How to Secure a Foreign Travel Authority from DILG - A Complete Guide with Administrative Requirements and Forms

Traveling abroad often requires more than just a passport and visa. For certain government employees and officials in the Philippines, securing a Foreign Travel Authority (FTA) from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is a mandatory step before leaving the country.

Executive Order No. 77, series of 2019 provides that official foreign travel and payment of travel expenses shall be approved by the SILG, or his/her authorized representative for personnel in all levels of LGUs.

What is a Foreign Travel Authority?

A Foreign Travel Authority is an official clearance issued by the DILG that permits government employees and officials to travel abroad for official or unofficial reasons. This document ensures that the traveler complies with government protocols and that their travel does not conflict with their duties or responsibilities.

The FTA is especially important for those holding sensitive positions or those whose absence might affect government operations. It serves as a formal approval and record of foreign travel.

Who Needs to Secure an FTA?

Not all travelers need an FTA. The requirement mainly applies to:

• Elective and appointive Local government unit (LGU) officials and employees

• Elective and appointive Barangay and SK Officials

  
  

If you fall under these categories, securing an FTA is a necessary step before booking your flight or applying for a visa.

Step-by-Step Process to Secure an FTA

1. Prepare Required Documents

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Before applying, gather the following documents:

BASIC DOCUMENTS FOR ALL TRAVEL CATEGORIES

1. A duly notarized affidavit attesting that no administrative charge or criminal case has been filed or is pending against the applicant, or Oath of Undertaking, when the applicant has a pending case; and

2. A duly accomplished Clearance from Money and Property Accountabilities (CSC Form No. 7 revised 2018) - signed by all Department Heads, indicating if cleared or not cleared and duly signed by the LCE concerned

3. Written permission (e.g. endorsement/travel order) from the respective Local Chief Executive, for official trip only

   
   

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS PER TRAVEL CATEGORY

1. OFFICIAL TRIP

   
   

   1. Scholarship

      • Invitation and Acceptance Letter from CHED, TESDA, LGA, organizer, or donor, as applicable

   2. Training/Workshop

      • Invitation Letter from the host country and/or sponsoring agency

   3. Attendance to LG Technical Exchange Cooperation or Sister City

      • Invitation Letter from the host country or LGU abroad

      • Сopy or draft of the Memorandum of Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding between the LGU concerned and the LGU abroad

   4. LGU Initiative - Study Tour or Benchmarking Purposes

      • CAPDEV Agenda of the LGU concerned

      • Training Design

      • Itinerary of Travel or Program of Activities

   5. NGAs Initiative - Study Tour or Benchmarking Purposes

      • Invitation Letter from the NGAs Central Office or Regional Office

      • Certification from the NGA Central Office stating that the purpose of the trip is in consonance/in line with their over-all program (if the initiative is from Regional Office)

   6. On Site Inspection/ Study or assessment of capabilities of contractors suppliers or for attendance in meetings and conferences relative thereto

      • Invitation Letter from the host country and/or sponsoring agency

      • Memorandum of Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding

   7. If official trip to Taiwan, Clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs

   
   

2. UNOFFICIAL TRIP

   
   

   1. Governors, Mayors of Highly Urbanized Cities and Independent Component Cities, Mayor of Pateros

      • Duly accomplished Application for Leave (Civil Service Form No. 6, Revised 2020)

   2. Other Elected Officials and Employees, when the period of travel extends to more than three (3) months or during periods of emergency or crisis

      • Duly accomplished and approved leave of absence (Civil Service Form No. 6, Revised 2020)

3. If the proposed travel will cause a temporary vacancy in the Office of the Vice Mayor or Vice Governor

   1. Comelec Certification on the Ranking of Sanggunian Members

2. Submit Your Application

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Register and submit your completed application package to the DILG'S FTA Online System, which can be accessed in any browser application provided there is internet connectivity. Please click the button below.

FTA Online System

All applications, both for official and unofficial travel, should be filed at least seven (7) working days prior to the date of departure.

Make sure to:

• Attach all required documents

• Follow the submission guidelines provided by your office

• Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records

  
  

3. Wait for Approval

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The DILG reviews your application to verify your eligibility and the validity of your travel purpose. This process can take for a few days, depending on the volume of applications and the urgency of your travel.

Kindly wait for update on your registered e-mail. You may be contacted for additional information or clarification during this period.

4. Receive Your Foreign Travel Authority

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Once approved, you will receive your FTA document via your registered e-mail. This serves as your official clearance to travel abroad. Keep this document with your travel papers as you may be asked to present it at various checkpoints.

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Apply early to avoid delays, especially if your travel date is fixed.

• Double-check all documents for completeness and accuracy.

• Follow up politely with the DILG office if you have not received updates within the expected timeframe.

• Keep digital and physical copies of your application and approval documents.

  
  

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Incomplete documents: Missing signatures or attachments can delay approval. Use the official checklist.

• Late submission: Submit your application at seven (7) days before your planned travel.

• Incorrect forms: Always use the required forms and templates.

• Lack of clear travel purpose: Provide detailed explanations and supporting documents to justify your travel.

  
  

Where to Find Official Templates and Forms

The DILG maintains an updated repository of all necessary forms and templates for the FTA application. Please click the button below.

FTA FORMS

This page includes:

• DILG FTA Guidelines

• FTA Forms

  • CSC Form No. 6

  • CSC Form No. 7

  • Sample Affidavit of No Pending Case

    
    

Downloading and using these official documents will help you avoid common mistakes and speed up your approval.

For other FTA-related questions, you may visit the DILG Office in your area.