ECC-B Clearance Fees and Requirements for Departing Foreigners in the Philippines (Legal Guide)

Philippine context • Practitioner-style overview • Up to date as general practice (rules and fees change—always verify with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) before you fly)

1) What the ECC-B is—and why it exists

ECC-B (Emigration Clearance Certificate—Type B) is the airport/port exit clearance required for many ACR-I Card holders (foreigners with immigrant or long-stay non-immigrant visas) who are leaving the Philippines temporarily and intend to return on the same visa. It is a BI control document that confirms you are not the subject of a hold order, have no outstanding immigration liabilities, and (for returning residents) that your re-entry privilege is in order.

In practice, “ECC-B” = the exit clearance issued together with the appropriate re-entry document:

Immigrants (e.g., 13-series) → Re-entry Permit (RP) + ECC-B
Non-immigrants (e.g., 9(g) worker, 9(f) student, 47(a)(2)) → Special Return Certificate (SRC) + ECC-B

Airline check-in or the Immigration counter can refuse departure if the traveler who needs ECC-B doesn’t have it.

2) Who needs ECC-B

You typically need ECC-B if all are true:

You hold a valid ACR-I Card, and
Your status is immigrant (e.g., 13(a), 13(g), etc.) or a non-immigrant long-stay visa (e.g., 9(g) work, 9(f) student, 9(d), 47(a)(2), SIRV, etc.), and
You are departing for a temporary trip and plan to return on the same visa.

Family members under derivative visas (e.g., spouse/children dependent on the principal’s 9(g) or 13(a)) follow the same rule if they hold their own ACR-I Cards.

3) Who does not need ECC-B

Tourists/Temporary Visitors (no ACR-I Card):
- Stay < 6 months → No ECC at all.
- Stay ≥ 6 months → ECC-A (not ECC-B) is required.
Philippine citizens (including dual citizens using a PH passport).
Certain officials/diplomats under applicable immunities.
Leaving for good / canceling your visa → This is a different process (often visa downgrade or cancellation + ECC-A), not ECC-B.

⚠️ SRRV and other special program visas can have bespoke rules set by their administering agency (e.g., PRA). Verify program-specific requirements before travel.

4) ECC-A vs ECC-B (know the difference)

Feature	ECC-A	ECC-B
Typical holders	Tourists ≥ 6 months stay; some status changers/downgraders	ACR-I Card holders (immigrant and long-stay non-immigrants) on temporary travel
Where obtained	BI offices (sometimes airport desks, policy varies)	Airports/seaports (BI cashiers) and some BI offices
Travel intent	Often final exit as visitor, or status change	Temporary exit with return on same visa
Companion doc	—	Issued with RP (immigrant) or SRC (non-immigrant)

5) When and where to get ECC-B

Primary point of issuance: On the day of departure at major international airports/seaports (BI cashier/Express Lane or ECC counter), before Immigration inspection.
Lead time: Build in extra time for payment/processing (lines fluctuate).
Some BI field offices can issue ECC-B in advance; practices vary by post and change over time.

6) Documentary requirements (bring the originals)

Passport (valid; with your current visa label/stamp if applicable).
ACR-I Card (physical card).
Proof of valid stay: most recent visa/extension OR authority to remain (official receipts/BI order, if any).
Confirmed ticket for departure.
Completed BI form(s) provided at the counter (short).
Supporting docs when relevant:
- For minors: usual travel authorizations (e.g., DSWD clearance where required).
- For workers/students: company/school ID or letter may be requested ad hoc.
- If you recently changed employer/school or downgraded status, bring the BI order/receipts.

If your ACR-I Card is lost/expired, expect additional steps (affidavit of loss, card renewal/replacement) that can delay departure. Resolve early.

7) Fees and typical costs (what to expect)

Exact amounts change regularly and differ by visa category and port. An ECC-B transaction generally bundles:

ECC-B fee
RP (for immigrants) or SRC (for non-immigrants)
Legal Research/Certification/Sticker/Stamp fees
Express Lane charges (if applicable)

Typical ballpark in recent practice:

Immigrant (13-series) with RP + ECC-B: roughly ₱2,000–₱3,500 total.
Non-immigrant (e.g., 9(g)) with SRC + ECC-B: roughly ₱1,800–₱3,000 total.

Frequent travelers sometimes obtain longer-validity RP/SRC (often up to one year) which reduces repeat payments during that period; availability and pricing are policy-dependent. Even with a valid multi-exit RP/SRC, you may still be issued/validated ECC-B at each exit—follow the BI cashier’s instructions.

8) Step-by-step at the airport

Arrive early and proceed to the BI cashier/ECC counter before Immigration.
Submit passport, ACR-I Card, ticket, and filled forms; state you need ECC-B (and RP/SRC, as applicable).
Pay the assessed fees and receive official receipt (and any sticker/slip).
Proceed to Immigration inspection; present documents/receipts if asked.
Clear security and depart.

9) Validity, scope, re-entry

ECC-B is single-use for the departure it is issued for.
RP (immigrants) and SRC (non-immigrants) may be single- or multiple-use and can have validities up to a year, depending on what you paid for and BI policy at issuance.
On return, ensure your visa remains valid (watch visa expiry and ACR-I Card validity while abroad).

10) Special/edge cases

Leaving permanently / changing status If you will not return on the same visa (resignation, contract ended, moving away), you often need a visa downgrade/cancellation and an ECC-A (not ECC-B). Start at a BI office well before your flight.
Overstay or unpaid fines BI may refuse ECC if you have unsettled liabilities. Pay extensions/fines first, then secure the proper ECC.
Pending cases / watchlists / HDOs Travelers subject to Hold-Departure Orders or watchlists will not be cleared until the order is lifted. Coordinate with counsel.
Minor children Immigration may ask for DSWD clearance (for certain minor travel scenarios) in addition to immigration papers. This is separate from ECC rules.
Seaports and secondary airports Facilities and on-site issuance can differ. If your port is smaller, consider arranging ECC-B in advance at a BI office.

11) Practical tips

Keep originals + copies of your ACR-I Card, latest BI receipts, and any BI orders.
Check your visa and ACR-I Card expiry before buying tickets—renewals can take time.
If you travel often, ask about 1-year RP/SRC options.
Arrive early (peak times can add 30–60 minutes).
Name consistency across passport, visa, ACR-I Card, and ticket avoids desk delays.

12) Quick FAQ

Q: I’m on a 9(g) work visa with an ACR-I Card. Do I need ECC-B every time I fly out for a short trip? A: Yes—non-immigrant ACR-I Card holders generally need ECC-B + SRC for temporary departures.

Q: I’m a tourist who stayed 7 months. Is ECC-B for me? A: No. You’re a visitor; you’ll need ECC-A, not ECC-B.

Q: I have an existing 1-year RP. Do I still stop at the cashier? A: Usually yes—the cashier/Immigration will verify/validate your RP and issue/annotate the ECC-B for that exit.

Q: Can I get ECC-B online? A: As a rule, no—it’s issued/paid at BI counters (airport/port or BI office).

Q: What happens if I show up without ECC-B? A: Expect denial of departure until you complete the process and pay fees.

13) Bottom line (what to remember)

ECC-B is the departure clearance for ACR-I Card holders leaving temporarily.
It is typically issued at the airport/port together with RP (immigrant) or SRC (non-immigrant).
Bring your passport, ACR-I Card, latest BI receipts, and time for the queue.
Fees vary, but expect roughly ₱1,800–₱3,500 depending on visa and port.
If you’re leaving for good or not returning on the same visa, you likely need ECC-A and status closure steps instead.

Important: BI policies and fees change. For a high-stakes trip (or unusual visa category), confirm requirements with the Bureau of Immigration or a Philippine immigration lawyer before travel.