The US Embassy has notified Chaim V’Chessed of a beneficial service which they will be offering to the community next week. The Jerusalem Embassy will be hosting an Open Passport Day on Lag B’Omer – Thursday, May 19. On that day, the Embassy will accept DS-11 passport applications from 7:45 AM until 12 PM, with appointments not required. DS-11 application are mainly for children.

This event will allow eligible applicants to appear with no appointment. Just show up at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on May 19 and line up to receive passport services!  There is no need to sign up in advance.  If you have an existing appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem or Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, please do not attend this open day as you already have an appointment. Applicants arriving after 12 PM will be turned away.

However, only those meeting certain requirements will be accepted.  Please read the details below carefully, to make sure you qualify, and you bring everything you need.

DS-82, DS-5504, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad applications will not be accepted on this day.  Adult applications or lost passport claims will not be accepted.

Eligible participants will include anyone required to submit a DS-11 passport application form who also already has one of the following proofs of U.S. citizenship and can bring this document to the interview:

• Original Existing U.S. passport (To be eligible for the DS-11 open day, your previous passport must have a 5-year validity period, or must have been issued more than 15 years ago. Applicants with 10-year passports issued less than 15 years ago will be turned away as they can mail in or drop off their application.); OR
• Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad; OR
• Original Certificate of Citizenship; OR
• Original Certificate of Naturalization; OR
• Original U.S. Birth Certificate

Applicants will also be required to bring a valid form of identification, or, if the applicant is under the age of 16, valid forms of identification for the parents or legal guardians appearing alongside them. See here to to determine whether you are eligible to renew your passport using the DS-11 form.

Along with the completed and printed DS-11 form, please bring the following:

1. The applicant’s current U.S. passport (if applicable), plus one (1) photocopy of the biodata page (photocopy of passport biodata page must be actual size and not be enlarged or shrunk);
2. Passport photo (with no glasses; see full photo requirements here.
3. Valid, original identifications of the parents or legal guardians for each applicant under age 16, plus one (1) photocopy of each parent’s identification per applicant under age 16 (photocopies of the IDs must be the actual size and not be enlarged or shrunk);
4. Valid, original proof of parentage for each applicant under age 16, plus one (1) photocopy of each document serving as the proof of parentage (examples of such documents include Consular Reports of Birth Abroad or original birth certificates).  Any photocopy of such documents must be the actual size and not be enlarged or shrunk.
5. Original marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change document plus one (1) photocopy for those changing their name.  Any photocopy of such documents must be the actual size and not be enlarged or shrunk.

Applicants who do not bring all of the required documentation and/or photocopies of proper documents will be turned away and required to make an appointment on the Embassy’s website. Those who fail to include their Social Security Number on form DS-11 or who do not bring a signed declaration that they do not have a Social Security Number will also be turned away.

Please keep in mind that, according to U.S. law, all legal guardians of a minor under age 16 must appear with the applying minor at the interview. If this is not possible, please bring the relevant documents stating why only one legal guardian is able to appear for the passport interview. Such documents can include, but are not limited to, notarized forms DS-3053, custody agreements, and certified death certificates.

Applicants will submit and make a payment through the consular cashier window using cash or credit cards. Applicants who pay with cash must bring exact change. Those who plan to pay by credit card are also encouraged to bring exact change in the event of systems errors or significant wait times for payments by credit card.

The following fees will be charged:

• For each applicant under the age of 16:  $135 U.S. dollars or 486 New Israeli shekels
• For each applicant aged 16 or older:  $165 U.S. dollars or 594 New Israeli shekels

The Embassy expects an extremely large turnout on Thursday, May 19, 2022.  Wait times to apply could be anywhere between one and six hours.  Shade, bathrooms, chairs, or water on the outside of the Embassy compound, though these facilities are all available inside the compound. When you arrive at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, you will be required to go through a security screening.  Please read through the entire list of prohibited items below to prepare for our security check and simplify your entry. There are no storage facilities for your items.