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)
- 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.
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.
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.
- 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 - 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.
- 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.
I have tried to apply online for my ECC-B but the official gov.ph site doesn’t recognise my ACR-I number.😡
I’ve tried about 20 times now – on my Android mobile, Windows 11 laptop, and a Samsung tablet.
I have definitely typed the right ACR-I Card number and have even tried tried omitting the leading “G” (which is not a number🙂) and the 5 zeros that follow.
Has anyone else tried registering online?
I get the same error. Invalid number..
Hi yes same exact problem, my ECC-A, but the system accepts my ACR card number for visa extension online.
Good day
I want to ask how to take an exit clearance for my family which is my dependent going to
UK
Thank you
This article appears to have been written in, or around, 2018. I have had an ACR-I card since 2017 and have exited the country six times since then, paying my ECC-B fee at the airport each time, but never having to provide a photo of be finger-printed.
My local BI office know absolutely nothing about the ECC procedure! I tried to apply online but the site doesn’t recognise my ACR-I number! Duh!
Can anyone share their recent experience – did you have to download/complete the form and provide SIX photos?
Thanks!
hi, where can I get ECC-A for my daughter 7 years old born in the Philippines with US Passport. Were located in Visayas. The closes to us in Bacolod or Cebu. Please help us.
Hi, my baby is born in the Philippines and holding foreign passport but don’t have ACR yet. Can he still go exit the country without getting acr? How to do it?
Good morning! Do Balikbayans need an ECC who are just staying in the Philippines for less than 2 months? Do Americans need also an ECC if they stay for less than 1 moth? Thank you
Balikbayan does not need ecc as long you are not longer then 1 year in the country. tourist visa not more then 6 month
The ECC forms are available now see link
https://immigration.gov.ph/downloads/bi-forms
Hi can I not bring my child to immigration
My bf’s leaving tonight, he was supposed to apply for exit clearance today but due to the bad weather and other people’s no regards with time, he missed the office hours yesterday. He tried to apply today but all offices are closed due to the bad weather and i called the airport and told that they don’t process the exit clearance there when websites stated that you could get it at the airport. Question is, is there any other way to get this clearance without missing his flight?
bad luck
Hello my husband is German citizen and holding a permanent resident ACR CARD does he need to get an exit clearance to love the country? We’re living now in Philippines …
Exit clearance is required by anyone that has been over 6 months in the country.
Hi..is that true? To my understanding resident visa holders ALWAYS have to pay the exit clearance (2170php at airport), even if the stay was only a few days.
resident visa holder is handeled as a local. they have to pay TRAVEL TAX (not ecc) each time they leafe the country, so do you.
not balikbayan, they need it only after 1 year
Hi! I am a Filipino born citizen and married to an Indian. My husband is currently working in the USA and since we moved here in the Philippines temporarily with my 10 yrs old son (India passport holder) after coming down from India sometime in July 2019, the month which my husband departs to the USA for his work. Meanwhile, My husband had applied a dependent USA visa for both of us and unfortunately, we were able to obtain the visa only this 3rd week of January 2022. My son who is in a tourist visa has been extending his visa until the final notice came of July 15, 2021 (to leave The Phils.) however, our USA visas that particular time did not arrive yet, so, definitely my son’s Philippine visa had expired and he overstayed for 6 months and some days. I went to the BI district in Cebu a week ago and processed and at the same time settle his overstaying and other obligations that requires to do. I was told not to book our flight yet as the application’s timeframe for ECC and other things would usually go for 2-3 months because of the motion for reconsideration. Please enlighten my mind if anyone of you has an idea how reliable the officer statement is. Thank you 🙏
Thanks for the info.
Is that 2×2 photo 2×2 inches or 2×2 centimetres?
Cheers to anyone who knows.
Good point. It is inches though, using the American system.
Photo 2×2 inch (51×51 mm, 5×5 cm)
Hello there! Hoping this message will get a reply. My American husband need to leave the country temporarily soon but unable to renew his visa Sec.13A (permanent resident) earlier this year due to covid restrictions (need to do it in Cebu). We are from Bohol. My question is… Can my husband get this done at the Manila Airport Immigration and can he get his ECC without any worries.? Please help… reply is really appreciated.
An ECC normally takes at least 24 hours. It would be best to ring Immigration and see what currently applies due to COVID.
I am an Indian student, studying in Philippines. I have a valid 9f student visa and acr card, valid till18 Jan 2022. I am going back to India on 25 jun 2021 and will be back most probably in april 2022. Which ecc should I have and for how many days will it be valid ?
Hi , I hope your well and thank you for the info your proving . I am a bit in a bind here . My daughter is born in the USA but has been in the Philippines for 10 plus years . She lost her old American passport hence she has renewed and got a new passport. She is traveling back to the USA this month .How can I pay her taxes ? How do I know how much and what’s the process. She’s 15 and she is flying by herself with the airlines assistance.
Hello admin! This is shakaina from Philippines. I am a filipino citizen and just obtained my Australian citizenship by descent this year. I just want to ask if I could just use my Australian passport because I can’t apply for Philippine passport as of now since its al fully booked until October. Can I travel to Australia without Philippine passport? And just apply for Exit clearance?
I would assume so, but to get an ECC they say you need a Philippines visa in the Australian passport.
I’m trying to get information regarding my daughter leaving the Philippines with the foreign passport which is irish .. My wife’s visa has been granted for the UK . We are trying to get a Filipino passport which is absolutely next to impossible at cebu.. So exactly what is the requirements for my wife to leave the country she has a Philippines passport visa for the UK. My daughter was born in the Philippines she’s only three months old can, she leave the Philippines with a foreign passport . She will not have an entry stamp on the passport. I am trying to sort it out from the Singapore lrish Embassy. Irish passport holders do not need a visa to enter the UK.
For a child to leave the Philippines on a foreign passport (eg: Irish), that child, (even if only a few weeks old) needs as ECC. I was told this at Manila airport some years ago, by the head officer at Immigration. I would have hoped this would change by now, but I haven’t heard anything to the contrary.
An ECC needs a valid visa in the foreign passport first.
In your situation it would seem easier to go to a BoI and sort out a visa and ECC. If they say you don’t need one, try to get it in writing, so you can show to airport immigration.
If you were to get a Philippine Passport, you may have even worse problems.
A Philippine Passport holder needs to have a foreign visa in that passport to LEAVE the Philippines, unless going to a visa free country. And of course, getting a UK entry visa for a Philippine citizen, who is also Irish, can prove to be a problem. The embassy would probably say you don’t need one for an Irish passport, and may not do it.
I have often told people to fly to a visa free country (for Filipinos) using the Philippine passport to leave, without mentioning onward travel from there. Arrive in the middle country using the Foreign passport to enter. Then book a flight to the final destination country, using the Foreign passport.
eg: Filipinos can enter Singapore visa free, and therefore leave the Philippines using a Philippine passport with no visa. Then enter Singapore using the Irish passport, and leave for the UK on the Irish passport.
Some people have shown both Philippine and foreign passport and been allowed to fly, others in the same situation have been refused. It seems to depend on the immigration officer.
Your wife, with a Philippines passport visa for the UK, and presumably an immigrant-class visa, only needs to do the CFO Program.
It’s all a pain!!
My experience with Immigration leaving the Philippines, was being denied exit. I eventually managed to take it higher to the officer in charge, who reversed the original decision, and allowed me to leave. I arrived at the airport 4 hours early, and had 15 minutes left to catch the plane by the time it was all sorted.
Hi, I hope you read and answer my question.
I have a 2 year old son, he have philippine and japan passport already. We’re planning to go to japan this year. Which passport should I use for him? And do i need to secured more documents for him to avoid any complication at the airport? Please answer, thankyou!
Normally it would be:
Philippine passport to leave and enter the Philippines.
Japanese passport to enter and leave Japan.
Worth Reading:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/philippine.html
https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000035.html
I don’t know much about requirements for Japan, but it seems that a Philippine national does need a visa. That creates an issue.
This page shows agents that might be better placed to answer for Japan.
https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/00_000253.html
I am travelling back to Autralian under Australlian passport, but I am a naturally born Filipino. I returned back at the Philippines last Feb 2020. My flight is on May 7, 2021. Do I need an ECC?
If you travel on an Australian passport, you are normally treated as an Australian, and would need an ECC.
If you obtained a Balikbayan visa when you arrived in Feb 2020, you would have been given an initial stay of one year. That would have expired in Feb 2021, and you probably need to go to an Immigration office to sort out your exact situation with visas etc.
Hi I recently received my US passport thru adult derivative citizenship process here in manila. I just wanted to ask if I also need an ECC to leave the country and if I need to pay fees.
If you travel on a foreign passport, then you are treated as any other foreigner, with up to date visas, and an ECC when applicable.
If you travel on a Philippine passport then you are treated as a Philippine Citizen, no visas or ECC.
but travel tax
My passport has recently been replaced and has no recent renewal stamp and I’ve lost my receipt. The BI had a record of my renewal date, so will there be a problem in me obtaining the clearance?
That might depend on the actual officer that you see. I have found that some are very helpful, but others just go by the book, and people can have problems.
You can only try.
Good Morning,
My daughter(3yo) was born in the Philippines. I am a US citizen and her mother is a Filipino Citizen. My daughter applied for US passport and it got approved so she is now considered a US Citizen. My question is how can she apply for Phil Passport? I believe she has all the requirements needed to get one on DFA but the BI told me that she have to apply a Re-Acquisition of Philippine Citizenship for my daughter to be a Dual Citizen. I am trying to avoid paying exit clearance.
This statement might be relevant: “By becoming naturalized as a foreigner, you are deemed to have lost your Philippine citizenship.”
http://newyorkpcg.org/pcgny/consular-services/dual-citizenship-ra-9225/
Going by that it appears that by obtaining a US passport the child is now a foreigner. However, I am sure that many children do get both passports, maybe by not mentioning they have the foreign one?
There are all sorts of problems that can happen in your situation.
She become US Citizen by birth with the CRBA process.
https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/child-family-matters/birth/first-time-report-birth-abroad/
And according to RA 9225 Dual Citizenship Act on page 8 that there is no need to apply for the re-acquisition of their Philippine citizenship if “Those born in the Philippines of Filipino mothers and alien fathers if by the law of fathers’ country such children are citizen of that country.”
https://cfo.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/2018/DUAL-CIT-PRIMER-FINAL.pdf
How I understand it is that my daughter is not a naturalized citizen US but a US citizen by birth and she did not lost her Filipino Citizenship when I report her birth abroad to the US embassy because “born” and “naturalized” US citizen are not the same I guess? Is this consider that she is now a dual citizen and she just need to apply now for Philippine passport?
Not also sure how dual citizen can go to the US from the Philippines if they have to use Philippine passport?
Looking at it logically, the child is both nationalities by birth, according to current Philippine, and many other countries, laws.
It should be a straightforward process to apply for a Philippine passport, assuming the processing officer does not create issues.
Many dual citizen have had issues in leaving the Philippines, when going to a country that requires a visa for Philippine citizens.
It would be good if immigration could just accept the Philippine passport to leave, and accept the US passport as the equivalent of a visa for entry to the US.
That would of course cut down the income, from the Philippine visa fees that the country normally receives.
Good Morning Mam/Sir,
I just want to ask if, it is necessary to get ECC when you work abroad I am a Filipino citizen since birth and not using any foreign passport.
thank you fro your positive response.
An ECC is only for people who travel on a foreign passport.
A person travelling on a Philippine passport does not require one.
i’m a foreigner traveling with my pinay wife who is a Dual citizen usa/philippino. we are soon to travel to America. as my wife will be traveling on her American passport will she require a Exit visa/ECC? i have a 13A with valid ACR card i believe i need the ECC-B. unclear on what my wife will be required for travel documentation. thx
If a person travels on a foreign passport, they ‘normally’ need to follow the requirements for that passport.
Hence, travelling as a US Citizen, she would need to have an ECC.
Some people get a flight to a local country that has no visa requirement, using the Philippine passport, and then fly from there to the US, using the US passport, avoiding any visa/ECC issues.
There was talk of a dual citizen being exempted from this, so it might be best to contact an immigration office to see what the current rules are.
Good evening!
I’m a foreigner who’s leaving the Philippines in October. My last entry to the Philippines was in February. Then I extended my tourist visa For 6 months. As far as I know, I need emigration clearance to leave. I have my alien registration card (received during my visa extension process). However, I don’t have SSRN number on it. Can I still get the clearance for departure at the airport? Or do I have to go to main immigration office? Is SSRN number still required?
I would personally go to the local office first.
Having been stopped at the airport myself, I have little faith in the systems, and would prefer to cover all bases, BEFORE arriving at the airport.
Hello admin,
When should I apply for ECC before getting ticket or once I have conformation of my flight? How much is the ACC?
Hello admin,
When should I apply for ECC before getting ticket or once I have conformation of my flight? How much is the ACC?
The cost depends on which one. The ECC-A (normally for visitors etc) is between free and 1,000 pesos. It has varied between different people. I last paid 500.
The ECC-B (for most other visa holders) is nearer 3,500 pesos.
Normally apply about 3 weeks before the flight. The ECC is valid for one month. I have seen it said that it is best to apply 15 days before the flight, to allow time to issue the ECC.
With COVID-19 and the difficulties with flights, it might get tricky.
I would get it done as soon as you know what you are doing, and be prepared to get a new one if it expires before you leave. At least you will know how long it takes you to get one.
I had delays as my ACR-I card had expired, and I needed to renew my existing visa, as an ACR-I card could only be done at the same time as a visa extension application. The ECC could not be issued until the ACR card was done.
Hi Admin,
I have 2 questions hope you get to answer them within a day:))
1)I have acquired my ECC and my flight DATE is indicated on my ECC. But the following day I decided to call my airline and change my flight to an earlier date ( like 4 days early ). Will that be a problem ? Having a different flight date on my ECC.
2) they mispelt my name basically missing a letter, i immediately told them. They didnt even change the certificate ( ECC ). They just typed my correctly spelled name on a blank paper and cut it out and glued it on the wrongly spelt name. I got a bit worried as it might cause me a problem at the airport. I asked the officer if they can at least sign or put their initials next to the correction. They just simply said “ nah that should be fine”. I have my flight in the next 3 days what should I do ? Please advice !
Thanks Admin
I can’t see the flight date being a problem. Some people get the ECC before booking a flight, so the date is never entered. You could try to contact Immigration and ask them.
The name part does sound odd. Knowing how the Philippine immigration can sometimes be lax or sometimes fussy, I would be a bit concerned. But if they can clearly see the original, misspelled name, they should understand.
If problems arise at the airport, insist on speaking to someone higher up in charge so you can explain what happened, but never get noticeably annoyed at them. Always treat them with respect, so that they eventually do the same.
Hello, I just processed my ECC today.. my flight is on Sunday JUL-12.
I have been extended for stay (MR) valid until JUL-15
Is it normal for BI MAIN to collect and KEEP my passport? They took my passport after paying the ECC fees, and said it will be forwarded to the immigration counter of the airport, by the day of my flight.
I’m am concerned with the timing (Sunday morning flight) as I will need to show my new work visa and passport to before I can even check-in at the airline counter.
is this new or the normal process?
I have not heard of that happening. It sounds odd.
My passport was never held like that.
Was there anything unusual about your situation? Overstayed visa etc?
Hi admin, i dont know where i can ask thats why i just click the reply. I hope you dont mind. Hehe i just want to ask what if i lost the last january? I mean i arrive here in ph last year december. And then i extend january untill now. But i lost my january visa OR. 🙁
I am not actually sure, but I would guess this must happen frequently. Immigration must have a way to handle that.
Hi, Can I ask some questions here regarding on my concerns with my daughter,My daughter was born in the Philippine last dec 2018,she is holding japanese passport,and we are planning to get her an ECC too to Bureau of Immigration,so she can finally fly here in Japan. Can I ask here if do we need to pay some to BI Main office? And how much it cost ? Thank you so much!!! I hope you can see this comments. Thank you so much !!!
The ECC-A is under 1,000 pesos.
However, there may be an issue regarding having a visa, as a current visa and an ACR-I card is normally required to get the ECC.
There should be exemptions for young children, hopefully. The BoI will confirm. Best to check with them as soon as possible.
Hi again ! I already contact the BoI about having an ECC for my daughter,Philippine Born National who has leaving the country for the first time,
The are requirements,but I am worried I dont know what Photocopy of the offical receipts of payment cor the latest Anual Report. Can you please tell me what is this kind of documents to prepare? Thank you so much again !
Normal they need a Photocopy of the official receipt of payment for the last visa. As far as the annual report is concerned, I did not encounter that myself, as I never had to do one. I assume that if the foreign parent has done one, then a copy of that, plus probably a copy of the payment receipt, for the lodging of that, would be needed.
Maybe best to take everything official that you have, and they can tell you what copies you need. I did something similar, and there was a place that did the copies next door.
Hi what are the requirements and do i need to pay penalties if its my daughters first time to travel
Hello good day. I just want to ask what is the requirements for 2 years old child who wants to get ECC. He was born in the Philippines and currently holding Australian citizenship and first time leaving the country. Can I apply from Marquee mall Pampanga immigration? Thank you
I am pretty sure the Marquee Mall can do that, although they might need time to send to Manila for clearance.
Passport, up to date Visas etc., will be required. Unless things have changed recently.
The staff at Marquee Mall Immigration should be able to advise you exactly what is required, and help to fix up anything else needed.
Make sure you take the Passport, Birth Certificate, and any visa receipts if you have them.
I know that many people wouldn’t consider getting a visa for a Philippines born child, assuming with a Philippine mother, but the Philippines does like to complicate these issues..
If the baby has a Philippine passport, take that too. I get the feeling that different immigration officers interpret the rules differently, and that ‘might’ help.
Hello, I have a 4year old Child currently here in the Philippines and a Dutch citizen passport holder he will be leaving the Philippines for the first time next month and I heard that I need to get ECC for my son. Can I apply here in Davao Immigration ? What is the requirements? How does it takes ? Do I have to pay for my son over stay or what? Did I need to set an appointment to Immigration ? Thank you so much.
If he has a Philippine passport he can leave the country on that and not need an ECC.
If he is traveling on a foreign passport, then all visas need to be brought up to date, with all overstay fees, and an ECC obtained before leaving.
An ECC can be done at most BoI’s and often the same day, although a delay may be possible where visas need to be brought up to date.
Thank you for the quick response. Where can I ask How much Will it cost for the over stay fees? My 4year old Child is a foreign passport holder born in Philippines .
It should be about 120,000 for Four Years visa fees and penalties.
Hello admin, 120,000 penalty fees for four years ? Is that cost can possibly decrease ? Please give me some advise , other way to lesser cost.
That is not all the penalty, that is 4 years unpaid fees plus an extra amount for the penalty/late payment. Normally a visitor would pay 24,000 per year for visa fees alone. So that’s about 100,000 for 4 years, with about an extra 20,000 penalty/late fees.
I can’t see them discounting for late payment.
They only other way, is if the child has a Philippine passport, and can leave the country on that instead of being a foreign passport holder. That way there are no visa fees to pay. But that limits the selection of countries that he can fly to, as a Filipino citizen.
Hello admin, the computation is from the date he born or from the date we get his foreign passport?
From what I was told, it is the date of birth. It is an interesting point though.
You never clarified if the child was FILIPINO AKA born to a FILIPINA with your DNA.
Or is the child born form a WHITE DUTCH woman but INSIDE the Philippines.
Thats VERY important.
And why the HELL would you fly OUT of the PH with a PH born child on a foreign passport?
GET THE PH PASSPORT WITH THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE! I thought the Dutch had HIGH IQ??? Most locals are 81 and most western countries are 100+ so what the heck brother?
2 years late but.. silly questions.
My kid will be born in the PH this month to a FILIPINA and im a US passport holder. The kid will get a PH birth certificate, PH passport, THEN Ill get US documents.
Why the heck would you pay overstay fees for a kid born in the PH lol
No one has been able to answer my question, so I’m hoping maybe you can.
My current visa (extension) will expire on March 26, 2020. This will be 2 years since I have entered the Philippines and have extended my visa accordingly.
Due to the flight bans traveling to the U.S.A. through South Korea, I was able to book my ticket for May 8th to leave the philippines.
Will they allow me to extend my visa again for that short period?
Or will I have to overstay my visa? If I have to overstay, can you tell me what I will have to do to assure an ECC before my flight so I won’t have any complications?
You haven’t stated your nationality.
Non Visa required nationals can stay for up to Thirty-six (36) months on eligible tourist visas before needing to leave the country again.
Visa required nationals can stay for up to Twenty-four (24) months on eligible tourist visas before needing to leave the country again.
The 24 or 36 month period is counted from the date of applicant’s latest recorded arrival.
https://www.in-philippines.com/stay-for-3-years-as-a-tourist-in-the-philippines/
You would need to apply for an extension, to cover 26 March 2020 to after your flight date, probably 26 May.
I feel sure that immigration renewals will be relaxed due to this coronavirus issue.
Does the 36 months still exist now with the Covid rules requiring a tourist visa from every country, even those that were non-visa required before Covid?
The current rules are still showing as:
Under Immigration Memorandum Circular No. SBM-2013-003, non-visa required national may extend their stay up to thirty six (36) months while visa required national may extend their stay up to twenty four (24) months.
They still show a list of non-visa required countries. This may still apply to those who entered before rules changed.
Currently, foreigners from visa-exempt countries who wish to stay for longer than the time specified must apply for a Philippines visit visa, as opposed to a visa waiver or waiver extension.
Best to check with Immigration direct, as the information available is confusing.
I’m sorry, I forgot to include that I am a U.S. citizen.
I am on a tourist visa, so thay would mean I have 24 months. March 26th marks the 2 year mark of being here.
My flight is scheduled for May 8th 2020. That will be 6 weeks after my visa expires.
Since I will have already have been here for 2 years, will they allow me to extend the extra 6 weeks? (Or 2 months)
If it’s not probable, would there be any reason to go to the immigration before March 26th? Or should I just overstay and wait and go the week before I plan to leave and pay overstay fees and get the ECC clearance?
Most US Citizens get 36 months.
I have Australian citizenship, and kept renewing my visa for 36 months.
Both US and Australia are classed as Non Visa required nationals, from what I have seen, and can renew for up to 36 months.
The US is still listed as a Non Visa required country on the Philippines DFA website.
Avoid letting your visa lapse.
I have dual citizenship, British and Canadian, and I can stay 36 months entering with either passport. Seeing how the Filipinos have always been partial to the Yanks, you should certainly not have a problem.
Over staying your visa is not an option you should be considering as the fine can be as high as ₱500 per day.
Hello,
I have a daughter who is a US Citizen currently staying in the Philippines. She’s been overstaying for about 9yrs now, and I want to bring her back to the US by March 2020. I’ve renewed her US Passport recently, but I cannot locate her old passport that we used originally. Do you know if there are any exceptions for under age kids regarding over stay in the Philippines? Or does the same rules apply to minors?
From what I have seen, basically the same rules apply.
If she has a Philippine passport, she can travel without any issue, to various nearby “no visa required” countries, and then use the US passport for onward travel from there.
Hello i have a question i am 83 years old when it comes to my time to leave the country after three years i should be 84 years old i’m not well are there any arrangement or possibilities for elderly people to not have to leave the country after the three years stay
I’ve not heard of anything, although they may suggest that you apply for the SRRV retirement visa to avoid that requirement.
I expect that they feel that a 3 year holiday on a tourist visa would be sufficient for most tourists.
I am a US Citizen living Texas. My son (also US Citizen) was living in Philippines with his partner who was born & raised in Philippines. I am uncertain if she possess a Filipino passport or she would have to get one. My son died in September in the Philippines. She wants to come to US to visit his family here.
What steps are needed to allow her to fly to US for a month visit? And, approximately how much would this process cost (excluding air travel) to get proper documents to fly to US.
She also has a married cousin, child and dad that live in California, all Filipino.
Is there anything we can do to help her acquire all the documents needed to travel to USA?
And how long and expensive is this process to acquire docs that would allow her to make the trip to US?
Do I get a reply via email or do I need to watch this site each day? I am a first time user.
I promise we will send her home when her visit is up.
She will need to get a passport AND a visa to visit the US.
Philippine Passport: https://www.passport.gov.ph/requirements/new-application
These can be obtained at one of about 36 DFA offices in the Philippines. (Where to get a Passport in the Philippines)
I have heard that a passport can be obtained in about 2 weeks.
US Visa from Philippines: https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/
Processing times for a visa is dependent on the US Embassy.
I totally agree with you
Hi, I’m leaving the Philippines for the first time with a 13A visa and I know I need to get a ECC-B at the airport. Does anyone know what is involved? How long it takes, how much? And what kind of paper work I need to have? Thanks
Apparently it is just a single form and 2,880 pesos.
They say there is no passport sized picture required, but I would always have a few on me, just in case.
You can do it a local Immigration office or the airport. It should not take too long, but with airport queues varying, it is worth getting there early.
hi i was just married here in philslast year to a swiss man and im going to apply a visa to go his country at switzerland next month…july 2020. and the embassy asking me to if possible i can get exit clearance for my travel this year?bec,of the pandemic maybe its hard for me to exit in phils….so maybe i need this exit clearance?..thanks!
If you are a Filipina then you need the CFO,(https://www.in-philippines.com/commission-on-filipinos-overseas-program/) not the ECC. The ECC is for foreigners with a visa, who have been in the country for 6 months plus. The CFO is effectively an exit clearance too, but for some Philippine Citizens.
An emigrating Filipino, or one who has been granted an immigrant-class visa, is required to register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) before leaving the country to settle in a foreign land.
The CFO consists of a Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) or Peer Counseling Seminar, which is a brief, two-hour seminar on settlement issues. You then get a Certificate which is required at immigration.
You need to check if your local CFO office is open again again yet. Cebu, Clark and NAIA appear to be closed, Davoa was scheduled to open yesterday.
https://cfo.gov.ph/
Hello
I was working in Philippines on 47A2 visa 3 years back. After staying for a year I left the country without downgrading my visa which was valid for 6 months more. Also I did not procure a ECC.
Now I want to apply for 9A visa so I can visit the country. Will there be any problem with the immigration because of not downgrading my previous 47A2 visa.
Your response will be highly appreciated.
Thank You
From what I have read on this visa, I would doubt there would be any problem.
The visa appears to have ended when you left, and did not need downgrading. An ACR-I Card was not needed, and presumably therefore neither was an ECC.
I base my opinion on the following:
47 (a) (2) Special Non Immigrant Visa
This type of visa requires the employer’s sponsorship and is valid for the duration of the contract/term of office or for one (1) year, whichever is shorter.
Holders of this visa are exempted from ACR I-card requirement.
The sponsor company shall notify the DOJ, copy furnished the PEZA, SEZ, BOI, AFAB, or the appropriate government agency, whichever is applicable, within three (3) days from termination of employment of the foreign national.
Sources: https://visasphilippines.com/philippine-visas/work-visa/47a2-visa/
https://www.philippineconsulatela.org/consular-services-2/visa/47-a-2-special-non-immigrant-visa
This one process demonstrates the entire incompetence of the Country, I had to fly back from Australia (I travel frequently for work) to at first get an NBI clearance (I’ve no idea why this is a required process) and the waste 3 weeks whilst the immigration department runs through it’s red tape. What is the purpose of the exit certificate or downgrading? It makes no sense at all. Surely you should only be interested if someone leaves the Country prior to a Visa expiring. If its about getting cash, then just charge a fee and be done with it. I have nothing good to say about the Country at all, full of hypocritical christians, total incompetence, greed, corruption and total ignorance. Other Countries in Asia are far more interesting and capable. For the typical Filipino it’s hard not think that they hand out free lobotomies at birth.
On this particular subject, there can be no argument on the incompetence of the reasoning for the ECC.
When the ECC was enforced in 2013, the reason for this certificate was given as:
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.
– and – then there is this:
Any new born child, born in the Philippines, but travelling on a Foreign passport, NEEDS an ECC to leave the Philippines.
I was advised, by Manila Immigration, that a 6 month old baby, under that condition, was refused boarding due to not having an ECC (to check its derogatory records in the country?)!!!
I was stupid enough to think it was just absurdity. But now to my horror I find that BI indeed are capable of coming up with “derogatory records” for children. -They are fined for overstaying in Philippines when coming for the exit clearance! Filipino born children with Filipina mother! Fined for years of overstay.
Is it possible? Is there no sense of decency in BI?
But if they leave the country using a Philippines passport, which they could if they have a Filipina mother, there is no issue on overstaying, or needing an ECC.
It is only because they leave on a foreign passport, as a foreign person, and have to abide by the rules for foreigners.
The ECC for a foreign baby is ridiculous though, based on the reason for an ECC, checking the “derogatory records” for the baby..
What a crying baby. Australia has one of the most strict visa policies in the world, with high fees and stupid rules. I’ve never had any problems in the Philippines, just don’t be stupid and you won’t have any problems.
The way you generalise Filipinos is also interesting, especially coming from someone whose country started as a place for prisoners and criminals, has no food culture whatsoever, is full of racist people, can’t treat its indigenous people right and as its best is famous worldwide for… kangaroos.
Before you criticise a country’s laws and rules, take a loook at your own backyard and see how shitty it is.
whingeing, and bad-mouthing others…Aussie national past-time…just watch Australia Border Security on TV and see what a bunch of pricks you have working your borders…
HELO ,
I have resident provisionary visa. Can i came to get my exit clearance next week if i will go home in vacantion just in sept 18? or cant be issue the exit clearance if is more then 30 days the departure?
In 2013, Bureau of Immigration (BI) OIC-Commissioner Siegfred B. Mison advised that in due time, the Bureau will come up with automated ECC Kiosks to centralize and simplify the process of issuing the ECC.
Six years later, this does not appear to have happened yet.
Can you get an ECC clearance at the airport providing you have a valid ACR card and tourist visas are all up to date, but have been in the Philippines for more than one year ? Because I’m reading on some sites that you can only get your ECC clearance at the airport if you’ve been in the Phillipines for less than one year.
Those on a Visitor visa need the ECC-A and that can take a day or two to process.
This must be done at a BI office, and you normally collect the next day, although sometimes longer.
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.
These are NOT issued for those on a visitor visa.
From the ECC Facts Sheet:
1: Who should apply for an Emigration Clearance Certificate?
The following foreign nationals must secure an ECC-A prior to their departure:
Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa (also referred to as tourist visa) who have stayed in the Philippines for six (6) months or more;
2: When should I apply for an ECC?
A foreign national may apply for an ECC at least 72 hours prior to his/her departure from the Philippines.
http://immigration.gov.ph/faqs/emigration-clearance-certificate-ecc
What if (visa 13A ) Acr-icard has expired ,can still get an ECC-B at the airport? US citizen
It would be best to ring Immigration and check directly with them.
admin,
I get her indian passport last june 2019 now she dont have visa how many months penalty i need to pay
Thanks
A visa should be obtained for any foreign child from Birth.
You need to go to a Bureau of Immigration and get this resolved as soon as you can.
Hi admin,
But her mother is pilipino and we get her passport last june.
To travel as a Filipino, you need a Philippine Passport. You said you got an ‘Indian’ passport last June, so she is travelling as an Indian, not a Filipino.
If you feel that she should be treated as a Filipino, then you need to get proof of her ‘Filipino citizenship’, and take that to Immigration, and hope they allow travel.
Just want to thro this in….
If you come in the country with your spouse, you can be issued a Balikbayan Visa (good for 12 months) you can leave the country at any time with no need of a ECC letter. I do not know how it stands with a child born here while on the vist to the Philippines.
I ‘think’ it will depend on what passport the child travels on.
The child will be a Philippine Citizen, being born to a Philippine Citizen in the Philippines. No issue with an ECC for that.
However, if the child travels on a Foreign passport, according to what I was told at Manila Immigration, it will need an ECC.
The father, being on a Balikbayan, does not, and would would think the child would be the same, but anything goes in the Philippines.. Remember “An 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.” And some babies do NEED one..
This “Balikbayan baby” situation is probably something that needs to be confirmed with immigration.
I have a valid ACR-1 Card currently in my possession. My passport extension is good until Sept.1st. My last ECC was paid for during my application for my ACR, on June 27th. I am leaving PH for only 1 week on Aug.8th, and returning on Aug.15th. I assume that because my ECC-B is only good for 1 month, which means that it will be expired on the day that I leave the PH, that I’ll have to pay for another ECC-B on the day of my departure at the airport. Is it as simple as paying the fees for a new ECC-B on the day that I depart…right at the airport? And since I have a valid passport extension, and current ACR-1 card, that photos, forms, and other requirements won’t be necessary? Thank you for any answers that you can provide to me.
did you have to pay for another VISA EXTENSION?
i was told at Dasma i needed to pay for another extension when i just got one on Aug 2.
The normal rule is that you can get an ECC if you have a current ACR-I card, and a valid visa.
If you haven’t got a valid ACR-I card you need to get one, at the same time as another visa extension, before you can get an ECC.
Hi admin
I have been in the PH for 6months now under student visa 9f, and I still have a valid ACR I card and I want to go back to my country due to some emergency problems at home, can you tell me what are the requirements to get an EXIT CLEARANCE?
Most people would go to their nearest BoI office, as detailed in the above post.
A valid ACR card, and valid visa, are two of the requirements for an ECC.
An ECC-B is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the country temporarily. It is said that this can be obtained at an airport, but I would always prefer to be 100% sure, and check with a BoI office first.
Some departing holders of Non-Immigrant visas, even with valid ACR I-Cards, must secure an ECC-A prior to their departure, normally a few days prior.
Hi Admin,
I just wanna ask about my child who’s born here in the Philippines but since her father is us citizen she grant us passport and she doesn’t have Philippines passport. She’s 2 yrs old now and she’s still here at the Philippines but we’re gonna go in Us this August 2019. What would be the process or requirements for her to leave the Philippines with out any trouble? Do we need to pay penalties? or can i just get here Philippine passport? Awaiting for your response.
Thank you!
The child, if travelling on a US passport, will need to get an ECC. That means having correct visas up to date for a foreign passport holder. That normally means paying the visa for the entire period.
60,000 Total for Up to Two Years Overstay, and about 3,000 per month over that. APPROX (How much are the Penalties for Overstaying as a Tourist in the Philippines?)
But a child maybe less.
With only a Philippine passport, the child could leave the Philippines, and go to a country where no visa is required.
But not go to the USA unless they had a visa, and being a US citizen, the child cannot get a visa for the US.
With both Philippine and US passports, I have heard that some airports officials allow the person to leave without any issues.
But, some insist that the person has to abide by one or the other passports. Neither option is good.
The easy way is to pay the visa costs, and get an ECC.
This can be done at almost any Immigration Bureau.
Personally I would get her a Philippines passport anyway, even if you don’t use it. It is much cheaper, and easier, to get it in the Philippines than overseas.
I had the same issue my child was born here in the philippines and acquire u.s citizenship last 2017 and now a u.s passport holder. We are still here in ph. And getting ready to u.s by august. I need also to have ECC permit to travel . How much does it cost and what are the requirements needed to have ECC.
The ECC may be secured at the BI Main Office or in select District Offices, Satellite Offices, Field Offices, One-Stop-Shops.
The cost of the ECC is 500 pesos.
If Visa payments are also required then it depends on how long the person has been in the country without a valid visa.
The main requirement for an ECC are the up to date visas, and an ACR-I card.
i wanna ask about my daughter she was born in Philippines
and she has indian passport but we get her indian passport last june 24 2019. do we need to pay penalties because she doesn’t have visa.
Thank you.
Being born in the Philippines means nothing. She is an Indian citizen, and needs to have valid visas, and an ECC when she leaves the Philippines.
Only a Philippine citizen can stay in the Philippines without a visa.
If she has a Philippine citizen parent, then she is also eligible to be a Philippine Citizen.
Getting a Philippine passport would help when leaving the Philippines, to avoid needing visas to cover her stay in the Philippines, as a foreign passport traveller.
Good afternoon,
We need to pay penalties and how much.How to get ecc and what is the requirements.
Please advise what we can do.
Thank you.
You need to go to a Department of Immigration.
http://immigration.gov.ph/contact-us/other-immigration-offices
Requirements:
http://immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/temporary-visitor-visa/extension-of-authorized-stay-beyond-59-days
Good afternoon.
Can you help me how much the cost for her penalties because she is almost 15 months but we get her indian passport last june 2019 and her mother is Philippine citizen.
Please help us
Thank you
An idea of the penalties are:
28,000 Total for Up to Eleven Month Overstay
30,000 Total for Up to Twelve Months Overstay
60,000 Total for Up to Two Years Overstay
https://www.in-philippines.com/how-much-are-the-penalties-for-overstaying-as-a-tourist-in-the-philippines/
Even we get her passport last June 2019 and she was born in Philippine last June 2018 and her mother is Filipino she still pay the penalty.
please advised what we will do the best thing because she is indian nationality and they not allowed dual citizen in india.
Please help us.
She is a Foreign Citizen, travelling on a foreign passport. All Foreign citizens are treated the same.
“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.
To be issued with an ECC, you need up to date valid visas.”
You could have chosen Philippine citizenship and got a Philippine passport first.
Would India know, if she also got a Philippine passport?
Some people, to avoid the penalty, might relinquish the Indian nationality and become a Philippine citizen.
admin,
I get her indian passport last june 2019 now she dont have visa how many months penalty i need to pay
Thanks
Hello. I am holding a 9G Visa. Last July 15 I just left the Philippines and came back last July 31. I already paid the travel tax and exit clearance in the airport. Now I want to leave the Philippines again in October. So do I need to pay the travel tax, the exit clearance, and terminal fee for It has been just for 3 months since my last time of leaving and coming back to the Philippines?
My two kids (6 & 5 yrs old) who were born in the Philippines and later acquired their Canadian citizenship. They will soon travel to Canada for the first time. Do you have any idea how much is the fee to secure their ECC? Thanks for your reply.
Do they also have Philippine passports?
If not, they are treated as foreigners in the country, and will need to pay the visa overstay fees (../penalties for overstaying as a tourist in the philippines) before they can be issued with an ECC.
This is a strange situation, and sometimes people get around it by leaving on a Philippine passport, going to a country that doesn’t need a visa, and then flying on to countries, such as Canada in your case, where they have a passport for entry to Canada.
Sometimes, showing both passports allows departure, but I wonder how the rules SHOULD be applied.
I think you need to go to a Bureau of Immigration to check exactly, rather than risking being delayed at the airport, and maybe refused boarding.
Hi there, my 2 kids aged 10 & 8 were canada born & stayed in the Philippines for 2 years. We report their live of birth here in toronto this may 2019. They were about to come back yesterday when they were stop at the immigration with my husband accompanying them at the airport because they dont dual certificate accordingly. So, I call back the phil consulate Toronto & told me the best thing to do is apply for Exit ckearance certificate. Therefore, how much is the cost & how long is the process? Since my family all Canadian citizens need to come back asap.pls I really appreciate your soonest reply right now pls..thanks much!
The ECC is often done within two days, and normally costs 500 pesos, but… To get the ECC you need up to date Visas. That means paying the relevant fees, approximated on this page, for the relevant period stayed without a visa.
They need to go to a Bureau of Immigration to get this sorted.
Hi admin, I stay in Philippines almost for 3years with my live-in-partner as a Tourist visa. I keep on renewal my visa every month. And now, I need to go exit according to BI. They told me, I can come back again and to settle for my marriage rather than spending the money on payment for tourist visa. I already book my ticket to Singapore and back again to Philippines. So, which type of ECC I need to apply? Can I apply inside airport before 4hrs of my departure? How MUCH fee for ECC? What are the other documents required to show in Philippines Airport when I came back? My partner, she gave me her original NSO birth certificate, Postal Id, Some marriage application which had been pending with her own finger print and duly signature. I told her to be at airport, ifever BI ask for some proof. Hope you understand and give me some hints to face any trouble in airport.
Can I apply inside airport before 4hrs of my departure? No. As far as I am aware you still need to arrange that about a week before you leave. When I arrived at the airport, I was told to go to Manila Immigration office the following day, to get the ECC.
The ECC is valid for 1 month, so apply in plenty of time to allow any difficulties in getting it. eg: Do you have a valid ACR card with SSRN number?
Read the comments by Robert King on April 16, below.
How MUCH fee for ECC? 500 pesos, was the last I heard, although someone did mention they paid 1,300.
Getting married and doing the marriage visa does sound best for when you get back. You will get the visa free days again when you return, and begin the process again.
Hi, so I was at the branch in BGC, I never knew tourist Visa holders were charged annual report fees and apparently mine had expired (which they hadn’t picked up last month when I did my extension), so upon applying for my ECC I was charged the fee 300pesos the fine 600pesos and then a “legal research fee” 20pesos. I was about to be charged 1400 or so extra for some CR or CT thing which they couldnt explain to me, until one of the officials checked my passport and said it was paid. And of course 500pesos for “Express lane” which is a 3day wait to get my ECC.
My main issue, the stub they give you with the receipt attached to collect your ECC, must have fallen out of my book on the way, I cannot find it anywhere, I’m panic struck because I leave on Friday and I’m supposed to pick everything up on Wednesday. Will this pose a problem? I have a picture of the original receipt, issued prior to payment.
I wasn’t aware of annual report fees for tourist Visa holders either. I never had to pay them.
I fact the immigration page on this, says it applies to:
All registered aliens and ACR I-Card holders except Temporary Visitor’s Visa holders or Tourist Visa holders. http://immigration.gov.ph/services/alien-registration/annual-report-a-r
Annual Report (AR) Fee 300.00
Legal Research Fee (LRF) 10.00
Monthly fine of P200.00 for delayed Annual Report
Regarding the ECC collection, one can only hope they accept your photo. I would expect it to be a not too uncommon event.
If you are near the Immigration office, you could go there ASAP and ask, just to check and allow more time, if there is a problem.
Apparently, some Philippines Immigration offices have stated that an ECC can only be processed by the satellite office that issued the last visa extension. See: Comment April 27, 2019 at 8:54 pm
I can see this as being a massive problem for some people who travel the Philippines for over 6 months, and may get a Visa Extension in Davao (for example), but then wish to leave while in Manila.
If the Immigration office are strict on that policy, it might mean a flight from Manila to Davao, just to get the ECC, and then a flight back to Manila to catch their flight out of the country.
I have not heard of this before, but my ECC’s were issued at the same office that issued my previous visa extension.
It does seem a ridiculous policy.
That was true in my case. Went to Olongapo BI office for ECC yesterday but they told me to go to Angeles,, hwich is where my last visa extension was made.
Hi Admin,
I am from CHINA, arrive PH on 28 October 2018 with business visa and plan to leave PH by 27 April 2019 (total 181 days) is this consider more than 6 months? ECC required for my case?
Thanks
If you leave before 28th April, you are under 6 months.
I know this sounds stupid but I just want to double check without getting any trouble leaving the Airport haha…My partner is Philippine and will be travelling back to live with me in the UK, I just want to make sure she doesn’t need an EEC before we leave because I know once we are in the airport, we can’t get one then!
Thanks
That is not a stupid question or thought. It is very sensible thinking.
As a Filipino she does not need an ECC, however, she will probably need a CFO certificate, which is effectively an Exit Clearance Certificate for Filipinos.
https://www.in-philippines.com/commission-on-filipinos-overseas-program/
Some Filipinos without one have been refused boarding at the airport.
Hi. I am a British national with British passport. I have been in the Philippines continuously since October 2018 (so more than 6 months). I am due to exit the country on Tuesday 23 April 2019 at 9am. I will not return for around a year.
I have been extending my visa through the same visa agent. In November I paid for my ACR card. Each time extending after that I was told ‘it’s not ready yet’.
My agent became aware I was now exiting the country. They told me about the ECC and printed off the relevant forms and made copies of my passport, visa extensions etc for me. I also have the required 2×2 photos.
I went to Angeles immigration at Marquee mall this morning. I was immediately asked for my ACR card. I told them I don’t have it, as each time I’ve been told it’s not ready. They told me to go to a counter and ask for it. The guy came back with my card, made me sign for it and I thought everything was OK. But when I went back to the original lady, she told me it had not been issued a SSRN, indeed the space on the card is blank. She told me their system had been down for “3 weeks” so they couldn’t help me and I should “go to Manila”.
It was too late for me to go today (Wednesday) and the rest of the week is Holy Week, so Manila immigration is closed. I now intend to go there first thing 8am on Monday 22nd April morning. However my flight out of the country is the following morning, Tuesday.
Will it be possible for them to ‘expedite’ my forms? Can I do anything at the airport? I am prepared to pay extra if required. It isn’t my fault my ACR card wasn’t ready for months, and that Angeles Immigration’s system has been down for weeks. If I don’t fly out Tuesday morning as scheduled I will lose considerable money on flights and Air bnb reservations.
Any advice is welcomed, thanks.
Do you have the official receipt for the ACR card?
I was in a similar position as you in 2015. The BoI told me the ACR card would not be ready for 2 weeks, but I was flying in 2 days. They issued the ECC and told me to just show the Receipt for the ACR card.
As it happened, all I gave them was the ECC, and they let me through. No request for the ACR card or even the receipt.
But, it seems from what you have said, you don’t have the ECC ?
Thanks for replying.
Yes, I have the official receipt for the ACR card from the Bureau of Immigration, it is dated 26 November 2018. I now physically have my ACR card, and according to the date on the card it was issued 21 Jan 2019, and therefore expires Jan 2020.
And yes that’s correct, I don’t have the ECC. When I went to Angeles immigration yesterday (Wednesday 16th) to process this, they said they couldn’t as 1. my ACR card hadn’t been issued a SSRN number (the space on the card is blank ), and 2. they couldn’t allocate me one as their “system has been down for 3 weeks”. Their only solution was I go to Manila. I would’ve gone today (Thursday 17th) if it wasn’t Holy Week.
So the forms I have (given to me by the travel agent used for all my visa extensions) are the “Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) Application form” and “Alien Registration Program (ARP)” form. Both are filled in (by me with the help of the travel agent) but not yet processed by immigration (as that’s what I was hoping Angeles immigration were going to do yesterday).
So I have these forms, copy of my passport photo page, copy of my passport’s Ph visa page (valid until 7 May 2019), copy of all my visa extensions (including the originals), copy of both sides of my ACR card, copy of my flight out of the country on Tuesday April 23 2019 at 8am, and 8 2×2 photos.
The issue is whilst I’m intending to be at Manila immigration for opening at 8am on Monday April 22nd, my flight out of the country is literally 24-hours later. I’m wondering whether they will ‘expedite’ my documents on the basis that Angeles’ systems were down and that it was Holy week. I will gladly pay them 1k extra peso or more if they turn it around same day, as I stand to lose 12k peso on my flight.
What I’m unsure about is whether they will do that at all and whether offering ‘extra money’ will be poorly received. I would of thought they can make compromises in exceptional situations. If they tell me to come back in days or even a week, I am in a bad position as I will waste both a lot of time waiting around in Manila and lose hundreds of pounds on my flight, hotels etc.
Can I ask, how soon was your ECC issued to you (and where), and why do you think my ACR card was not issued with a SSRN number? Is the SSRN issued when the ECC is done?
Thanks again.
My ECC was issued at Marquee Mall. It might have been the next day, I can’t be 100% sure now. They couldn’t issue the ACR card in time for my flight, as they said it had to come from Manila.
I got my ECC without an ACR card. No idea why they could not do that for you.
You can ask at Manila if there is an expedited route for the ECC, as your flight is the next day, and you applied for it in Angeles many days before, but they were unable to do it in the normal time frame, due to “the basis that Angeles’ systems were down and that it was Holy week”.
Ask to see a manager, politely, if the normal staff seem unable to help.
If all fails, then I would suggest going to the airport, earlier than usual, and try your luck leaving without it. They will refuse, but you could try asking to see the head of Immigration at the airport, and politely explain why it isn’t your fault, and that you followed the rules., and that you need to leave. They MAY be able to bend the rules.
No guarantees of course. But I know of one case where it was permitted to leave with no ECC, based on THEIR proven error.
What’s that saying; “Only in the Philippines”….
I do recall getting an SSRN granted within 30 minutes at Cebu, when I was getting a 6 month visa extension. Do you have an SSRN number yet?
Thanks again for replying.
I don’t have a SSRN number, as that was the reason Angeles immigration gave for being unable to process my ECC. She pointed to where the void was on the SSRN area of the ACR card and said they can’t process my ECC as there was no SSRN on the card.
I’m banking on what you’ve said re asking Manila immigration to expedite my ECC. I have printed a copy of the next day’s flight to prove to them I’m due to fly out. I will also emphasise Angeles’ systems were down and that it was Holy week. I’ve even thought of having a 1k peso note in my wallet, opening it up and showing them the note whilst saying “I will pay extra if do today”…
I can’t really do what you’ve suggested in terms of exiting without the ECC, as at the very least I’m expecting Manila immigration to process my ECC within 1-2 days (if they can’t do it same day), meaning when I go there the day before my flight they will have retained all my documents, ACR card and passport (?), and clearly I can’t fly out internationally without my passport.
I have an AirAsia flight booked to Phnom Penh for Tuesday morning and an Airbnb reservation there. I can actually defer the Airbnb so that I don’t lose out for the nights I don’t stay (I get a refund) but I can’t get a refund on my AA flight. And looking at prices now, there’s a massive premium when booking last minute. On top of that I’ll have to pay for hotels in Manila whilst I’m waiting for the ECC to be done. That’s why I’m prepared to pay even 5k peso extra if it gets the ECC done on the Monday, as that’s still going to be a fraction of what it’s going to cost me if I end up staying in Manila for days.
I wish there was a flat fine at the airport for no ECC as I would’ve just bit the bullet and done that. I’m generally a planner and meticulous person, so I’m feeling very frustrated about this whole ECC thing. It’s partially my fault for leaving it on holy week, but I had no idea Angeles’ systems were down. Also, my visa agent gave me the impression if I go a week before I’m due to fly that’s the appropriate timescale – well I’ve now learned the ECC is valid for a month, so that’s particularly frustrating for me as I booked my flights out of the country a month ago, and if I knew the ECC was valid for a month I would’ve applied for it much sooner than 7-days prior to flying out.
Thanks again.
I will cross my fingers for you, and hope for the best.
Please let us know how you got on, once it is all over.
Hello i have the exact same issue, Ater the angeles marquee mall office told me that they couldnt process my ecc i went to manila north edsa satellite and after that went to the main migration office in manila, they both told me (north edsa and the main office) that they couldn’t process my ECC because it can only be processed by the last satellite where i get my last extension (angeles) and they kept me back and forward (angeles and manila offices), i hope this doesn’t happen to you and i just want to save you some time and to try to put you ahead of what it might happen, if its the case of course which i truly hope it isn’t……. Because due to this migration lack of communication (negligence) in between offices i lost my flight, i just now made an advanced extension (may to june) in the 1st office where i started my extensions after i arrived in the Philippines (north edsa) in hopes that this monday i can finally (hopefully) start my ecc process again because, unfortunately for me, now i need to leave the county urgently. Keep calm and keep us updated!.
Take care.
Hi again. I’ve been meaning to update but only just got around to it.
Firstly, F.R, man, that sucks. If head office in Manila said that to me when I went there last Monday, my head would’ve exploded. I now further realise how lucky I’ve been..
So to recap: I did all my extensions in Angeles City, having been there almost 7 months. I went to do my ECC the day before Holy week holidays began, but was told by Marquee mall immigration they can’t do it as their systems were down and my ACR card hadn’t been allocated a SSRN, so the only solution was go to head office, which wasn’t open again until Monday 22nd, the day before I’m due to fly.
I went to Manila in the middle of the night Sunday, using the Genesis point to point bus. A Grab from NAIA 3 to my hotel was 250 php. My hotel wouldn’t let me check-in that early (6am), so I decided to just go to immigration early. I actually walked it as it was only 15-mins from my hotel.
I was told by AC immigration the Manila head office opened at 8am, and Google said the same, so I was kinda annoyed when I got there at 7:20am to find it was already open with a long queue (it opened at 7am). Once in, the ECC section is on the left. There was no queue for the ECC process, so I was seen immediately. Straight away the guy checking the forms tells me I only have 1 set of the necessary copies (passport page, visa page, ACR card, visa extensions etc). He said because I was processing my ARP and ECC at the same time, each required a set of copies. That annoyed me immensely as I had my visa agent in AC triple check over my documents before leaving AC.
There is a photo copying service within the same area, just sectioned off. So I go in there and the staff won’t let me operate the copiers themselves, and they’re too busy talking so they make me wait 10 minutes. The fee comes to 20 php, I only have a 100 note. She looks at me in disgust and starts yelling “too early! too early! You come here too early!”. Sorry dear but if the office is open and so are you, that’s not too early.
I go back to the ECC counter, the guy checks everything over and tells me to sit down. I ask him “don’t you need my ACR card?”, to which he shakes his head and has a look of ‘why would I need that?’. I say to him I’m flying out the next day, and if I pay extra, can this be processed today. He shakes his head dismissively and tells me “always 3 days minimum”. Damn. By now I’m feeling mixed emotions, as I’m glad to be in and having my forms processed, but I’m feeling livid as AC immigration cited missing information on my ACR card as to why they couldn’t process my ECC. I believe someone else posting here also said their ACR card wasn’t needed for ECC.
I sit and wait for 10 mins, then the guy who does the bio stuff (finger/thumb scans and webcam photo) calls me over. We do that, and I’m told to sit back down. 15 mins go by then the original guy tells me to go sit in front of the counters and wait for my name to be called from counter 10. I see that counter 10 is titled “ECC release” (or something similar), so I’m thinking ‘omg, they’ve done it today!’. But when my name is called, it’s just the guy who wants me to pay for the ECC (500 php, at yet another counter) and then he gives me the receipt. I tell him ‘I am flying tomorrow. I have problem at Angeles immigration so they tell me come here. Then for 3 days you have holy week holiday. Please, if I pay extra can you do today?’. He says no, it’s usually 3 days. Crap.
I’m about to walk away, but the he asks ‘you have copy of flight ticket?’. YES, I damn well do as I printed it off on a hunch. I show him the ticket and he says ‘ok, we do today. Come back 3-4pm’. I’m shocked and lost for words. I offer him more money if he really does do it today (as I’m paranoid he’s just telling me what I want to hear to get rid of me) but he laughs and says ‘no need sir, just come back this afternoon’. Amazing. I go back at 3:15pm and am praying I see the same guy but he’s nowhere to be seen. So I approach counter 10 and tell the lady I’m here for my ECC, I processed it this morning and because I’m flying tomorrow, I was told it would be done today. She grabs a pile of outbound ECCs, and begins flicking through them. She goes through them all but doesn’t pull mine out. Oh crap. Then she goes through again and like a rabbit out of a hat, there it bloody is. I want to leap over and kiss her but there’s glass/plastic barrier dividing us designed to keep idiots like me at bay. She hands it over and sternly says “next time you come one week before”. Ok love.
I left the following morning as originally planned. Handing over the ECC to the immigration officer was highly satisfying.
My only bit of advice: the ECC is valid for up to a month. If you’ve booked your flight out of the country, and it’s within a month away, get that ECC as quick as you can. You may have to jump through some hoops, but it’s better to be doing it with time to spare than 24-hours before your flight!
Thanks for letting us know how it went.
Frustrating would be an understatement, but I am glad you got there in the end.
I forgot to add: whilst I was back in my hotel room crossing my fingers and hoping the ECC was being done, the earthquake hit Manila. Initially I heard what I thought was a burst water pipe, but it turned out to be debris falling off and scattering down the building. Then the whole place start shaking and the power went out. People were running in panic and fortunately my room was literally right next door to the fire escape.
The streets were flooded with people. We were allowed back into the hotel after about 30 minutes. Everything was OK in the end, but it was quite an eventful Monday!