Required Documentation for a Child Born Abroad to a U.S. Citizen to Enter the U.S.

This question came from one of our users:

"What documentation is required to allow a child that was born abroad to a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S.?

‍

For a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen, you will need the following documents to enter the U.S.:

1. Certificate of Citizenship or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) (Form FS-240)

• This is proof of U.S. citizenship for a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent.

• Issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the child was born.

• You must apply for the CRBA while abroad by providing documentation such as proof of the U.S. parent’s citizenship, the child’s birth certificate, and evidence of the parent-child relationship.

2. U.S. Passport

• Once the CRBA is issued, the child can apply for a U.S. passport which is required for international travel and entry into the U.S.

• If a CRBA is not available the child can still apply for a U.S. passport if citizenship can be proven with other documents.

3. Visa (If Citizenship Can’t be Confirmed)

• If the child’s U.S. citizenship can’t be confirmed (e.g. insufficient documentation or pending CRBA processing) the child may need a U.S. visa to enter. However, a U.S. citizen is not required to have a visa.

4. Evidence of Custody (If Applicable)

• If only one parent is traveling with the child additional documentation such as a custody agreement or notarized consent from the non-traveling parent may be required by airlines or immigration authorities.

5. Proof of Parental Relationship and ID (When Applying for Documents)

• The U.S. embassy or consulate may require documents like the child’s birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and valid ID for the U.S. citizen parent(s).

‍

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for country-specific information.

‍

This content is designed for general information use only. The content above does not constitute legal advice nor the formation of an attorney/client relationship.