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Passports, Citizenship and Reports of Birth

Registering an American Citizen’s Birth in Guatemala

The birth in Guatemala of a child with a claim to American citizenship should be reported at the earliest possible date to the Consular Section of the American Embassy in Guatemala City.

To reduce wait times and serve you better, the American Citizens Services unit now has an online appointment system for non-emergency services. As of September 22nd, 2008 the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City will provide Consular Report of Birth Abroad and first time passport issuance services by appointment only.

Appointments can be made by clicking the link below:
https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=GTM&appcode=1.

Passport application forms can be accessed online at:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete all the necessary paperwork before arriving at the Embassy and to also bring the suggested supporting documents which are listed below.

In order to complete a Report of Birth the American citizen’s parent(s) and the child should appear personally at Window 3 of the Consular Section, with the following:

  • Complete Form DS-2029/SS-5, Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America.
  • Original Guatemalan birth certificate (Certificación de Nacimiento, NOT the boleta issued by the Registrador Civil of the locality where the birth occurred).
  • Both parents' passports and U.S. Certificate(s) of Naturalization, if applicable.
  • Original evidence of valid marriage of the parents, if applicable. If married in Guatemala, the marriage certificate from the Registrador Civil is required.
  • Evidence of the termination of any prior marriage of either parent (divorce documents or death certificates).
  • Evidence of the American parents’ physical presence in the United States prior to the child's birth. For most children born on or after November 14, 1986, to one American citizen parent and to one non-American parent, the American parent must demonstrate a total of 5 years physical presence in the U.S., with at least 2 of the 5 years occurring after the parent reached the age of 14 (exceptions may apply).
  • The consular officer may require additional documentation and/or a personal interview with the non-American parent.
  • The consular officer may also require pre-natal records of the mother, including ultra-sounds, and/or photos of the mother during pregnancy.
  • Reports of Birth Abroad cost $65.00 in cash (Dollars or Quetzales equivalent).

Upon presentation of satisfactory documentation to a consular officer and a determination that the child qualifies for U.S. citizenship, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America, Form FS-240, will be issued, usually within one week. One original will be forwarded to the Department of State in Washington, D.C. for permanent filing.