If you know of a report that should be included here, please email your Guide and include the source of the information. For official reports from the U.S. State Department, check their Web site.
Romania to lift ban by year's end Scroll down for link to details.
SARS Affects International Adoption
(Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
NEW - China has temporarily suspended processing of adoption for those not already in the process, and discouraging travel for those who are not already in-country Source. See news reports from:
As of April 1, this will be enforced even for families traveling to adopt when the 15 months expire. Families are advised to update fingerprints before traveling.
INS Update: March 1, 2003 The Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) has been absorbed under Homeland Security, and is now known as the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). For full information: INS Absorbed by Homeland Security. Here at the site, Filing fees and forms downloads are updated.
State Department Update
Important Notice Regarding Adoption Agents and Facilitators - July 18, 2002
The State Department has received a growing number of complaints concerning adoption facilitators operating in various countries.
Country Updates
COUNTRY
UPDATED
COMMENTS
BOLIVIA
20-SEP-02
Bolivia ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption in Janaury 2002. The Government of Bolivia has informed the American Embassy in La Paz that Bolvia will approve international adoptions only when the prospective adopting parent(s) reside in countries which have become party to the Convention. Prospective parents who are legal residents of Bolivia or American-Bolivian dual nationals may adopt orphans under Bolivian law. It is expected that the Convention will enter into force in the United States in 2004. more on adopting from Bolivia
Americans trying to circumvent the halt in Cambodian adoptions by going through the judicial system may be unable to obtain an orphan visa.
For a more complete view, see this article from The New York Times. (May require registration which is free.) more on adopting from Cambodia
Serious travel warnings have been issued by the State Dept. for Colombia.
GUATEMALA (1)
10-SEP-01
Today Canada announced it was suspending new adoptions from Guatemala due to reports of corruption.
GUATEMALA (2)
03-JUN-03
(a) The State Dept. says "In light of the uncertainties facing international adoption in Guatemala with the implementation of the new procedures, adopting families should not file for adoption in Guatemala until the current problems are resolved." (c) Singles are now required to submit a document stating they are not homosexual. details...more on adopting from Guatemala
KAZAKHSTAN
23-MAR-02
Word has it that no more independent adoption will be allowed from Kazakhstan - and only agencies whose families proceed with children's registration will be allowed to operate. more on adopting from Kazakhstan
LAOS
12-DEC-94
The government of Laos suspended all adoptions by foreign citizens.
LATVIA
31-OCT-01
Procedures are likely to change in 2002.
LIBERIA
18-JAN-03
Travel warnings have been posted for Liberia and visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia have been suspended until further notice.
MOLDOVA
26-OCT-02
Rumor has it that the Moldovan government has ended the ban on U.S. adoptions. Watch the Web site of the US Consulate in Chisinau for official info and new (more stringent) regulations.
MONGOLIA
06-JUN-02
U.S. citizens are cautioned against adopting from Mongolia.
ROMANIA
01-JUN-03
The moratorium on international adoptions scheduled to lift by the end of 2003 ... more info
SARAWAK
30-JUL-02
U.S. citizens are cautioned about adoption in Sarawak due to unknown outcomes.
SOUTH AFRICA
24-OCT-01
Laws will be eased in order to improve adoption opportunities of the more than 2 million anticipated AIDS/HIV orphans. Source: Welfare Minister Zola Skweyiya more on adopting from South Africa
UKRAINE
27-APR-03
Effective May 1, 2003, the homestudy must be accompanied by a certified translation. As of Feb. 2003, Ukraine requires two complete dossiers for the adoptions of two children, even siblings. Keep up with procedures from the US Embassy Consular Services, Kyiv, Ukraine. Feb. 2003: Charges of child trafficking have been made against the National Adoption Center. Read more. more on adopting from Ukraine
VIETNAM
20-DEC-02
Vietnam will issue new regulations in 2003. U.S. citizens are advised not to pursue adoptions from Vietnam at this time. more on adopting from Vietnam
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