Emigration Clearance Certificate – For Foreigners with Visas and Permits Leaving the Philippines

Foreigners who have stayed in the Philippines for more than six months or those with visas, be it tourists, students, or workers need an Emigration Clearance Certificate when they leave the country. There are two types the ECC-A and the ECC-B which we will discuss below. You must apply for this at least 72 hours before your departure to another country as this will be asked by the Philippines’ Immigration Officers. You can get it within a month before your departure; however, it should only be used once.

Here’s a guide on how to get the Emigration Clearance Certificate for Foreigners with visas who will leave the Philippines.

Who can get an Emigration Clearance Certificate-A?

As per Bureau of Immigration:

• Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa (also referred to as tourist visa) who have stayed in the Philippines for at least 6 months
• Those with expired or downgraded Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas
• Holders of valid Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas but are leaving the Philippines for good
• Philippine-born foreign nationals who will depart from the Philippines for the first time
• Temporary Visitor Visa Holders with Orders to Leave
• Bonafide seafarers who have stayed in the Philippines for 30 days or more and has a duly approved discharge from BI

Who can get an Emigration Clearance Certificate-B?

Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visa Holders with valid ACR I-Cards that are leaving the Philippines temporarily

Requirements Needed for Getting an Emigration Clearance Certificate (A)

1. Emigration Clearance Certificate Application Form – duly filled-up

2. Copy of the applicant’s passport bio-page and passport pages with the latest admission and valid authorized stay and/or page bearing visa (only bio-page if Philippine Born)

3. 5 pcs 2×2 picture – taken within the last 3 months with white background

4. Original and Photocopy of ACR I-Card – copies to be submitted are front and back portions, if you have one, those leaving for good may need to surrender their ACR I-Card

5. Photocopy of Official Receipts of visa extensions, latest annual report, downgrading, or other fees paid

6. Orders (Downgrading, Order of Visa of Approval from Student Desk), if applicable

Additional:

For Tourist (With More Than Six Months Of Stay In The Philippines) – Checklist

Downgraded Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas – Checklist

Holders of valid Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas but are leaving the Philippines for good – Checklist

Holders of Student Visa – Checklist 

Philippine Born

• Checklist 
• Birth Certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (if Philippine-born US Passport Holder)
• Copy of Parent’s or Guardian’s passport bio-page if the applicant is below 18 years old
• Photocopy of airline ticket of the parent(s) or guardian and child, if applicable

Lost ACR Card

• Checklist
• Affidavit of Loss

Steps in Getting an Emigration Clearance Certificate (A)

STEP 1: Gather all requirements for your ECC.

STEP 2: Pass your documents to the BI Office for checking and wait for the Order of Payment Slip.

STEP 3: Proceed to the cashier and pay the fees.

STEP 4: Together with the receipt, submit the documents to the officer-in-charge. You will be given a claim stub to know when to go back to your ECC.

STEP 5: Go back to the scheduled date and present the claim stub. You will be given the Original Emigration Clearance Certificate and receipts. Acknowledge that you have received it by signing a form.

Using your Emigration Clearance Certificate-A

You must have this at least 72 hours before your flight. It’s only valid for a month, so you need to leave the country within its validity, or you might have to process it again. On the immigration counter at the airport, present your Emigration Clearance Certificate to the officer. You can go out of the country with this. It can be used only once.

Requirements for getting an Emigration Clearance Certificate – B

• ECC Application Form – however, you can get a copy at the airport
• ACR I-Card (If you don’t have a valid ACR I-Card, then you might do the steps above)
• Fees

Steps in Getting an Emigration Clearance Certificate – B

Option 1

STEP 1: On the day of your flight, go to the airport (early if possible). Look for a special lane or office for ACR I-Card Holders or payments.

STEP 2: Submit your form, show your ACR I-Card, and pay your fee.

STEP 3: Get your ECC-B.

STEP 4: Show it to the Immigration Officer.

Option 2: Follow steps in getting an ECC-A

Fees to be paid

Usual fees to be paid

For Philippine Born

For tourists

Offices that Processes an Emigration Clearance Certificate

An Emigration Clearance Certificate is an essential document for foreigners with valid Philippine Visas or those who have stayed for long here. The BI advises you to secure it so that you can go out of the country without any hassle. For those needing an ECC-A, then it’s better to secure it at least 2 weeks before your flight. For ECC-B, go to the airport early in case the queues are long. Good luck and I hope this article is helpful!

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.

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