U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

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U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

Welcome to the official page of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs! This information is for informational purposes only.
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It is not intended as legal advice. Learn more at travel.state.gov.

Mission: Safety. Security. Service. Our highest priority is to protect the lives and interests of U.S. citizens overseas. We do this through routine and emergency services to Americans at our embassies and consulates around the world. We serve our fellow citizens during their most important moments – births, deaths, disasters, arrests, and medical emergencies. The Bureau of Consular Affairs formulates and implements policy relating to immigration and consular services and ensures responsive and efficient provision of consular services overseas. Read more here: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/about.html

12/24/2020

From 3:00 ET on 12/23 to 3:00 ET on 12/24, we published #COVID19 related health alerts for:
⚠️Mexico
Search for alerts ➡️ http://ow.ly/zwI450CU7g6

12/24/2020

#Brazil: Effective Dec 25, international flights to Brazil from/passing through the UK and Northern Ireland are prohibited on a temporary basis. Foreign travelers present in these areas in the last 14 days will not be able to embark on flights to Brazil. http://ow.ly/cA1e50CU7dp

12/24/2020

#Guatemala: As of Dec 23 all arriving passengers who have visited the UK or South Africa within the past 14 days could be denied entry/subject to quarantine due to a new variant of COVID-19. Guatemalan nationals, permanent residents, and diplomats with accreditation will be allowed entry, but will have to quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. This guidance could change rapidly and additional countries may be added. http://ow.ly/FX7O50CU09a

12/24/2020

Don’t have time to spend on the phone looking for passport answers? Get your passport questions answered immediately by using one of the self-service tools available on our website: http://ow.ly/LlJA50CTpZv

12/23/2020

#CentralAfricanRepublic: Reports of pre-electoral violence. Out of an abundance of caution U.S. Embassy in Bangu is limiting staff to mission-critical movements starting on Dec 24. Armed groups may seek to move towards Bangui and/or cut off supply routes.http://ow.ly/fTYt50CTC8d

12/23/2020

You can track your passport's status on our website: passportstatus.state.gov. Enroll in email updates and see your passport's status 14 days after applying.

12/23/2020

𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐀𝐐𝐬 (𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎)

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝?

A: The U.S. Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. We will continue to communicate travel advice to U.S. citizens amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including the most up-to-date information about new travel restrictions imposed by foreign governments.

𝐐: 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

A: The Department continues to strongly recommend U.S. citizens exercise caution when traveling abroad due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic. We are closely monitoring health and safety conditions around the globe, working in partnership with the #CDC. Our ability to provide consular and other services may be hindered by local health conditions.

U.S. citizens considering traveling abroad should review the entire Travel Advisory for their destination(s) on Travel.State.gov. The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented risks for travelers, and our destination-specific advisories take into account the latest data and public health and safety analysis. We will regularly update our advice to U.S. travelers.

We also urge those contemplating travel abroad to review CDC’s country specific recommendations and their overall guidance on international air travel. U.S. citizens currently abroad should closely monitor guidance from local public health and immigration authorities, as well as the CDC.

𝐐: 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠/𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨?

A: U.S. citizens currently abroad should also closely monitor guidance from local public health and immigration authorities.

𝐐: 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠/𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥-𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬?

A: We encourage U.S. citizens to stay connected with us via Travel.state.gov, through our Facebook and Twitter (https://twitter.com/TravelGov) accounts, and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (https://step.state.gov/) so you can receive important messages from their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, including timely Alerts and updates to Travel Advisories.

𝐐: 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨?

A: We remain committed to providing U.S. citizens abroad with all appropriate consular assistance when necessary. Please contact the American Citizen Services section at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate closest to you: https://www.usembassy.gov/

𝐐: 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬?

A: On March 14, President Trump signed a fourth proclamation that restricts travel to the United States of foreign nationals who were physically present in the United Kingdom and Ireland within the 14 days preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. For more information please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/presidential-proclamation-coronavirus.html.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬?

A: Beyond following the requirements and recommendations of local health services overseas, we urge U.S. citizens to review the CDC’s travel testing and self-quarantine recommendations for U.S. citizens.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭?

A: U.S. citizens stranded overseas should refer to the “Emergency Financial Assistance for U.S. Citizens Abroad,” section on our website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/emergency-financial-assistance.html), which includes information on how to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and request assistance.

12/23/2020

#Ica #Trujillo #Peru: Ongoing and widespread protests in multiple regions affecting travel along the PanAmericana Sur and Norte highways in Ica and Trujillo. Increased Police presence. Avoid affected areas. Protests may continue for several days. http://ow.ly/AiJy50CTuMN

12/23/2020

From 3:00 ET on 12/22 to 3:00 ET on 12/23, we published #COVID19 related health alerts for:
⚠️Bahrain
⚠️Dominican Republic
⚠️Estonia
⚠️Israel
⚠️The Republic of the Congo
⚠️Slovenia
Search for alerts ➡️ http://ow.ly/gxyZ50CTuxC

12/23/2020

#Honduras: Non-resident Honduran citizens coming from, having visited or tranisted the UK or South Africa within 21 days are restricted from entry. Honduran citizens and residents coming in these countries in the last 2 weeks must quarantine for 14 days. http://ow.ly/gipe50CTppD

12/23/2020

#Malawi: As of Dec 23, the Malawi Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 has implemented new measures to limit spread of the virus including, but not limited to: closure of all land borders for 14 days and prohibition of entry of foreigners via land borders. http://ow.ly/OJcH50CTjG3

12/23/2020

#Peru: On December 21, the government of Peru banned 8-hour or longer flights until January 5, 2021. This announcement modifies an earlier decree restricting flights from several European countries and the United Kingdom. http://ow.ly/d8r650CTcbN

12/23/2020

#Norway: To prevent the introduction of a new variant of COVID-19 discovered in the UK, effective Dec 21, Norway banned all direct flights from the United Kingdom for 48 hours and implemented stricter control measures for those coming from the UK. http://ow.ly/qsw350CT70B

12/23/2020

#Beni #DRC: The U.S. Embassy has received credible/specific information of a possible terrorist threat on Christmas Day (Dec 25) against churches and other places where non-Muslims congregate in Beni, North Kivu. Continue to avoid travel to this area. http://ow.ly/nmkC50CT6LE

12/23/2020

#CentralAfricanRepublic: Reports of violence and panic in Bangui and instability in provinces. The U.S. embassy issued a shelter in place notice for employees. Civil unrest may continue leading up to/following Dec 27 elections. http://ow.ly/TMox50CT6g9

12/23/2020

#Lusaka #Zambia: Reports of gunshots, teargas and 2 people shot near Zambia Police Service (ZPS) Headquarters on Independence Ave. Increased police presence in the vicinity. Avoid crowds, and security forces’ activities in the affected area. http://ow.ly/JSoT50CT5Er

12/22/2020

If you're thinking of applying for your passport, don't forget that routine processing takes 10-12 weeks and expedited processing is 4-6 weeks. Plan ahead for the future! http://ow.ly/pLTx50CRop5

12/22/2020

From 3:00 ET on 12/21 to 3:00 ET on 12/22, we published #COVID19 related health alerts for:
⚠️ China
⚠️ Colombia
⚠️ Ecuador
⚠️ Italy
⚠️ Morocco
⚠️ Nicaragua
⚠️ South Africa
Search for alerts ➡️ http://ow.ly/Aq3950CStgv

12/22/2020

#Pakistan: Travel from the UK is suspended temporarily. All travelers who have been in the UK within 10 days will not be allowed into Pakistan. Passengers transiting the UK who do not leave the terminal during the transit will be allowed to enter Pakistan. http://ow.ly/FKEO50CStaF

12/22/2020

#Sweden: On Dec 21, Sweden closed the border with Denmark and canceled flights from the UK, due to the new variant of the SARS-COVID-2 virus. Non-citizen legal residents currently in the UK are not allowed to return while the entry ban remains in effect. http://ow.ly/RBQK50CSsRP

12/22/2020

#NorthMacedonia: The Government of North Macedonia temporarily suspended all flights to and from the UK effective Dec 23- 31. All passengers arriving in North Macedonia from the UK, whether by air or land, are subject to a 2 week isolation period. http://ow.ly/sJzn50CSoOJ

12/22/2020

#Dhaka #Bangladesh: Police will implement security measures from Dec 24-Jan 3. Expect increased police presence, vehicle access to be heavily scrutinized, local police roadblocks, prohibition of outdoor celebrations/parties on rooftops, etc. See details: http://ow.ly/5eFD50CS8bs

12/21/2020

Did you just apply for your passport? Wait 14 days before checking the application status online. If your status says "Not Found" that means it is still making its way to us. Check the status at: http://ow.ly/XbBr50CRoiW.

12/21/2020

From 3:00 ET on 12/20 to 3:00 ET on 12/21, we published #COVID19 related health alerts for:
⚠️ Panama
⚠️ Turkey
⚠️ United Kingdom
Search for alerts ➡️ http://ow.ly/lHws50CRuhQ

12/21/2020

#Turkey: Effective immediately, all flights to and from the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, and South Africa have been temporarily suspended. Please note that international flight routes can be suspended or changed at any time. http://ow.ly/mFJt50CRslD

12/21/2020

#Liberia: Travelers should note that it may be difficult to obtain cash from banks in Liberia and should plan accordingly. Liberia’s banking sector has experienced a growing shortage of cash – both US and Liberian dollars – over the last several months. http://ow.ly/W8Lh50CRqah

12/21/2020

#Kuwait: Beginning today, December 21, at 11:00 PM through January 1, 2021, all commercial flights to and from Kuwait are suspended, as is entry to Kuwait through land and sea borders. These suspensions are a response to the new strain of COVID-19. http://ow.ly/l01u50CRpK9

12/21/2020

#CAR: We have received reports of increased violence, criminality, and armed group activity in the regions of Ombella-Mpoko, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Lobaye and Ouaka. Civil unrest and violence may occur leading up to the December 27 elections. http://ow.ly/1MEF50CRngG

12/21/2020

#SaudiArabia: Today, Dec 21, all int'l flights have been suspended for 1 week except for foreign carriers inside the Kingdom which can return to their home destination or hub. Entry to the Kingdom through land and sea ports is also suspended for one week. http://ow.ly/MGhv50CRc2r

12/21/2020

#France: The Embassy in Paris, Consulates in Marseille and Strasbourg, and offices in Rennes, Lyon, and Bordeaux will be closed Dec 24 and 25. U.S. citizens with an emergency may call 01 43 12 22 22 (in France) or (011 33) 1 43 12 22 22 (from the US).

12/18/2020

If you are considering international travel for the holidays, be aware that the US embassy or consulate may be limited in their ability to assist you if COVID-19 disrupts your trip. Be prepared to accommodate unexpected expenses and last minute changes.

12/18/2020

From 3:00 ET on 12/17 to 3:00 ET on 12/18, we published #COVID19 related health alerts for:
⚠️ Croatia
⚠️ Poland
⚠️ Serbia
⚠️ Slovakia
Search for alerts ➡️ http://ow.ly/bWri50CPBWX

12/18/2020

#Denmark: A demonstration is scheduled to take place December 19 at 3pm, across the street from the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen. The event is being organized by a group calling for changes to U.S. government policies towards Israel and Morocco. http://ow.ly/t9S250CPsDK

12/18/2020

#Peru: The government of Peru announced that private vehicles will not be allowed to circulate on December 24 – 25, and December 31 – January 1. Taxi apps/deliveries will be allowed to operate. Authorities will enforce curfew between 12am - 4am. http://ow.ly/ZvwW50CPswc

12/17/2020

If you must travel this winter, plan for the additional costs associated with COVID-19. Many countries require foreign visitors to provide a negative COVID test and/or quarantine at their own expense.

Address

Washington D.C., DC
20530

General information

Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. CA is responsible for the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad, for the issuance of passports and other documentation to citizens and nationals, and for the protection of U.S. border security and the facilitation of legitimate travel to the United States. CA also has a significant domestic presence, most notably the 29 U.S. Passport agencies and centers, 26 of which deal directly with the U.S. public.

Website

travel.state.gov/

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Videos

Happy holidays from all of us at TravelGov! We wish you a safe and healthy holiday, full of joy and cheer.

Happy Thanksgiving from our TravelGov family to yours! We wish you a safe and healthy holiday season.

Overseeing intercountry adoption is one of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ most important roles. See Assistant Secretary, Carl Risch's statement for #NationalAdoptionMonth.

This #VeteransDay, we honor all who have served. A special thank you to the Veterans who make up 25% of the Bureau of Consular Affairs' workforce. Thank you for your service and your valuable contributions!

Happy Halloween! Check out our spooky passport photo tips before you submit your application, to make sure it isn't delayed due to an unacceptable photo. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html Video Credit: American Citizen Services Tokyo

Having your passport photo rejected is a haunting thought. Hats and eyeglasses are not allowed in passport photos. http://ow.ly/LVsH50C2ZgO Video Credit: American Citizen Services Tokyo

Leave the throwback photos at home. Your passport photo must have been taken within the past 6 months in order to be accepted. Find more passport photo tips here: http://ow.ly/UbfZ50C2YpY Video Credit: American Citizen Services Tokyo

If you're taking your own passport photo, make sure you're in front of a plain, white background free of shadows. No haunted house selfies allowed! http://ow.ly/zZz050C2YQa Video Credit: American Citizen Services Tokyo

Submitting your passport application soon? Be sure your face is centered and not too big in your photo. Check out more passport photo tips here: http://ow.ly/4mD050C2XEc Video Credit: American Citizen Services Tokyo

Having your passport application held up due to an unacceptable photo is a scary thought. Be sure your passport photo is clear and in color. Check out our spooky passport photo tips all week long! http://ow.ly/12xc50C2WUN Video Credit: American Citizen Services Tokyo

U.S. citizens voting absentee must sign their ballot for it to be counted. Double check yours before you mail it! #Vote2020

U.S. citizens living overseas: Deadlines to submit your absentee ballot vary by state. Check your home state’s deadline at FVAP.gov! #Vote2020

The Global Level 4 Health Advisory is no longer in effect, but we still maintain Travel Advisory levels for each individual country. Research your destination thoroughly before you travel: http://ow.ly/OXcQ50B9Zvq.

While the Global Level 4 Health Advisory has been lifted, we still maintain individual Travel Advisories for each country destination in the world. Check the Travel Advisory for your destination before you go: http://ow.ly/nu4A50ATQW4.

As our staff start to return to our passport agencies and centers, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Carl Risch outlines our phased approach to safely getting back to work for you. Find more information here: http://ow.ly/KAtS50A9Cwj

We are Committed to Serving you Safely

We are working hard to get back to routine operational status while keeping our customers and workforce safe. We are committed to reducing COVID-related delays as quickly as possible, when it is safe to do so. https://bit.ly/36y8hTR

FB Live: International Parental Child Abduction

Today, May 25, is National Missing Children's Day. Here's a recap of last week's Facebook Live about International Parental Child Abduction, featuring the U.S. Department of State's Special Advisor for Children's Issues, Michelle Bernier-Toth, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Thank you to all of our colleagues at U.S. embassies and consulates working hard to bring #AmericansHome! To receive updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate while abroad, sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov.

Join us for a LIVE Q&A about K1 fiancé(e) visas! 💕 Post your questions in the comments section. If we don't get to them during the live broadcast, we will answer them in the comments section after the broadcast ends.

Join us as we discuss U.S. student visas! Post your questions in the comments. If we don't get to them during the live broadcast, we will answer them in the comments section after the broadcast ends.

Your holiday gift might land you on the “naughty list.” Some countries have limitations on drones, CBD oils, firearms, and other items you intend to give this holiday season. Check the rules before you go. #HolidayTravel

A Brief History of Consular Affairs

2018 – Publication of Travel Advisories for every country in the world. It’s even easier to find the safety and security information you need to make travel decisions.

2017 – Passport Services issued more than 21 million passport books and cards this fiscal year, a new record.

2010 – The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program launches - enroll your trip before you go!