The Philippines: In-Person Appearances Resume for Visa Renewals and Emigration Clearance Certificates at the Bureau of Immigration Office

Foreign nationals applying for visa renewals must resume appearing in person at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) as part of the registration requirement under the Alien Registration Program. Furthermore, foreign nationals must again appear at the BI to obtain Emigration Clearance Certificates (ECCs) at least 72 hours before their departure from the Philippines if they have remained in the country for more than six months. The Philippine government suspended both the in-person biometrics submission and the ECC application requirements to limit person-to-person contact during the COVID-19 pandemic but has now reinstated the requirements to ensure the accuracy of government records.