Quick Answers: Department of State

The Department of State is the agency that is responsible for issuing passports and visitor visas. Since it is the agency that maintains our diplomatic presence in foreign countries, it also provides services to American citizens abroad.

A little known service of the Department of State is issuing Certificates of Birth Overseas to children of American citizens born while their parents were living in a foreign country.

What information is available from the Department of State regarding passports and visas?

The Department of State has a section on their website specifically addressing passports and visas. That address is: http://www.travel.state.gov

The phone number to call and check about passports doesn't work or my phone is blocked so I can't call. What can I do?

There are two phone numbers you can try: 1-900-225-5674 or for the hearing impaired (TDD)1-900-225-7778. These calls will be automatically charged to your phone bill. If you can't make this call because of a block on your phone you should call 1-888-362-8668 (TDD1-888-498-3648) and have your credit card ready. You should have your full name, date of birth, where and when you applied and when you are traveling ready for the representative.

If you still can't call for whatever reason or you find out there is a problem with your application, then call us.

I am traveling to another country. Do I need a passport and a visa? How do I know if it is safe to travel there?

The Department of State web page gives requirements to travel there and gives travel warnings for every country.

I would like a friend/relative from a foreign country to come visit me for the summer. What steps do my friend and I have to take?

The Department of State web page details what kind of visa they may apply for and also has a list of all the U.S. Embassies, Consulates. Generally, your friend/relative will need to come prepared to prove that they are not planning on immigrating here they should provide evidence of property, financial statements, ties to the community through work, organizations they belong to, family and friend ties. You may have to act as the sponsor for your friend/relative which means you can prove that you will be financially responsible for your guest. Depending on the visa, you may need to apply to the INS for approval . For example if you want to bring in a fiancee or a relative on an iimmigrant visa

I would like to get my tourist/student/business visa extended. What do I need to do?

You should first contact the closest foreign consulate office for detailed instructions. Extension of your visa will depend on whether or not you have a valid passport and what the date stamped on your I94 states.

I was born in a foreign country while my father/mother was stationed there. How do I prove my citizenship?

The U.S. Department of State can provide you with a Certificate of Birth Overseas.