Affidavit of Support with Undertaking

What is an Affidavit of Support with Undertaking?

An Affidavit of Support with Undertaking is a document wherein a person (the "affiant") promises that they will pay for all the travel expenses, including subsistence and accommodations, of another person(s) (the "traveler") who will visit the affiant or travel with the affiant. It is a travel document that is required to exit the Philippines if a Filipino traveler does not have the financial capacity to support their own travel.

This document can be used either if the affiant is already residing in another country and is inviting the traveler to visit them or if the affiant is traveling with the affiant.

In an Affidavit of Support with Undertaking, it is important to show the financial capacity of the affiant so it's required to include any documents evidencing the financial capacity of the affiant such as bank statements or a salary verification from the affiant's employer. While not required, it's also better to have other supporting documents, such as proof of relationship, ready when presenting the Affidavit of Support with Undertaking.

What is the difference between an Affidavit of Support with Undertaking and an Affidavit of Consent and Support?

In an Affidavit of Support with Undertaking, the traveler is not a minor and is capable of taking care of themselves. He will be supported financially by the affiant during his travel. The main purpose of this is to make sure that the traveler is capable of traveling and will not get stuck in the place or country of destination by reason of lack of financial resources.

On the other hand, in an Affidavit of Consent and Support, the traveler is a minor (below 18 years old) and is traveling with someone who is not their parent. This is a requirement for the minor traveler to be able to get a passport from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) or to be able to get a clearance from the DFA for purposes of traveling to another country.

Is it mandatory to have an Affidavit of Support with Undertaking?

An Affidavit of Support with Undertaking is usually required if the immigration authorities find that the traveler is not capable of coping with the cost of living in the country of destination without the financial support of the affiant. But if the immigration authorities determine that the traveler is financially capable by showing documentary proof such as tax returns, payroll, bank statements, salary verification from the affiant's employer, and billing statements, then the Affidavit will not be required.

Take note that having an Affidavit of Support with Undertaking does not guarantee that the traveler will be cleared for departure.

What must the Affidavit contain?

The Affidavit contains the following information:

• The identity of the affiant and the traveler,
• The details of the financial capacity of the affiant,
• The relationship between the affiant and traveler,
• The purpose of the travel,
• The place where the traveler will stay or travel to, and
• The expenses that will be shouldered by the affiant.

What are the prerequisites of the Affidavit?

The affiant must ensure that he is financially capable of supporting the traveler during his trip. Hence, it is important that the affiant prepare the necessary documents to show his financial capacity. Examples of these are tax returns, payroll, bank statements, salary verification from the affiant's employer, and billing statements.

Who is involved in the Affidavit?

The affiant and the traveler are the parties in an Affidavit of Support with Undertaking. The affiant should be an adult who has the financial resources to support the traveler and will make a sworn statement saying that they will pay for the travel expenses and other costs for the traveler.

What has to be done once the Affidavit is ready?

Once the Affidavit is completed, at least three original copies of the same should be printed. The affiant and the traveler should have one original copy for each, and each original copy should undergo the following process if applicable:

• If the affiant is in the Philippines: The affiant should personally appear before a notary public with a valid I.D. to swear an oath to the truth of the contents of the original copies and then sign the same.
• If the affiant is a Filipino outside the Philippines: The affiant can choose either to personally appear in the Philippine Embassy or Philippine General Consulate with a valid I.D. or have the same notarized at a local notary public. If the original copies will be notarized by a local notary public, the same should be apostilled, if their country is part of the Apostille Convention, or authenticated by the proper authorities of their country and then authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or consul, if their country is not part of the Apostille Convention.
• If the affiant is not a Filipino outside the Philippines: The affiant should go to a local notary public and, once notarized, have the same apostilled, if their country is part of the Apostille Convention, or authenticated by the proper authorities of their country and then authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or consul, if their country is not part of the Apostille Convention.

Once notarized, the third original copy will be given to the notary public or the officer concerned. Lastly, the traveler's original copy can be presented to travel authorities when exiting the Philippines if required.

Which documents should be attached to the Affidavit?

• The proof of the financial capacity of the affiant should be attached. Examples: tax returns, payroll, bank statements, salary verification from the affiant's employer, and billing statements.
• The proof of the relationship between the affiant and the traveler may be attached if desired. Examples: birth certificates, baptismal certificates, and other relevant and similar documents.

Is it necessary to notarize the Affidavit of Support with Undertaking for it to be valid?

Yes. This is because affidavits are sworn statements that should be executed or signed in the presence of a notary public.

What are the costs involved in the finalization of the Affidavit?

Notarization fees for an Affidavit of Support with Undertaking are typically PHP100 to PHP500.

Which laws are applicable to an Affidavit of Support with Undertaking?

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Revised Guidelines on Departure Formalities for International-Bound Passengers (Memorandum No. 036 dated 15 June 2015) specifies the requirements for departures for international-bound passengers, including the contents of the Affidavit of Support with Undertaking.

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