Affidavit of Support Philippines

Question: How can I get an Affidavit of Support to travel?

Answer:

An Affidavit of Support is a legal document that serves as a formal declaration from a person stating that they will provide financial assistance to another individual—usually a family member or friend—during their travel or stay in a particular place. In the Philippines, it's often required for visa applications or immigration purposes.

What are the Requirements for an Affidavit of Support?

1. Sponsor's Financial Documents: Proof of income, bank statements, or employment certification from the person providing the support.
2. Traveler's Information: Passport, visa, or any travel-related documents.
3. Purpose of Travel: Itinerary, flight tickets, hotel reservations.
4. Identification: Government-issued IDs for both the traveler and the sponsor.

Where can I get the Affidavit of Support?

1. Private Lawyer: You can consult a lawyer to draft this affidavit. This ensures the document is legally sound.

2. Public Attorney’s Office (PAO): If you can’t afford a private lawyer, the PAO may assist in drafting an Affidavit of Support for free.

3. Online Templates: Some websites offer templates, but it's advisable to have a legal expert review it for compliance with Philippine law.

What is the Process?

1. Drafting: Prepare the Affidavit of Support using the information mentioned in the requirements. The document must be clear and specific.

2. Notarization: Once drafted, the document needs to be notarized to be legally binding. This usually involves signing the document before a Notary Public.

3. Consularization: If the sponsor is based abroad, the Affidavit of Support must be consularized by the Philippine Embassy in the country where the sponsor resides.

How Long Does It Take?

The timeline can vary, but generally, it takes a few days to a week to prepare and notarize the document. Consularization may take additional time.

How Much Will It Cost?

Costs can range depending on where you have it drafted and notarized. Lawyer’s fees can vary significantly, while notary public fees are generally standardized.

Conclusion:

Getting an Affidavit of Support involves several steps, from drafting the document with all necessary information to having it notarized and, if required, consularized. Consult a legal expert for a comprehensive understanding and execution of this process.