U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide can help U.S. citizens with a wide variety of services. They fall into two major categories, emergency and non-emergency (routine or regular). There are many services that many U.S. citizens request but that the U.S. Embassy/Consulate unfortunately cannot provide. Please note that when you are in a foreign country, you must follow that country’s laws.
Emergency Services
- Visiting U.S. citizens in jail following an arrest
- Missing persons / Welfare
- Assisting victims of violent crime
- Assisting families and friends after the death of a U.S. citizen
- Medical emergencies
- Loss or theft of passport
- Denial of freedom to travel
- Financial emergencies
- Assisting U.S. children and families involved in an abduction
- Destitution
Any similar situations of an emergency nature.
Non-Emergency Services
- Consular report of birth to U.S. citizen abroad
- Federal benefits
- Routine passport matters, such as renewal
- Add visa pages
- Help register to vote in U.S. elections
- Provide information on safety and security in a foreign country
- Provide routine notary services
- Check on the welfare of U.S. citizens
- Assist U.S. children and families involved in custody, support, and other cases
- Provide assistance to recipients of Social Security and other U.S. federal benefits
Services Not Available
- Providing physical protection to you or your family
- Searching for missing baggage
- Discussing visa cases (This may be available in some embassies or consulates.)
- Settling disputes with hotel managers or landlords
- Finding employment, residence, or schools for you or your family
- Paying your debts or fines
- Sorting out property disputes
- Interfering in judicial proceedings
- Arranging release from U.S. military service obligations
- Demanding that an American be released from jail
- Performing marriage ceremonies
- Offering legal advice
- Offering translation services
- Providing postal services
