Requirements for an ECC
The Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) has stated that the following are needed to get an ECC – Exit Clearance Certificate (also called Emigration Clearance Certificate)
- Completed application forms. (They supply numerous forms for you to fill in !!)
- 6 pcs. colored photo (size 2×2 ) white background. (NOTE: SIX were needed, not the FIVE that web sites say.
- Photocopy of passport (3 Pages: biopage, latest arrival stamp and last visa extension stamp).
- Photo of both sides of Alien Certificate of Registration ACR card. (Must be Current NOT Expired)
- Photocopy AND Original of the Receipt for payment of last visa extension fees. (To be issued with an ECC, you need up to date valid visas)
- Current ACR-I card
- A personal appearance is required for fingerprinting, both electronic scanning and manual ink, and photograph.
There are various forms available for download at: http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php/downloads/application-forms but… not for the Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) as it is now called.
More Information on the Exit Clearance Certificate
Who needs an ECC Emigration Clearance Certificate or Exit Clearance Certificate
An Emigration Clearance Certificate [ECC] is needed when Foreign Passport Holders are leaving the Philippines after a stay of 6 months or more.
Your passport may be stamped like this, when you get a visa renewal that takes you past 6 months after entry.
Any child, born in the Philippines, but travelling on a Foreign passport, NEEDS an ECC to leave the Philippines. A notice to this effect is on display at a Bureau of Immigration office.
Requirements for an Emigration Clearance Certificate [ECC]
To be issued with an ECC, you need up to date valid visas, and an ACR-I card.
Cost of an ECC Emigration Clearance Certificate or Exit Clearance Certificate
Cost of ECC-A
The cost for an ECC-A in 2014 was 500 pesos. There has been some recent talk about it being free, by some people, but two recent comments shown below, show that there is still a charge being made.
- ken hogan on January 17, 2018 at 12:52 pm
i just got my ECC today 17/1/ 2018 at J Mall Mandaue 500 php total - Edward on November 2, 2017 at 5:15 pm
I just got my ECC and the total cost was 710 pesos at the J centre mall on the second floor in mandaue
Cost of ECC-B
The cost for an ECC-B in 2015 was mentioned by one person at 2,850 pesos. The cost was mentioned again in October 2018.
- Friendly Citizen on October 30, 2018 at 5:37 am
I paid 2,860 + 500 (express fee) = 3,360.
ECC-A for Visitor Visa Holders
The ECC-A may be secured at the BI Main Office or in select District Offices, Satellite Offices, Field Offices, One-Stop-Shops.
ECC-A is issued to departing holders of Tourist Visas who have stayed for 6 months or more. A valid ACR-i card is required for this when the Visitor visa holder has been in the country for over 2 months.
ECC-A is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the country permanently.
ECC-B for other Than Visitor Visa Holders
The ECC-B may be secured at the BI Main Office or in the airport upon departure.
ECC-B is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the country temporarily.
Update:
Confusion between ECC-A and ECC-B for Tourist Visa Holders
There is confusion on whether a Tourist Visa holder, leaving the country temporarily, and holding an ACR-I card, requires the ECC-A or the ECC-B.
Tourist Visa in the country over 6 months: ECC-A with no confusion. (ECC-A is issued to departing holders of Tourist Visas who have stayed for 6 months or more)
Tourist Visa in the country under 6 months: This is where the confusion arises, as the Tourist Visa holder must also have an ACR-I card (after 2 months) and the rules state: ECC-B is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the country temporarily.
However, even if the Tourist Visa holder is only leaving temporarily, their visa will normally expire on leaving, meaning it is a permanent exit on that visa, and they will return on a new visa, automatically given for most nationals, for a 30 day period, with the same conditions applying for a new temporary visa entry.
If the Immigrant or Non-Immigrant visa can be used for re-entry, then it could be classed as ‘leaving the country temporarily’, and selecting the ECC-B.
It is possible that some Tourist Visas may be able to be used for re-entry under those circumstances.
When the ECC was enforced in 2013, the reason for this certificate was given as follows:
Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison said that the ECC is being issued to departing foreigner nationals to prove that they have no derogatory records in the country or any accountability with other government agencies.
There are two types of ECC:
The ECC-A is being issued to foreigners who have tourist visas extending for more than six months. (A tourist visa holder in the country for over two months will also have a tourist ACR-i card)
The ECC-B, on the other hand, is given to holders of immigrant and non-immigrant visas with valid alien certificate registration I-Cards.
Hey sir… Sir i already apply for the ECC. They give me a one receipt and tell come here for bring tha ECC on 28 may 2017. So what’s the documents that i have to bring with me when i going to take it.?
If there is anything to take, they should have told.
You should have supplied everything when you applied.
After I applied I just went back the next day to collect.
I paid, showed passport and visas etc., and did the fingerprints etc when I applied.
Sir i applied and submitted all but they didn’t ask for acr. I living here as a tourist visa wih special study permit when i came i have 2 months visa. Then i extansion for 2 months after they expired i again extansion for 6 months. In this two visas they not ask to. Me for acr i-card. In SSP may be my collage got my acr card but i didn’t received yet, i have my flight on 29th may and ECC department didn’t ask foe my acr and i have no acr yet… So when I’m going to take my ECC they direct give me or they ask for acr? If they give directlyECC when i give receipt of ECC so is there any problems in airport.. In airport i have to submit only acr? Airport immigration ask for my acr or. Not
Sir im totally confused because i have no acr card yet. I didn’t receive it. i have ssp here. So airport will ask for only ECC or wuth also acr?
When i applied for an ECC, i had to pay for the ACR card before they would do the ECC.
At the airport all i needed was the ECC.
Sir i applied already I’ll get on 28th may but i didn’t pay yet where i have to pay??? When im going to take there i have to pay fee for ECC?
You said before that they gave you a receipt when you applied. I paid for mine at the same place that I applied, and before they gave me a receipt.
It sounds like yours is very different if you get a receipt without paying.
However, you should be paying at the Boi office that took your application.
Sir ACR i-card is need when im taming my ECC and need also in the airport?
Sir ACR i-card is need when im taking my ECC and need also in the airport?
Without tourist acr i can go? Because i have no acr yet so that’s why im in confused
hi i have a 6 month old son born in the philippines but later applied for US citizenship since his father is american. he received his US passport today. can you please help me about the requirements needed for ECC? the problem is im not in the philippines im already in the US bec my visa’s
expiration date is already due thats why i went ahead of him.
Hi, my son was born in the philippines and they had british passport. Do they need the exit clearance before leaving the country?? What are the requirements?
Travelling on a Philippine passport does NOT require the ECC.
Travelling on Foreign passport DOES need the ECC.
Sir /madame
Good day.I just want to ask about how to apply ECC?Do I need to do a online appointment or application first?or what?how much it cost?what documents and steps we need to do?My son has US passport already. Hopefully I get response here because I’ve been trying to reach ur office through phone calls and emails but response. Have a good day.thank u
Where he is born is of no importance at all. Either he is or he is not a philippine citizen. That is only determined by blood. Was either parent a philippine citizen when he was born? And was the kid not naturalized to being british? Then he still is a philippine citizen.
So, if applicable, get him a philippine passport.
My two daughters were born in the Philippines and both have both a dutch passport and a philippine passport. The philippine passport is to show that they are _not_ foreigners and _thus_ do not need ECC. The dutch passport is to show that they do _not_ need visa to get into the EU.
Yes, this works and yes this is how it is supposed to be. Show both passports at the border and both are stamped. The foreign passport (i.e. the dutch passport in our case) got a stamp with ‘pp’ written in it.
If the border people say ‘you have foreign passport so you must have ecc’ then they are wrong. ECC is for foreigners only, not for holders of a philippine passport including dual citizens.
According to xinfo@immigration.gov.ph a certificate of dual citizenship should also be enough, as opposed to a philippine passport. I have no experience with that, it just seemed more easy to get the kids a passport.
That is an excellent reply. It shows the common sense approach to the intention of the law. If all immigration officers did this correctly, there would be fewer hassles for some people.
A copy of an email from immigration stating that last point, would be an excellent document to carry when leaving.
No need to post this to the site; please contact me off list. You have my email address. I can share an anonymized version of that statement for publication and I can show you the conversation upto and including that point.
Hi, my mum and my 8year old sister will be visiting here in australia as a tourist they have Granted a tourist Visa. They have a philippine passport.. do they need any exit clearances or cert. ?
ECC is only for non Philippines passport holders.
Your mum and sister only need to be concerned about the right Australian visas and return tickets, when checked at the Australian Immigration. And remember to declare any food, at Australian Customs point, anything!
They let most package stuff in, IF you declare it. 3in1 coffee, for example, is not problem, and I am paying $7 a pack of 30 in Brisbane, so it is worth bringing 😉
Thank you so much for your reply… Much appreciated☺
I know of one case, in March 2017, where someone went to Manila airport the day before his flight, to get his ECC, and was told that he had to go to the main Manila office, as the Airport did not issue the ECC there.
He went to the main office in Manila, where he eventually got the application submitted, and after paying for it was told to come back two days later, to collect it.
He missed his flight, not refundable, and had to pay for another flight 2 days later.
He had another two nights hotel accommodation to pay in Manila, PLUS the new air ticket. An expensive situation.
The ECC-A is NOT issued at the airport
The following foreign nationals must secure an ECC-A prior to their departure:
Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa (also referred to as tourist visa) who have stayed in the Philippines for six (6) months or more;
Holders of expired or downgraded Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas;
Holders of valid Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas but are leaving for good;
Philippine-born foreign nationals who will depart from the Philippines for the first time;
Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa with Orders to Leave;
Bona fide seafarers who have stayed in the Philippines for 30 days or more and has a duly approved discharge from BI.
An ACR-I card (Tourist) is needed when applying for the ECC-A (or at least a receipt to show you have paid for it)
The ECC-B might be issued at the airport.
The ECC-B is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the country temporarily.
The ECC is valid for one (1) month from the date of issue
Hi. I have a valid balikbayan visa and same time probationary 1 year ACR I-card. Do i need to pay ECC each time i go out of the country? If yes, how much is it if paid at the airport during the first time i go out? And the succeeding trips out of Philippines? Thank you.
Hi, did you apply ECC when you left the country? I have a valid Balikbayan visa, and I will be 2 days short 5 months and 28 days) of the minimum 6 months and up of stay in the Philippines. I don’t have valid ACR-I CARD too ( it expired last November 2017 ).
You need to update your acr-i card before you can leave, and by the time you go to buy your plane ticket it will be over the six month period. And yes you will need an ECC to leave the country cz if you dont get one your not leaving the Philippines. As far as the cost i did not pay anything
Just go to your local bi office since you need to go there anyway and they will let you know exactly what you need cz that is what i did and it took 2 weeks to get mine and there was no cost for it.
hi, im an american citizen living in baguio, i lost my acr card and needs renewal, my flight is 4 days away and its an emergency, what should i do?
I was told to take the receipt for ACR card payment to the airport when I left without an ACR card, to prove I had one.
I didn’t actually have to show it in the end, but they might ask. I am not sure how fast they can issue a new card, but it wasn’t fast enough for me when i left.
I am not sure if this is the correct forum to post this? Anyway, my friend of four years, has recently been issued her Philippines Passport. We will be traveling to Hong Kong for a vacation of one week. I have heard from friends that she will need to get a Emigration Clearance Certificate, in order to travel. How does she make an appoinment to take the class? How often are the classes given? Is there a phone number to call to make an appointment?
Thanks,
Bing
There are no classes for the Emigration Clearance Certificate, just go to the nearest Bureau of Immigration, and fill in the forms, and pay the money. But, that is NOT for Philippine Passport holders, only foreign passport holders.
You may be thinking of the CFO, where classes are required for people travelling on a Migration Visa, or those married to a Foreigner.
One of the requirements for the CFO is to show proof of the relevant Migration Visa Grant.
An emigrating Filipino, or one who has been granted an immigrant-class visa, or the spouse of a Foreigner, is required to register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas before leaving the country. They need to attend a seminar to help in understanding what their new life may be like. https://www.in-philippines.com/commission-on-filipinos-overseas-program
Please be advised: ECC is not needed for Philippine nationals, provided that you can prove this by either a Philippine passport or by a dual citizen’s certificate. If the immigration officer says otherwise, he/she is not doing his/her job properly. My two children, holders of a Philippine passport and a foreign passport, were allowed to travel without the ECC, as should be. ECC is needed for foreigners, not for Philippine citizens.
I am glad to hear that some Dual passport holders are allowed to leave with no problem on the ECC situation.
Unfortunately it seems that many immigration officials just determine status by the passport that is being used for travel, even if the person was born in the Philippines and has never travelled outside before.
They may go by this instruction:
“The following foreign nationals must secure an ECC-A prior to their departure:
4: Philippine-born foreign nationals who will depart from the Philippines for the first time;”
I did once see this information at a Bureau of Immigration office: “Any child, born in the Philippines, but travelling on a foreign passport, NEEDS an ECC to leave the Philippines”
This is an area in which the Bureau of Immigration NEEDS to clarify EXACTLY how the ECC is determined, for the sake of everyone, including Immigration Officers on the front line.
It has been stated by the Bureau of Immigration that the ECC is issued to departing foreign nationals to prove that they have no derogatory records in the country and have no pending obligations with the government at the time of issuance. And even a 6 month old baby needs this certificate to prove it has no derogatory records or debts in the Philippines…
It is frustrating.
Holders of a Philippine passport are not foreign nationals. They are Philippine citizens, who may also happen to have another nationality and passport. Any attempt from Bureau of Immigration to treat you as a foreigner is not just frustrating, it is unconstitutional.
But beware. In at least some of the reported cases, the child (or already adult) is not a Philippine citizen.
Being born in the Philippines does not make you a Philippine citizen. Being born of at least one Philippine parent, does. The parent(s) need to be (a) Philippine citizen when the child is born. A former Philippine citizen, such as the wife of an American soldier, that wife being a nationalized American citizen, will produce an American child, not a Philippine child.
Not Philippine citizens are those who are born in the Philippines from foreign parents (e.g. 2 Koreans, or one American soldier and his nationalized American wife).
Philippine citizens are those who were born from at least one Philippine parent and who did not lose their citizenship by, for instance, being nationalized to another country.
Border staff seems to operate on much more simplified instructions “if foreign passport then must have ecc”. This is not true, it is only valid if there is ONLY a foreign passport.
I reported these problems to the presidential action center ( https://op-proper.gov.ph/presidential-action-center/ ) and they forwarded my letter to bureau of immigration. No surprise: it is there that the communication stalls again.
I am just one. If many more people inform PACE about this problem, they will understand that BI is doing wrong and should be corrected.
Anyway, my children passed the border, showing both their foreign passport and their Philippine passport. I will never know if my complaint to PACE has helped.
Hi,my 14 year old nephew has a japanese passport,he will travel alone to japan this vacation,does he need to get an exit visa,what are the requirements? Thanks
Only a Japanese passport? And also no certificate of dual citizenship? Then yes, he must have ECC. Depending on the exact circumstances this may also involve paying for 14 years of visa, penalties, et cetera…
Is he also a Philippine citizen? He should get a Philippine passport then. Philippine citizens do not need visa, and no ECC.
Hi, i will travel with my 5y/o daughter who have a dutch and philippine passport to europe next month. This is not her first time to travel overseas and during the first time we travelled, I secured her an ECC but that was because before she doesn’t have a Phil. passport yet. Now my question is, do you think we still need to secure an ECC this time? Even she has a Phil passport and not her first time to travel. Thanks
i have a 13a visa good for 5 years do i need the ecc to go to thailand and return with my filipina wife it says i do I think but not sure thanks for info alvis holder
ECC-B is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the country temporarily.
Hi, great article. I had a question.
I recently stayed in the Philippines on a tourist visa for 5 months and then left the country for a week.
I am now on my 2nd visit for 2 months and will be departing philippines in 2 weeks. So my current trip is 2 months but my total trips together have been 7 months.
When I left 2 months ago, did I “reset” my 6 months or will I need an ECC?
Thank you so much
I have assumed that it is per trip. However, this is the Philippines, and a law that isn’t clear can be interpreted in different ways by immigration officers.
It might be worth checking with your nearest Bureau of Immigration office.
I think it will be OK, but can’t say 100% for certain.
I have heard that tourist visa holders between 6 months and 12 months in Philippines can now get the ECC at the airport. It would be good to hear any confirmation of this.
How long it takes to get ECC? Can be done by one day ? Because I have to leave the country Tuesday and I am here in palawan I will fly sunday so I can get process the ECC on monday, can be done on the same day I process?
When I did my last one, I had to return the next day to collect it.
But that was not in Manila. They may be faster in Manila.
can we get the ECC at the BI naga branch?
hi admin, my daughter almost over stay for almost 1 year and she is studying in bicol in getting the ECC is she require for the personal appearance since she is minor (8 years old)
Hi i came in business visa around december 26th 2016 and i am travelling back on feb 22nd.Do i require ECC to be filled here.
Hi I came in business visa on 26th of dec, 2017 and i will be travelling now on 22nd Feb 2017, do i have to still do ECC and al
An Emigration Clearance Certificate [ECC] is needed when leaving the Philippines after a stay of 6 months or more.
Hi Sir,
I arrived in the Philippines on the 20th of August 2016, and will leave on the 19th of February, when my last extended tourist visa expires. (Valid until: 19 Feb 2017)
That is one day short of 6 calendar months.
Will I need an ECC or not?
Thank you,
As long as you leave ontime, and there are no delays, you appear OK.
Hallow my daugther has dual citizinship…she born her in phlilppines she is 1 two months year old… and we plan nxt month to travel in germany…she need a travel exit??
If leaving on a foreign passport, then yes. According to what I was told at Manila airport, by the head of Immigration, even a new born baby needed an ECC to leave. It should be easy enough to get, as long as the baby has no criminal record (sarcasm from me, as it is just a ridiculous requirement)!!
You can ask at BoI if the rules have changed. The head of Immigration at Manila airport appeared to prefer that rule to go away, but had to follow the rules.
My adult son was born in the Philippines to a Filipino mother and I am an American. He is 32 years old and he and I jumped threw all of the hoops and he was finally declared an American and just received his U.S passport. He was stop at the airport in Manila and was allowed to board the plane to the U.S. He was told he need an ECC and had to pay $1600 before he could leave. They said this money is for a fine and that he must renounce in citizenship of the Philippines. He plans to live with me and my wife while he saves money to send for his Filipino wife and 3 small sons. This fine sounds strange to me. Could you provide many information? My son said they ( IM ) advised him of a new law about “foreign nationals” leaving the PHIL for the first time.
The law is not that new, but what you said is about right. However:
Leaving the Philippines on a Philippine passport you can fly to Hong Kong (or similar no visa required country) and then fly from there to USA etc. No ECC or visa required.
A foreign passport holder needs all visas up to date and ACR card and ECC and all penalties etc…
Many in that position go via Hong Kong to avoid using the US passport in the Philippines.
Hi I’m studying in the Philippines and I’m planing on leaving 22Dec due to my grandma that is sick. I have left the country before,to visit but it was a very easy process in Baguio. How can I do now in Manila?
You need to visit one of the Manila offices. I found the Makati extension office not as busy.
I will be returning to the US in March with valid visa extensions permanently. Which EEC need I apply for, and while I will be leaving prior to expiration of visa, is it necessary for me to renew my ACR as well since I have no intent to return?
Thank you…
To get the ECC you did need a valid ACR card.
To get a new ACR card you need to apply for a visa extension, even if your visa is valid.
I experienced this myself. It’s a pain, and an extra cost for another 1 month extension.
Hello.My ECC is valid till Nov 17 2016. I am on 9A and my SWP is valid till Nov 20 2016.But due to some reasons I would like to extend my stay here in philippines. Should i cancel my ECC ? What is the option i have in order to stay back here in phililippines?
Hi!i arrive here to the philippinw in 9 octobre 2016 with my wife filipina i get balikbayan visa after expire one year i convert balikbayan visa to tourist visa extend one month so i want to exit from the philippine before my visa will expire in 9 november do i need ECC??
If the immigration officer sees you have been in Philippines for over 6 months, and on a visitor visa, they will want to see an ECC.
If you leave while the Balikbayan is current then an ECC is not required.
It is posibble that they may allow you to leave without an ECC in your case, but I would get one just in case.
Being refused boarding is not something you want to risk.
Goodday Sir, i just want to ask about the ECC of my daughter, she is a Filipino-Japanese born here in Phil.I am planning to fetch her a few months from now to live with us here in Japan.I got her Japanese passport and adviced by the Embassy of Japan Manila to secure an ECC frm BI. She do not have a Philippine passport yet and we are set to travel using only her Japanese passport. it is also her 1st time to travel abroad.She is now 6months old so since we as parents cannot attend to process the ECC for her can i ask my brother as her guardian to process it for me? what are the required papers to be shown at the BI in order for the gaurdians to get the ECC? We are originally from Bacolod city, do the the Immigration Field-Bacolod provides ECC?
I would suggest the guardian contact the nearest BoI and check the requirements. My experience has been that the actual requirements can vary from those listed on the website.
By checking locally you can reduce the chances of getting it wrong, and ensure you follow the local procedure.
I arrived last month in Cebu City with a month Visa and will need an extension for two months. Visa is still good for two weeks. Can I go to Mactan office for Visa Extension? How many 2 x 2 pictures do I need? Do I need to make photo copies of some pages in my U.S. passport? How much is the cost of two months extension?
Thanks.
The costs are indicated at https://www.in-philippines.com/philippines-visitor-visa-extension-cost/
The Gaisano Mactan Island office do visa extensions according to the last information that I had.
I did one there myself some years ago.
I would do 6 photos and 2 copies of passport pages. To be on the safe side.
Good evening.
I arrived in the Philippines on the 24th of May, and will leave on the 23rd of November, when my 6-month tourist visa expires.
That is one day short of 6 calendar months.
Will I need an ECC or not?
Thank you,
Christopher Johnson
As long as you have no real delays you should be ok without the ECC.
may i know if i need to visit your main office in manila to secure for an ECC for my son who is a 10 month old or can i visit your branch here in cagayan de oro city instead..
Cagayan de Oro Immigration District Office is listed as being able to do the Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), among others.
Cagayan de Oro Immigration District Office
Door 7, Ground Floor, YMCA Building, Julio Pacana Street, Cagayan De Oro.
Tel: (088) 880-1824
https://www.in-philippines.com/immigration-offices-in-the-philippines/
You have to get the ECC for the 10month old baby at the Main Office in Manila. That is what the Sta. Rosa Laguna BI Office told us.
Hi. The last stamp in my passport is balikbayan good for one year stay back in year 2000. The only document I have is my order of recognition dated 1994. Will I be able to get ECC using that document only and eventually travel back to the US? I only have a US passport.
I am unsure what you mean by “order of recognition”. However. if you have been in the Philippines without a valid visa since the balikbayan expired in 2001, then you need to pay for all missed visas, and other normally required things such as the ACR-I cards, plus all penalties.
https://www.in-philippines.com/how-much-are-the-penalties-for-overstaying-as-a-tourist-in-the-philippines/
To get an ECC you NEED a valid visa and a valid ACR-I card.
The order of recognition is a document which states that they recognize me as a filipino citizen wherein I should be issued an Identification Card and also an ECC if I will depart from the PH using a foreign passport. I’ve been going back and forth to the BoI office, all they have done was to pass my inquiry from different floors to different windows.
If the BoI can’t decide what is right, and whether to give you an ECC, that is a problem. I would try to get one anyway, as the Immigration officer at the airport is the one who makes the final decision. And if they decide you need one…. well, you don’t fly till you sort it out.
Hi i have been in the philippnes since march 22. 2017 i had ectended until january 20. 2018 i will be leaving the country from mactan airport on november 7 2017 do i need anything else besides my ECC?
An ECC with up to date visa should be all you need. I assume you have an ACR card.
Hi Myself Paul a valid work visa holder valid till July 2018, I came in Philippines this June 2016 so if I want to leave philippines temporarily on a vacation do I need ECC and do I need a return ticket also as a proof that I will return back. Kindly assist.
You should not need a return ticket, to show you are coming back, only to actually travel.
Hi Admin, I had a Alien Certificate of Registration(Yellow Card) under Temporary Visitor, which expired on 08 Oct 2016. I arrived in Philippines on 29 June 2016, and going to leave by this week. Do I need to apply for ECC? Hope to get the reply as soon as possible as I’m gonna buy a flight ticket.
An Emigration Clearance Certificate [ECC] is needed when leaving the Philippines after a stay of 6 months or more.
Hi Admin, thanks for the reply so soon!
But actually I got downgraded my CEZA during the current visit. Do I fall under the circumstances below?
1- Holders of expired or downgraded Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas;
2- Holders of valid Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas but are leaving for good;
And another question, can I do the ECC in MAKATI IMMIGRATION EXTENSION OFFICE, instead of the head office?
Many thanks for your reply!
I hope someone can give me some advice. I have a 9G work visa (granted in March; prior to that I had a tourist visa stamped December 2015) – do I need an Emigration Clearance Certificate to travel out of the Philippines?
Hi, i just want to know if i need ecc for my baby 9mos old travelling to korea with phil passport and korean passport. What is more convenient to make for our travel please neef your advice
If a person of any age travels only a Philippine Passport they do not need an ECC.
But in 2014 I was personally told by Immigration at Manila airport that even babies travelling on foreign passports need the ECC, and of course up to date valid Visas, to be able to board the plane. The immigration officer felt it was wrong, but had to follow the rules. Maybe one day it will change, but until then, you need to go to the BoI and arrange it in advance.
good day there in phil.i just wanted to ask if how much the ECC cost for the 9 months old baby bcoz i was trying to let my half sister and my mom to get him a phil.passport but the DFA say that they cant as in his live birth im still single…and our marriage certificate wasnt recognized there in the phil.bcoz my husband,the father of my son dnt want that we will report our marriage there in the phil.embassy here in US.thank for answering my question and have a nice day and God bless
I would estimate up to about 30,000 pesos to cover all Visa costs and penalties to date, including the eventual ECC.
The BoI will confirm exact figures. It would be interesting if you could let us know after you get this done.
Hello and good day, does a balikbayan holder (visa) needed to obtain a Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) prior to leaving the Philippines after staying in the country for 6 months or more? Thank you.
I have read in quite a few places that a balikbayan does not need an ECC if they leave within the validity of the balikbayan stamp.
Also, reading the rules on who needs one, at http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/emigration-clearance-certificate-ecc, it would appear that a person in the Philippines on a balikbayan is not included in that list.
good day,……if I have student visa, it is that no need for me to get Photocopy AND Original of the Receipt for payment of last visa extension fees?
I’m confused if I have student visa I will show that when filling foe ECC. which is which?
please,help me.
if I have student visa, it is that no need for me to get Photocopy AND Original of the Receipt for payment of last visa extension fees?
I’m confused if I have student visa I will show that when filling foe ECC. which is which?
please,help me.
Hi….
I want to ask. Im already working here about 3 years. My last holiday at March 2014, after that never going out from phillipines for 2,5 years (but while working im holding AEC).
Now im already resign, and want get out from phillipines. May i know do i have charge for the penatly? If yes, for how much?
David. You haven’t mentioned if you hold a visa, which one, if and when it expired etc.
Hello Admin I’m here overstay for 6 months now and I want to travel out of the country what should i do and how much it will cost btw i live in metro manila and my flight July 1st 2016 so what should I do and how much it will cost please reply asap, Thanks
Marwan
You need to pay for the 6 months of visas that you haven’t paid for before, plus the penalties. You will also need to get the ACR-i card and then finally the ECC, once all other Visa aspects are up to date.
An ‘idea’ of overstay costs is given at: https://www.in-philippines.com/how-much-are-the-penalties-for-overstaying-as-a-tourist-in-the-philippines/
As you are leaving soon, you need to get to a BoI office ASAP, and get exact costs from them. We can only give an indication.
It will take you a few days to get this sorted, so go to them now, so it is finalised before your flight.
I just want to share my recent experience of applying for ECC at the Main office, Intramuros, Manila, this June 9, 2016. As for the Main office they now ask that you apply for your ECC AT LEAST FIFTEEN DAYS (yes, 15 days) prior to your departure. They also have a notice that even you have a plane ticket it will not ensure it to be done faster. This information is NOT found at the BI website, this is just posted on printed/xeroxes at the ECC windows and nowhere else inside the service sections of the building. This is quite a far cry from the message of the website that says that departing travellers should secure the ECC at least 72 hours before departure. Also, regularly now, they will NOT give you the ECC the same day you apply. They need THREE working days to finish it, so you will be asked to come back in a few days to pick same up. Added to this they have added an additional REQUIREMENT. You must fill up an ARP (Alien Registration Program) form to apply for the ECC. The form ask you the same information that they ask in the ECC form and that they already know about you. Oddly,the ARP is free of charge. Obviously the ECC is now low priority for BI. Having been on and off to Philippines for the last 11 years I have always found it annoying and aged. Why not make a simple and FAST procedure where they just check the records of you, get the fingerprints digitally and have an authorized signing officer there to have it signed properly and then – done. Should not take more than 1 hour max. Add an express fee if you like and then have it all at a flat rate 0f 1000 pesos. Make things convinient for all. Not easy here, I know. My two cents anyway.
Hey there Santiago. Are you holding an immigrant or non immigrant visa or just tourist visa?
Hi Mev, its just a tourist visa. Maybe faster if once has a non-immigrant or 13A?
How much all cost you till you get your ECC
I can’t agree more 🙂
However, I am sure the purpose of these things is to create employment for Filipinos, therefore the more complex they can make it, the more people they need to employ…
That ARP is odd. This was brought in on 21 Oct 2014, and it was stated to be voluntary, and was only for a year. “Registration of foreigners is being conducted Oct. 1, 2014 to Sept. 30, 2015 at the Bureau’s regional offices.
Who is affected: All foreign nationals staying 60 days or more.
Foreign nationals exempt from registration include those with valid ACRI-Cards (other than tourist ACR I-Card)
”
After registration we were given an SSRN (special security registration number.)
I recall needing to have that on one occasion, not sure what it was now, but maybe it was for the ECC.
The new ACR cards incorporate this Special Security Registration Number (SSRN) – a unique number assigned to every registered foreign national
https://www.in-philippines.com/new-acr-cards-july-2015
I see they may be doing it again, having read this:
Hi, on your site it says you need a valid ACR-i card. Mine has just run out. it ran out after did my last visa renewal..
I asked the lady at the immigration desk and she said it would be ok.. have you heard anything on this topic? as even if i tried to get a new one as im leaving in under 3 weeks and don’t live on Luzon I wouldn’t get it on time?
My ACR card ran out at one time and i asked if i could renew it. The BoI told me not to bother till my next visa renewal.
However, I then decided to leave before my visa expired.
On applying for the ECC I was told i needed the ACR card to get it.
And i could only get the ACR card with a Visa Renewal.
So. I had to renew/extend a currently valid visa to get the ACR card, so I could get the ECC, so i could leave the country. …. Frustrating and costly.
That was last year. I did it in two days. The receipt for the ACR card was sufficient even though I never got the actual card.
The immigration officers words were “as long as you have paid for it, it will be OK”
If I was you I would double check, especially re the ECC requirement.
how about this: i have a daughter in philipines and she have a fphilipine passport, and soon have european union passport. if she is leaving with philipine passport to hong kong (hong kong traveling is ok without visa with philipine passport) and use european union passport from hong kong to europe. she dont need to pay trvel tax or doesnt need ecc clearance, right? then coming back to philippines with philipine passport and then she have entrance stamp ? right?
That should work very well. Its a good option for many in that situation to avoid various difficulties with Visas and ECC’s.
My Son in law is overstaying for more than a year , we will go to pay in Manila immigration this month, we will also request an ECC, since it need 72 hours minimum to proceed do we have to wait on site or can it be sent back to our address in Negros ? because his fly will departure from Cebu airport
I have always had to pick mine up. Not sure they deliver it.
But if you use a travel agent to assist you, they may be able to collect and courier it on your behalf.
I normally got my ECC the next day.
Good day,Sir/Madam,
I have 2 children leaving in the Phils next month to join their father in the US. They have both Phil passport and US passport. They are require to get ECC ?
According to everything I have seen and heard, they need EITHER a US Visa in a Philippine Passport OR an ECC with a US passport when they reach passport control/Immigration at the Philippine Airport. Otherwise they don’t leave.
The only exception to the ECC is if they have en entry stamp, coming into the Philippines, within the last 6 months before they leave again.
i just want to make sure if i still need the ECC as we immigate in the US.my daughter has a dual citizenship and she already has ameriacan and philippine passport,do i still need an ECC for her?
If she was born in the Philippines and travels on a US, or other foreign passport, then it appears that an ECC is required.
It is a ridiculous situation,and I hope they see the sense in changing the rules eventually.
Hi, i just want to know if need airticket to get a ECC
I got my last ECC on 3rd November 2014, and bought my ticket on the 6th November 2014.
So, I got the ECC BEFORE getting my airticket.
What is the purpose of ECC? I do not see any benefit of this. Its only a hassle and money making business. If people want to exit the country let them be. Arrival is the priority here. Arriving passengers at airports are more scrutinised.How come rich, politicians csn escape the country after a crime? While a tourist needs ECC. For God’s sake these tourist has spent money in your country and helped your economy. Why can you not make life easier for them once.
They said the reason was security, to check criminal records, but when it also applies to a baby, something tells me it is just for the money. OR, it has been set up wrong and someone did not know how to make the rules correctly.
Beth…
I have been living in the Philppines now for one year and have it up to the gills in the way they treat foreigners, potential foreign investors, tourists etc.
I just can’t wait to get back to civilisation.
But I now need an ECC to get out of here.
This effectively means that I have to travel 8 hours on the bus to get to the nearest city to have this processed.
It also means an overnight stay.
It’s all money, money and more money here.
Totally disorganised and opportunist does not even describe this lot.
And they say it is more fun in the Philippines…Goodbye Rip-Off Republic.
Thank you so much for the quick reply.
Good Day! My son has dual citizenship. He’s staying with me here in the Philippines since 2009. We are leaving for US next month since my petition has been approved. Do I have to get him an exit clearance?
An interesting one. I would think NOT required, as a Filipino Citizen who has been outside the country before.
By showing both passports at immigration, the Filipino passport, showing an entry stamp, exempts him from the ECC. As far as I am aware it would only be required in this case if he had been born here, and had never left the Philippines before, and was travelling on a US passport.
I worry that an Immigration Officer might get confused when the US passport is used to clear the Visa issue of travelling to the US.
But, if his entry stamp is in a Filipino passport, and he leaves on a Filipino passport paying the Filipino travel tax, then I feel an ECC would not apply.
Immigration should be OK with that, as the Travel tax costs more than an ECC anyway 😉
For the return ticket, you need to check with the airline that you are flying back with.
They are the only ones who can really answer that part.
If you do need one, then many people buy one from Manila to Kota Kinabalu, as it is often the cheapest outward ticket. It then gets thrown away. I got a cheap one to Japan once though (then threw it away), so it varies.
The rules do say: “Confirmed tickets for return or onward journey to the next port of destination” are needed when applying for a visa, although I have never been asked for one at immigration.
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/guidelines-requirements
Alright, thanks so much for your concern and reply.
Much appreciate…
Dear Sir/Ma’am,
Currently im working in Philippines and have work permit, i want to bring my 6yo son out of the country for two days which that my son has been staying in here for almost a year with tourist visa. My questions are, what ECC that he has to apply? A or B? And does he need return ticket when he return to Philippines after two days out? Thank you very much and look forward for your reply.
Tourist Visa = ECC A. The one you need to apply for a few days before you leave from a Boi office.
His tourist visa is still current ?
Return ticket will depend on the airline. I hear that some US airlines don’t need them, but many other countries do.
Yes, tourist visa for current visa (extended).
Im from Indonesia, as i have work permit i dont need return ticket if i go out to other country and back to Philippines.
What im afraid is, my son will need return ticket as he’s only holding tourist visa. But, if his return ticket need guardian as well and those ticket will be wasted.
Thanks so much for your quick reply.
Almost any foreigner travelling overseas, who has been here for over 6 months will need an ECC. There are exemptions for Retirement Visa holders though.
Even a child born in the Philippines who travels on a foreign passport needs that ECC, no matter what age. I was told this personally at Manila Immigration during an interview when trying to leave without an ECC. The Immigration Officers do not like the rigidity of these rules, but must now enforce them.
It doesn’t cost much, and getting one will, I feel, be a requirement for you.
For more reading and comments, see this http://www.abcdiamond.com/philippines-and-the-exit-clearance-certificate-ecc/
Good day Sir/Madam I am a US Citizen naturally born Filipino, Living here in the Philippines for more than 30yrs. I acquired my citizenship through my father who is a US Army during World War II. I am paying my ACR (paper-based) every year and updated my passport. My last visit in the US was last 1985. I decided to get back in the States this month. Do I need ECC? Thank You Very Much.