U.S. consular offices are located at U.S. Embassies and consulates in most countries overseas.  They are there to advise and help you, especially if you are in trouble of any kind.  Some of the ways they can aid you are also explained in the legal requirements section that follows.  The Citizens Emergency Center is an arm of the U.S. consular office designed to assist United States citizens in emergency situations.

Consulates cannot do the work of travel agencies, information bureaus, banks, or the police.  Do not expect them to act as travel couriers or interpreters, to search for missing luggage, or to settle disputes with hotel managers.  Consuls devote their time and energy to Americans who are in serious legal, medical or financial difficulties.

What U.S. officials can do if you break the law is limited by foreign laws, U.S. laws, and geography.  The U.S. government has no funds for your legal fees or other related expenses.  However, you should consult a consular officer if you find yourself in a dispute that could lead to legal or police action.

Although consular offices cannot serve as attorneys or give legal advice, they can provide lists of local attorneys and help you find adequate legal representation.  They will also do whatever they can to protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against under local law.  They cannot get you out of jail.

If you are arrested, ask permission to notify the consular office at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

• If you are turned down, keep asking, politely but persistently.  American officials will visit you, advise you of your rights according to local laws, and contact your family and friends if you ask them.
• If your prison facilities are inadequate, the consulate can transfer money, food, and clothing from your family and friends to the prison authorities.  Consuls are now permitted to pay (usually subject to reimbursement) for emergency medical care and supplementary food for U.S. prisoners.
• If you need emergency medical care, the duty officer will try to help you get in touch with a doctor or clinic.

If you become destitute abroad, the U.S. consulate will help you get in touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and tell you how to arrange for them to send funds to you.

If your money is lost or stolen, the consulate can advise you on informing the local police and, if the money was in traveler’s checks, on notifying the issuing authority.

If your passport is lost or stolen, report the loss to the local police and go tot the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate on the next business day to apply for a new one.  If you have a police report, photos, and proof of identification (or are accompanied by someone who can identify you), a new passport can often be issued the same day.

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