DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors
Planning an international trip for a child under 18? Find out when a DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate is required, what documents to prepare, and how to apply through the official Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) online system.
This is a DSWD national government service. Davao City applicants use the same official online system.
Who Needs a DSWD Travel Clearance?
Not every child traveling outside the Philippines needs a travel clearance. The requirement depends on the child’s age, accompanying adult, parental authority, and immigration status.
Travel Clearance Required
A Travel Clearance Certificate is generally required for a Filipino minor under 18 in these situations:
- Traveling alone outside the Philippines using a Philippine passport, subject to age restrictions.
- Traveling with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, such as a relative, family friend, teacher, or coach.
- Traveling with the biological father when the parents are not married and the father does not have a qualifying court order granting parental authority or custody.
Certificate of Exemption
Some children do not need a Travel Clearance Certificate but must obtain a Certificate of Exemption from DSWD.
- A child traveling with their biological father who has sole parental authority or legal custody under a court order, when the parents are not married.
- A child traveling with a court-appointed legal guardian.
- An orphan traveling with a substitute parent, grandparent, or qualifying nearest relative, subject to DSWD’s rules on parental status and family relationship.
Automatically Exempt
Under DSWD’s listed exemptions, these children generally need neither a TCC nor a CE:
- A child of married parents traveling with either or both parents.
- A child of unmarried parents traveling with the biological mother.
- A child traveling with adoptive parents after an adoption decree becomes final.
- A child holding qualifying foreign immigration documents, such as a valid foreign passport, immigrant visa, permanent resident card, or dependent visa.
Who Can Submit the Application?
An eligible parent, solo parent, legal or adoptive parent, court-appointed guardian, or person exercising substitute parental authority may apply. A travel companion may also apply with written authorization from the parent or legal guardian.
Special Travel Circumstances
Children traveling for inter-country adoption have separate procedures handled by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC). DSWD Field Office XI also states that children under 13 must not travel alone.
Important: Eligibility may change depending on custody orders, adoption status, and immigration documents. Confirm the child’s exact situation before submitting an application.
Official DSWD GuidelinesHow to Apply for a DSWD Travel Clearance Online
DSWD accepts applications through its Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) online portal. Follow these steps to create an account, submit the required documents, complete verification, attend the online interview, and receive your digital travel certificate.
Register and Submit Your Application
Start from the official DSWD website and prepare the information needed for your child’s travel application.
Visit the Official DSWD MTA Portal
Open mta.dswd.gov.ph. Review the FAQs to confirm whether the child needs a Travel Clearance Certificate (TCC) or a Certificate of Exemption (CE).
Create an Applicant Account
On the homepage, select “Create an Account” and complete the applicant’s registration details. Use an active email address because DSWD will send verification messages and application updates there.
Check your email for the 4-digit One-Time Password (OTP) and enter it to verify your account.
Select the Application Type
After registration, select “Continue Application” or “Go to Account”. Choose Travel Clearance Certificate or Certificate of Exemption according to the child’s circumstances.
Complete the Form and Upload Documents
Enter the required applicant, child, and travel information in the online form. Provide the accompanying adult and supporting details where applicable. Upload the documents requested for your selected application category.
Check that the names, dates, travel details, and attached files are correct before submitting the application.
Payment and Document Verification
Once the application is submitted, DSWD reviews the information and supporting documents before allowing applicants to proceed to the interview.
Submit and Pay the Application Fee
Follow the payment instructions generated by the MTA portal. DSWD currently lists a fee of ₱800 for a Travel Clearance Certificate and ₱300 for a Certificate of Exemption.
Complete the payment using an available electronic payment option. Keep your confirmation for reference.
Wait for DSWD Document Assessment
A DSWD social worker or assessor checks the documents for completeness and authenticity. Verification may involve the PSA, Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs, or other relevant government agencies.
Sign in to your account and open “Active/Ongoing Application” to check whether the application is still under screening or needs further action.
Correct Missing or Incorrect Information
If the application is disapproved because of incomplete or incorrect details, read the email notification explaining what must be corrected. Locate the disapproved application in your dashboard, choose “Re-apply”, update the information, and resubmit it.
DSWD states that this correction process does not require an additional application fee.
Online Interview and Certificate Release
After the documents pass assessment, the applicant must complete an online interview before final approval and certificate issuance.
Choose Your Interview Schedule
When your application status changes to “Compliant, Ready for Interview”, open the Active/Ongoing Application page and click “Select Schedule”. Choose an available interview date and time.
Attend the Online Interview
DSWD sends the video meeting link to the registered email address approximately 5–10 minutes before the scheduled interview.
The required parent or parents, the minor, and the traveling companion, if any, must attend. They may join from different locations using the same meeting link.
Be ready to explain the child’s travel purpose and confirm the information submitted in the application.
Wait for the Approval Decision
Following a satisfactory interview and assessment, the application is recommended for approval. Check your dashboard for updates. If DSWD requests further clarification, provide the necessary documents or information.
Download Your Approved Certificate
Once the status shows “Approved and Issued Certification”, sign in and open “Approved Application”. Select the approved record and click “Download”.
Complete the Client Satisfaction Survey when prompted. Save or print your digital TCC or CE for travel documentation and immigration verification.
What If You Miss Your Interview?
Sign in to the DSWD MTA portal and reschedule through your application dashboard after the missed appointment. DSWD advises joining on time; arriving 10 minutes or more late requires another interview schedule.
Ready to Begin Your Application?
Use the official DSWD MTA online portal to register, submit requirements, track your application, and download your approved certificate.
DSWD Travel Clearance Fees, Processing Time & Validity
Understand the official application costs, how long processing normally takes, and when your travel clearance or exemption certificate can be used again.
DSWD Travel Clearance (TCC)
₱800Official processing fee for a Travel Clearance Certificate issued through the DSWD Minors Traveling Abroad online application system.
DSWD Exemption Certificate (CE)
₱300Official processing fee for eligible applicants who need a Certificate of Exemption instead of the regular travel clearance.
How Long Does Processing Take?
DSWD’s published processing period when all documents are complete and information is consistent.
What Affects the Processing Time?
Applications undergo document screening, verification, an online interview, and final assessment. Missing documents or inconsistent information may cause delays.
How Long Is the Certificate Valid?
DSWD revised its validity rules effective October 13, 2025. The applicable period depends on the type of certificate and the child’s travel circumstances.
Travel Clearance Certificate (TCC)
Valid for one year from issuance.
The same certificate may be used for multiple trips within the validity period, provided the approved traveling companion, purpose of travel, and destination country or countries remain unchanged.
When Is a New TCC Needed?
- When the certificate expires.
- When the traveling companion changes.
- When the purpose of travel or destination country changes.
Certificate of Exemption (CE)
No expiration for specified exemption categories.
Eligible children traveling with a biological father holding sole parental authority or custody, or qualifying substitute parents following parental death, may reuse the certificate while the required circumstances remain valid.
Special Rule for Legal Guardians
A Certificate of Exemption issued for travel with a court-appointed legal guardian is valid for one year from issuance.
Apply Before Your Travel Date
Avoid last-minute applications. Allow sufficient time for document review, interview scheduling, and any corrections DSWD may require before your departure.
DSWD Field Office XI — Davao City
Need help with your child’s travel clearance? DSWD Field Office XI provides regional guidance for applicants in Davao City and nearby areas. The actual application is submitted through the national DSWD MTA online system.
Department of Social Welfare and Development
Field Office XI — Davao Region
Protective Services Division
Community-Based Services Section
D. Suazo Street,
Davao City 8000, Philippines
Contact the MTA unit before visiting to confirm whether in-person assistance is necessary for your concern.
Contact the MTA Assistance Unit
Use these official regional channels for questions about documents, travel clearance requirements, or application assistance.
Closed on holidays and official suspensions
Need Technical Help With the Online Portal?
For account access, upload problems, interview scheduling, or online application concerns, contact the DSWD national MTA support team.
National MTA Support
Telephone: (02) 8951-7440 or (02) 8951-7438
Email: [email protected]
Online assistance: The official MTA portal also provides call and chat support options.
Apply Online — No Initial Office Visit Needed
Submit your application, upload documents, attend the online interview, and download your approved certificate through DSWD’s official MTA portal. Contact Field Office XI if you need local assistance.
Track Your DSWD Travel Clearance Application
Already submitted your application? You can check its progress through the official DSWD MTA portal. Learn what each status means, how to correct missing details, and what to do if your interview or approval is delayed.
How to Check Your Application Status
You do not need to visit the DSWD office simply to check whether your application is being processed.
Log In to the MTA Portal
Visit mta.dswd.gov.ph and sign in using the account and email address registered during your application.
Open Active/Ongoing Application
On your dashboard, select Active/Ongoing Application. Find the application you previously submitted for the child.
Review the Latest Status
Read the status displayed in your account and check your registered email for messages requesting corrections, an interview, or further information.
What Does Your Status Mean?
These are the status labels you may see while DSWD processes your request.
For Screening
Your application has been received and is waiting for initial document checking. Monitor your dashboard and registered email.
Compliant, Ready for Interview
Your submitted documents have passed assessment. Open the application and click Select Schedule to choose an available interview slot.
Preparing for Interview
Your interview has been scheduled. DSWD sends the meeting link to your email approximately 5–10 minutes before the appointment.
Re-applied / For Review
You have resubmitted corrected information or missing documents. DSWD is reviewing the updated application again.
Need Clarification / Return to Interviewer
The interviewer requires additional information or documents. Follow DSWD’s instructions and submit the requested items for reassessment.
Recommendation for Approval
Your interview and assessment were satisfactory. The application has been recommended for final approval, but the certificate is not yet issued.
Recommendation for Disapproval
A negative recommendation has been recorded following the assessment. Check official notifications or contact DSWD for the decision and instructions on further action.
Disapproved Due to Incomplete/Incorrect Details
Some information or supporting documents are missing or incorrect. Read the notification and use Re-apply to correct your previous submission.
Approved and Issued Certification
Your TCC or CE has been approved. Open Approved Application on your dashboard to download the issued certificate.
What to Do When Something Goes Wrong
Most application issues can be handled directly through your account. Use the following steps before submitting a new application.
Your Application Was Disapproved
Check your registered email for the reason for disapproval. Sign in, locate your disapproved application, and select Re-apply. Correct the information, upload missing documents, and submit again. DSWD does not charge another fee for this correction process.
You Missed Your Online Interview
Log in after the missed appointment and reschedule through your dashboard. DSWD requires rescheduling if you arrive 10 minutes or more late. Check your email shortly before the new interview and make sure all required participants can attend.
Your Application Has Not Progressed
Check the latest portal status and email notifications, including your spam folder. If the application remains delayed despite complete requirements, contact MTA support. Provide your application reference and intended travel date when requested.
Certificate Approved but Not Yet Downloaded?
Sign in to your MTA account and select Approved Application. Choose the approved record and click Download. Complete the Client Satisfaction Survey when prompted, then save or print your Travel Clearance Certificate or Certificate of Exemption.
Still Need Help With Your Application?
Contact DSWD’s official MTA support team if your application remains delayed, a portal error prevents you from completing a step, or you need clarification about an assessment decision.
Telephone:
(02) 8951-7440Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Philippine Time, excluding holidays and official work suspensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about your child’s travel clearance? Find clear answers about eligibility, accompanying adults, online interviews, fees, and certificate validity.
DSWD provides additional answers for special travel situations through its official MTA portal.
View Official DSWD FAQs01 Does my child need travel clearance when traveling with a grandparent or family friend?
Generally, yes. A Filipino minor traveling with someone other than a parent or person with legal parental authority normally needs a DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate.
Certain court-appointed guardians and qualifying substitute parents of orphaned children may instead need a Certificate of Exemption.
02 Is travel clearance required when a child travels with only one parent?
A child whose parents are married is generally exempt when traveling with either parent. A child of unmarried parents is also automatically exempt when traveling with the biological mother.
If the parents are unmarried and the child travels with the biological father, a TCC may be required. Where the father has sole parental authority or legal custody under a court order, a Certificate of Exemption applies.
03 Can a child below 13 years old travel abroad alone?
No. Under DSWD’s travel-clearance guidelines, children below 13 are not permitted to travel internationally alone.
They must travel with an appropriate accompanying person and have the required travel documents. Check the airline’s child-travel policy before making arrangements.
04 Do the child and parents need to visit a DSWD office for an interview?
Normally, no. DSWD conducts the application interview online through video conferencing after document assessment.
The required parent or parents, the minor, and the traveling companion, if applicable, must join the interview. They may participate from different locations using the same meeting link.
05 How much does the clearance cost, and how long does approval take?
DSWD lists an official fee of ₱800 for a Travel Clearance Certificate and ₱300 for a Certificate of Exemption.
Processing generally takes 1–3 working days when all requirements are complete and consistent. Interview availability, document corrections, or further verification may extend the overall application timeline.
06 Can we use the same travel clearance if our flight plans change?
A TCC is valid for one year from issuance and may be reused when the approved traveling companion, purpose, and destination remain unchanged.
If only the flight date changes, DSWD says a new application is unnecessary. Bring proof of rebooking for immigration inspection. A change in the traveling companion or travel purpose requires a new application.
Travel reminder: A DSWD certificate does not replace the child’s passport, visa, airline requirements, or immigration checks. Prepare all applicable travel documents before departure.
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Davao City Portal — Your next government service guide.