Citizen Liaison Volunteers, U.S. Passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs), Consular Reports of Death Abroad (CRODAs), and other American Citizen Services:

The U. S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana continues to prioritize American Citizen Services (ACS) as we follow the Department of State’s “Diplomacy Strong” phased approach to resuming operations. The U.S. Embassy offers the full range of services for U.S. citizens, including passports, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Consular Report of Death Abroad, and limited notarial services. The answers to commonly asked questions relating to U.S. citizen services can be found here:

https:// gy. usembassy. gov/ u- s- citizenservices/ american- citizen- services- faqs/ We have resumed processing a limited number of visa services at this time for students, crew, petition-based work visas and cases involving humanitarian emergencies. For questions relating to your visitor visa or about rescheduling a pending consular appointment, please contact us at 1- 877- 246- 6788 ( local) or 1- 703- 9885765 (U.S) Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 21:00 hrs. You may also email us at: acari_contactus+gy+mrv+en@visaops.net

or visit https://ais.usvisa-info.com/engy for specific guidance.

All questions regarding an immigrant visa petition filed for a Guyanese relative or regarding whether a Guyanese relative or friend would qualify for a visitor visa, must be directed to the Embassy’s NonImmigrant Visa Unit or the Immigrant Visa Unit. The American Citizen Services Unit will not be able to answer any visarelated questions, even if the inquirer is a U.S. citizen.

Attention all American Citizens residing in Guyana. If you are interested in volunteering in the Embassy’s Citizen Liaison program please send an email with the subject line “CLV program” to ACSGeorge@state.gov to receive more information. *Citizen Liaison Volunteers or “CLVs” are private citizens who volunteer to help us spread information to, and communicate with, U.S. citizens in designated areas. We need volunteers in

Regions 1, 6, 7, 8 and 10.

Q: What is the best way to stay informed about emergencies, guidance, and advisories impacting U.S. citizens in Guyana?

A: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you are not enrolled in STEP yet, you should enroll at https://step.state.gov/

Q: How can I schedule an appointment for American Citizen Services (ACS)?

A: You may schedule an appointment for U.S. citizen services through our website located at:

https://evisaforms.state.gov//Instructio ns/ACSSchedulingSystem.asp

The Embassy takes the COVID-19 precautions very seriously and follows all CDC and Government of Guyana guidelines closely. All persons that come to the Embassy must wear a face covering and comply with social distancing requirements.

Q: I want to apply for and/or renew a passport for my child who is under the age of 16. Do both parents need to be present?

A: Yes. Both parents are required to be present to take the oath and sign the DS11 passport application. If one parent is unable to come to the appointment, please visit our website at https:// gy. usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/child-family-matters/birth/ for instructions on completing the DS-11 for a minor to determine whether your situation qualifies for any of the exceptions to this requirement. If both parents are not present at your appointment and your situation does not meet the necessary requirements for any of the parental presence exceptions, we will be unable to accept your application.

Q: I want to apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Does my child need to be present?

A: Yes. There are no exceptions to this requirement. For detailed information visit our website at https:// gy. usembassy. gov/ u- s- citizen- services/ citizenship-services/

Q: My U.S. citizen relative recently passed away in Guyana. How can the U.S. Embassy help me?

A: The U.S. Embassy in Georgetown is prepared to help families whose loved one has passed away in Guyana. We stand ready to carry out your instructions regarding the disposition of your relative’s remains and will send you information that will help you to make necessary decisions. For detailed information on ways in which we can help, please visit the following webpage: https:// gy. usembassy. gov/ u- s- citizen- services/death-of-a-u-s-citizen/

Q: Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to utilize the Embassy’s notarial services?

A: No, anyone can schedule an appointment for Notarial Services. You must schedule an appointment online at the following link: https:// gy. usembassy. gov/ u- s- citizen- services/notaries-public

Examples of notary services we provide are: Affidavit, Oath (or affirmation), Power of Attorney, Acknowledgment of Signature, Certification of True Copies.

Please ensure that you bring all documents to be notarized and please include some form of photo ID and the applicable fees:

• Each Notarial Service (seal) costs US $50.00.

Q: What emergency services does the U.S. Embassy provide to U.S. citizens?

A: We can assist you in an emergency in the following ways:

• Replace your lost or stolen passport

• Connect you with information on medical and legal assistance in Guyana (e.g., attorneys, doctors, hospitals, air ambulance services)

• Address emergency needs that arise as a result of being a victim of a crime

• Explain financial assistance options to return to the United States if you find yourself destitute in Guyana

• Contact family, friends, or employers with your written permission, in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974

• Conduct a welfare/whereabouts check on a US citizen in Guyana

We encourage U.S. citizens to stay connected with us via Travel. state. gov, F a c e b o o k ( https:// www. facebook. com/ travelgov/), Twitter ( https:// twitter. com/ TravelGov), and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely Alerts about evolving health and safety conditions in their planned destinations.

For the latest information on the status of consular operations please go to: https:// gy. usembassy. gov/ message- for- us-citizens-consular-operations-and-statusof-passport-processing-07082020/

“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and visa issues. Detailed information about visas and travel can be viewed at h t t p s : / / g y. u s e m b a s s y. g o v / , https:// ais. usvisa- info. com/ and https:// travel. state. gov/. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice. U.S. Consular rules change frequently, and non-US government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Please contact our Visa Information Service Center on toll free numbers: 1877-246-6788 or 703-988-5765 if you have general visa questions.