DSWD Secretary Esperanza T. Cabral said the amended guidelines are beneficial for frequent travelers as it eliminates the tedious process of securing a travel clearance every time a child travels abroad.

A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to a minor who will travel abroad alone or may be accompanied by someone other than his parents. The travel clearance is issued as a measure to prevent child trafficking.

The travel guidelines set the validity period of a travel clearance for one year from the date of issuance. 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.

The guidelines also identify minors who are required or exempted from securing a travel clearance.

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

Cabral emphasized that the Parental Travel Permit, which was formerly a requirement for a minor that will be accompanied by only one parent, is no longer needed.