DSWD Now Offers Online Applications For Minors' Travel Clearance

Parents and guardians no longer need to visit a DSWD center to obtain a travel clearance for their child. The Department of Social Welfare and Development launched a new online system in February for minors traveling abroad (MTA), making the application process more convenient.

ALSO READ: How To Get DSWD Travel Clearance For Minors Traveling Alone

DSWD Offers Online Applications For Minors' Travel Clearance

DSWD's new online system went live on February 19 and has already processed over 1,749 applications as of March 11. It has reduced processing times, with complete and verified applications being approved on the same day, and a maximum processing time of just three days.

Parents no longer need to physically visit DSWD regional offices and can now submit their applications directly via the MTA online system.

In a media forum at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City, Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD's Protective Programs explained that the new system only allows parents or guardians to apply for minors' travel clearance.

"Ang pwede lang pong gumawa ng account para sa ating MTA is the parent, the accompanying adult or guardian. Other than that, hindi po pwede ang fixer kasi ang kailangan po natin sa account na ito ay identifying information ng magulang o companion," she said.

Colico noted that the old manual system was time-consuming for parents and guardians, often leading them to rely on middlemen, such as travel agents, or even fixers, to obtain travel clearance or a certificate of exemption from the DSWD.

The portal only accepts QR-coded or notarized documentary requirements to ensure the legitimacy of documents. The online application also requires a virtual meeting, where parents, their child or children, and the accompanying adult (if applicable) will be interviewed by the agency's social workers.

Parents and guardians will have the flexibility to schedule the online meeting at their convenience, ensuring no appointments are missed.

Colico emphasized that this step would help the DSWD "validate and verify that the parent or guardian gave their consent for the minor to travel abroad."

What is a DSWD Travel Clearance?

A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to minors (under 18 years old) traveling outside the Philippines who are unaccompanied by any parent or person with parental responsibility or legal custody.

Any Filipino minor traveling alone outside the Philippines, traveling with prospective adoptive parents for intercountry adoption, or traveling with someone other than their parent/s, legal guardian, or person exercising parental authority/legal custody over them, will need to secure a travel clearance from DSWD.

Additionally, a Filipino minor who is illegitimate and traveling with their biological father, or a minor under 13 years old traveling with a sibling or relative (within the 4th degree of consanguinity or affinity) who is over 15 years old and whose purpose for travel is to join their parents abroad permanently, also requires a travel clearance.

Travel clearance is valid for one year after payment of P300 per minor.

Steps for Securing a Minor's Travel Clearance Online:

1. Set up an account on the MTA website.
2. Make the payment for the travel clearance fee.
3. Submit your documents for assessment.
4. Schedule the virtual interview with the DSWD.
5. Choose your preferred interview appointment date.
6. Receive approval for the travel clearance or certificate of exemption.
7. Download the approved permit once it's granted.

DSWD Goes Digital to Avert Child Trafficking
The DSWD has fully transitioned to a digital process for issuing travel permits for minors traveling abroad. The old manual system, which allowed travel agencies to process applications on behalf of applicants, has been eliminated.

The online processing of applications is designed to address risks associated with child trafficking and other forms of exploitation, as explained by Ada Colico. The new digitalized system also aims to cut red tape.

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