Information Sheet For Genetic (DNA) Testing U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras, American Citizen Services Unit

In order to qualify for documentation of American citizenship, an applicant is sometimes required to demonstrate to the Consular Officer that he or she has a blood relationship to an American citizen parent.  We have carefully considered the evidence presented in your case and have concluded that you have not demonstrated the necessary relationship.  One way to demonstrate this relationship is through DNA testing.  If you elect to seek DNA testing, you must follow the procedures outlined here.

Information for American Citizen Parents Residing in the United States

The American citizen parent must schedule a DNA test appointment with a laboratory that is approved by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).  A list of AABB-approved laboratories can be found at the AABB website.  Most of these laboratories are in the United States, although there are also laboratories in Canada, the Dominican Republic and Great Britain.  Then, the applicant in Honduras will schedule a DNA test appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Honduras.  The samples will then be sent to the United States for analysis.

Information for American Citizen Parents Residing in Honduras

American citizen parents residing in Honduras must choose an AABB lab in the United States and then have a DNA test kit sent to the American Embassy in Honduras.  A list of AABB-approved laboratories can be found at the AABB website.  Most of these laboratories are in the United States, although there are also laboratories in Canada, the Dominican Republic and Great Britain.  Then, both the American citizen parent and the applicant will schedule a DNA test appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Honduras.  The samples will then be sent to the United States for analysis.

American citizen parents must request that the selected laboratory in the U.S. send a collection kit for each applicant directly to the following address:

American Embassy
Consular Section/DNA Specialist
Ave. La Paz, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Information for the Applicants in Honduras

• Applicants for citizenship documentationmust contact the American Embassy to schedule an appointment by e-mailing tggdna@state.gov.  Note: DNA Appointments are only scheduled on Fridays.
• On the appointment day, the applicants must appear in person with two color passport photographs, the mailing address of the U.S. parent, ID document (U.S. passport for parent and/or birth certificate for child) and copy of ID documents.  Failure to produce satisfactory documentation will result in delays.  The applicant must pay a fee in cash (exact change) to the Laboratory at the U.S. Embassy at the time of sample collection.  The current fee per applicant is US$ 20 or equivalent in Lempiras.
• The American citizen must also check with the laboratory to ensure that a pre-paid envelope is included with the kit.  Otherwise, the applicant should provide a pre-paid courier delivery envelope addressed to the selected U.S. laboratory.  This envelope will be used to send the applicant's sample for comparison with the American citizens' sample.  Applicants can acquire pre-paid courier delivery envelopes at FedEx, DHL, etc.

What Happens Next?

If the genetic test results support the claimed relationship, the Consular Section will notify the applicant of the positive results and remind the applicant to complete any pending documentation.  If there is no other documentation pending, documentation of citizenship will be issued to the applicant.

If the genetic test results indicate the claimed relationship does not exist, the application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad will be denied and entered into the system as a finding of fraud.  The case will be closed and no further documents or evidence will be accepted by the Embassy.  The Consular Section will then notify the applicant with news of the denial.

Important Things to Remember about DNA Testing

• Genetic testing is voluntary; you choose whether or not to do it.
• The Embassy strongly recommends (and will only accept results collected from) the buccal (oral) swab DNA testing method.  This method (removing a small amount of genetic material from the inside of the mouth) is simple, clean, and non-invasive.
• The cost of testing and all expenses relating to testing (such as doctors' fees, mailing fees, AABB-approved laboratory fees, etc.) are the responsibility of the American citizen parent and applicant and must be paid in advance.
• The Embassy has no role in setting these costs and will not intervene with any laboratory to seek any adjustments in costs.
• The Embassy does not provide refunds for unused DNA kits nor does it participate in any way in the financial transactions required for DNA testing.
• For purposes of citizenship document issuance, the Embassy will only accept original genetic test results that have been sent to the Embassy directly by the laboratory conducting the test.  This is to ensure all necessary safeguards in conformity with U.S. regulations are followed.
• The Embassy does not assume responsibility for the professional caliber or practice of any of the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) accredited parentage testing laboratories.
• Submitting to testing in no way guarantees the subsequent issuance of documentation of American citizenship; and while the genetic test is pending, all other investigations related to the case will be suspended until the testing process is completed.