CRBA in Cairo - my experience

[Okalian 41]

Howdy!

This should hopefully help those planning on filing CRBA in CAiro, Egypt.

First off, follow each item closely in this list. Yes, even the copies of all passport pages. They basically want to see copies of all stamps.

Particularly for Egypt, there was some confusion regarding one of the required documents, "Original, Photocopy, and Certified English Translation of Hospital, Doctor, or Midwife Certificate for the Child". The same original document is required (and kept) by the Egyptian Health office in order to issue a birth certificate. However, the embassy required the same document as well. So i simply ask the hospital to produce 2 copies of said document.

Eveything else is straight forward. Appointment was August 5th, showed up with my wife and daughter. A friend of mine said there is no need for everyone to appear at the first appointment when submitting paperwork, but this actually saved me a HUGE hassle and a consequent trip. Basically by showing up altogether, and after reviewing my paperwork, the officer said he was confident enough to recommend application for approval and asked if i was interested to apply for the passport as well, which i did. A passport application needs BOTH parents to be present, unless a separate form is filled by the absent parent. So it was really nice to get it done while we're at it (fore those of you who don't know, the entire block containing the embassy is ridiculously barricaded, reaching it by car is impossible). I also applied for a passport card.

The officer said it will take about a month for everything, and will be delivered locally via DHL. Waited and waited, nothing. I sent them an email on September 27th, and they replied on the 30th saying it's been issued and on its way to the embassy. Gave it an additional week, still didn't hear back. So today i decided to go, without an appointment, to the embassy to see if applying for an emergency passport is an option. The officer asked for her name and DOB, and asked me to be seated until he brings them from the back! A few minutes later he called my name and gave me both CRBA and passport. Passport card will take longer (up to 3 months, so he said)

Hope this helps!

[True Love at Last 15]

Thanks for sharing!