The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas continues to protect children from possible child trafficking, abuse, and exploitation by issuing travel clearance to minors traveling alone or with companions.

From January to September 2024, DSWD 7 issued 1,566 travel certificates to minors going abroad, while a total of 1,668 certificates in 2023.

Common reasons for traveling include vacation, migration to another country, visitation to families, study abroad, attending conferences, school exposure, and student exchange.

According to RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, a travel clearance is issued to a child below 18 years of age, referred to as a minor traveling alone or with an adult companion other than their parents or legal guardian.

The issuance of this document is also applicable to those illegitimate children traveling with their biological father. However, minors below 13 years of age are not allowed to travel unaccompanied or with another child companion.

“We are extra careful in granting travel clearance to them or even children under the custody of either of the parents. That is why our requirements change depending on the situation, which the social worker determines upon assessment,” Regional Director of DSWD Shalaine Marie S. Lucero explained.

“With varying circumstances of the minor, we highly recommend that they comply with the requirements at least a month before the trip to avoid the rush and inconveniences,” she said.

“If they are planning to go abroad, they can check our website or email us to inquire about the travel clearance in advance,” she added.

Some of the requirements include a filled-out application form; a birth certificate of the minor(s) and a marriage certificate of the parents; CENOMAR for those who are not married; an affidavit of consent; a valid ID or passport of the parent(s); an unaccompanied minor certificate from the airline; and a waiver from the parent(s), among others.

For more information, visit the website and Facebook page of DSWD Region 7 through this link: bit.ly/dswdmtareq or email to apply or inquire.

Travel clearance processing fee of Php 300 and Php 600 per child is required with a validity of one year and two years, respectively.

The parent and legal guardian should file a travel clearance application at the regional office of DSWD in Cebu City or the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) offices in Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

For questions about Minors Traveling Abroad or in the event of offloading, the concerned individual may call (032) 232-9505 loc. 17146 or email at mta.fo7@dswd.gov.ph or address their concerns to the social worker assigned to them upon their application.

Some are still not aware of the issuance of this document. DSWD is working closely with other government agencies to reach out to schools, booking outlets, and airline operators that this document is necessary. ###

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