Compiled by biff polka with the help of fellow Jangloers.
I asked a while ago about registering the birth of a child with the US consulate in Jerusalem. I received about a million responses, so I thank everyone who took the time and effort to respond and apologize for not thanking everyone individually. Many asked for the info, so here is what I received in an edited form: Go to their web site: https://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/
https://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/jerusalem/birth_abroad.html
https://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/jerusalem/index.html or e-mail them: [email protected]
Consider going to the embassy in TA: I just did it at Rechov Hayakon 71 in Tel Aviv. Bring the document you were given for the last child with the dates of your presence in the US and bring the present child with you. Also bring your US passport , pix of the kid and abt. $130 Be there before 11.00 AM You can e-mail them directly for full instructions at: [email protected] It was pretty quick
Here is an interesting letter that was forwarded to me.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Christopher Dilworth, the guy who has been running the whole passport issuance thaang at the US Consulate here in Jerusalem. I told him that I had heard bad things about the service there, and he was quite upset, and assured me that he places a very high priority on providing top-notch customer service. He was kind enough to write out a list of suggestions which should help us American ex-pats have a better time during our visits (reduce friction points and the like). Hope it helps, and a public THANK YOU to Mr. Dilworth! Gila
Top 10 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Visit to the US Consulate General American Citizen Services (ACS) Section
1) Get the forms before you come! Forms can be downloaded from the internet, or picked up at our front desk, or at many travel agencies. The four most commonly needed forms are the DS-11 Passport Application, DS-82 Passport Renewal (only for applicants over 26), DS-2029 Report of Birth, and SS-5 Social Security Card.
2) Review our website thoroughly! The forms are complicated because frequently the requirements are complicated. You can save yourself lots of time and complications by carefully reviewing the equirements before you come. The Consulate’s website can be found at: https://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov
3) Fill out your forms completely! The forms for passports, reports of birth, and Social Security have lots of sections and are time consuming. If your forms are not filled in at the time your number is called, you will be sent away to complete them. ACS staff cannot assist you in filling in your forms. If you don’t fill them out before you come, fill them out while you are waiting in the building. Sample forms for guidance can be found on the walls of the ACS section. Its also a good idea to bring your own pen.
4) Bring the right photos! The Consulate stringently enforces passport photo requirements. Two common problems are A) Israeli passport photos are not the same as US passport photos and B) Headcoverings, even those worn for religious purposes, may not obscure any part of the face or ears.
5) Bring the kitchen sink! We are required by law to ask for many supporting documents, such as parental consent, identification, old passports, certificates of birth, marriage, death, etc. It is much easier to bring these documents with you, even if you don't end up needing them, than having to go home and get them.
6) If you are applying for your kids, bring your kids! The Department of State has recently changed its rules to require the presence of children when their parents apply for passports on their behalf. This applies to ALL children, even infants. Children 14 and above must also appear in person to apply on their own behalf.
7) Don't bring a stroller! Our security personnel are very strict and will not allow them into the building. Unfortunately, you also cannot leave them outside of the building and we do not have stroller parking. Thus, the better bet is to leave it at home.
8) Come early! The earlier you arrive, the earlier you leave. Especially during our summer travel season, people who come later end up waiting a disproportionately long time. The Consulate is open from 8:30-11:30, Monday through Friday, with the exception of US and local holidays and the last Friday of the month.
9) Don't come at all! Adults who have had at least one 10-year validity passport are eligible to renew their passport by mail and need not come to the Consulate. Instructions can be found on our website
10) Be prepared to wait. Even if you do arrive early, the Consulate in Jerusalem has severe staffing and building constraints that limit our ability to process large numbers of applicants quickly. We do our absolute best to get our clientele in and out as fast as possible, but it is wise to be prepared to spend 1-3 hours at the Consulate, depending on the nature of your business.
Hope this all helps. Happy waiting.
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