A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to a minor who is below 18 years old traveling abroad alone or with someone other than his/her parents. The travel clearance is issued as a measure to prevent child trafficking.
Requirements for application of travel clearance are: duly accomplished application form; photocopy of the birth certificate or passport of the minor; a written consent of both parents, the solo parent, or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country; photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents, or certificates establishing solo parenthood; two colored passport size photos of the minors taken within the last six months.
For subsequent travels, the requirements are duly-accomplished application form, written consent of both parents, the solo parent, or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country, a photocopy of the previous travel clearance; and two colored passport size photos.
The travel clearance shall be valid for multiple travels within the one-year validity period, provided that the conditions under which the travel clearance was issued have not changed. If a change in condition occurs, like change of traveling companion, a new travel clearance must be obtained.
Those who do not need a travel clearance are: 1. A minor traveling abroad whose parents are in foreign service or are living abroad provided, the child is holding a valid pass such as a dependent’s visa, permanent resident visa or card which can prove that the child is living with parents abroad; and 2. A minor traveling abroad with either parent or with his or her solo parent or legal guardian.  Jasmin R. Uy/BRP