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Embassies and consulates can help with a variety of issues, including emergency travel documents and validation of documents for use in the country you are visiting. They can also provide lists of attorneys, hospitals, or funeral homes, and assist with emergency situations, such as serious crimes or illness abroad. However, it is important to note that they cannot always provide assistance with residency or immigration issues, and may not be able to help with specific document requests at airports. It is recommended to contact your country's embassy or consulate directly to inquire about their specific services and capabilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Help with lost/stolen passport | Yes, the embassy can help with a replacement passport. |
| Visa applications | Embassies can help with visa applications, but cannot arrange visas. |
| Marriage abroad | Embassies can help with paperwork, but cannot perform marriages. |
| Medical emergencies | Embassies can inform family/friends and help arrange money transfers, but will not pay medical expenses. |
| Natural disasters/civil unrest | Embassies may help with emergency evacuations, but only in limited circumstances. |
| Arrest/detention | Embassies can visit citizens in detention, advocate for their rights, and assist with communication. |
| Crime victims | Embassies can help with local police and medical systems, and connect victims with resources. |
| Death abroad | Embassies can locate and notify next-of-kin, issue a report of death, and act as a conservator. |
| Residency/immigration issues | Embassies cannot assist with residency or immigration issues. |
| Birth/marriage/death certificates | Embassies cannot issue or authenticate these certificates. |
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What You'll Learn
Replacing lost/stolen passports
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on whether you are inside or outside the US. If you are in the US, you must use Form DS-11 to apply for a new passport in person. If you are outside the US, contact your nearest US embassy or consulate to replace your lost or stolen passport.
You will need to apply in person and submit both Form DS-64 and Form DS-11 if you want a replacement passport. You can use the online form filler to report your passport lost or stolen, which will create both forms for you. You can also submit Form DS-64 by mail or by calling the toll-free number 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793).
When reporting your passport lost or stolen, you must provide the following information:
- One passport photo (2x2 inches or 5x5 cm)
- Identification (driver's license, expired passport, etc.)
- Evidence of US citizenship (birth certificate, photocopy of your missing passport)
Even if you cannot present all these documents, consular staff will try their best to help you get a new passport in a timely manner. If you are a victim of a serious crime or disaster and cannot pay for a new passport, you may qualify for a free emergency passport with limited validity. Otherwise, replacement passports generally cost the same as any other passport.
In most cases, a replacement passport will be issued the next business day. You can get a limited-validity emergency passport, which is valid for up to 1 year, and exchange it for a full-validity passport after your trip. Full-validity passports last 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16 years old.
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Emergency evacuation
If you are in an emergency situation abroad and need to be evacuated, your first call should be to your nearest embassy or consulate. They can provide critical information and updates about the situation and help you to arrange commercial transportation out of the country. In the event that commercial transportation is unavailable, the embassy may organize charter flights or request aircraft assistance from the U.S. government. However, citizens are generally responsible for reimbursing the government for the cost of their travel.
It is important to note that the embassy's ability to assist in emergency evacuations is limited to specific circumstances, such as natural disasters or civil unrest. They will not provide money for food, lodging, or other purposes to evacuees, and you will be expected to provide for yourself once you arrive in a safe location. Additionally, pets are typically not allowed on evacuation flights.
In the case of a medical emergency abroad, the embassy can offer limited but decisive help. They can inform your family or friends about your situation and help facilitate the transfer of funds for medical expenses. However, they will not pay any hospital or medical expenses on your behalf.
If you are a victim of a crime while abroad, the embassy can provide crucial assistance. They can connect you with local English-speaking attorneys, help you contact friends and family, recommend an interpreter, and assist in obtaining medical services if necessary. They can also work with local police and help you to obtain money from home.
To prepare for potential emergencies while traveling internationally, it is recommended to enroll in the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows U.S. citizens to receive real-time critical information and travel advisories from destination embassies about safety conditions. This can help you make well-informed decisions and stay abreast of important breaking information needed to adjust your travel plans.
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Notarising documents
U.S. embassies and consulates provide notarial services, including notarising documents for use in the United States or for Americans abroad. These appointments are available for customers of all nationalities.
If you need to get a document notarised, you must appear in person at the embassy or consulate so they can verify your identity and the document. You must bring your passport and a good-quality colour photocopy of the biographical data page of your passport (the page with your photo on it). You should not sign the document before your appointment, and you may need to bring someone to witness your signature in front of a U.S. consular officer.
There are certain documents that the U.S. Embassy cannot notarise, including:
- “No objection” letters or certificates for marriage registration, organ transplants, or other purposes
- U.S. birth, marriage, or death certificates
- U.S. police records
The U.S. Embassy also cannot provide legal advice or explain documents to you.
Notary services incur a fee of $50 per consular seal. You will need to pay on the day of your appointment, so check with the embassy or consulate on the forms of payment they accept.
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Visa application support
Embassies can provide support for visa applications, but the level of assistance varies and is dependent on several factors.
Firstly, it is important to understand that embassies offer different services to citizens of their own country and citizens of other countries. For example, a US embassy can provide a range of services to US citizens, including assistance with emergency situations, notarizing documents for use in the US, and providing a list of attorneys or hospitals. However, for non-US citizens, the services are more limited and do not include visa application advice.
For citizens of the country, embassies can provide support in emergency situations when abroad, which may include assisting with visa applications or replacements in certain circumstances. For instance, the US Embassy can issue a full validity passport in about six to eight weeks, and can also help in obtaining a replacement passport in case of loss or theft.
Additionally, embassies can provide general visa information, such as the categories of visas available and how to apply. They may also offer visa interviews, which are typically scheduled at the embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of residence. It is recommended to apply early as wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category.
However, it is important to note that embassies generally cannot provide specific advice on which visas to apply for or the likelihood of a successful application. This is considered personal advice based on individual circumstances, which is outside the scope of their services.
Therefore, while embassies can provide some support and guidance for visa applications, their assistance is largely focused on providing information and facilitating the application process rather than offering personalized advice or guaranteeing the success of the application.
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Marriage abroad
If you are planning a marriage abroad, it is important to understand the legal requirements of your chosen country. The process of getting married abroad varies from country to country and can be time-consuming and expensive. It is recommended to do your research before travelling to your destination.
Firstly, you need to check the laws of the country where you plan to marry. Contact the office that issues marriage certificates or the tourist information bureau to understand the specific requirements. Some countries may require certain documents, such as a certificate of no impediment (CNI) or an affirmation, to prove that you are legally free to marry.
It is also important to be aware of any requirements that you need to fulfil before getting married in your chosen country. For example, some countries may require you to live in the country for a certain period before getting married, undergo blood tests, meet specific age requirements, or obtain parental consent.
If you are a citizen of the United States, you can consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on getting married abroad. However, it is important to note that U.S. embassy and consulate employees cannot perform marriages in foreign countries. Marriages are typically conducted by local civil or religious officials in accordance with local laws. While marriages performed abroad are valid in that country if they follow local laws, you may need to take additional steps for your marriage to be recognised in your home country.
In some cases, it may be simpler to complete the legal marriage in your home country before or after the destination wedding ceremony. This avoids the complexity of obtaining a foreign marriage certificate and complying with local marriage laws. If you need any documents notarised overseas, you can make an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate for this purpose.
For UK citizens, if you are unable to get married or register a civil partnership in your chosen country, it may be possible to do so at a British embassy, consulate, or high commission. This is known as a 'consular marriage' or 'consular civil partnership'.
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Frequently asked questions
Your country's embassy may be able to help with getting emergency travel documents, but this is not guaranteed and will depend on the specific country and situation. It is recommended that you contact your embassy as soon as possible to find out what assistance they may be able to provide.
This depends on the type of document and the country you are entering. In some cases, you may be able to enter without the document, especially if you can prove your identity and status electronically. However, it is always best to have all the required documents before travelling to avoid potential issues.
Your country's embassy or consulate can help you arrange emergency travel documents, but they cannot create a new passport for you. You will need to apply for these documents in person and provide relevant information. It is important to know the location of your country's embassy or consulate before travelling, especially if you're visiting a region where conflict is possible.
