Tips for a Smooth Visit to the Consular Section

Don’t come unless you have to. While we are always happy to see our American citizen clients, we have limited waiting room space and long lines. If you can conduct your business by mail or on-line, please do so. NOTE: Passport applicants who can apply by mail MUST apply by mail. Please see Passports - Renewal to obtain information on By-Mail applications.

Come on time. There will be a security check before you are allowed to enter the embassy compound area and to the consulate waiting room. To ensure that everything goes smoothly during the security check, do not bring big handbags or packages with you. Also, you will not be allowed to bring electronic or photographic equipment with you to our waiting room or on other Embassy premises.

Bring something to entertain yourself and to entertain your children. Your visit could last for several hours, even for simple notarials.

Take your wallet/purse with you to the consulate. Specially, if you will need to pay for your service.

For passport applicants: Complete (but don’t sign) your passport application before you arrive.

For passport applicants: Bring two photos that meet our requirements. Please see the list of photographers.

For passport applicants: Bring an addressed, postage-paid return envelope. You may not pick up your passport in person. Please note the tracking numbers of all mailing envelopes for your records.

For notarial clients: If your document requires an oath (e.g., if the document says “swear,” “sworn,” “affirm,” “affirmed,” or “affidavit”), do not sign the document, but make sure that all other blanks are filled in before coming to the Embassy. If your signature must be notarized and witnessed, you must bring witnesses with you. You will need to provide the names of witnesses at the time you schedule an appointment.

For notarial clients: If your document is to be acknowledged (e.g., if the part where the notary is to sign says “acknowledged” or “acknowledges”), complete the entire document and sign it (in front of witnesses, if necessary) before coming to the Embassy.