We might think that being a government employee it is easier to travel abroad because you are serving the government. However, like regular company employees, you need a leave of absence, but somehow it’s quite harder working for the government.

Why? Because you’re an integral part of our system, and the organization needs to prepare for your trip, so maybe they can assign another personnel (like if you are a teacher, they can get a substitute) or you need to finish your reports before leaving (if you’re in payroll, you need to process it before going out.) I know it’s a bit hassle, but remember “if there’s a will, there’s a way!” It’s also not impossible to get a travel authority.

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I know you’re scared of getting offloaded or not being approved by the IO. So here are the tips on Travel Authority For Government Employees.

Secure your Travel Authority

“No government official or personnel shall be allowed to depart for any travel abroad, even if such is for a personal or private purpose without cost to the government, unless such official or personnel has obtained the appropriate travel authorization from his/her agency, duly accomplished the requisite leave forms, and his/her absence shall not hamper the operation efficiency of said agency.” Memorandum Circular 35, s. 2017

A travel authority is a document that states that you are authorized to travel abroad by the government institution you are working at. This is the most crucial document when you are traveling abroad, and you’ll declare yourself as a government employee.

What should I do before I request my T.A.?

Accomplish your request form (each department or institution has different forms and additional requirements, so make sure to check memorandums.)

Who will issue my travel authority?

When should I pass my Travel Authority?

Some institutions have different timelines; there employees who pass two weeks before and some three months before. For example, DILG processes at least ten (10) calendar days before the date of departure, while DepEd Teachers/Employees need to secure 2/3 months because it needs to pass through the school, division, region, and central office.

My Travel Authority is not yet here, what to do?

If on a week or two before your departure, your TA is not yet in your hands. Be sure to follow-up the office; they might have forgotten to return it or lost it. So when you pass, check it often as possible.

I didn’t push through my travel; can I still use my unused Travel Authority for my next adventure?

Nope, the Immigration Officer may deny you entry if the date of your TA and Flight are not the same. You have to process a new one.

It’s too much of a hassle, can I declare I’m unemployed?

“Administrative cases for misconduct, insubordination, or other related offense shall be filed against government personnel traveling abroad without the requisite authority.” Memorandum Circular No. 35, s. 2017

Be honest if possible, we don’t want you in jail.

Apply for Visa (if applicable)

Check if the country you are applying for is Visa-Free or Visa on Arrival. If it’s not, make sure to apply for a Visa or an eVisa before your departure.

Check Your Passport

Check if it is valid for at least six months before your flight and if it is in the best condition. If there are visible tears or wet marks, you might want to renew it. Government employees can set an appointment for renewal through the DFA website or can walk-in the courtesy lane at DFA Aseana (cut off time is noon.)

Double-check your documents

Make sure to bring the following:

Passport
Visa (if applicable)
Round-trip Plane ticket (you can save it to your phone too)
Travel Authority
Approved Leave Form
ID
Hotel Bookings (you can save it in your phone)

Go to the airport early

Come to three to four hours before your flight as you need to get your boarding pass and line for immigration. Wag mag Filipino time please, baka masayang yung TA mo dahil di ka naka-abot sa flight.

Check your boarding pass

Know where your boarding gate is and what time you are boarding, so you won’t get lost after you pass through immigration. Plus, when you window shop within the airport, you’ll know what time to enter the plane.

Bring a pen

You’ll be filling out the departure and arrival card to the IO so it’s better to bring your own so that you won’t line for the free pen. Write also legibly.

Dress Smart

Sometimes the IO will judge you by your looks; so don’t wear pajamas or slippers, a shirt, jeans, and shoes will do. Bring a jacket as it will be cold sometimes. Remember comfort before fashion.

Relax and be Polite

Many people feel scared when facing the IO thinking that they wouldn’t approve of them. Well, remember they are just doing their job as soon as you go to them, your passport and supporting documents. Don’t forget to greet them a ”good day,” smile, and be polite. If you are a government employee the most important documents will be your Travel Authority, Leave Form and ID, some IO will let you pass without questions after seeing that.

Be Honest and Confident

Be honest in answering questions, baka pa-ikot-ikot mga questions nila and then hindi ka consistent, you could be subject to automatic secondary inspection. Plus be confident, so that IO won’t have reason to doubt you. If they ask you documents, provide it immediately.

Do Not Offer Excess Information

“What is your job?” “Have you asked permission?” ”Who are you traveling with?” “When will you come back?” You can answer with a Yes or No or something with less than three words. Hindi ito pageant, so no need to respond in a paragraph. Many people are lining too, so you need to be quick. Plus if your answers are suspicious and not consistent, you’ll have another inspection.

Enjoy Your Trip

Yehey, you got approved! Enjoy your trip to another country.

I hope this article will help our lovely government employees going through our Immigration. The process of getting a Travel Authority is lengthy and also a bit scary, but if we want to go to our dream country, our fears shouldn’t stop us. This simple process is only a small block on our road of adventure; it’s not impossible to overcome. It’s easy with perseverance. Remember these Philippine Immigration Tips, and you’ll be bound to your next adventure with ease. Happy travels!