Destination Wedding - Egypt

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

I've been getting some PM's about a requirement to live in Egypt for 6 months before one may file for DCF or IR-1/CR-1 by some of those who are going to Egypt to get married. I see now where this thread can be confusing and where the PM'd questions I've been getting are coming from.

Ok about the living in Egypt for 6 months before one may file for DCF or IR-1/CR-1.

For the inquiring minds that PM'd me I've searched the net and haven't found anything that says that living in Egypt for 6 months is a requirement to file for the IR-1/CR-1. It would certainly help to live in Egypt for six months prior to marriage as one would have some solid "tie" to Egypt but I have found no statement saying it is a "requirement" prior to getting married in Egypt, or to apply for any of the visas.

And for those wondering what the DCF is here is some information from an Immigration Attorney's page.

DIRECT CONSULAR FILING (DCF): List of U.S. Consulates in Countries Which Allow Direct Consular Filing (DCF) by Non-Resident Visitor U.S. Citizens and Those Which Do Not.

I also went to the U.S. Consulate in Egypt page and I couldn't find any information about the law requiring that you have to live in Egypt for 6 months prior to filing for DCF. Maybe someone could help me out by finding a source for that law? I don't doubt the validity of the statement but I would like to see the source for that fact. This would help to clarify for those inquiring minds if living in Egypt for six months makes you a resident and as a resident you may apply for the DCF in Egypt.

I also found the following article helpful for those going to Egypt to get married.

Egypt Marriage License Information

From Sheri & Bob Stritof,

WARNING About Documentation Requirements:

Getting married in Egypt as a foreigner has become much more complex. Basically, the door has been closed on foreign marriages. If you are planning to get married in Egypt, make sure you understand the requirements and marriage regulations.

You should consult an attorney or the services of a notary since the latest news (as of May 12, 2007) from the U.S. Consular Section of the Embassy is that the Consular Section is not providing the affidavit required by the Egyptian Government to authorize the marriage of a foreigner in Egypt.

Even if you have documents authenticated by the U.S. Department of State, there is no guarantee that the documents will be accepted by the Egyptian government.

It is necessary to get a notarized, sworn statement that you are free to marry. Since the Consular Service is not providing this form any longer, if you are an American, you should consult an attorney or the services of a notary.

You will also be asked to state whether you are Moslem, Christian, or Jewish. This document then has to be certified at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Egyptian Family Law:

Americans considering marrying an Egyptian citizen should learn about Egyptian family law aka personal status laws. "Especially for women, their rights as both spouse and parent would be very different in Egypt from those in the U.S., as would the rights of any children resulting from the marriage."

Source: ArabicNews.com

ID Requirement and Ceremony:

Proof of citizenship or a valid passport. All documents need to be translated into Arabic. You need to have two male witnesses who have identification papers with you when you apply for the marriage license.

There is no residency requirement.

Ceremony:

A marriage in Egypt is legal only if it is a civil ceremony performed at a local marriage court. You can have a religious ceremony later.

Waiting Period:

There is a three months waiting period if you've been divorced.

If you are a widow, you will need to wait four months and ten days.

Previous Marriages:

You will need to show proof of termination of any previous marriages. The original or certified copy of the divorce decree must be authenticated.

As mentioned previously, the Office of Authentications, U.S. Department of State, does not guarantee that the Egyptian government will accept the paperwork. We recommend consulting an attorney in Egypt.

Physical Exam:

Sometimes a routine physical examination by an Egyptian physician is required.

Interfaith Marriages:

They are allowed except if the bride is Moslem and the groom has a different faith.

Under 18:

If either of you are under the age of 18, parental consent is required.

Fees:

300 LE ($100 US) +. There may be additional fees depending on whether you are Moslems or Christians.

Polygamy:

Yes. Although less than 3% of Egyptian men have multiple wives, a law passed in 1985 allows a man to have four wives.

In 2000, a new law was passed that permits a man and woman to agree via a signed contract that the husband may not have more than one wife.

Proxy Marriages:

No.

Same Sex Marriages:

No.

Cousin Marriages:

Yes.

Islamic Marriage in Egypt:

Couples must have:

• Consent of both families to the marriage.
• Consent of both the bride and groom to the marriage.
• The groom must have financial means to support a wife and family by providing a furnished apartment.
• Bride accompanied by her guardian when she signs the marriage contract.
• Presence of witnesses.
• Payment of the bride's wedding gift.
• Public declaration of the marriage.

PLEASE NOTE:

Marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with the local marriage license office before making any wedding or travel plans.

Source and more good information

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

I should have linked this news two days ago. You may now marry again in Egypt as they Embassy is offering the paper again.

In case Anyone is Interested

[I love Ashraf 0]

I know and I am so excited.I am about ready to walk to Egypt

[jpaula 20]

As of January 2007 there are new guidelines for DCF for every country, not just Egypt. In order to file directly at the Consulate, the USC must be an official resident of the country where you are filing for at least six months prior. There was a long discussion of this when the new regulation came out so some searching through VJ should bring up all the details. One important note is that you have to be a resident, not just live there. This distinction might not be a big deal for some countries, but I know it is difficult to get official residency in Algeria which makes DCF there all the more difficult. I would guess getting residency in Egypt is also difficult, but maybe not.

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

As of January 2007 there are new guidelines for DCF for every country, not just Egypt. In order to file directly at the Consulate, the USC must be an official resident of the country where you are filing for at least six months prior. There was a long discussion of this when the new regulation came out so some searching through VJ should bring up all the details. One important note is that you have to be a resident, not just live there. This distinction might not be a big deal for some countries, but I know it is difficult to get official residency in Algeria which makes DCF there all the more difficult. I would guess getting residency in Egypt is also difficult, but maybe not.

jpaula...what would i have to have done to get residency there?hell we could not even get married easily...

I wonder if you have kids if its easier