The law in Ethiopia, as it pertains to intercountry adoption, does not require that Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) travel at any time during the adoption process and allows for an escort to bring the child home. This process can add several months to the adoption process. Aside from the delay, the Agency strongly urges families to travel for many reasons. The experience of traveling to your child’s country of origin and seeing the people and culture firsthand is invaluable for you and for your child. The trip also allows you to start the bonding process with your child and offers you the time to speak with the child’s caregivers and learn more about your child’s world. If you decide to travel, your stay in Ethiopia is approximately one week. You will only travel after the adoption is completed in the Ethiopian court and when our staff has confirmed that you have an appointment at the US Embassy to apply for the US visa for your child. Our Agency's appointments at the US Embassy are usually on a Monday.

If escort services are needed, this can be arranged through the Agency. You will have the opportunity to discuss this option and make a decision prior to or during the adoption process. When you make the decision to have your child escorted, it is very important for you to understand that having your child escorted will add to the length of time for you to get the approval of your I-600 because all of your adoption documents have to be filed with your local CIS office and the wait for their approval can be two or three months or longer. In the meantime you will be responsible for the cost of foster care for your child. For information on expenses involved for escorting please contact the Program Coordinator.

There are several items that EAC recommends adoptive parents take with them when travelling. Below is an abbreviated version of that list:

The following documents must be notarized and/or certified and apostilled:
1. Notarized copies of the passport and Visa
2. Power of Attorney between husband & wife
3. Power converter - available at Radio Shack with extension
4. Tylenol and Benadryl
5. ZEBRA.COM Telephone calling card (available at most small stores or Kiosks in Moscow)
6. Camcorder and/or camera
7. Hot pot
8. Lead bag for film

There are also recommended items to take for the adopted child. Below is an abbreviated list:
1. 2-4 cans of powdered formula
2. Disposable diapers
3. Snuggly baby carrier
4. Baby thermometer
5. Diaper rash ointment
6. Oragel (for teething)

The following is a list of paperwork that all parents must take with them when they travel in order to obtain the child's visa:
1. The I-600 (blue form), one for each child adopted
2. Previous 3 years' tax forms with attached W-2's
3. Proof of employment / letter of verification dated within the last 6 months (notarized)
4. Notarized copy of home study
5. Original I-171 H & 2 notarized copies (with cable notice)
6. I-864 Affidavit of support (singles or in military only)
7. I-864A contract between sponsor & household member (married or military only)
8. Visa Fee - $400. each child & $670 each additional unrelated child (not biological siblings)

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