Applicants seeking to register the birth of a child born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) and apply for a first-time passport can now use an online system called eCRBA. The electronic Consular Report of Birth Abroad application is accessible from computers, mobile phones, or tablets. According to information provided by the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, paper applications (DS-2029) are no longer accepted.
The eCRBA platform allows applicants to complete several steps within the same system, including uploading required documents, checking application status, and communicating securely with consular staff. Applicants are advised to review the eCRBA FAQs for further guidance.
To begin the process, users must create or log into an account at MyTravel.state.gov and answer eligibility questions. If eligible, they can proceed with uploading necessary documents such as evidence of birth, proof of U.S. nationality for the transmitting parent(s), identification for both parents, marriage-related documents if applicable, financial support documentation for children born out of wedlock or under court order, Form DS-5507 if needed, and proof of physical presence in the United States.
Once all required materials are uploaded and the online application completed, applicants pay the CRBA fee through Pay.gov using a credit card or U.S. bank account.
For first-time passport applications for children born abroad to U.S. citizens, applicants should fill out Form DS-11 online and print it before their appointment without signing it on page one. Both parents must appear with valid identification at the interview unless one parent has sole custody; in such cases original documentation proving custody is required.
If only one parent can attend the interview with the child at the embassy’s consular section in Yaoundé, Form DS-3053—Statement of Consent—must be signed by the non-applying parent before a certified notary public from either a U.S.-based notary or at the consular section itself. Identification used during notarization must be copied and submitted alongside this form.
When neither parent is available for the interview, another adult may accompany the child but must have DS-3053 forms from both parents authorizing them to submit Form DS-11 on their behalf.
If obtaining consent via DS-3053 or proof of sole custody is impossible due to special circumstances (such as inability to locate one parent), applicants should complete Form DS-5525—Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances—and provide supporting evidence as required.
To schedule an appointment for both CRBA registration and passport application interviews at the embassy in Yaoundé, applicants should email yaoundeacs@state.gov after allowing 72 hours for payment processing via Pay.gov. The request should include proof of payment and details about the child applicant.
At their scheduled interview at the embassy’s consular section in Yaoundé, families must bring all original documents along with photocopies—including completed forms (DS-11), payment receipts ($100 CRBA fee via Pay.gov; $135 passport fee payable in cash), Cameroonian birth certificate(s), parental relationship evidence (such as marriage certificates or other documentation), photo IDs for each parent or guardian involved in person or by proxy (passport/ID/driver’s license/naturalization certificate), proof of transmitting parent's U.S. citizenship status (U.S. passport/certificate/birth certificate), and records demonstrating that parent's five-year physical presence in America prior to child's birth.
The embassy emphasizes that failure to present all necessary documentation may result in rejection of applications and require rescheduling another appointment.