In Short
- A child under 18 travelling abroad alone or with someone who is not their parent needs a DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate.
- No clearance is needed if the child travels with a parent (for a child of married parents), with the mother (for a child of unmarried parents), or with an adoptive parent with the final adoption papers.
- Some cases, such as travelling with a court-appointed guardian, need a Certificate of Exemption instead.
- Apply online at mta.dswd.gov.ph or at a DSWD field office. DSWD lists the fee as ₱800 for a clearance and ₱300 for a certificate of exemption.
- The clearance is valid for one year for the same companion, purpose and destination.
Government fees can change. Always check the current amount with the office before you pay. Last checked October 8, 2026.
When a Travel Clearance Is Needed
The DSWD issues a Travel Clearance Certificate (TCC) for a minor (under 18) who travels abroad without a parent or a person with parental authority (someone the law gives a parent's rights over the child). That covers a child who:
- travels alone, for example to join a parent abroad or for a school trip;
- travels with a relative such as a grandparent, aunt or older sibling;
- travels with a family friend, teacher, coach or group organizer;
- was born to unmarried parents and travels with the father only, unless a court has given him sole parental authority or custody (see below).
The DSWD also treats a person 18 or older who cannot care for themselves because of a disability as covered, with a doctor's certification.
When It Is Not Needed
The DSWD says a minor is exempt if they travel with:
- either or both parents, if the parents are married to each other;
- the biological mother, if the parents are not married;
- an adoptive parent who holds the adoption decree or Order of Adoption and Certificate of Finality.
A minor is also exempt if they hold a foreign passport, or an immigrant visa, permanent resident visa or card, or a dependent visa as the child of a parent working abroad.
A Certificate of Exemption (CE) is needed instead of a TCC when the child travels with:
- the biological father of a child of unmarried parents, where a court has given him sole parental authority or custody;
- a legal guardian appointed by a court;
- a grandparent, substitute parent or nearest relative, if both parents have died (for a child of unmarried parents, on the mother's side).
The CE has no expiry for the same companion. Clearances for inter-country adoption are handled by the National Authority for Child Care, not the DSWD.
The Parents' Affidavit of Consent
The core document is a notarized Affidavit of Consent in which the parents (or the mother, solo parent or guardian, depending on the case) allow the child to travel, naming the companion, the destination, the purpose and the dates. The DSWD asks for copies of the parents' valid IDs with their signatures, so sign the affidavit the same way you sign your ID.
Who signs depends on the family:
- married parents: both parents, or the surviving parent;
- unmarried parents: the mother;
- a court-appointed guardian: the guardian, with the court order;
- a solo parent: the solo parent, with the Solo Parent ID if applicable.
If the parent is abroad, they can sign the affidavit before a Philippine consul, or before a local notary and then have it apostilled. Use our Affidavit of Consent to Travel template. If the companion is not a relative, the DSWD also asks for a notarized Affidavit of Undertaking (a sworn promise to look after the child) from the companion.
How to Apply
Online: the DSWD Minors Travelling Abroad system at mta.dswd.gov.ph.
- Create an account as the parent, solo parent, guardian, or the authorized companion with written parental consent, and verify your email.
- Choose the application type (TCC or CE) and fill in the form.
- Upload the documents and pay the fee (the DSWD lists Maya, GCash and LandBank).
- The parents, the child and the companion attend an online interview.
- Once approved, download the certificate.
The DSWD says processing takes 1 to 3 working days if the documents are complete and consistent. You can also apply at a DSWD field office. Apply well before the flight, and do not book non-refundable tickets until you know the clearance will come through.
Fee and Validity
The DSWD lists the fees as ₱800 for a Travel Clearance Certificate and ₱300 for a Certificate of Exemption, per minor. Check the DSWD system for the current fee.
A TCC is valid for one year from issue, as long as the companion, purpose and destination stay the same. If any of those changes, apply again. A later application for the same child usually needs fewer documents.
Government fees can change. Always check the current amount with the office before you pay. Last checked October 8, 2026.
Documents for a Travel Clearance
Based on DSWD lists. Use PSA copies with QR codes. Requirements vary with the case.
Your ticks stay on this device only.
Common Questions
Does My Child Need a Travel Clearance If They Travel With Me, Their Mother?
No, if you are the child's parent and you were married to the father, or if you are the mother of a child of unmarried parents. The DSWD exempts minors travelling with a parent in these cases.
My Child Will Travel With Their Grandparents. Do They Need One?
Yes, unless both parents have died, in which case a Certificate of Exemption may apply. A minor travelling with anyone other than a parent generally needs a Travel Clearance with the parents' Affidavit of Consent.
Our Child Was Born Before We Married, and Will Travel With the Father Only. Is a Clearance Needed?
If you later married each other and the child was legitimated (made legitimate by the marriage), the child is treated as a child of married parents. If not, a child of unmarried parents travelling with the father alone needs a Travel Clearance, unless a court gave the father sole parental authority or custody (then a Certificate of Exemption). Check with the DSWD for your case.
How Long Is the Travel Clearance Valid?
One year from issue, for the same companion, purpose and destination.
Can I Apply Online?
Yes, at the DSWD Minors Travelling Abroad system, mta.dswd.gov.ph. You upload the documents, pay online, and attend an online interview.
Not legal advice. This is general information. For advice on your own situation, consult a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) or an IBP legal aid office may help for free.
Government fees, rules and requirements change, so always check with the office concerned before you go. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.