U.S. Embassy in Cameroon

Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and First-Time Passport Application Information

 

CRBA Application

Applicants can now submit a CRBA application electronically through eCRBA, an online platform accessible via desktop/laptop, mobile phone, or tablet. Using eCRBA is faster, more efficient, and allows multiple steps to be completed within the same system. Applicants can also check the status of their application, submit secure correspondence, and manage messages. For more details, please refer to the eCRBA FAQs (PDF-371KB). Note that paper CRBA applications (DS-2029) are no longer accepted.

How to Apply for eCRBA at MyTravel.State.Gov

1. Register or Sign In
   Create an account at MyTravel.state.gov or log in to an existing account.
2. Establish Eligibility
   Answer the Yes/No questions under the “Establish Eligibility” section to determine if you qualify for eCRBA. If eligible, you can proceed with the application. Links are available to provide more information about the questions or alternative options if you do not qualify for the online application.
3. Upload Required Documents
   The online application will prompt you to upload all required documents, which must also be presented in their original form during the interview. It is recommended to have these documents ready while completing the application. Required documents may include, but are not limited to:
   • Evidence of birth (e.g., original local birth certificate for the child)
   • Proof of U.S. nationality for the transmitting parent(s) (e.g., U.S. passport or birth certificate)
   • Parents’ IDs
   • Marriage-related documents (e.g., marriage, divorce, or death certificates)
   • Financial support or legal relationship evidence (for children born out of wedlock or court-ordered support)
   • Form DS-5507, scanned and notarized (for children born out of wedlock)
   • Proof of U.S. presence (e.g., bank statements, employment records, school transcripts, tax records, rent receipts, etc.)
4. Complete the Online Application
   Begin filling out the application. The steps of the process will be displayed on the left side of the screen, allowing you to track your progress. You can navigate back to previous sections, attach files, and make edits as needed.
5. Pay the CRBA Fee
   Once the application is complete, pay the CRBA fee via Pay.gov using a credit card or U.S. bank account. On the “Pay & Submit Application” page:
   • Certify the list of declarations.
   • Review the CRBA fee, which depends on the number of applications submitted.
   • Click the “Pay” button to submit the application for review. (Pay.gov accepts MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, and Discover. Payments via U.S. bank accounts require routing and account numbers.)

First-Time Passport Application

CRBA applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for a passport at the same time as the CRBA. To apply for a first-time passport, follow the checklist below:

• Complete Form DS-11: Enter your information online, print Form DS-11. For first-time passport applicants without a Social Security number, enter nine zeros (000000000) in the Social Security field. The printed form will include the unique scannable barcode in the upper left corner – make sure it is not cut off.  Handwritten forms are not accepted.
• Do not sign Form DS-11 on page 1. Failure to provide requested information may result in processing delays or denial of your application.
• Visit  https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/1274042472/  to pay the passport application fees online and print out copy of your Pay.gov receipt that includes your Pay.gov Tracking ID.
• Both parents must be present with the child: Each parent must provide valid identification (e.g., government-issued driver’s license, passport book/card, national ID card…). Bring photocopies of any identification documents submitted with the passport application.
• Provide one passport photo: The photo must be taken in color on a white background and must measure 2 inches by 2 inches or 5cm by 5cm
• If one parent has sole custody, provide original documentation (e.g., court order, death certificate, or other proof of sole custody) and one photocopy.

Guidance for Passport Interviews When Both Parents Cannot Be Present

1. Both parents or guardians are expected to appear with the child. If one parent or guardian cannot be present, the absent parent or guardian must complete Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, to provide written consent for the issuance of the child’s passport.
2. Requirements for the Non-Applying Parent or Guardian:
   • Form DS-3053: The non-applying parent or guardian must sign and date Form DS-3053 in the presence of a Certified Notary Public. Only U.S. government notaries (available at the Consular Section in Yaoundé) or U.S.-based notaries are accepted. Documents notarized in Cameroon, except at the Consular Section, will not be accepted.
   • Identification: Submit a photocopy of the front and back of the identification used during notarization along with Form DS-3053.
3. Requirements for the Applying Parent or Guardian on Appointment Day:
   • Present valid identification.
   • Submit the signed and notarized DS-3053 from the non-applying parent or guardian, along with the photocopy of the identification used for notarization.
   • Provide the original birth certificate of the child or children.
4. If Neither Parent Can Be Present:
   • A guardian or trusted adult accompanying the child must present DS-3053 forms from both parents (or one from each parent) authorizing them to execute Form DS-11 on behalf of both parents.
5. If DS-3053 or Evidence of Sole Custody Cannot Be Obtained:
   • The applying parent or guardian must complete Form DS-5525, Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances. This form must include a detailed explanation of the non-applying parent’s or guardian’s unavailability and recent efforts to contact them.
   • Supporting evidence (e.g., custody order, incarceration order, restraining order) may be required to substantiate the claim of exigent or special circumstances.
   • Submit Form DS-5525 along with Form DS-11 on the day of the appointment.
6. Schedule an Interview: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde via email at yaoundeacs@state.gov to schedule your CRBA and first-time passport application interview. Allow 72 hours for your CRBA and first-time passport payment to be processed before requesting an appointment at the Embassy. Include the child’s full name and a copy of your Pay.gov receipt that includes your Pay.gov Tracking ID in your appointment request.

After Your Interview is Scheduled

Bring all the original documents and your child to the interview. Required items include:

• Completed DS-11 application for a U.S. passport

• Proof of CRBA fee payment via pay.gov ($100 USD; this fee does not include the passport fee)

• Proof of passport fee payment via pay.gov
• Original Cameroonian birth certificate
• The child must be present
• Evidence of the relationship between the parents (e.g., marriage certificate, photos, email correspondence, etc. If parents are not married, additional documentation may be required.)
• Original or certified true copies of photo identification for each parent (e.g., national ID card, passport, driver’s license, Certificate of Naturalization)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship for the transmitting parent (e.g., U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, U.S. birth certificate)
• Additional supporting documents to establish the transmitting parent’s 5-year physical presence in the U.S. prior to the child’s birth (e.g., passports, military enlistment records, school transcripts, tax returns, car registration, utility bills, etc.)

Please make photocopies of all civil, court and identification documents submitted with the CRBA and passport applications. Failure to provide all required documents may result in the rejection of your application and the need to schedule another appointment.