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1992-10-14
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HELP FROM AMERICAN CONSULS ABROAD
When to Register With the U.S. Embassy
Register at the Consular Section of the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate:
.. If you find yourself in a country or area that is
experiencing civil unrest, has an unstable political climate,
or is undergoing a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or
hurricane.
.. If you plan on going to a country where there are no U.S.
officials. In such cases, register in an adjacent country,
leave an itinerary, and ask about conditions in the country
you will visit and what third country may represent U.S.
interests there.
.. If you plan to stay in a country for more than one month.
Registration makes your presence and whereabouts known in
case it is necessary for a consular employee to contact you
in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American
consular officers offer assistance to Americans and can even
assist in evacuation when that becomes necessary. But they
cannot assist you if they do not know whee you are.
Registration also makes it easier to apply for a replacement
passport if yours is lost or stolen.
If you are traveling with an escorted tour to areas
experiencing political uncertainty or other problems, find
out if registration is being done for you by your tour
operator. If it is not, or if you are traveling on your own,
leave a copy of your itinerary at the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate soon after arrival.
What the U.S. Consuls Can Do.
U.S. consular officers are located at U.S. embassies and
consulates in most countries overseas. They are able to
advise and help you if you are in any serious trouble.
Destitution
If you become destitute abroad, the U.S. consul can help you
get in touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and
tell you how to arrange for them to send funds for you. These
funds can sometimes be wired to you through the Department of
State.
If You Are Ill or Injured
Should you become ill while abroad, contact the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local doctors,
dentists, medical specialists, clinics and hospitals. If your
illness or injury is serious, the consul can help you find
medical assistance from that list and, at your request, will
inform your family or friends of your condition. If
necessary, a consul can assist in the transfer of funds from
the United States. Payment of hospital and other expenses is
your responsibility. Consular officers cannot supply you with
medication.
In an emergency when you are unable to communicate, the
consul will check your passport for the name and address of
any relative, friend, or legal representative whom you wish
to have notified. Because the U.S. Government cannot pay for
medical evacuations, it is advisable to have private medical
insurance to cover this. (See Immunizations and Health
Insurance).
Marriage Abroad
U.S. diplomatic and consular officials do not have the
authority to perform marriages overseas. Marriage abroad must
be performed in accordance with local law. There are always
some documentary requirements, and in some countries, there
is a lengthy residence requirement before a marriage may take
place.
Before traveling, ask the embassy or consulate of the
country in which you plan to marry about their regulations
and how to prepare to marry abroad. Once abroad, the Consular
Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be able
to answer some of your questions, but it is your
responsibility to deal with local civil authorities.
Birth Abroad
A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents
usually acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. The U.S. parent
or parents should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate to have a "Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of
the United States of America" prepared. This document serves
as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptable
evidence for obtaining a U.S. passport and for most other
purposes where one must show a birth certificate or proof of
citizenship.
Adoption Abroad
The Department of State and its embassies and consulates
abroad have been increasingly concerned about international
adoptions because of an increase in illegal activities by
some intermediaries and adoption agencies. Illegal adoption
practices can cause great difficulty, financial strain, and
emotional upheaval for adopting parents. If you are a
prospective adopting parent, beware of any agency or attorney
claiming to be able to streamline established procedures.
Because of irregular activities, foreign governments
sometimes determine that an adoption process is illegal and
refuse to finalize the adoption.
For more information, you may write for a free pamphlet,
International Adoptions. Send a self addressed, triple
stamped 9x12 envelope to: Citizens Consular Service
(CA/OCS/CCS), Room 4817, Department of State, Washington D.C.
20520-4818. If you are planning to adopt from a particular
country, mention that in your request, because Citizens
Consular Services has specific information on the adoption
process in certain countries.
Death Abroad
When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the consular officer
reports the death to the next of kin or legal representative
and arranges to obtain from them the necessary private funds
for local burial or return of the body to the United States.
Before you begin your trip, complete the address page in the
front of your passport. Provide the name, address and
telephone number of someone to be contacted in an emergency.
Do not give the names of your traveling companions in case
the entire party is involved in the same accident.
Because the U.S. Government cannot pay for local burial or
shipment of remains to the U.S., it is worthwhile to have
insurance to cover this. Following a death, a Report of the
Death of An American Citizen (Optional Form 180) is prepared
by the consular officer to provide the facts concerning the
death and the custody of the personal estate of the deceased.
Under certain circumstances, a consular officer becomes the
provisional conservator of a deceased American's estate and
arranges for the disposition of those effects.
A Variety of Nonemergency Services
Consular employees provide nonemergency services as well.
These include information on Selective Service registration,
travel advisories, absentee voting, and the acquisition or
loss of U.S. citizenship. They arrange for the transfer of
Social Security and other federal benefits to beneficiaries
residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms, and notarize
documents. Consuls can also provide information on how to
obtain foreign public documents.
What U.S. Consuls Cannot Do
Consular officers will do their best to assist U.S.
nationals abroad. However, they must devote priority time and
energies to those Americans who find themselves in the most
serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties.
Because of limited resources, consuls cannot provide
routine or commercial-type services. They cannot act as
travel agents, information bureaus, banks, or law enforcement
officers. U.S. federal law forbids a consular officer from
acting as your lawyer. Consular offices cannot: find you
employment, get you visas, residence permits or driving
permits, act as interpreters,search for missing luggage, call
your credit card company or bank, replace stolen travelers
checks, or settle disputes with hotel managers. They can,
however, tell you how to get assistance on these and other
matters.
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