Reporting Birth Abroad

General Information         

         A child born overseas to an American citizen parent or parents can claim U.S. citizenship.  Once registered, the child can receive a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.  The child will also require a U.S. passport. 

         The following documents are required when applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and U.S. passport:

• The U.S. citizen parent’s passport or Naturalization Certificate
• Photo ID or passport of non-U.S. citizen parent
• Swazi birth certificate of the child
• The marriage certificate of the parents, if married.
• Two photos, 2 x 2 inches (5 cm x 5 cm), with white background

         If only one parent is a U.S. citizen, U.S. law requires that he/she has lived in the United States at least five (5) years, two of which need to be after the age of fourteen (14).  Depending on circumstances, additional evidence may be required.  More information is available at the American Citizen Services unit. 

        Both parents must appear together to sign the child’s passport application.  If only one parent is able to appear, then he/she must present a notarized,  written statement from the second parent authorizing passport issuance to the child.
       The child must appear in person when submitting the application.  Payment of USD $150.00 is required, which includes the fees for both the Consular Report of Birth Abroad and the passport.

      Children born in South Africa will need to go through the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg, telephone 0711-644 -8000.