Travel Clearance for Minor

I've written about general requirements for DSWD travel clearance for minors in my previous blog and had a firsthand experience in applying for it last week.

The travel clearance is for minors (18 years old and below) who will be traveling alone or traveling with a person other than his or her parents to another country. And so in my case, i was applying for the travel clearance of my 4 yr old nephew who is going to travel with me.

I chose to apply at the Legarda office which is more convenient for me. The other office is located in Zapote. Applicants must first get a number from the guard before proceeding to the second floor office. Remember to log your number once you get to the travel clearance office if not, your number will not be called.

I got there at around 930am and there was at least 20 applicants ahead of me not to mention the xnumber of people there to claim(their ofc is open at 8am). I was informed that if your requirements are complete , clearance may be released after assessment but if not you may have to come back the next day for the release once you submit necessary lacking papers.

There are 2-3 assessors and it takes 10-20mins for them to go through your papers. They ask questions pertinent to your relationship with the child and the child's destination. Needless to say, it was a thorough investigation that there will be no child trafficking about to happen.

If they are satisfied and all papers complete they tell you to pay downstairs for the clearance. Fees are as follows: P 300 - 1 yr validity ; P 600 - 2yrs validity. You may have to wait for a while after payment for they still have to type in details in the travel clearance.

Note: DSWD travel clearance is also needed when applying for a minor's DFA passport. That is, again if both parents are not present in the Philippines upon passport application.

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City Break Offer

Puerto Galera is certainly the most popular beach destination near Metro Manila. Travel is just 2 hours by bus from Manila and another hour by ferry from the Batangas Pier.

With its water crystal clear and shimmering especially during summer months, it's perfect for swimming, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. This is why Puerto Galera is a favorite hangout for Filipinos and foreign tourists alike.

Foreigners who came to have found love in the island has set up businesses of their own to cater to the growing demands for accomodations, tourists activities such as diving , snorkeling, jetskiing and restaurants/pubs/bars. This in turn resulted in the ever growing influx of tourists from all over the world.

Those needing a little time for rest and recreation will find a piece of paradise just south of Manila.

Embassy of Belgium in Manila

Embassy of Belgium

Address: Multinational Bancorporation Center

             9th flr 6805 Ayala Avenue

             Makati City Manila

Tel No: 845 1870 to 73   Fax: 845 2076

Email: manila@diplobel.fed.be

Appointments for lodging visa application:

1 909 1014545  (PLDT)

1 903 1014545  (Bayantel)

1 900 1014545  (Globelines)

Information on pending visa applications:  845 1870 to 73

Be ready with your reference number or passport number.

For information on visa application:

Email: helpdesk.dvzoe@dofi.fgov.be

For complete set of requirements in applying a tourist visa to Belgium click here

Embassy of Australia in the Phils

Embassy of Australia

Address:  23rd Level Tower 2 RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Ave. Makati City 1200

Tel Nos:  757-8100 main switchboard   Fax: 757-8268

             757-8340 Immigration

Website: www.australia.com.ph

Call Center for Visa Applications 1909-3622779 (PLDT)

and Migration Matters                1900- 3622779 (Globelines)

                                              1903- 3622779 (Bayantel)

For General Inquiries call : 845 9200

Email contact: aus_inquiry@via.ph (VIA center)

                    immigration.manila@dfat.gov.au (DIAC visa ofc)

Working Hours:  0805 to 1630 M-F

For detailed information on visas and citizenship services see website: www.immi.gov.au

For visa application form for applying a tourist visa to Australia click here

There are many types of tourist visa in Australia and you must identify to which subclass best fits your needs. But generally, a tourist visa to Australia may be 3 or 6 up to 12mos.

How to lodge your visa application?

There are 3 ways in which you may lodge your application .

1. Through PIASI or VIA (Visa Information Application ) center - no prior appointments needed to attend to VIA center. You may also have your documents sent through courier. The Call center charges a lodgement fee and delivery fee.

2. Applications can also be lodged by post direct to the Embassy. However, they do not recommend this because it may not be safe to send documents, passport, fees through post.

3. Applications may be lodged in person but you must need an appointment from PIASI to do this.