Intercountry adoption is one of the Department of State’s highest priorities. We believe it should be an option for children in need of permanent homes when it is in the best interest of the child and domestic solutions have been given due consideration. Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens adopt children from abroad, and families habitually resident in other countries also adopt children from the United States.
Intercountry adoption is the process by which you adopt a child from a country other than your own through permanent legal means and then bring that child to your country of residence to live with you permanently. This website can give you valuable information about intercountry adoptions, from starting the process to post-adoption information.
March 20, 2020
Because of the current worldwide responses to COVID-19, the Department of State recommends against any travel, as detailed in our Global Health Advisory. Many countries have taken or are taking action limiting traveler mobility, including mandatory quarantines and border restrictions, with little advance notice.
On March 18, the Department announced the suspension of routine visa services worldwide. Embassies and consulates will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. Intercountry adoption cases remain a high priority for the Department of State. Intercountry adoption cases where the adoptive parents are in country and the case is in the final stages of visa processing may still be processed to the degree that Embassy and Consulate resources and foreign government rules allow. Please be aware that circumstances can change frequently and with limited notice. Therefore, we strongly encourage prospective adoptive parents and their Adoption Service Providers to conduct careful research, including a review of the potential travel restrictions and quarantine requirements imposed by foreign governments as well as an embassy or consulate's ability to accept visa appointments, prior to any decision regarding travel at this time.
Please be assured that U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world are closely tracking travel restrictions and working with the Department in Washington D.C. to keep the public updated, including information about how intercountry adoption cases and travel may be affected.
Important Information on Post Adoption Requirements and obtaining U.S. citizenship