The Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) is a vital document issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) that serves as proof that a foreign national has no pending obligations or criminal records in the Philippines, allowing them to depart the country legally.
Under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, certain foreign residents must secure this clearance to ensure they have cleared all responsibilities with the Philippine government before their exit.
Types of ECC
There are two primary categories of ECC, depending on the visa status and the nature of the stay:
- ECC-A (Regular ECC): Required for foreign nationals who have stayed in the Philippines for six months or more under a temporary visitor’s visa (tourist visa). It is also required for those with expired or downgraded visas or those leaving "for good."
- ECC-B: Issued to holders of immigrant and non-immigrant visas (such as 9-G work visas or 13-A resident visas) who have a valid ACR I-Card and are leaving the country temporarily with the intent to return.
Requirements for Application
To secure an ECC, an applicant typically needs to present the following documents at a Bureau of Immigration office:
- Original Passport (valid for at least six months).
- ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration).
- Original and Photocopy of the latest arrival and visa extension stickers.
- Six (6) pieces of 2x2 ID pictures (white background, taken within the last 3 months).
- Order of Downgrading (if applicable).
- Terminal Fee Receipt (if applying at certain satellite offices).
The Process: Can you get it at the Airport?
A common point of confusion is whether the ECC can be obtained directly at the airport on the day of departure.
- ECC-A Holders: Cannot typically be issued at the airport. If you have stayed as a tourist for over six months, you must apply at a BI Main Office or authorized District Office at least three to five days before your flight.
- ECC-B Holders: Can usually be processed at the Bureau of Immigration departure counters at major international airports (NAIA, Mactan-Cebu, Clark). Since these are for residents with valid I-Cards returning to the Philippines, the process is streamlined and integrated into the departure procedure.
Fees and Validity
| Category | Estimated Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| ECC-A | Approx. ₱500 - ₱1,200 | Valid for 1 month from issuance; single-use only. |
| ECC-B | Approx. ₱2,000 - ₱2,800 | Valid for the duration of the Re-entry Permit (usually 1 year). |
Note: Fees are subject to change based on the prevailing BI schedule of fees and express lane charges.
Key Legal Implications
Failure to present an ECC when required will result in the denial of boarding by Immigration officers. It is a penal requirement; leaving without it if you fall under the mandatory categories is a violation of immigration laws.
Important Note: The ECC is not a substitute for travel tax or terminal fees. Those are separate charges collected at the airport by the Philippine Tourism Authority and the airport authority, respectively.
Summary Checklist for Travelers
- Stayed < 6 months (Tourist): No ECC required.
- Stayed > 6 months (Tourist): Must get ECC-A at a BI office days before the flight.
- Work/Resident Visa Holder: Get ECC-B at the airport or BI office before departure.
Would you like me to draft a formal letter of intent or an application checklist tailored to your specific visa type?