American Citizens Services Abroad

U.S. embassies and consulates abroad house multiple sections or offices including the American Citizens Services section. U.S. citizens who need consular services abroad should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for their destination.

American Citizens Services (ACS) sections abroad provide a range of services, including: 

Routine services

• U.S. passports 
• Consular reports of birth abroad (CRBA)
• Notarial and authentication services (similar to a notary public in the U.S.)
• Federal benefit services such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs
• Loss of nationality services
• The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVPA) and other voting services abroad

Special services

Special services provide assistance for U.S. citizens under unusual circumstances or in distress: 

• Crime victim assistance 
• Welfare and whereabouts, including locating and assisting U.S. citizens 
• Emergency financial assistance 
• Consular reports of death abroad (CRODA) 
• Arrests and prison visits for detained U.S. citizens 
• Children’s issues, including International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA) 
• Crisis preparedness and response

Consular messaging for U.S. citizens

ACS sections also provide information to U.S. citizens in their area through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Enroll in STEP to receive messages and alerts about risks to safety and security from the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination. It also makes it easier for us to reach you or your emergency contact in case of an emergency. 

Typically, you need to schedule an appointment ahead of time.  Visit the U.S. embassy or consulate website to understand how to prepare for each service and how to request an appointment. 

Before you arrive, you should confirm what documents are needed for your service. You may have to bring the original documents and also submit photocopies. Follow the instructions provided to you by the embassy or consulate. Complete any necessary forms and bring them with you to the appointment.

When you go in person to the U.S. embassy or consulate for an ACS appointment, you may bring someone else with you. Third party representation can include someone who helps you such as:

• Attorney
• Interpreter
• Caregiver
• Family member

All visitors to an embassy or consulate will be subject to standard security procedures and screening. Please refer to country-specific U.S. embassy or consulate websites for any additional requirements that may apply to you and anyone accompanying you to the appointment.  

• Attendance by an attorney or other third party at the appointment does not excuse the personal appearance of the applicant or the applicant’s parent or legal guardian as otherwise required. 
• Expenses related to third party attendance are solely the responsibility of the applicant.      
• Attendees may take written notes but may not otherwise record the appointment. 

If you would like the U.S. embassy or consulate to have permission to communicate with a third party about your case, you should complete a Privacy Act written consent form (DS5505), available at the time of your appointment.  

For information on accessibility accommodations that may be available at a particular U.S. embassy or consulate, please contact the U.S. embassy or consulate before your appointment.