Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)

1. Who should apply for an Emigration Clearance Certificate?

ECC has two (2) types, ECC –A (also referred to as regular ECC and ECC-B.

The following foreign nationals must secure an ECC-A prior to their departure:

1. Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa (also referred to as tourist visa) who have stayed in the Philippines for six (6) months or more;
2. Holders of expired or downgraded Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas;
3. Holders of valid Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas but are leaving for good;
4. Philippine-born foreign nationals who will depart from the Philippines for the first time;
5. Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa with Orders to Leave;
6. Bona fide seafarers who have stayed in the Philippines for 30 days or more and has a duly approved discharge from BI.

ECC-B is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the country temporarily. 

 

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.

 

3. Does the ECC have validity? Will I be able to use this multiple times?

The ECC is valid for one (1) month from the date of issue, however, you may only use this once regardless of its validity.