Question & AnswerQ&A (BI MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. ADD-02-010, FEBRUARY 11, 2002)
The Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) fee is a fee assessed to tourists and temporary visitors who stay in the Philippines for more than fifty-nine (59) days when applying for an extension of their stay.
All tourists/temporary visitors under Section 9(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, who stay in the country for more than fifty-nine (59) days shall be assessed the ECC fee upon their application for extension.
No. The ECC fee is for one-time use only and has no expiry period. Once paid, it cannot be charged again for subsequent extensions.
The receipt for the ECC fee shall be crossed-out distinctively upon its use to indicate that it has been used.
For Balikbayans, the fifty-nine (59) day period and the consequent ECC fee are counted and assessed only after the expiration of their one (1) year authorized stay.
No. The ECC fee does not apply to those who have applied for and secured a change of admission category. They shall be assessed the applicable fees accordingly, and the ECC fee will be considered moot and forfeited in favor of the government.
The ECC fee is based on the implementation of BI Memorandum Order No. ADD-02-010 dated February 11, 2002, which references Section 9(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended.
Section 9(a) pertains to the classification of tourists and temporary visitors in the Philippines, which defines the category of individuals subject to the ECC fee upon extensions beyond 59 days.
It took effect immediately upon its issuance on February 11, 2002.
While the memorandum does not specify penalties, failure to pay applicable immigration fees such as the ECC fee may result in denial of extension of stay or clearance for departure, and potential penalties under immigration laws.