U.S. PASSPORT: DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!
Always ensure your U.S. passport is valid and always carry your U.S. passport when traveling to and from the United States. The State Department recommends all U.S. citizens renew their passports at least NINE MONTHS before the expiration date, as many countries now require six months’ validity to enter.
The American Citizen Services unit reminds U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport. While dual citizens may be able to travel abroad on a Ghanaian or other foreign passport, all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport to re-enter the United States. U.S. Embassy Accra has recently assisted many dual citizens who traveled to Ghana with an expired or close to expiring U.S. passport – resulting in trip delays and unexpected costs until they could obtain an emergency U.S. passport. A valid U.S. passport is necessary for U.S. citizens to enter the United States. U.S. Embassy Accra does not issue letters in lieu of a U.S. passport.
Per Section 215 of the U.S. Immigration and National Act (8 U.S.C. 1185), it is illegal for a U.S. citizen to enter the United States on anything other than a U.S. travel document. This applies to all dual citizens, including babies and children. U.S. Embassy Accra requires at least 3 weeks from receiving a completed passport application to issue a new U.S. passport. We strongly advise against purchasing a plane ticket to the United States until you are in possession of a valid U.S. passport.
Please immediately report a lost or stolen passport to the Consular Section. Processing of emergency travel documents can begin the next business day. For routine passport renewals you may apply through the American Citizen Services office. Please allow at least three weeks.
- First Time Applicant
- Passport Renewal
- Additional Pages in a U.S. Passport
- Name Changes
- Lost or Stolen Passport
- Emergency Passport
- Photos
- Passport and Citizenship Fees/Payment
Quick Tips
Commonly forgotten documents:
- Original Birth Certificate or Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for the minor child
- Correct size photo; 2×2 inch
- Consent from the absent parent(s) for the passport issuance (DS3053). The consent should be signed in front of the notary. Copy of the ID presented to the notary should be attached to the consent. Please click here(PDF 298KB)] for an example of a correctly completed parental consent DS-3053.
- Original, notarized Power of Attorney authorizing third party to sign passport application on behalf of the parent(s).
- Photos over time for all children who received their first US passport under the age of 5.
Please note that the Consular Cashier cannot accept any bills older than 2006. Please visit here for other important information on forms, fees and other required documentation.
