Passports

If you have a passport related question or need to submit an application for a U.S. Passport, please use our Passport Services Wizard.

If you need other assistance from American Citizen Services at U.S. Embassy Cairo, please use the U.S. Citizen Services Navigator. The navigator will ask a series of simple questions to direct you to online information on the most common topics OR provide instructions on how to contact us by email for less common questions and direct assistance.

If you were requested to submit documents for a passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad application, please click here for more information on how to submit your materials.

Mail In Passport Renewals

U.S. Embassy Cairo is now accepting mail-in applications for adult passport renewals! Please visit Adult Passport Renewal by Mail for details of eligibility, application requirements and where to send your application. In person appointments for this service are not available. Approved passports are returned via courier mail service.

Due to the effects of COVID-19, we are experiencing significant wait times for in-person passport appointments. The fastest way to renew your passport is by mail. If you are eligible to renew by mail then you should not make an appointment. Please visit the Adult Passport Renewal by Mail for application instructions and eligibility details.

In-Person Passport Appointments

Applying for a passport while outside the United States is a different process from applying while inside the United States. Please carefully review the State Department’s guide to Applying for a U.S. Passport from outside the United States.

Please read these instructions carefully before coming to your appointment as failure to arrive prepared may result in you having to make a new appointment on a different day and could significantly delay the time it takes to process your passport application.

Passport applications can be typed or printed using black ink only. If your application is not typed or printed using black ink the form will have to be redone and you may be asked to reschedule your appointment.

A passport execution fee of $35 applies to U.S. passport applicants using the DS-11 form including: first-time applicants over age 16, children under age 16, applicants who reapply after reporting their previous passport lost or stolen, and applicants whose last U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago.

Customers applying with the DS-11 form at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad pay two separate fees: an application fee to the U.S. Department of State and the execution fee to the Passport Acceptance Facility (such as a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad).

The execution fee does not apply to adults eligible to renew their passport using the DS-82 form.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Ensure your U.S. Passport has sufficient validity to travel

For renewals, we urge you to plan ahead and to apply at least six months prior to your passport’s expiration. Many countries require a minimum of six months of validity to receive a visitor visa. Airlines will not let you board a flight to these countries without six months of validity on your passport.

Please note: Electronic devices are not allowed in the Embassy and Embassy storage is limited to only cell phones. Any other electronics, including but not limited to, ear pieces and laptops, are not permitted in the Embassy and cannot be stored by the Embassy.

To schedule your appointment, first select the service you require by clicking on one of the links below:

How do I apply for a U.S. passport?

To apply for a U.S. Passport, please use our Passport Services Wizard.

Most passport applicants should follow the below instructions for “First-Time Applicants.” Applicants under age 16 will also need to comply with the “Special Additional Requirements” provided below for all minors under the age 16.

If you are an adult renewing a recent passport, please see “How do I renew my passport?” below.

Applicants ages 16-17 only need to appear in person with one parent to show parental awareness.

Steps for All First-Time Applicants:

Schedule an online Appointment

How do I schedule my appointment?

Fill Out Form DS-11

Fill out Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport, and submit it in person during your interview at the American Citizens Unit, U.S. Embassy Cairo.

Do not sign the application. You will need to sign it in the presence of the Consular Officer.

Your application must be properly and completely filled out before your interview.

List your mailing address IN EGYPT (item number 8). If the mailing address is a P.O. Box, you must include a permanent address on page 2.
You are required by law to list your Social Security number (SSN) if you have one. If you do not have an SSN, then you should fill in item number 5 with all zeros.

Submit Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

Provide evidence of U.S. Citizenship with any one of the following supporting documents. Please provide the original document AND one photocopy during your interview:

Previously issued, undamaged, and fully valid U.S. Passport
U.S. Birth Certificate, issued by the City, County, or State of birth
U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad
U.S. Certificate of Citizenship
U.S. Naturalization Certificate

Some short (abstract) versions of birth certificates may not be acceptable for passport purposes; the birth certificate must list the parent(s) names to be valid. You may acquire a birth certificate online here: National Center for Health Statistics.

All originals will be returned to you.

Present Identification

You must submit one of these primary identification documents during your interview. Please provide the original document AND one photocopy:

Valid passport of any country
National identity card with photograph
Valid U.S. or State government ID card
Valid U.S. state driver’s license with photograph
U.S. military ID card

All originals will be returned to you.

Provide One Passport Photo

Your passport photo must be in color, 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size, with a white background. It must have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance, and in full-face view directly facing the camera.

The processing of your passport application may be delayed if you do not submit a photo that meets the requirements. To avoid processing delays, we recommend you use a professional passport photo service. Click on this link for more information on photo requirements.

For detailed instructions concerning children, please refer to this page.

Pay the Applicable Fee

The non-refundable application fee for a first passport is $165.00 for age 16 and over and $135.00 for applicants under the age of 16. You may go to passport fee to calculate your fee in U.S. dollars. The fee may be paid in cash (U.S. dollars or Egyptian pounds) or by credit card at the Embassy at the time of your interview.

Special Additional Requirements for all minors under age 16:

Passport applications for children under age 16, who have or have not had a passport in the past, must be submitted in person at the American Citizens Unit, U.S. Embassy, Cairo. The child must be present. Both parents or guardians should appear with the child. If both parents/guardians cannot be present, see the section below on parental consent for additional document requirements.

Besides the documents required for all first time applicants you will also need:

Evidence of Parental Relationship

Examples of documents that may be used as evidence of parental relationship are:

U.S. birth certificate
Foreign birth certificate
Adoption decree
Divorce/Custody decree
Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a United States Citizen (FS-240)

Proof of Identity for Parents

This can be any valid, government-issued ID such as a U.S. passport, U.S. driver’s license, or foreign passport.

If the child is 16-17 years old, they will also need a photo ID (such as a foreign passport, national ID, or a U.S. driver’s license).

Two-Parent Consent Requirement

If the applying child is under 16 years of age, both of his/her parents must consent to passport issuance. A parent gives consent by doing one of the following:

– Personally appearing and signing the application

– Submitting a “Statement of Consent” (FORM DS-3053), signed and notarized within the last three months. If the form is notarized outside of the United States, it must be notarized at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The absent parent must submit a copy of the valid photo ID referenced in Form DS-3053.

– Submitting primary evidence of sole authority (if the child only has one parent) to apply for the child with one of the following:

Minor’s certified U.S. or foreign birth certificate listing only the applying parent.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form DS-2029) or Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) listing only the applying parent.
U.S. court order granting sole custody to the applying parent (unless child’s travel is restricted by that order).
Adoption decree (if applying parent is sole adopting parent).
Court order specifically permitting applying parent’s or guardian’s travel with the child.
Judicial declaration of incompetence of non-applying parent.
Death certificate of non-applying parent.

If none of the above documentation is available, the applying parent must submit Form DS-5525 (Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances) stating why the non-applying parent/guardian’s consent cannot be obtained.

The statement must explain in detail the non-applying parent or guardian’s unavailability and recent efforts made to contact the non-applying parent.
The applying parent also may be required to provide evidence (e.g., custody order, incarceration order, restraining order) to document his/her claim of exigent or special circumstances.

If a third party, non-parent is applying on behalf of a minor under the age of 16 you MUST:

Submit a notarized DS-3053 or a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents or guardians authorizing a third-party to apply for a passport; the document must have been signed and notarized within the last three months.
When the statement or affidavit is from only one parent/guardian, the third-party must present evidence of sole custody of the authorizing parent/guardian.

You can click on the following link for more information on first passports for Adults and for Minors under 16.

How do I renew my passport?

To renew your U.S. Passport, please use our Passport Services Wizard to prepare your application.

Renewal – Minors under 16

To renew your child’s passport, please follow the requirements for All First Time Applicants and Special Requirements for all Minors under age 16. Please click on the “How do I Apply for a U.S. passport?” dropdown.

You will also have to provide the applicant’s most recent U.S. Passport and a copy of the photo page. If the previous passport has a photograph of the applicant as a baby, please bring photos showing age progression.

Renewal – Adults

If the last passport was issued 15 years ago or more, you will have to apply again as if you were a First Time Applicant and fill out Form DS-11. Please click on the “How do I Apply for a U.S. passport?” dropdown.

All other adults should submit their passport renewal applications by mail. Please visit Adult Passport Renewal by Mail for details of eligibility, application requirements and where to send your application. In person appointments for this service are not available. Approved passports are returned via courier service.

What is a U.S. passport card? How is it different from a passport book?

When renewing the passport, all U.S. citizens may also apply for a passport card. The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.

To apply:

If you already have a U.S. passport, schedule an online appointment.

–How do I schedule my appointment?

Next, complete online Form DS-82, sign, date and submit it in person.

If you have never had a U.S. passport book before or are not eligible to use Form DS-82, you must apply in person using Form DS-11. This application is to be signed in front of a Consular Officer.

Check the appropriate box (-es) on the top of the application form:
[U.S. Passport Book] [U.S. Passport Card] [Both]

Print one-sided pages only.

If you are applying for both the passport book and the passport card you must submit FOUR (4) U.S. passport photographs.

Your passport photo must be in color, 2x2inches (51x51mm) in size, with a white background. It must have been taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance, and in full-face view directly facing the camera. You must remove your glasses for the photo.

The fee for a U.S. Passport Card is a supplementary fee of $30.

You will also have to schedule an online appointment.
–How do I schedule my appointment?

To learn more about U.S. Passport Card, please visit:
Should I get a passport book or card?

How do I replace a lost, stolen, damaged U.S. passport?

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged U.S. Passport, please use our Passport Services Wizard.

If you require an emergency passport due to a lost/or stolen passport AND have an urgent travel need contact the ACS section by email or phone. ACS staff will then instruct you to approach the ACS Office during working hours from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday and to take the steps listed below. If you do not have an urgent travel need follow the link to schedule a regular passport appointment.

1. Appear personally at the ACS Office.

2. Submit your passport application Form DS-11
Ensure that it is properly filled out with your address IN EGYPT (item number 6), your telephone number IN EGYPT (item number 7) and your social security number. DO NOT sign the application.

3. Present a Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport Form DS 64 properly filled out.

4. Present a copy of an Egyptian police report with the details of the loss or theft of the passport.
**Please note that you must replace the entry stamp in your new passport before you travel! Present the police report to the Egyptian Immigration Office closest to you after receiving your new passport. You should obtain this report from the police station closest to the area where the passport was lost or stolen. You will not be able to depart Egypt without the new stamp.**

5. Present a proof of U.S. citizenship – U.S. Birth Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization. You should bring the original and a copy of it.

6. Submit an additional original photo ID and a photocopy of it – Egyptian passport, school ID, or driver’s license.

7. Provide 2 U.S. passport photos:
Your passport photo must be in color, 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size, with a white background. It must have been taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance, and in full-face view directly facing the camera.
The processing of your passport application may be delayed if you do not submit a photo that meets the requirements. To avoid processing delays, we recommend you use a professional passport photo service. Click on this link for more information on photo requirements.

8. Pay the sum of $165.00 USD or equivalent in Egyptian Pounds.

9. Submit a copy of the lost U.S. passport, if available.

We encourage you to review the U.S. Embassy Cairo’s Security Information (PDF 319 KB) webpage before your visit to the ACS Unit because you will not be allowed to enter the Embassy with any prohibited item.