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Embassy/Consulate Abroad

There are U.S. Embassies in more than 160 capital cities around the world. Each embassy has a consular section, which do two things: 1) issue visas to foreigners and 2) help U.S. citizens abroad.

Register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you will be in a country for a month or more, or if you are visiting a country where there is political or economic unrest. This makes it easier for staff there to reach you in an emergency or to replace a lost passport.

Emergency Services

• If you lose your passport, a consul can issue you a replacement, often within 24 hours. If you believe your passport was stolen, first report the theft to the local police and get a police declaration.
• If you get sick, you can contact a consular officer for a list of local doctors, dentists, and medical specialists, along with other medical information. If you are injured or become seriously ill, a consul can help you find medical assistance and, at your request, notify your family and friends.
• If you lose your money and other financial resources, consular officers can help you contact your family or bank to arrange for them to send funds.
• If there's an emergency at home and your family needs to reach you while you are abroad, they can call the State Department's Office of American Citizens Services. The State Department will relay the message to the consular officers in the country in which you are traveling. Consular officers will attempt to reach you and pass on urgent messages and, consistent with the Privacy Act, report back to your family.
• If you are arrested, ask the authorities to notify a U.S. consul. Consuls cannot get you out of jail, but they can work to protect your legitimate interests and ensure you are not discriminated against. They can provide a list of local attorneys, visit you, inform you generally about local laws, and contact your family. They can transfer money, food, and clothing to the prison authorities from your family; and they can try to get relief if you are held under inhumane or unhealthful conditions.
• If you're caught in a natural disaster or civil disturbance, you should let your family know as soon as possible that you are safe or contact a U.S. consul who will pass that message to your family through the State Department.

Remember that, in a disaster, consuls face the same constraints you do: lack of electricity or fuel, interrupted phone lines and closed airports.

What a consular officer cannot do

Consular officers cannot act as travel agents, banks, lawyers, investigators or law enforcement officers. Do not expect them to find employment for you, get you residence or driving permits, act as interpreters, search for missing luggage or settle disputes with hotel managers. They can, however, tell you how to get help on these and other matters.

Privacy Act

As a general rule, consular officers may not reveal information regarding an individual American's location, welfare, intentions, or problems to anyone, including family members and Congressional representatives, without the expressed consent of that individual. Although sympathetic to the distress this can cause for concerned families, consular officers must comply with the provisions of the Privacy Act.

Information based on the Department of State Publication 10176, June 1994.