Requirements for an ECC – Exit Clearance Certificate

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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)


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  • 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.

Philippines BI Forms

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.

Notice of ECC after 6 months

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.

  1. 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
  2. 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.

  1. 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.

28 : 71,219 : 3,528,659


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You give the information about this new order for Temporary Visa Holders that can get ECC in the airport now, but later, in the comments, I see answers that “you cannot get ECC in the airport”. Is it not valid now? Or tourists still can get their ECC in the airport?

Thanks a lot! Could you tell when it happened, please?

Yes, we are afraid also because we will leave on April 9 – it is the national holiday, not-working day. An employee from the official BI Facebook page said that the airport bureau works 24/7, but I’m not sure yet :-/

Not sure about what?
The BI totally runs the show at the airport. Of course they are there 24/7.

I would like everyone to know that I just got my father’s ECC today. I paid 2860 + 500 (express fee). I got it early cause I expected a wait time, so I was surprised that they quoted the 500 express fee. When I told the person in charge (window 10) that I can wait and there’s no need for it to be expedited, he said that the 500 fee is part of the process. I find that odd. The name itself doesn’t sound that like it’s mandatory but because I need the ECC , I went ahead. After I paid the due amount, I gave the receipt back to him (window 10) and waited for a couple of minutes. When our name was called, they returned the receipt back to me and wrote numbers and validity date (yes, the guy in window 10 physically wrote the ecc code and valid date). I asked if that was it and he said yes, I just need to present that to the immigration officer when we leave the country. That’s a ripped off. First, I paid for 2k+ just for someone to clear my father, who has a native born acr visa and then find out that they can’t even print a presentable paper for it. I paid more than 2k, have justice. Next, I had to pay 500 for the express fee, while in fact they are not doing anything and they can easily provide the information the same hour. I even saw the guy in window 10 playing games in his cellphone. Very inefficient.

Hi I need to going back to my country because my grandma is not feeling well. I am now staying in Philippines over 2years. I have TVV ( ACR -I Card) and mine one is expired on 8 Jan 2019. I need to stay one month at my country. Which ECC should I need to get? Can I return back to Philipines after my things are done? And how about my TVV( ACR-I Card). I am now really confused that I can’t return back to Philipines. Please suggest me how shall I do for that?

Now I am really confused.

I have a valid ACR-I Card because in 2018 I was here for more than 59 days.

So here’s my question:

I exited in July 2018 for a trip to Bali. Being here for more than 6 months I got an ECC at a satellite office in Manila.
I reentered the Philippines with my tourist visa the same month (July 2018).

Now I need to exit again (temporarily) in November 2018 and return to the Philippines in a few days. So that departure will be less than a 6 month stay
And yes, my ACR-I Card is still valid.

So… based on that information… do I need an ECC? Because what I am reading on the immigration website seems to indicate that I would need an ECC-B. And I saw a post someplace that you can no longer get the ECC-B at the airport on your day of departure.

Yes. Now I see it. The ECC-B does not refer to the Temporary Visa holder.

But knowing how much they love to collect fees I still will be apprehensive.

I thank you for your reply. Maybe some one who has a similar scenario as mine will let us know how they faired when exiting the Philippines.

I had a simila situation a couple years ago. Since my _most_recent_ stay had been for less than 6 motnhs, I did NOT need an ECC. I even joked about it with the Emigration Clerk at NAIA checkpoint.

Thank you Paul.

Your comment made me a little more comfortable.

But I am the eternal pessimist when it comes to dealing with the government. LOL

I understand your point of view, but when you go to the Bureau of Immigration website and click on Visa at the top of the home page and scroll to Immigrant and Non Immigrant Visas….the Temporary Visitors Visa is listed there.

That is why I thinking if you have a valid ACR-I card and a Temporary Visitors Visa 9A and are leaving temporarily…it falls within the criterion for having to secure a ECC-B.

Correct… because you had been here for more than 6 months.

Hi I need to going back to my country because my grandma is not feeling well. I am now staying in Philippines over 2years. I have TVV ( ACR -I Card) and mine one is expired on 8 Jan 2019. I need to stay one month at my country. Which ECC should I need to get? Can I return back to Philipines after my things are done? And how about my TVV( ACR-I Card). Can I renew my ACR-I card again when I arrive to Philippines? I am now really confused that I can’t return back to Philipines. Please suggest me how shall I do for that?

Im a US Citizen who have been overstaying here in the Philippines for more than 28 years, I can’t go back to the US because of tax payment that needs to be settled. My parents are both filipino but I dont have communication with them I was raised by my auntie here in the philippines, I have a 11 -years relationship and wanted to get married already. Can I get married at the same time be a dual citizen and will my tax disappear if I get married?

How many days po ang release ng ECC after magsubmit ng application form and requirements? Flight na kase in 3 days.

I keep telling you people to check with your local Immigration Office!!!!!!! Nobody online is an expert!!!

You need to contact your local immigration office for details!!!!

I did not have to pay anything for my ecc

ECC is free from any charge if you do the application yourself in the bureau of immigration in Manila. The examples that are given are fees being payed to people doing the work for you. Furthermore: they don’t say 3 days before you travel but they say its taking 3 days to proceed your request.So far better you do it 2 weeks before travelling

Hello there. I have a balikbayan Stamp in my passport. If I leave the country will the stamp be cancelled. Meaning I will need a new one on re-entry the country again

The moment you leave the Philippines your Balikbayan is expired. On returning into the Philippines you will not get a Balikbayan if travelling without your wife. If you travel together you get it valid for one year again.

Hello admin! I have a fil-jap son with japanese passport. He was born last june 13. We’re planning to go to japan this 19th of August. For a newborn child, what would be the requirements to get an ECC? Thank you!

What is the requirement for exit clearance
The child was born in ph but his nationality is japanese?

Am a student here in the Philippines and my i- card expired last June, my sponsor withdrew coz my marks was not good so I have my ticket to go back this coming Saturday, what should I do_ do I still need ecc or should I just go pay at the airport?

You need to contact your local BI office for the correct information!

Sorry Richard but the local BI office phone operator does not know the correct answer either!

Did BI hold on to your passport until you picked up your ECC?

Hi, I was born in the US (thus US citizen) and my parents are both Fil (Thus also a Fil citizen)
I have a us passport but my delayed regustration of birth to the dfa is ongoing.
I also have a identification certificate from the BI recognizing me as fil.
Question is, I have a trip this late july to japan and I am going to use my US passport? Do i still need this ECC?

Please contact your local BI for the correct information!!!!!!!

But I’m not gonna come back, why do I have to renew my visa?

I’m student and I do have student visa so I wanna get ECC my visa is expired 3 months ago, Am I still able to get the ECC?

But I’m not gonna come back, so why do I have to renew my visa?

And I’m actually gonna leave the country I won’t continue studying so I need the ECC and my visa is already expired since April,20,2018

I keep telling you people, don’t ask questions on this site, you need to go to your nearest bi office!

My husband is Australian. This time is his longest visit because I just gave birth to our baby. He arrived last February 6 and his tourist visa is valid till September 6. He’s leaving on July 17th that makes it 5 and a half month stay here. Does he need to get the ecc?

No, he does not need an ECC cz its less than 6 months. You need to be in the country 6 months or more to need an ECC!

I’m gonna go straight to the point I’m half Japanese and half Filipino, i was born in japan my mom brought me here in Philippines for good at the age of 3 without any papers. I’m already 21 and i can’t attend college due to this problem i don’t have a nso i only got a birth certificate from japan. How can i fly back to japan ? Please help me o don’t have a new passport for 18 years, i can’t get any help from my father cause they’re not together anymore with my mom.

My husband need to fly in august he is one yr from his arrive.last aug.2017 what we do to get ecc.?we get ticket first before filling ecc?or i need help how?

That is what I am doing. Getting my ECC first. I am a little sketchy on the way the BI responds to me telling them I am getting ECC first then the ticket. But the dude at BI KEEPS focusing on this date of departure.

We paid 1900 for this ecc recipt at airport ?? How much is the real fee or can we get this reciept before the day of our flight

Just go to your local bi office

I JUST returned from BI.
MY ECC was no charge, I only paid 500 peso express lane fee.
On my second month in country, they charge me 700 pesos for ECC. Check your receipt from the past, one of then will have 700peso.

I did not pay anything for my ecc after my stay of 17 months, it took 2 weeks to get it, i went in on the day they said and it was ready they only finger printed me, and i signed both copies. and i was gone. But it appears that not all bi offices are the same as im seeing people on here paying for their ecc and different costs, so my reccomentaion is to go to your local bi office and ask them how much and when you can tet it! Like i tell everybody just go to your local instead of asking people on here, cz for everybody its different, dont go by what somebody on here tells you cz that is for them is not the same for you.

sir Ask ko lang po nag apply ako thru online ang kulang ko lang po ay foreign emmigrant certificate clearance magkanu po bha un sir pag kukuha ako sa BI? mag work po ako sa london ndi ko po alm kng mag kanu babayadan yan lang po kulang ko sa requirements ko sana masagot po ninyo salamat po at kng d po ako makakuha pwd po bha makakuha ng FECC sa dubai salamat po

Hi. I would like to check if the child needs to as well go to BI for ECC. I remember doing it long time back where they were not required to come. They are 7 and 9 .

you need to go to your nearest BI office and they willl tell you what to do! do not listen to others telling you what to do, cz not all bi offices are the same!!!

I keep telling you people to go to your nearest immigration office and stop listening to others online, cz every office is different!

Good day. I just want to ask if how to apply for ECC? Do I need to do an ONLINE appointment? What else the steps should I take? How much it will cost? I’m planning to get one for myself coz Im planning to work in Canada. I already have approved work permit and visa. Please help me I need it asap

Hi im married to a British citizen but i delivered our baby here in philippines five months ago from now, I needed an ECC for my son since his a British passport holder and he doesn’t have a dual one.
I would like to ask if i can get an ECC from Gaisano mactan here in Lapu-Lapu City and just wanted yo know how much it cost?

After a 6 month stay you need an ECC. As for the cost, I was not charged anything! But it depends on where you live, but you still need to go to your local BI Office to find out!

Hi kababayans, has anyone here experienced applying for ECC in a Balikbayan visa? My husband obtained a Balikbayan visa good for 1 year since September 22, 2017. Now, we are going to Malaysia for business trip for 2 days only and will be back here again. Does he need to obtain exit clearance certificate?

Hope someone here will share his/her experience. Thanks 🙂

Hi..I am just making enquiries, I want to apply for a ECC shortly, but have mislaid my last reciept for my visa renewal..I was told I have to show the reciept before I can be issued with a ECC…I was about to apply for a 13a residence as my wife is a Filipina, but this trip has come up.and won’t have enough to apply for a 13a.but I will once I get back..i hope someone can help me with my enquiry, many thanks

Go look up your nearest PH B of Immi office and hash it out with them. May the Lord help you!

My son’s US passport was held by the philippine immigration in order to process ECC. Is this a normal process? How come it takes more than 10 days and we paid almost 30k in processing fee.

it looks like you got screwd

you got screwed cz i did not pay anything for mine!!!

All BI offices are different, mine was explained as every time I went in every 2 months they charged me a little extra so when I did all my paperwork I asked how much they said no charge. I was going to the BI office in Quezon City in SM North Edsa.

is this real? can someone help me to get FECC? to workphilippines at london coz this is an urgent.Thanks for someone to help me.

Hi admin is the airport tax at mactan airport still 750 pesos when leaving the country? Thank you nd God bless!

Hi admin thank you for. Answering me about the thumbprint issue for the ECC . i do not have a stamp over the thumbprints but there is a satement that reads ( waived per NWR. and it is dated 06 february 2015 then there is an SRRN. NO. 17201EC512094007 . does that sound like my ECC is therefore valid?.your input would be greatly. Appreciated thank you nd God bless!

Nobody seems to be able to tell me how much the ECC is! The immigration officer at SM North Edsa in the mall told me there is no cost, but i think she is wrong as her english is not that good and kept telling me there is not fast lane fee! Can you tell me how much or approximately how much the ECC is ???

I already have my plane tickets cz they now require you to buy your ticket before applying for the ECC! Can you tell me where you got your ECC as i keep hearing the cost is different depending on the bi office you go to???

I just got my ECC nd the total cost was 710 pesos at the J centre mall on the second floor in mandaue

i just got my ECC today 17/1/ 2018 at J Mall Mandaue 500 php total

I am from Norway and visit my girlfriend here in the philiphines and I will go back to norway on the 21st of march,and i have been here for 8 months.I have ACR-Icard ,what ECC do i need to get?Is it ECC A or ECC B and whats the different on this A and B.?

just go to your local bi office and they will tell which one you need and the paperwork and all the requirements you will need to apply. There should not be a charge for it as I did not pay for mine!

The exit visa is free. Previously it was 500 pesos just for the privilege of ‘fast track’ services. Since overtime has been abolished, there are NO EXPRESS FEES. All visas are now cheaper than they were about a year ago because the immigration office were stealing money by claiming that they needed overtime to do all the visa requests. What the employee’s of the immigration did was slow the process down so much that overtime was allegedly needed.

Some immigration offices and their staff are a fantastic help where others are only there to rob you.

Again, THERE ARE NO LONGER ANY EXPRESS FEES. The exit visa becomes free because of that. My last exit visa cost nothing which is a miracle here in the Philippines lol.

P.s It’s more fun in the Philippines. ?

Hi Steven

Where did you apply the ECC?Thanks

Regards
Marsono

Dear Sir; Madame I am sooo sorry! I finally found out how to get to the post site. I have mistakenly asked the same question 3 times now nd I apologize. You do such a wonderful job AT ANSWERING ALL THESE questions! I am just terrible with computers and humbly ask you to answer my question about the thumb prints on the ECC. They once again are not visible on my ECC and just want to know if it is still valid. It has been officially signed and all forms were filled out. I received my ECC two days later after the process. Your answer would be greatly appreciated and once again i humbly ask for your forgiveness. I am a 70 year old dinosaur on the computer! Thank you and God bless you for all you do!

Hi admin i have just one more question. When i arrive at the airport do i go to the ticket check in counter first or do i go directly to the immigration office? Thank you nd God bless from a 70 yr old man with anxiety issues!

You need to go to the immigration office to get your visa stamped, then you can go to the check in counter!!!

Hi i apologize but i am a dinosaur on the computer. I cant find my post on my wuestion so i haveduplicated it
My question was when i went to get my ECC my fingerprints were electronically scanned so my ECC does not show my thumb prints on the ECC
IS IT STILL VALID? Please reply# thank you!

I have an ECC THAT. Has been officially signed nd my fingerprints were electronically scanned but the ECC does not have my thumbprints visible on the document. Is it still a valid ECC ? I have not askrf this before on this forum.

I have an ECC THAT. Has been officially signed nd my fingerprints were electronically scanned but the ECC does not have my thumbprints visible on the document. Is it still a valid ECC ?

I have question admin….I have Philippine passport I apply work in London they requirement is foreign emigrant clearance certificate….

Hi, my child is a dual citizen(dual passports), she will be exiting Philippines with her Philippines passport, but will enter U.S. with her U.S. passport. Does she need an exit clearance? thank you…

Hi Sir,

I have Philippine passport and Japan passport. I’m planning go to Japan early next year and this is my first time to leave the Philippines. Do I still need to apply for ECC or it’s only applicable for those dual national that does not have Philippine passport?. I hope you could help me. Thank you!.

My daugther have irish passtport she born in philippines she is only 2 years old how can i get ecc clearance and what i need

Admin I have a question. I have Philippine passport and Japan passport and I’m planning to go to Japan early next year and this is just my first time leaving the country. Do I still need to get an ECC even if I have Philippine passport? or it’s only applicable if the passport is foreign national when leaving the country? Thank you.

what if I would be using both of my passports? Philippine and Japan passports.

Thank you admin. By the way one more question. Do I still need to get an Identification Certificate even if I have a Philippine passport? or it’s only applicable if I don’t have a Philippine passport?. Thank you so much.

as far as I know Philippine passport needs to have visa in Japan. But in my case I have Philippine passport and Japan passport. So I think there’s no need for me to get a visa if I’ll be using my Philippine passport. Since I’m also a citizen of Japan. Is that right admin?

Greetings. I’m from India. After getting the Exit clearance, can I come back to Philippines within a month ? Any restrictions or cooling period ? Waiting for your reply, thanks in advance.

Hello! I am a live-in Caregiver in Canada but I am not a resident yet. I am just staying in the Philippines for 2 weeks. Do I need a clearance?

I want to asked if Do I need to get ECC again for my son going to korea this month. Last time I applied ECC was July 21 2017

I have a friend whose holding a US passport but a former Filipino whose going back to US this August. He already stayed in PH for 3 months. Does he need to present exit clearance upon check in for his PH-US flight?

Hi, I have a question. My husband is leaving the Philippines for the US. He is an H4 dependent visa holder (I have H1B). Does he need to get the ECC? If so, so he belongs to the ECC-B? We don’t have any green card yet (as we have H1B visa). Please advise. Thanks!

Hi! Good Afternoon I just wan’t to ask How much does it cost to do the processing of ECC? Thank’s

where to get ECC in cebu city? and what is the requirement?

Hi. I can’t find sufficient info about getting an ECC-B .Can you tell me the procedures? Where exactly is the BI located in the airport?
Thanks…☺

you cannot apply for an ECC at the airport, you need to apply for it at your local bi office, and when your there explain to them what is going on and they will tell you what you need to get the ECC. I guess its different in each city cz it took 2 weeks to get mine and there was not cost.

Hi. My son is malaysian nationals. His visa will expire on sept 24. Can i apply now for his extension visa since he will be staying in ph for good?

Good day sir. I want to ask about the ACR-CARD of my boyfriend is expired now and he need to go out. How he can get the ecc its allowed only reciept with out card? Because we need long time then the card is coming.Thanks i need your respond as soon as possible.

good eve po. sir/madam itatanong ko lang po kong ilang days bago makokoha yong exit clerance certificate

good eve po. sir/madam itatanong ko lang po kong ilang days bago makokoha yong exit clerance certificate

Hi Sir, I lost my official receipt of my last visa stamp, would that be okay to apply for an ECC? do I just have to pay charges for it? Thank you

Dear sir/ madam, u m mahamud yousuf imam. I came in Philippines last November 2016 s a tourist visa. Last February I extended visa for two month. Expired 23rd feb2017. Now I want to leave here. So how can I procced and how much need cost for clearance.

that is not corrct

We’re leaving here next month 2nd .is it possible to get ECC before end of this month?do I need to bring photo of me and my boyfriend?if so hi many copies?do I need to bring a passport copy of me and my boy friend?what kind of documents required to get ECC.thank u and have a good day.looking forward to ur response

Good day sir/Madame,I just want to ask if how to apply for ECC?do I need to do a ONLINE appointment? What else the steps should I take?how much it cost?I’m planning to get 1for my son he has US passport already but born here in Philippines?

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