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Worldwide Caution: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.

American Citizens Services
Consulate General
Overview
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Financial Assistance
Federal Programs
Child & Family Issues
Local Resources

Applying for a consular report of birth abroad?

A child born outside the United States may be a U.S. Citizen at birth if one or both parents meet the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. A major requirement is that at least one parent must be a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth. Either parent may apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (CRBA) on behalf of their minor child.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad – CRBA (Somali Translation)

Click Here: Birth Abroad and Eligibility of U.S. Citizenship (CRBA)

Consular Appointments, Office Hours, Location, and Fees

Find important information regarding your appointment on our Consular Appointments, Office Hours, Location, and Fees page.

More Information

American Citizen Services Navigator

Need assistance with American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi? Our navigator will guide U.S. citizens in Kenya to information about citizenship, documentation or other emergency assistance. Click the “American Citizen Services Navigator” button to begin.

American Citizen Services Navigator

 

Arrest of a U.S. Citizen

The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.

Legal Assistance

Death of a U.S. Citizen

The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.

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International Parental Child Abduction

The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.

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Victims of Crime

The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime.

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Passport

Are you a U.S. citizen who needs a passport?

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Emergency Financial Assistance

In most countries, the State Department strongly encourages Americans to use commercial services, such as credit card advances, ATMs, or Western Union to deal with financial emergencies.

Americans have a number of available options in Kenya. See available options.

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Repatriation Loans

U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.

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Wiring Money Directly

Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.

Be wary of International Financial Scams.

Sending Money through the U.S. Department of State

When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.

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Get Travel Alerts

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Sign up to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates while abroad.

Sign up for STEP

Benefits of STEP

Learn more about the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Learn more about STEP

Internal Revenue Service

If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

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Selective Service

If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.

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Social Security

If you live in Kenya and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in The United Kingdom.

Services Around the World

Veterans Affairs

U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Voting

All U.S. citizens are eligible to vote overseas in federal elections. For more information on voting overseas, including how to register, go to the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website here. You must re-register to

FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Legal Assistance

We have compiled some resources for you.

Legal Assistance

Medical Assistance

We have compiled some resources for you.

Medical Contact List 2025

Medical Evacuation and Escort Services

Please follow the link below for more information on medical escort and evacuation services.

Medical Evacuation and Escort Services

Intercountry Adoption

The Kenya government imposed moratorium on international and resident adoption on November 27, 2014. Since November 27, 2014 there is no international and resident adoption in Kenya and the moratorium is still in force indefinitely.

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Births

A child born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or parents may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if the parent(s) meets the requirements for transmitting U.S. citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. U.S. citizens eligible to transmit citizenship should file a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

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Marriage

U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages. The process is different from country to country. Depending on the local law, civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. Kenya requires an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry (Affidavit of No Impediment) as proof of legal ability to enter a marriage contract. The United States cannot attest to your marital status. You may sign a notarized statement at the embassy attesting that you are eligible to marry.

Click here to schedule a notary appointment

Citizenship Services

In accordance with United States Department of State worldwide regulations in place due to COVID-19 and in line with efforts by the Government of Kenya to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has temporarily restricted some routine consular processing.

All entrants to the U.S. Embassy must wear masks and are subject to body temperature screening and may be refused entry if displaying an elevated temperature.

No electronics are allowed in the U.S. Embassy.

For routine passport renewals and notarial services, please click here to make an appointment at U.S. Embassy Nairobi. Be sure to schedule a separate appointment for each individual applying.

To submit a request for an emergency service, including CRBA services, visit our U.S. Citizen Services Navigator. Emergency services can include: a need for urgent travel; needing a new passport for foreign visa requirements; or other life-or-death situations. A travel itinerary will be required for emergency services.

For emergencies after hours involving American citizens please call 020 363 6170.

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