To request an appointment, please use the Embassy’s on-line appointment system.

All visitors to the Embassy are subject to airport-type screening. All items are subject to inspection and your wait time depends on the items you and other visitors bring. We do not have storage facilities.

The following items are not permitted:

• Cell phones
• Food
• Liquids
• Electronic devices
• Large bags
• Tools
• Weapons

Visitors are allowed one small purse, backpack, or briefcase, and items to care for small children.

When planning your visit here, bring only what is needed for your business with the consular section to speed security screening. Embassy staff do not have the means to store items for you.

We appreciate your cooperation in making your visit as smooth as possible.

Each passport applicant must submit the following documents (please see below for additional documentation needed regarding issuance of passports to minors when both parents are not present):

• Form DS-11 (for first-time applicants or renewals of minors’ passports)
  • Please complete the entire form by typing or printing clearly in black ink.
  • Forms can be downloaded from travel.state.gov.
• Two photographs, 2×2 inches square, non-Polaroid, with a matte finish showing a full view of the applicant’s face with a light-colored background;
  •  Learn about U.S. photo requirements
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (previous passport and U.S. birth certificate or consular report of birth abroad);
• Photos of the child’s growth
• Proof of payment of passport fee; and
  • The fee for first-time issuance of an adult passport (over 16 years of age) is US $165.
  • The fee for first-time issuance or renewal of a minor’s passport (16 and under) is US $135.
  • The equivalent amounts may be paid in Cabo Verdean Escudos.
  • Payment must be made at the time of application and must be made in cash or credit cards — personal or traveler’s checks are not accepted.
• Any additional documents requested by the consular officer.

Step 1: The U.S. Embassy in Praia will accept DS-82 applications via drop off on Mondays if payment is made online here – Pay.gov. Applicants who wish to apply for their passport renewal in person may still do so. This requires an appointment and paying the fees to our cashier at the Embassy. Click here to schedule an in-person appointment.

Step 2:  Bring the following documents with you on the day of your appointment or drop off:

• Your passport that you are renewing
• Passport application form DS-82 (PDF 90 KB). Please complete the entire form by typing or printing clearly in black ink. Be sure to sign and date the form where stated.
• One color passport photo 2” x 2” (5 x 5 cm) taken within the past 6 months; full face, frontal view against a plain white or off-white background.  Learn about U.S. photo requirements.
• One copy of the data page of your previous U.S. passport
• Cash – Escudos or U.S. dollars, or the confirmation of payment made here.

Passport processing takes approximately two weeks.

To be eligible for this service, you must meet these criteria:

• Your current passport was issued when you were age 16 and older.
• Your current passport was issued in the last 15 years.
• Your current passport must be in your possession (not lost or stolen).
• Your current passport must be undamaged (other than normal wear and tear).
• Your current passport was issued in your name, or you can provide documents to support a name change.

If you DO NOT meet the above criteria, please email Praiaconsular@state.gov .

U.S. citizens residing or traveling abroad who require a U.S. passport are issued the latest state-of-the-art passports that incorporate photo-digitized images and other enhanced security features. These passports are produced at a domestic U.S. passport facility. U.S. citizens are encouraged to apply early for renewal of expiring passports.

Reminder for Dual National U.S. Citizens: U.S. law requires all U.S. citizens, including dual-national citizens, to enter the United States using their U.S. passport. We urge all U.S. citizens to keep their U.S. passports current.

Fee Schedule

• If old passport is full validity, ten year passport issued within 15 years and not mutilated in any way: $130 (or the escudo equivalent)
• All other passport applicants: $165 (or the escudo equivalent)

We accept payment in cash or credit card, in US dollars or Cabo Verdean Escudos. We do not accept personal checks.

For more information about the Consular Section or about requirements, forms, or tips for a smooth visit, visit the appropriate sections.  We also invite you to email us with any comments at Praiaconsular@state.gov.

Lost or stolen passports should be immediately reported both to the Embassy and to the local police. The Embassy will help you to replace your passport using the appropriate application process.

Additionally, all U.S. Citizens are encouraged to register their presence in Cabo Verde using the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, as it will facilitate passport issuance in the event of a lost or stolen passport.

Emergency U.S. passports are issued only in extraordinary circumstances, usually involving medical reasons, a death in the family, or the commission of a serious crime against a U.S. citizen requiring urgent travel back to the United States.  Please be aware that the rules for emergency passport issuance are strict, and a consular officer will determine if your situation meets the standard for an emergency.  The need to travel on short notice (including vacation travel) is generally not considered sufficient in and of itself to permit the issuance of an emergency passport.

Appointment (write to PraiaConsular@state.gov with responses to questions below)

• Why do you have need of an emergency passport? If you were victim of a crime, please provide police report.
• When are you planning on traveling? Please provide your itinerary.
• Which days/times can you come to the embassy? Give us at least two options unless you are traveling the next day. We will try our best to accommodate you.

Forms

Complete online and print Form DS-11. If your passport was lost or stolen, complete online and print Form DS-64 (Tip: If you have had an identity document lost or stolen, go to the Dept. Of Justice’s suggestions for suggestions on protecting yourself from identity theft).  If you never had a U.S. Social Security Number, you will be required to fill out and submit a signed declaration where you declare under penalty of perjury that you (or your minor child) have (has) never been issued a Social Security number by the Social Security Administration (Tip: If you do not remember your U.S. Social Security Number, please contact the Federal Benefit Unit before applying for the passport.)

Supporting Documents

Citizenship: Submit a previous U.S. passport (if available) and certified U.S. birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.  First-time passport applicants must provide an original proof of citizenship.

Identity: U.S. passport card or non-U.S. passport and/or U.S Driver’s License and other copies or originals of any/all photo IDs you still have.

Proof of citizenship may also serve to meet identity document requirement in some cases, especially for minors.

Photo: One color 2×2-inch photo (5x5cm). Click here for photos requirements.

Payment

Pay the fee of 135 USD for children or 165 USD for adults (or the escudo equivalent) at the time of your interview, in cash or by credit card (the credit card holder must be present with a valid Government photo ID).

In addition to the applicant’s presence, U.S. law requires both parents of minors under 16 years of age to be physically present to sign a passport application.  Parents of minors should also bring the child’s certified birth certificate establishing a parental relationship to the passport applicant.

An absent parent can submit a notarized and signed DS-3053 giving permission for the issuance of a passport to the minor child.  Please remember, however, that in most cases at least one of the two parents must be physically present to sign the passport application in front of the consular officer.  An applicant who is 16 years or older must sign his/her own application.  Parents should also bring photographs of their children showing their progression in age from the time of the last passport.