Birth Abroad

Consular Section
American Citizen Services
P.O. Box 38955 Dhahran 31942 Saudi Arabia
Phone: (966-3) 330-3200
Fax: (966-3) 330-6816
EMail: consulardhahra@state.gov

The birth of a child in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must be reported to the local authorities within 30 days from date of birth if residing in a city, and within 60 days if residing more than 50 kilometers sway from a city. When reporting the birth, the father must bring the original marriage certificate, the original passports, and the iqama of the parents.

Parents of a new born American child should apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad at the Consular Section at their earliest convenience. The Consular Report of Birth Abroad is primary proof of American citizenship. An American parent must complete the application form at the Consular Section, and should bring the following documents (originals only):

1. Child's birth certificate (from the Ministry of Health);
   
2. Evidence of American citizenship and identity of the parent(s). i.e., passports or U.S. birth certificates and picture identification issued by a government authority;
   
3. Parents' marriage certificate;
   
4. If either parent has previously been married, proof of termination of the previous marriage(s), i.e., death certificate, divorce decree, etc.

All documentation, including the Saudi birth certificate, should be in the English language or translated.

The fee for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad is $65.00 or the equivalent in Saudi Riyals. The fee is payable in cash only. The Embassy cannot accept credit cards or checks.

A NOTE ON TRANSMITTING U.S. CITIZENSHIP

A child born abroad of one American and one alien parent acquires U.S. citizenship at birth if the American parent has been physically present in the United States prior to the birth of the child for a minimum period of five years, at least two of which were after that parent's fourteenth birthday.

A child born abroad to an unwed American citizen mother acquires U.S. citizenship if the mother has been physically present in the United States prior to the birth of the child for a minimum period of one continuous year.