Consular services
Passport renewal, emergency citizen services, notarial services, American Citizen Services (ACS) including arrest notification, death, welfare and whereabouts.
Visiting and hours
The US Embassy in Beijing operates the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit as the primary consular contact for US nationals in mainland China. All routine appointments — including passport applications and renewals, CRBA registration for children born in China, and notarial services — must be booked through the online appointment system on the Embassy website.
Security procedures require visitors to queue outside the compound and pass through bag screening. Confirm the current security policy and prohibited-items list before attending, as electronic devices and certain other items may need to be left outside or checked. Arrive on time; late arrivals may not be admitted.
For genuine emergencies outside business hours, an emergency line is operated by the Embassy security section. Consular officers periodically visit US Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu to provide services there. The Embassy recommends that US nationals register their presence in China through the STEP (Smart Traveller Enrollment Program) system.