How to Draft an Affidavit of Support for International Travel (Philippine Context)
Disclaimer: The following article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns or questions, it is best to consult a qualified lawyer or contact the relevant government agencies.

1. Introduction

Traveling abroad often requires proof of sufficient financial capacity, especially when it comes to tourist or temporary visitor visas. One common document used by travelers from the Philippines, or by those supporting a Filipino traveling abroad, is the Affidavit of Support (sometimes referred to as Affidavit of Support and Guarantee). In the Philippines, this affidavit is typically required by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for certain travelers to demonstrate that they have a sponsor who will bear the costs of travel, accommodation, and other expenses, ensuring they will not become a public charge or overstay in the destination country.

This comprehensive guide covers all essential aspects of drafting an Affidavit of Support within the Philippine context: from legal basis and common uses to the step-by-step process of writing, notarizing, and submitting the document.

2. Legal Context and Purpose

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Requirements
- The Philippine Bureau of Immigration may require an Affidavit of Support for Filipino citizens traveling abroad for tourism or short-term visits.
- This document is often scrutinized to ensure that travelers can financially support themselves or have a sponsor who can do so.
Philippine Passport Application & Visa Requirements (Various Embassies)
- Certain embassies or consulates also require an Affidavit of Support during the visa application process, especially if the traveler’s bank statements or financial documents alone may be insufficient.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
- The main purpose is to show that the traveler will not resort to illegal employment, overstay, or otherwise be a burden in the destination country.
- The Affidavit of Support typically highlights the relationship between the sponsor and the traveler, and spells out the sponsor’s financial capacity.

3. Who Needs an Affidavit of Support?

Travelers with Limited Financial Documents
- If a Filipino traveler does not have strong financial documents under their own name, the immigration officer or visa-issuing authority may ask for an Affidavit of Support to confirm that another individual is backing their travel.
Minors or Students
- Young travelers (e.g., college students who are financially dependent on family) may require a parent, relative, or guardian to sponsor their trip.
Sponsored Tourists or Visitors
- If a Filipino is being invited to travel abroad by a friend, fiancé(e), relative, or employer who resides outside the Philippines, an Affidavit of Support may be required to prove that the sponsor will be responsible for financial expenses.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Sponsoring Family Members
- OFWs frequently sponsor trips for family members visiting them in their country of work or for leisure abroad. The Affidavit of Support clarifies financial arrangements and reduces the risk of immigration holds at the airport.

4. Key Elements of an Affidavit of Support

When drafting an Affidavit of Support in the Philippine context, ensure that the following information is clearly stated:

Title and Introduction
- Typically titled as “Affidavit of Support” or “Affidavit of Support and Guarantee.”
- Include a brief statement that the sponsor is voluntarily executing the affidavit to financially support the traveler’s visit.
Sponsor’s Personal Details
- Full name, date of birth, nationality, current address, passport number (if available), and other pertinent identifying information.
- Contact details, such as mobile/landline numbers or email address, for verification.
Sponsor’s Relationship to the Traveler
- Clearly specify whether the traveler is a child, spouse, sibling, relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, fiancé(e), friend, or other.
- The Bureau of Immigration often prefers the sponsor to be a close relative (up to the fourth civil degree of relationship), although certain embassies may have different requirements.
Traveler’s Personal Details
- Full name, date of birth, nationality, current address, and passport number.
- State the purpose of travel (tourism, family visit, business, etc.) and the intended length of stay abroad.
Statement of Financial Responsibility
- A clear declaration that the sponsor will be responsible for all or a specified portion of the traveler’s expenses, including airfare, accommodation, daily living costs, travel insurance, and any incidental expenses.
- A statement that the sponsor guarantees the traveler will abide by the immigration laws of the destination country.
Proof of Financial Capacity
- Though not always attached to the affidavit, it is strongly recommended (or sometimes required) to include evidence of financial capability, such as bank statements, certificates of employment, income tax returns, or other official documents.
- A summary or reference in the affidavit stating that these documents are available upon request is often helpful.
Duration of Support
- Indicate the period for which the sponsor will provide financial backing. (e.g., “for the duration of the trip from [date] to [date]” or “throughout the stay abroad”).
Affirmation under Oath
- The affidavit must include a statement that all the details provided are true and correct to the best of the sponsor’s knowledge, under penalty of perjury or local applicable law.
Venue and Date
- The place (city/municipality, province) and date when the affidavit is executed.
Notarization or Consularization
- In the Philippines, the affidavit must be notarized by a notary public to be valid.
- If the sponsor resides abroad, it may need to be executed before a Philippine Consulate or Embassy (for consular notarization, which may also be referred to as “acknowledgment” or “consularization”).
- In some cases, documents from abroad must be apostilled or legalized per the Hague Apostille Convention.

5. Step-by-Step Guide to Drafting an Affidavit of Support

Gather Necessary Information
- Identify the sponsor’s details: name, address, passport/ID, relationship to the traveler, and proof of financial capacity.
- Get the traveler’s details: name, address, date of birth, passport details, and purpose and duration of travel.
Use a Clear Format
- You can start with a heading, “Affidavit of Support,” followed by a standard introduction:
  
  “I, [Name of Sponsor], of legal age, Filipino (or other nationality), and a resident of [Address], hereby depose and state…”
Detail Sponsor and Traveler Information
- Provide bullet points or paragraphs explaining the relationship and the travel purpose.
- Example: “That I am the [parent/relative/friend] of [Name of Traveler], who intends to travel to [Destination Country] from [dates].”
Include a Financial Support Clause
- Clearly indicate the coverage of support:
  
  “I hereby undertake to provide financial assistance to cover airfare, accommodation, meals, and other travel-related expenses, including but not limited to insurance and incidental costs, during his/her stay in [Destination Country].”
Add a Compliance and Guarantee Statement
- Reassure authorities that the traveler will comply with local laws:
  
  “I further guarantee that [Name of Traveler] will abide by all immigration and visitation rules of [Destination Country] and will not engage in activities that violate the conditions of their stay.”
Affirmation and Undertaking
- Conclude with a declaration under oath:
  
  “I am executing this affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing and for whatever legal purpose it may serve.”
Sign in the Presence of a Notary Public or Consular Officer
- In the Philippines: Present a valid government-issued ID to a notary public who will verify your identity.
- Abroad: Visit the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate to have the affidavit consularized or apostilled (depending on the location’s requirements).
Notarial Acknowledgment
- The notarial page or stamp must clearly show the notary’s name, commission details, and date when the affidavit was notarized.

6. Supporting Documents

When submitting or presenting an Affidavit of Support, you may need additional documents:

Sponsor’s Proof of Financial Capacity
- Bank certificates or bank statements (often 3–6 months’ worth).
- Income Tax Return (ITR) or payslips.
- Certificate of Employment stating position, tenure, and compensation.
Sponsor’s Identity Documents
- Photocopy of valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
- If sponsor is a foreign national, a copy of valid passport or residence permit.
Traveler’s Documents
- Photocopy of passport and valid visa (if visa is already issued).
- Travel itinerary or round-trip ticket.
- Hotel bookings, if applicable.
Proof of Relationship
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other documentation that indicates familial or spousal connection (if applicable).
- For fiancé(e)s, some proof of engagement or official documentation may be helpful (though not always required).

7. Common Pitfalls and Tips

Incomplete or Incorrect Details
- Make sure the names, passport numbers, and dates match perfectly across all documents. Any typographical error can cause delays or additional scrutiny at immigration.
Unclear Relationship
- The BI or an embassy may question the sponsor-traveler relationship if it is not well documented or if the relationship is distant. Always be transparent and provide supportive evidence of the relationship if requested.
Notarization and Apostille Issues
- Some sponsors living abroad forget to apostille or consularize their documents, rendering the affidavit invalid in the Philippines. Always follow the correct legalization process based on the host country’s requirements.
Timeliness
- Prepare and notarize the affidavit well ahead of the travel date. Last-minute drafting often results in mistakes or insufficient time for the additional steps required, such as shipping the original document to the traveler or scheduling a consular appointment.
Updating the Document
- If there are changes in travel dates or purpose, the affidavit may need to be updated or re-issued. Consistency between your travel details (ticket dates, accommodation bookings) and the affidavit is key.

8. Sample Affidavit of Support Template

Below is a simplified template you can use as a starting point. Adapt it to your specific circumstances:

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
___________________________ ) S.S.

                        AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT

I, [FULL NAME OF SPONSOR], of legal age, [nationality/citizenship], and with postal address at [full address], after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, do hereby depose and state:

1. That I am the [relationship to traveler – e.g., parent, sibling, relative, friend] of [FULL NAME OF TRAVELER], who is scheduled to travel to [destination country] for [purpose of travel] from [date of departure] to [date of return or intended stay duration];

2. That I undertake to provide financial support for [FULL NAME OF TRAVELER] during the aforementioned trip, covering expenses such as round-trip airfare, accommodation, meals, travel insurance, and any incidental costs that may be incurred;

3. That I am financially capable of providing such support, as evidenced by my bank statements, Certificate of Employment, and/or Income Tax Return, copies of which are attached hereto;

4. That I guarantee [FULL NAME OF TRAVELER] will abide by the laws and regulations of [destination country] during his/her stay and will not engage in activities in violation of immigration regulations;

5. That I am executing this affidavit to attest to the truthfulness of the foregoing statements and for the purpose of supporting [FULL NAME OF TRAVELER]'s travel, as may be required by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, the Embassy/Consulate of [destination country], or other relevant authorities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this __ day of __________ 20__, in ____________________, Philippines.

_________________________
[Signature over Printed Name of Sponsor]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this __ day of __________ 20__, in ____________________, Philippines, affiant exhibiting to me his/her [valid government-issued ID/passport] with no. __________________ issued on __________ at __________________.

Doc. No. ____
Page No. ____
Book No. ____
Series of 20__

9. Submission and Presentation

At the Philippine Airport
- If traveling from the Philippines, the traveler should carry the original notarized Affidavit of Support (plus copies).
- The immigration officer may request it during primary or secondary inspection.
At the Embassy or Consulate (Visa Application)
- If required, include the original notarized document in the application package.
- Provide copies of all supporting documentation.
Keep Extra Copies
- Always keep a spare set of documents in case the original gets lost or retained.
- If multiple embassies or agencies require the Affidavit of Support, make sure each has a copy.

10. Conclusion

Drafting an Affidavit of Support in the Philippines is a critical step for many travelers who depend on a sponsor’s financial backing. By ensuring the document is well-structured, properly notarized or consularized, and backed by relevant supporting evidence, sponsors can help smooth the traveler’s path through immigration checks or visa applications.

If you have any doubts or complex circumstances, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an attorney or contact the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and/or the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date requirements. Laws and regulations change over time, and staying informed will help avoid costly delays or potential travel denials.

Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for legal counsel. Always consult a qualified lawyer for personalized advice and review the latest regulations from Philippine authorities and foreign embassies.