The Short Answer
Usually yes. If the parents are married to each other, the child can travel with either parent without a DSWD Travel Clearance. If the parents are not married, the child can travel with the mother without one, but travelling with the father alone generally needs a Travel Clearance. A child travelling alone, or with a grandparent, aunt or anyone else who is not a parent, needs a clearance and the parents' written consent.
Example: Two Families Flying to Dubai
Names and details in this example are made up.
The Garcias. Liza and Arnel Garcia are married. Arnel works in Dubai as a technician. Liza wants to bring their daughter Bea, 9, from their home in Barangay Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, to visit him for two weeks in December. Bea is travelling with her mother, and her parents are married, so she does not need a DSWD Travel Clearance. Liza brings Bea's passport, and copies of Bea's PSA Birth Certificate and their PSA Marriage Certificate in case the immigration officer asks how they are related.
Joy and Mark. Joy and Mark were never married. Their son Nathan, 7, lives with Joy in Cabanatuan City and uses Mark's surname. Mark, who works in Dubai, wants to take Nathan back with him for the school break while Joy stays home. Because the parents are not married, Nathan is under Joy's parental authority (the legal right and duty to decide for the child). Travelling with his father alone, he needs a DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate. Joy signs a notarized Affidavit of Consent to Travel naming Mark as the companion, with the destination and dates. They apply online at the DSWD Minors Travelling Abroad system and pay the fee, which DSWD lists as ₱800.
What if Joy and Mark later marry? If they marry each other and Nathan is legitimated (made legitimate by the marriage), he is treated as a child of married parents. He could then travel with either parent without a clearance.
Who Can Travel With the Child Without a Clearance
The DSWD says a child under 18 does not need a Travel Clearance when travelling with:
| Family Situation | Can Travel Without a Clearance With |
|---|---|
| Parents married to each other | Either parent, or both |
| Parents not married to each other | The mother |
| Adopted child | An adoptive parent who has the adoption decree or Order of Adoption and Certificate of Finality |
A child 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.
When a Clearance Is Needed
A DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate is needed when a child under 18 travels abroad:
- alone, for example to join a parent working abroad;
- with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, older brother or sister, or other relative;
- with a family friend, teacher, coach or group organizer;
- with the father only, if the parents were never married, unless a court has given him sole parental authority or custody.
In some cases the DSWD issues a Certificate of Exemption instead, for example when the child travels with a court-appointed guardian, or with the father of a child of unmarried parents who has a court order giving him sole parental authority or custody. DSWD lists the fee as ₱300.
Government fees can change. Always check the current amount with the office before you pay. Last checked October 8, 2026.
The Parents' Consent
For a Travel Clearance, the DSWD asks for a notarized Affidavit of Consent that names the companion, the destination, the purpose and the dates. 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.
A parent who is abroad can sign before a Philippine embassy or consulate. Use our Affidavit of Consent to Travel. If the companion is not a relative, the DSWD also asks for an Affidavit of Undertaking from them.
Applying, in Short
You apply online at the DSWD Minors Travelling Abroad system (mta.dswd.gov.ph), or at a DSWD field office, and there is an online interview with the parents, the child and the companion. DSWD lists ₱800 for a Travel Clearance and ₱300 for a Certificate of Exemption, per child, and says 1 to 3 working days if the documents are complete. A Travel Clearance is valid for one year for the same companion, purpose and destination. Apply early, and do not book non-refundable tickets until it is approved.
Even without a clearance, bring the child's PSA Birth Certificate, and the parents' PSA Marriage Certificate if married, to show your relationship if immigration asks.
For the steps and papers, see DSWD Travel Clearance for a child travelling abroad. For the child's passport, see passport.
Government fees can change. Always check the current amount with the office before you pay. Last checked October 8, 2026.
Common Questions
Kasal Kami Pero Nasa Abroad Ako. Kailangan pa ba ng Consent Ko Kung si Misis ang Kasama ng Anak Namin?
For the DSWD, no. A child of married parents travelling with either parent does not need a Travel Clearance, so no Affidavit of Consent is needed for one. Bring the PSA Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate in case immigration asks.
Hindi Kami Kasal. Puwede bang Isama ng Tatay ang Anak Namin sa Abroad?
Yes, but with a DSWD Travel Clearance. A child of unmarried parents travelling with the father alone needs one, with the mother's notarized consent. If a court gave the father sole parental authority or custody, he applies for a Certificate of Exemption instead.
Our Child Will Travel With Lola to Visit Me in Italy. What Do We Need?
A DSWD Travel Clearance, because a grandparent is not a parent. Both married parents sign the Affidavit of Consent; a parent abroad can sign before a Philippine consulate. If both parents have died, a Certificate of Exemption may apply instead.
We Are Separated but Not Annulled. Can My Husband Take Our Child Abroad Without Asking Me?
For the DSWD, a child of married parents travelling with either parent is exempt from the clearance, and separation in fact does not change that. If you fear the child will not be brought back, talk to a lawyer or the PAO about asking a court for custody or other orders. See who gets custody of the children.
How Long Is the Travel Clearance Valid?
One year from issue, for the same companion, purpose and destination. If any of those changes, apply again.
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. This page explains the general rules; it cannot tell you how they apply to your own family or case. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.