The eCRBA is the Department of State’s new online application for a CRBA that allows eligible U.S. citizen parents to complete an online application, upload all required documents, and submit payment prior to the in-person interview. eCRBA does not require any new information or processes – applicants enter the same information in the eCRBA as in the paper application.
1. Create an account and prepare required documents
To apply for a CRBA online, you need to create a MyTravelGov account or sign-in to your existing account. MyTravelGov is a secured, encrypted portal that you can use to start an eCRBA application or access an existing eCRBA application.
Once you sign in or create a MyTravelGov account you can access eCRBA and submit your application online. The easy-to-use online process provides applicants with step-by-step instructions on how to complete the application.
Applicants must have a Login.gov account to access eCRBA services on the MyTravelGov portal. Instructions for creating a Login.gov account are available at MyTravel.state.gov. If you already have an eCRBA application in progress, use the same email address previously used to access the MyTravelGov website to create an account. This ensures a streamlined linkage between your existing profile and the new authentication system.
Prepare each required document according to the eCRBA checklist (PDF 182KB).
Please Note: when evidence is not sufficient to conclusively determine a biological relationship between the U.S. citizen parent and the child, the Consular Officer may require DNA testing to establish a biological relationship most effectively. DO NOT conduct independent DNA exams. Only DNA test results from the Department of State approved laboratories and coordinated through the Embassy can be used to determine a genetic relationship for citizenship purposes. If you are required to obtain a DNA exam, the information will be provided to you at your appointment. All fees for DNA testing will be paid by the applicant.
Applying for a U.S. passport at the same time with eCRBA: you may apply for a U.S. passport for your child during an in-person interview, please visit Passport section for an appropriated service and a required document.
2. Complete eCRBA application including scan and upload all required documents
After creating a MyTravel.gov account, the eCRBA application will guide you through the process and will allow you to scan and upload documents as you go. You can scan, save, and upload documents in each section of the eCRBA application as a .jpg, .pdf, .png, and .jpeg files according to the eCRBA checklist (PDF 182KB).
In many cases, the U.S. citizen parent(s) must present proof of their physical presence in the United States. Physical presence is the actual time the U.S. citizen parent was physically within the borders of the United States before the child’s birth.
Examples of physical presence may include:
- Academic credentials or transcripts.
- Employment records.
- Military/government orders.
Applicants are encouraged to provide as much evidence as possible. If the provided evidence is deemed insufficient you will receive email notification and a timeline to submit further evidence/documentation before an appointment can be scheduled.
Evidence of physical presence is not required if BOTH parents were U.S. citizens before the birth of the child. However, evidence of current or prior residence in the United States is required for one of the two parents.
You must bring the original documents to the in-person interview where a consular officer will verify them.
If you wish to apply for your child’s first U.S. passport at the same appointment, please find information on passport services here.
NOTE: Please note that if the CRBA application is not approved, then any associated passport application will also be denied. In these cases, applicants are not eligible for a refund.
3. Pay eCRBA fee and submit payment confirmation
During the eCRBA application process you will be asked to pay the $100 application fee via Pay.gov, the U.S. government’s secure payment site. You will need to pay before you can schedule an eCRBA appointment. Once you receive a payment receipt, please follow the instructions below for your consular district:
- For the U.S. Bangkok Consular district (covering all but northern Thailand):
- In the eCRBA system, you will be directed to an appointment page. CRBA appointments are available Monday – Thursday between 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. On the calendar, dates with a hyperlink indicate that an appointment slot is available. Please ensure you schedule one appointment per applicant and allow at least 3 days after submitting your application to allow your payment to clear. CRBA appointments will be canceled if the application is INCOMPLETE. In this case we will email you to reschedule your appointment only once we receive all required documents.
- U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai (covering northern Thailand):
- Upon submission of the electronic application payment, send a confirmation of online payment to the ACS Unit in Chiang Mai using the Chiang Mai Contact Form. Please wait 3 days before sending your appointment request to allow time for your payment to clear. Please provide two preferred dates for an in-person interview. Interviews are currently available Wednesday at 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. ONLY. The American Citizens Services Unit will review the documents and schedule an appointment by email accordingly.
Please note that we do not offer CRBA interview appointments on official holidays. See a list of our official holidays here.
For a first-time U.S. passport, please find the appropriate fee schedule here.
NOTE: In cases where a CRBA application cannot be approved, then any associated passport applications will also be denied. In these cases, applicants are not eligible for a refund.
4. Attend an in-person interview
- Bring your appointment confirmation email and a valid government-issued photo ID for both parents.
- ONLY the applicant and both parents should be present at the interview. The applicant MUST appear, NO EXCEPTIONS. Only minor siblings may accompany the family.
- Bring ALL the original documents that you uploaded into the eCRBA system.
- All applicants must purchase a courier pass back envelope for 100 THB. Please bring the payment confirmation for the courier envelope.
- If the applicant is also applying for a U.S. passport, bring the completed DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport and passport photo. Please See photo requirements.
- Please arrive at the Consular Section 30 minutes prior to the appointment. The time of interview will likely be later than that of the appointment because your time of interview will depend on the number of applicants and the length of the interviews.
- Inside the Consular Section all applicants will pass through a metal detector and will undergo an extensive security screening. Mobile phones are permitted for ACS customers but laptops and other small electronic devices are not allowed inside the Embassy. Luggage is also not allowed. Strollers, diaper bags, baby foods and formulas are allowed but will be screened.
For more information about our security procedures, please click here
Need Help?
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You can access eCRBA 2.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here (PDF 298KB)
Please note that an application for a Social Security Number can only be submitted after receiving the original Consular Report of Birth Abroad and Passport. To obtain a Social Security Number for your child, see further details Social Security – U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand (usembassy.gov).
Processing and delivery
Your Consular Report of Birth Abroad and new passport will be returned to you by mail. You will receive a payment link to pay for a courier pass back envelope for 100THB prior to your appointment. Please note, the fee is non-refundable, and the mailing information cannot be amended after you pay. You will receive a tracking number from ThailandPost Mart after you successfully pay for the courier pass back envelope. You may track your passport by using the tracking number here https://track.thailandpost.co.th/.
Please, print the payment confirmation email with invoice number and provide it to the consular staff on the day of your appointment. An actual envelope will be delivered to the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai so that we can return your document.
NOTE: If you apply for both a passport book and passport card, they will be mailed to you separately because the passport card requires additional processing time. In these cases, you will be expected to purchase two courier pass back envelopes.
Track my passport
After the four to five weeks processing period has passed, you may track your passport through the Thai Post website https://track.thailandpost.co.th/. Your tracking number is located on your Thai Post receipt.
Your new passport will reach you within four to five weeks from the date your application was received for processing. Someone must be present to sign for delivery. If no one is present to sign and receive the envelope, it will be kept at your local Thai Post Office until you retrieve it. Please check with your local Thai Post Office before reaching out to us if you have not received your envelope within four to five weeks.