BI revises embarkation card format

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said yesterday it was imposing new requirements for departing passengers at the country’s airports as part of government’s campaign to combat money laundering.

Immigration Acting Commissioner Arthel Caronongan said he has issued a memorandum order amending the format of the embarkation card, which now requires all travelers leaving the country to declare the amount of foreign currency they are bringing with them.

Caronongan said a new question has been added in the embarkation card that departing passengers are made to fill up before boarding their respective flights: "Are you bringing out foreign currency or other foreign exchange-denominated bearer money instruments in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent?"

The new card format was approved and supported by officials of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority, Air Transportation Office, Manila International Airport Authority, Philippine National Police, and Anti-Money Laundering Council.