Passport Application Requirements And

EMBAS SY OF THE REPUBLIC OF AMBASSADE DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROON CAMEROUN Telephone: (202) 265-8790 2349 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.

Fax: (202) 387-3826 Washington, DC 20008 Email: [email protected] www.cameroonembassyusa.org CAMEROONIAN BIOMETRIC PASSPORTS

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IN ITS ENTIRETY AS YOU PREPARE YOUR PASSPORT APPLICATION.

Passport applicants are advised of the following:

- Cameroonian citizens must be aware that the Embassy of Cameroon no longer accepts passport extension requests, but ONLY Biometric Passport issuance/renewal requests; once the process is complete, the applicant receives a new passport booklet and the previous passport is cancelled and returned to its bearer. - Applicants are advised to start the passport renewal process SIX (6) MONTHS before the expiration date of their current passport, to account for processing or transmission delays. Application files are forwarded to Cameroon for processing and newly issued passports are forwarded to the Embassy in Washington, DC, where they can be collected by the recipients. - For this process, passport applications must be submitted at the Embassy in Washington, DC, IN PERSON BY APPOINTMENT, BY THE APPLICANTS THEMSELVES; in the case of under-aged applicants, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to the Embassy.

Note: PASSPORT APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE SUBMITTED BY MAIL. All passport applicants – including minors/children of all ages – must appear in person at the Embassy for this process that involves identifying the applicant and capturing biometric elements including fingerprints and height.

- All Cameroonian citizens in the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Cameroon in Washington D.C. – which includes the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, MEXICO, COSTA RICA, the COMMONWEALTH of the BAHAMAS – must submit their application for a biometric passport at this Embassy. - All eligible Cameroonian citizens who have not yet obtained a Biometric Passport are STRONGLY ADVISED to take steps to obtain it.

II. APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE AND PROCESSING TIME

Applicants may begin the passport renewal process nine (09) months before their current passport expires, or any time after their passport has expired. Please note that there may be a significant waiting period for passport appointments. The Consular Section therefore advises users to plan their visit early in order to avoid delays.

A. Appointment Procedure

It is MANDATORY FOR ALL APPLICANTS to schedule an appointment with the Consular Section prior to coming to the Embassy. Walk-ins are not permitted and access will systematically be DENIED to those who come to the Embassy without an appointment. 01. Preparing your application file: Carefully review the passport requirements in this document and prepare a complete application file. Note that failure to submit a complete file may result in the rejection of your application, which could induce significant delays in the processing of your request. 02. Scheduling an appointment: There are 2 options for scheduling an appointment: (1) Send an email to request for an appointment to [email protected]. In your email, clearly state: your full name – your phone number – your city and state of residence. An agent from the Consular Section will reach you as soon as possible to schedule your passport appointment. (2) Call (202) 265-8790 and dial Extension 8357. Please, be courteous and patient as the Consular Section typically experiences a very high volume of calls. An agent will assist you in selecting an appointment date and time from the open slots on the schedule. Specify the number and the name(s) of the individual(s) who will be submitting a passport application. 03. Coming to your appointment: On the day of your appointment and at the scheduled time, bring the complete application file to the Consular Section located at 2349 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20008. Applicants should expect to spend 2-3 hours at the Embassy.

Note: Only duly registered applicants will be allowed to enter the Embassy. People accompanying the applicant(s) will not be granted access except if they are accompanying a minor or a disabled person. Moreover, oversize or travel bags will not be allowed on the premises of the Embassy.

Updated May 2021

04. IMPORTANT NOTES: a. Each individual passport applicant must schedule an appointment with the Consular Section himself/herself. In the case of under-aged/minor applicants (under 20 years old), a parent/legal guardian must schedule the appointment for the minor. b. In the case of families, only one person needs to contact the Consular Section to schedule the appointment for the whole family. It will be required to indicate the number and the names of all persons coming to the appointment, whether they are applying or not. For example, if a minor applicant is accompanied by the father or mother, when scheduling the appointment, the parent must give both names to ensure that access will be granted to both. c. The presence of an under-aged applicant IS REQUIRED for their application to be reviewed by the Consular Section. d. Once again, service/access will ONLY be granted to those persons whose names are registered when scheduling the appointment. This implies that failure to register one’s name when scheduling the appointment will result in denial of service/access.

B. Processing Time

From the time a complete application is submitted, applicants must allow FIVE (5) to (7) MONTHS for the process.

ATTENTION: Once the new passports are available at the Embassy, a list of beneficiaries will be published on the Embassy website. We advise applicants who have submitted a complete application to check the website periodically for updates concerning the availability of new passports.

III. REQUIREMENTS FOR PASSPORT APPLICATIONS

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE SUBMITTED BY MAIL. All passport applicants must schedule an appointment and come in person to the Embassy for this process. Applicants are advised to always verify the completeness of their application file prior to coming to the Embassy!!! You can use the PASSPORT APPLICATION FILE CHECKLIST appended to the present list of requirements to prepare for your appointment.

Please bring the following documents with you to the Embassy:

1. Original Cameroonian passport + photocopy of the passport identification page and most recent US visa If the passport was lost/stolen, information about the lost document – References, date and place of issue, photocopies if possible – AND a police report regarding the loss/theft must be provided

2. Two copies of the “CAMEROONIAN PASSPORT APPLICATION CHECKLIST” and Two (02) completed and signed “APPLICATION FOR PASSPORT” forms: two copies of the checklist and form below must be printed and filled out entirely with accuracy BEFORE COMING to your appointment at the Embassy.

3. Passport Fee ($136) + Application Fee ($2) + Certification/Legalization Fees ($2 per document): for a total of at least $140 in most cases, paid in Cash (please bring exact change), or as a Money Order or Cashier’s Check payable to “Embassy of Cameroon”. Additional certifications/legalization will require a $2 fee per document to certify/legalize. Payments with personal or business checks, or credit cards ARE NOT accepted.

4. Originals and copies of documents confirming the applicant’s residency status in the United States or in their country of residence:

- Original + one (1) copy (front and back) of the green card - Original + one (1) copy (front and back) of the work permit + Copies of available notice(s) from the US Immigration - For international students: (A) original + one (1) copy of the most recent form I-20, and (B) Letter from the International Students’ Office of the school confirming that the student’s F-1 status is active - For applicants w3ith a pending case of adjustment of status, Copies of available notice(s) from the US Immigration - For other cases: Copies of any available US immigration notice(s)/documents.

5. Four (04) identical recent passport-size color photographs with white background, taken prior to coming to your appointment: The Embassy does not offer passport photo services on site. Photo Requirements: - Size: 2 inches by 2 inches; the head should make about 3/4 of the surface of the photo, should be positioned directly facing the camera, with the eyes open and looking at the camera, and with natural facial expression (mouth closed, no smiling/frowning); - Chin, nose, forehead, and both ears clearly visible; Eyeglasses, face covering, and head/hair accessories prohibited. - The photos must reflect the real complexion of the applicant and be free of areas of shadow. Note: Photos that do not meet these requirements will be REJECTED!

6. The original and a full photocopy of the Cameroonian Birth Certificate: A certified true copy of the birth certificate will be established at the Embassy upon presentation of the original which will be handed back to the applicant. If a birth certificate was established following a court judgement (Jugement Supplétif), both original documents (court declaration + birth certificate) are required and must be provided by the applicant. Notes: (1) A passport application CANNOT be processed without a birth certificate.

(2) If the original birth certificate is not available, please obtain the following set of documents from the town/city hall of the area where your birth certificate was established, prior to submitting your passport application file: - A Certified True Copy of the Birth Certificate, - A Certificate of Conformity and Existence of the birth certificate: this document shall confirm: a. That a leaf of the original birth certificate exists and is available within the archives of the town/city hall; b. That the information on the certified true copy is identical to that on said leaf of original birth certificate. The original copies will be kept in the applicant’s passport application file and forwarded to Cameroon as part of the application file. Also, the set (Certified True Copy + Certificate of Conformity and Existence) must be dated less than 3 months at the time when they are presented at the Embassy in DC.

7. The original and/or a photocopy (front and back) of the Cameroonian National Identity Card, if available.

8. A photocopy of the applicant’s U.S. issued driver’s license or state I.D. if available.

9. Proof of profession: - Copy of student I.D. + enrollment verification letter from the school for students, or - Copy of work ID + employment verification letter confirming the profession/title/position

10. Minor applicants (Under 20 years old): - Application forms must be signed by a parent or a legal guardian; if the child is under the care of a legal guardian, copies of documents assigning guardianship must be provided. - Parental authorization for the issuance/renewal of the minor’s Cameroonian passport, and a valid proof of identification (copy of Passport, National Identity Card) from the parent/legal guardian issuing said authorization; the parental authorization must be signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s) accompanying the child at the time of the application and will be legalized at the Embassy. - For Children who came to the United States with photos attached to their parents’ passports, please provide copies of relevant passport pages. - For children born in the United States from at least one Cameroonian parent, a transcription of the American Birth Certificate must be established prior to filing the passport request at the Embassy. Please, refer to the requirements for transcription of a birth certificate for information regarding this process.

11. For married women, original of their marriage certificate: Note: Women who went through a marriage that was terminated due to a divorce or the death of a former spouse must provide a copy of the divorce decree, or a copy of the death certificate, whichever applies.

V. IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Cameroonian citizens requesting the services of the Embassy are advised that, per Cameroon Law, they can bear ONE AND ONLY ONE passport! 2. The Embassy will request any additional documents deemed necessary for the processing of any passport application. 3. For any questions related to the passport application process or requirements, please call (202) 265-8790, or send an email to [email protected]. The title of your email should give an idea about the problem/issue/question that you are inquiring about. We will reply as soon as possible.

CAMEROONIAN PASSPORT APPLICATION CHECKLIST

USE THIS CHECKLIST TO PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION FILE (ORIGINALS + COPIES OF DOCUMENTS) FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT.

COMPLETE THIS SECTION:

Surname Given Name(s) As written in passport As written in passport Appointment Date Appointment Time Phone #:

BRING TWO (2) COPIES OF THIS CHECKLIST ALONG WITH THE DOCUMENTATION (ORIGINALS & COPIES) SPECIFIED BELOW:

2. Two (02) copies of the “DEMANDE DE PASSEPORT – APPLICATION FOR PASSPORT” form below, filled-out, dated and signed.

3. The original and a full photocopy of the Cameroonian Birth Certificate, and the court declaration (Jugement Supplétif) if the birth certificate was issued following a court judgment. If the original birth certificate is not available, provide a certified true copy and an attestation of existence of the leaf of birth certificate (Copie Certifiée Conforme + Attestation d’Existence de Souche). Please review the passport requirements for additional information regarding this alternative documentation.

4. Original and one (1) copy of a document confirming your residency status in the United States or in your country of residence: Examples: - Original + one (1) copy (front and back) of the green card - Original + one (1) copy (front and back) of the work permit + Copies of available notice(s) from the US Immigration - For international students: (A) original + one (1) copy of the most recent form I-20, and (B) Letter from the International Students’ Office of the school confirming that the student’s F-1 status is active - For applicants with a pending case of adjustment of status, Copies of available notice(s) from the US Immigration - For other cases: Copies of any available US immigration notice(s)/documents.

6. Passport Fees: $140 in most cases paid in cash (please bring exact change) or money order payable to “Embassy of Cameroon”. Additional certifications/legalization will require a $2 fee per document to certify/legalize. Payments with personal or business checks, or credit cards ARE NOT accepted.

7. If available, the original and a photocopy (front and back) of the Cameroonian National Identity Card.

8. If available, a photocopy of the applicant’s U.S. issued driver’s license or state I.D.

9. Proof of profession: Examples: - Copy of student I.D. + enrollment verification letter from the school for students, or - Recent employment verification letter, dated and signed, confirming the profession of the passport applicant. - 10. Minor applicants (Under 20 years old): Please review the passport requirements for details.

11. For married women, original and one (1) copy of their marriage certificate: Please review the passport requirements for additional details.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

N.B.: (1) Only duly registered applicants are allowed to enter the Embassy. People accompanying the applicant(s) will not be given access except if they are accompanying a minor or a disabled person. (2) OVERSIZE OR TRAVEL BAGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE EMBASSY PREMISES!

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC AMBASSADE DE LA REPUBLIQUE OF CAMEROON DU CAMEROUN Tél. : (202) 265-8790 2349 Massachusetts Avenue N.W. Fax : (202) 387-3826 Washington, DC 20008 Email: [email protected] www.cameroonembassyusa.org

DEMANDE DE PASSEPORT – APPLICATION FOR PASSPORT (Décret N° 90/1245 du 24 août 1990 – Decree Nº 90/1245 of August 24, 1990) (REMPLIR EN LETTRES MAJUSCULES SEULEMENT AVEC UN STYLO A ENCRE NOIRE OU BLEUE / WRITE IN CAPITAL LETTERS ONLY WITH A BLACK OR BLUE INK PEN)

Je Soussigné(e) I, the Undersigned

Nom de Famille Surname Prénom(s) Given name(s)

Date de Naissance Lieu de Naissance Sexe  M (*) Date of Birth Place of Birth Sex  F PHOTO

Nom du Père sur l’Acte de Naissance Father’s Name on Birth Certificate

Nom de la Mère sur l’Acte de Naissance Mother’s Name on Birth Certificate

Profession du Demandeur Employeur Applicant’s Profession Employer

Adresse du Domicile N° Apt Physical Address Apt N°

Ville Etat Code Postal Pays City State Zip Code Country

Adresse Email Numéro de Tel. Email Address Phone Number

Nº du Passeport Actuel Date de Délivrance Lieu de Délivrance Current Passport Nº Date of Issue Place of Issue

Titulaire de la Carte Nationale d’Identité Camerounaise Nº Date de Délivrance: Bearer of Cameroonian National Identification Card Nº Date of Issue

Titulaire de la Carte de Résidence Nº(# d’Alien) Résident(e) Permanent(e) Depuis Bearer of Green Card Nº (Alien #) Permanent Resident Since

Ai l’honneur de solliciter  La Délivrance  Le Renouvellement (*) d’un passeport camerounais en ma faveur. Have the honor to request for The Issuance The Renewal of a Cameroonian passport in my favor.

Préciser le motif de votre requête

Specify the reason for your request

Je déclare sur l’honneur n’avoir acquis aucune autre nationalité. I declare on my honor that I have not acquired any other citizenship.

. Ma signature engage ma responsabilité, et m’expose en cas de fausses déclarations, à des sanctions aussi bien administratives que judiciaires. . My signature engages my responsibility and subjects me to administrative as well as judicial sanctions in case of false statements.

Signature Date

RESERVE A L’ADMINISTRATION / FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

(*) Cocher la case correspondante / Check the corresponding box