When traveling to the Philippines, obtaining a valid passport and a visa that suits the purpose and length of your intended stay is a known requirement. However, many travelers may not know that before leaving the country, an Exit Clearance or Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) is required for legal departure.
In this blog, we’ll explain the purpose of the ECC and guide you through the application process, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey.
What is an Exit Clearance or Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)
An Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), also known as Exit Clearance, is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to foreign nationals who are leaving the country. It serves as a proof that they do not have any pending tax obligations, visa violations, or records of illegal employment.
Two Types of Exit Clearance in the Philippines
There are two (2) types of Exit Clearance issued to foreign nationals, depending on the nature of their stay in the Philippines:
1.) Emigration Clearance Certificate-A (ECC-A)
An ECC-A is issued to departing foreign nationals to prove that they have no derogatory records in the Philippines and have no pending obligations with the government at the time of issuance. This clearance may be secured at the BI Main Office or in selected District Offices, Satellite Offices, Field Offices, One-Stop-Shop Offices and Extension Offices.
Additionally, the following individuals who fall into the following categories are required to secure an ECC-A prior to their departure:
Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa or 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 thirty (30) days or more and has a duly approved discharge from BI
2.) Emigration Clearance Certificate-B (ECC-B)
An ECC-B is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the Philippines temporarily. It is a single-use receipt issued to evidence their Special Return Certificate (SRC) for Non-Immigrants or Re-Entry Permit (RP) which is valid for one (1) year. It may be secured at the BI Main Office or in the airport upon departure.
When to Apply for an Exit Clearance Philippines
You may apply for an ECC at least seventy-two (72) hours before the day of your departure from the Philippines.
Requirements for an Exit Clearance Philippines
The requirements for ECC-A and ECC-B are different. To be guided, here are the following requirements:
Requirements for an ECC-A
Alien Registration Program (ARP) Form/SSRN
Duly accomplished ECC application form
Two (2) copies of an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC-A)
2×2 ID picture, if not available, use image capturing
One (1) photocopy of each passport bio page and latest arrival stamp
Photocopy of proof of payment of all previous and latest visa extensions
Proof of payment/reference for CRTV, ACR, ECC
Photocopy of Order to Leave/Downgrading/Motion for Reconsideration/Visa Extension Orders, if applicable
Additional documentary requirements, if necessary
Requirements for an ECC-B
Duly accomplished ECC application form
Valid ACR I-Card
Proof of payment for ECC-B
Additional documentary requirements, if necessary
Application Process for an Exit Clearance Philippines
ECC-A and ECC-B have different application processes since one can be applied from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Office or at the airport while the other can only be applied at the BI office.
Application Process for an ECC-A
An ECC-A can only be applied at the BI office. To be guided, you may follow these application process:
Get Assistance. For a hassle-free and easy transaction, get assistance from a service provider that processes an ECC-A application. They will help you gather all the requirements and ensure a successful outcome without having stress and any conflicts before you leave the country.
Preparation of Requirements. Before going to the BI office, gather all the needed documents for a smooth process of your application. Having the documents prepared can save you time and avoid any delays.
- Submission of Documents. Visit the BI office and submit the duly accomplished application form along with the other requirements.
- Pay the Fees. Once the required documents are submitted, the BI will issue an Order of Payment Slip to you which you will be required to settle at the cashier.
- Waiting Stage. Visit the BI office at the scheduled time and date on your claim stub. This usually takes two (2) to five (5) working days or even longer, depending on the workload of BI and if there are any additional documents required on your application.
- Claim Your ECC. Present your claim stub to get your ECC-A and receipt/s.
- Sign and Release. You will be required to sign the duplicate copy of your ECC-A before the releasing of the original copy of your ECC-A. Note that your ECC-A can only be used once regardless of its validity.
Application Process for an ECC-B
An ECC-B may be applied either at the BI office or at the airport. If you wish to process an application at the BI office, you may follow the same process with the ECC-A, but the certificate that will be issued to you is an ECC-B.
For application process at the airport, you may follow these procedures:
Prepare the Requirements. Before going to the airport, prepare all the necessary documents that will be needed on your ECC-B application.
Visit the ECC-B Counter. Arrive early at the airport on the day of your flight and go to the ECC-B counter.
Submission of Documents. Submit the application form along with the other requirements.
Pay the Fees. After submitting the required documents, you will be required to pay the necessary fees.
Claim Your ECC. Once the fees have been paid, you may now claim your ECC-B.
Sign and Release. You will be required to sign the duplicate copy of your ECC-B before the releasing of the original copy of your ECC-B. Note that it can only be used once despite its validity.
Validity of an Exit Clearance Philippines
An ECC is valid for one (1) month from the date of issuance. However, you may only use it once regardless of its validity.
Need further information and assistance regarding Exit Clearance or Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law in BGC, Metro Manila, Philippines to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
