APPLICATION and issuance of travel clearances for minors traveling abroad have been simplified.

Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral said the amended guidelines should be a welcome development especially for frequent travelers.

A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to a minor who is below 18 years of age traveling abroad alone or with someone other than his parents. The travel clearance is issued as a measure to prevent child trafficking.

The guidelines set the validity period of a travel clearance for one (1) year from the date of issuance. The travel clearance shall be valid for multiple travels within one year provided that the conditions under which the clearance was issued have not changed. If a change in condition occurs, like change of traveling companion, a new travel clearance must be obtained.

Based on the amended guidelines, a travel clearance is required for a minor traveling alone to a foreign country. A child accompanied by a person other than the parents also needs a travel clearance.

Exempted from obtaining travel clearances are minors traveling abroad whose parents are in foreign service or are living abroad provided the child is holding a valid pass such as dependent’s visa, or permanent resident visa or card which can prove that the child is living with parents abroad; and minors traveling abroad with either parent or with his or her solo parent or legal guardian.

Cabral added that the Parental Travel Permit, which was a former requirement for a minor traveling with only one parent, is no longer needed.

A solo parent need only show a photocopy of a solo parent identification card issued by the Municipal Social Welfare Officer. For Muslim solo parents, a Tallaq or a Fasakh certification from the Shariah court or any Muslim barangay or religious leader may also be presented.

Other acceptable proofs of solo parenthood are certificate of no marriage from the local civil registrar, death certificate or certificate of legal guardianship issued by the court.

Applicants for such travel clearance must present or submit duly accomplished application form; photocopy of the birth certificate or passport of the minor; a written consent of both parents or the solo parent of 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.

Parents, legal guardian or duly authorized representative may file application at any DSWD Field Office and pay a P300 processing fee. Application forms may be obtained from any DSWD Field Office or downloaded from the DSWD website www.dswd.gov.ph .