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  General Information Emergency Information Information for Citizens and Travelers Passports Birth Abroad Documentary Services Other Public Services Voter Registration Frequently Asked Questions Fee Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

CONSULAR SERVICES AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Where is the U.S. Consulate/American Citizen Services Unit located?  What are the hours of operation?

The American Citizens Services Unit is located at the U.S. Consulate General at 8 Blvd Moulay Youssef in Casablanca, Morocco.  We are open to the public from Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 and 1:30 p.m. – 3:00, except American and Moroccan holidays. 

During Ramadan the Consulate is open for routine American Citizen Services between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Be sure to bring your passport for identification when you come.  For additional information:

Website: http://usconsulate.casablanca.gov

Telephone: 212-22-26-71-51

Email: acscasablanca@state.gov

 

ATTORNEYS AND LEGAL SERVICES

I need an attorney in Morocco.  Who should I contact?

In an effort to better serve Americans in Morocco, the U.S. Consulate has compiled a list of attorneys willing to assist with a variety of legal concerns who provided legal assistance to other American citizens previously.  As with our list of physicians and medical facilities, the U.S. Consulate cannot recommend a specific attorney.  Please note that some attorneys may not be able to speak English.  It is necessary for Americans to hire their own translator. 

To view a list of attorneys in Morocco, please visit:

http://casablanca.usconsulate.gov/legal_assistance2.html

BIRTH REGISTRATION

How do I register the birth of my child born in Morocco?

Applications for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) are accepted during ACS hours of service.  The fee for the CRBA application is $65.00 (or the equivalent in Dirhams).  Please note, you must also pay the $82.00 fee for a child’s passport application if you are applying for the child's passport at the same time.  The CRBA process is often time consuming; please come early in our service hours in order to complete the process or be prepared to return the next business day when service hours are offered.

Please see more information about the CRBA process, including a list of basic and documentary requirements needed for the CRBA.  If approved, the average processing time for the CRBA and passport is usually less than ten days.

CERTIFICATES, CERTIFIED COPIES, CERTIFICATIONS AND TRANSLATIONS

How do I apply for a certified copy of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Death certificate or my marriage records?

To obtain copies of these reports, please access:

http://travel.state.gov/family/family_issues/birth/birth_593.html

http://travel.state.gov/family/family_issues/divorce/divorce_590.html

http://travel.state.gov/family/family_issues/death/death_600.html

Can the ACS Unit at the Consulate translate documents and “certify” translations?

Unfortunately, the ACS unit cannot translate documents or “certify” other translations.  We do, however, maintain a list of official translators, the translations by whom the ACS unit will certify.  A list of translators may be requested at the time of registration or by emailing: acscasablanca@state.gov.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS

Where can I obtain the copy of my police records required for my Moroccan residence permit?

The U.S. Consulate cannot provide police records.  U.S. citizens who would like to obtain their police records are required to contact the FBI.  If you have not obtained your police records, you must come to the ACS Unit to pick up a fingerprint form. The Moroccan Office for Foreigners located at the Central Police station of each wilaya will take your fingerprints, a service the Consular Section does not provide.  The following items are required:

  1. Fingerprint card with your name, date of birth and place of birth;

  2. An informal note explaining the reason for your request; and

  3. A certified check or money order payable to the U.S. Treasury for $18.00 in U.S. currency.

Please send your documents and the required fee to the FBI at the following address:

FBI, CJIS Division
SCU – MOD, D-2
1000 Cluster Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

The FBI will send your your record in approximately 8 to 10 weeks.  For more information on Criminal Record Checks, please refer to:

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm

http://travel.state.gov/law/info/info_612.html

DOCTORS AND MEDICAL FACILITIES

Where can I get information regarding medical facilities in Morocco?

Medical facilities are available in Morocco, but in some cases they do not meet U.S. standards.  The U.S. Consulate cannot recommend specific doctors or medical facilities in Morocco.  To view a list of physicians and medical facilities generally available in Morocco and for general information regarding health-related issues, please consult:

http://casablanca.usconsulate.gov/list_of_physicians.html

Or email acscasablanca@state.gov

HOLIDAYS

Where can I view a list of American and Moroccan holidays?

A list of Official of American and Moroccan holidays for 2007 is available at:

http://casablanca.usconsulate.gov/holidays4.html

MARRIAGE

Can I get married at the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca?

U.S. diplomatic and consular officers are NOT permitted to perform marriages as outlined in Title 22, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. 

What is considered a legal marriage in Morocco?

A legal marriage in Morocco consists of both parties registering their marriage with local authorities.  The U.S. recognizes the validity of such a marriage in Morocco.

How do I register my marriage in Morocco?

You should complete an Affidavit of Marriage at the American Citizens Service unit during our normal service hours.  The Affidavit of Marriage must be notarized by a consular officer.  You must bring your U.S. passport and pay a notarial fee of $30.00 (or Dirham equivalent).  No appointment is needed. For more information, please consult:

http://casablanca.usconsulate.gov/marriage_in_morocco.html

I am a U.S. citizen. I plan to marry a foreign national.  We want to marry in the USA.  What should I do to bring him/her to the United States?

Information on visas for a foreign national fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen is available at:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1326.html

U.S. Citizens will not be permitted to discuss visa cases during U.S. Citizen Services hours.  If you have a question regarding an immigrant visa case, please send an email to ivcasablanca@state.gov. 

I am a U.S. citizen.  I married a foreign national.  How do I file a petition to bring my spouse to the U.S.?

Information on visas for a foreign national spouse of a U.S. citizen is available at:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1326.html

U.S. Citizens will not be permitted to discuss visa cases during U.S. Citizen Services hours.  If you have a question regarding an immigrant visa case, please send an email to ivcasablanca@state.gov. 

NOTARIAL SERVICES

What is the fee to have a document notarized?

The fee is $30 for the first notary service and $20 for each subsequent notarization.  Please note that under U.S. Department of State regulations, witnesses cannot be provided by consular officers or Consulate staff.  If witnesses are required for your document, please bring them with you.

How can I authenticate academic, civil and commercial credentials in the U.S.?

Steps to be followed when authenticating local or state documents from the U.S.:

  1. Local official certification:

    • Registrar at the college or university certifies that the document is a true copy of the original diploma or transcript.

    • Registrar’s (affiant’s) signature is notarized by a notary public.

    • For local public notaries, signature by Clerk of Court in the County or City where the notary public is commissioned, certifying that the notary’s term has not expired.

    • If the notary public is “at large” for the State, you may start with Step 2 below.


  2. Signature and seal by the Secretary of State in the State where the notary is located, certifying the notary public’s current status.

  3. Forward all documents to the U.S. Department of State at the following address. The fee for authentication is $6.00 for each document.

The Authentication Officer
U.S. Department of State
518 23rd St. NW., SA-1
Washington, DC 20520
Tel: (800)688-9889 - choose option #6
Tel: (202)647-5002
Fax: (202)663-3636

* - For authentication of non-academic credentials, begin with step #2.

Please contact the U.S. Department of State at the following website for additional information.

State Authentication Authorities

I’m leaving Morocco.  How can I obtain authorization to ship my personal belongings to another country?

In order to ship your personal effects from Morocco to another country, you must obtain authorization from the Moroccan Customs Office in the region where you live in Morocco.  To obtain this authorization, you will need to provide a sworn statement notarized by the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca that provides your biographical and residence information in Morocco and your new address in the country to which you are moving.  You can obtain and fill out this document at the U.S. Consulate during our normal American Citizen Services hours.  Please note that you must pay a $30 notarization fee and bring your U.S. passport for this service.

PASSPORTS

How much does it cost to get new pages in my passport?

Additional pages can be added to your passport free of charge.  You may appear in person to apply for this service.  However, if over the age of 16, you have been issued a U.S. passport previously, and your previous passport was not lost or stolen, you can forward the application and your passport to the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca through another person.  Please note that we do not accept applications by mail.

What is the cost for a passport or a passport renewal?

  • US $97.00 for an adult first time issuance or replacement of a lost or stolen passport
  • US $82.00 for a minor (under 16 years of age)
  • US $67.00 for an adult renewal

How long before my passport is issued?

Passports are now printed in the U.S. and shipped to the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca.  As a result, your passport will usually be ready for pickup in less than ten days.  However, due to possible delays in processing, we cannot guarantee your passport will be ready in less than ten days.  We encourage American citizens to apply for a new passport at least one month in advance of any planned travel.

My passport was stolen or lost.  Can the U.S. Consulate issue an emergency passport? What is the cost?

In true emergencies, we can issue you an emergency passport, valid for a short period of time, within 24 hours.  PLEASE NOTE THAT FAILURE TO ACQUIRE A PASSPORT AS PART OF THE PLANNING REQUIRED FOR NORMAL TRAVEL IS NOT AN EMERGENCY.  You will be required to wait for a regular passport to arrive from the U.S.  This process usually takes less than ten days.

To apply for a new passport after your passport was lost or stolen, please bring the police report for the lost identification (declaration de perte), passport pictures (5x5cm) on white background and $97.00 (in US or Moroccan currency, or you may pay with a credit card) during normal ACS office hours.

You can find more information on passport related issues at:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

REGISTRATION

How do I register at the Consulate?

The U.S. Department of State has a secure online travel registration website which allows you, as a tourist or as a resident in Morocco, to register your presence with the American Citizens Services Unit at the U.S. Consulate General in Morocco.  In addition, the U.S. Department of State will use this information to communicate with and assist you, your family members and any contact you authorize in the event of an emergency. 

To register, please visit our worldwide travel registration website directly at:

https://travelregistration.state.gov 

PLEASE NOTE: As Ameican citizens may now use the online registration system to register their presence in Morocco.  We no longer accept registrations by fax, email or telephone.  However, American citizens are always welcome to register their presence in person at the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca during our normal service hours.

SOCIAL SECURITY

I am a U.S. citizen living in Morocco.  Can I receive Federal Benefits here?

It is possible to received federal benefits in Morocco.  To begin receiving your Social Security payments in Morocco, you must apply for your benefits directly with the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the U.S.  You can obtain the application forms at http://www.ssa.gov, pick them up from the American Citizen Services unit during our normal service hours, or request them via email at acscasablanca@state.gov.  Once completed, you must submit the application packet to the SSA at the following address:

Social Security Administration
Office of International Operations
SS-5 workgroup
PO Box 17758
Baltimore, MD 21235-7758

Telephone in the United States: 405-965-5404

Fax in the United States: 410-966-6029

Website: www.socialsecurity.gov

I am currently receiving Social Security/other Federal benefits in the U.S. and would like to move to Morocco.  What do I do?

To change the mailing address for the Social Security payments, you must submit Form SSA-21 and a certified photocopy of your passport to SSA.  Form SSA-21 is available at the American Citizens Services unit or online at http://www.ssa.gov.  The American Citizen Services unit will also make a certified copy of your original passport when you bring it in.  There is no fee for this service when it is being used for Social Security purposes.

How do I receive my benefits?

Most U.S. Treasury checks are sent directly to their recipients.

What is the difference between receiving benefits by check and direct deposit?

Those receiving benefits via direct deposit will have access to their money faster.  Generally, with direct deposit, your benefit payments are deposited directly in your bank account on the fourth day of every month.  If you receive benefits by check, it may not arrive for several weeks.  As a result of additional possible delays with the Moroccan postal system, the U.S. Consulate encourages recipients, if possible, to have their benefits checks deposited directly into the recipient’s bank account.  This helps prevent difficulties in cases of lost, stolen, misplaced or late payments.

For comprehensive information on Federal Benefits, please access the website of the Social Security Administration at http://www.ssa.gov.

TAXES

Who do I contact of help with my U.S. taxes?  Where can I file my U.S. tax returns?

The Internal Revenue Service maintains a website at http://www.irs.gov.  This website has links to IRS tax forms and public general information.

I am a U.S. citizen working in Morocco.  Where can I get information on tax-related issues?

Information on taxes for U.S. citizens living abroad can be viewed at:

http://www.irs.gov/faqs/index.html

VISAS

For information about non-immigrant visas, please visit general information on how to apply for a non-immigrant visa to the U.S., or email nivcasablanca@state.gov.

For information about immigrant visas, or the status of an immigrant visa petition, please visit petition or the status a an immigrant visa petition, or please e-mail ivcasablanca@state.gov.

U.S. Citizens will not be permitted to discuss visa cases during U.S. Citizen Services hours.  If you have a question regarding an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa case, please send an email to ivcasablanca@state.gov or nivcasablanca@state.gov. 

For other questions and concerns not covered on this list, please do not hesitate to email us at acscasablanca@state.gov.

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