in line with the government’s ease-of-doing-business and digitalization efforts.
Applicants may file through the Minor Traveling Abroad (MTA) Online System or the eGov PH mobile application.
“The online system allows anyone to lodge their application anywhere at their most convenient time, as long as they have online devices and web connection,” Dumlao said, noting that applicants must undergo a virtual interview with DSWD social workers to verify the information submitted.
The integration of the MTA Online System into the eGov PH app, she added, makes the process more accessible and minimizes costs for the public.

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DSWD TRAVEL CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE FOR MINORS CHRISTMAS
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