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Posts Tagged ‘American Citizen Services’
4th August 2011
It recently came to this blogger’s attention that the US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand is poised to begin exclusively offering routine services at the American Citizen Services section of the Post by appointment only. In order to provide further insight into these developments it is necessary to quote directly from the official website of the United States Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand:
Beginning September 1, 2011, all non-emergency consular services will require an appointment. We hope that this will assist us in providing prompt and efficient consular services to American Citizens residing in Thailand. Please plan accordingly.
For those who are unfamiliar with matters pertaining to United States Missions abroad it should be noted that an American Citizen Services section of a US Embassy, US Consulate, or American Institute provides many services for Americans resident abroad. Such services include, but are not limited to, US Passport issuance, Consular Report of Birth Abroad issuance, Notary Services, and issuance of additional pages to a previously issued US Passport. It has always been this blogger’s personal experience that the ACS unit of the US Embassy in Bangkok handles matters in an efficient and courteous manner. That stated, the unit always seems hectically busy and it would appear that the new policy is aimed at streamlining the processing of pertinent requests.
Those seeking information regarding visas and immigration to the United States should look for information regarding Immigrant Visa Units and/or Non-Immigrant Visa Units at US Posts abroad as those sections are generally tasked with adjudicating applications for visas such as the B-2 visa, the K-1 visa, the CR-1 visa, and the IR-1 visa.
20th April 2011
ACS At US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand to Close April 28th & 29th
Posted by : admin
A recent email message from the Warden of the United States Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand came to this blogger’s attention. To quote the message directly:
The American Citizen Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok will be closed for staff in-service training on April 28 and 29. Only emergency services will be available on those days. Normal operations will resume on May 2. We strongly recommend making an appointment for all services, especially because our waiting room will be under construction from mid-April until June. Waiting times, especially for those without appointments, will be longer.
For those who are not familiar with matters pertaining to US Missions abroad it should be noted that American Citizen Services is primarily responsible for undertaking duties such as issuance of US Passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and visa page additions.
Those wishing to visit the official ACS webpage on the official website of the US Embassy in Bangkok please click HERE.
28th March 2011
US Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: Holiday Closing Schedule 2011
Posted by : admin
The following was quoted directly from the official website of the United States Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan:
Official American and Turkmen holidays for which employees of the Embassy are excused from duty are limited to the following for the calendar year 2011:
| Date | Day | Description | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 31 | Fri | New Year’s Day | U.S./Turkmen |
| January 12 | Wed | Memorial Day | Turkmen |
| January 17 | Mon | Martin L. King’s Birthday | U.S. |
| February 21 | Mon | President’s Day | U.S. |
| March 8 | Tue | International Women’s Day | Turkmen |
| March 21 | Mon | National Spring Day | Turkmen |
| May 9 | Mon | Victory Day | Turkmen |
| May 18 | Wed | Magtymguly Day | Turkmen |
| May 31 | Mon | Memorial Day | U.S. |
| July 4 | Mon | Independence Day | U.S. |
| September 5 | Mon | Labor Day | U.S. |
| September (TBD)* | Oraza Bayramy | Turkmen | |
| October 6 | Thu | National Commemoration Day | Turkmen |
| October 10 | Mon | Columbus Day | U.S. |
| October 27-28 | Thu-Fri | Independence Day of Turkmenistan |
Turkmen |
| November 11 | Fri | Veterans’ Day | U.S. |
| November 24 | Thu | Thanksgiving Day | U.S. |
| November (TBD)* | Kurban Bayramy | Turkmen | |
| December 12 | Mon | Neutrality Day | Turkmen |
| December 26 | Mon | Christmas Day | U.S. |
* The dates of Kurban Bayramy and Oraza Bairamy are determined by the lunar calendar. Therefore, the exact dates for these holidays cannot be announced with any certainty at this time. When notified, an announcement will be sent out to identify the specific dates.
** Turkmen holidays falling on weekends (Sunday) are observed an the subsequent workday.
Those wishing to visit the official homepage of the United States Embassy in Turkmenistan please click HERE.
Those seeking services which can only be provided by an American Citizen Services Section of a US Embassy or US Consulate abroad (such as Consular Report of Birth Abroad issuance, US Passport issuance, or additional visa pages for a previously issued US Passport) are well advised to attempt to set an appointment with the post in advance as doing so can greatly streamline the processing of requests made to the Post.
Those seeking visas such as the US tourist visa (B-2 visa), the US student visa (F-1 visa), the exchange visitor visa (J-1 visa), or the US business visa (B-1 visa) are likely to see their visa application processed at a Non-Immigrant Visa Unit Abroad. It should be noted that such applications are adjudicated pursuant to the provisions of section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.
Those seeking immigrant visas such as the CR-1 visa or the IR-1 visa are likely to see such visa applications processed at an Immigrant Visa Unit of a US Post pursuant to an approved Immigration petition from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). It should be noted that for purposes of visa application processing the K-1 visa (a US fiance visa technically designed for non-immigrants) is treated in much the same way as the immigrant visas cited above.
Those seeking visas such as the L-1 visa or the EB-5 visa are prudent to note that such visa applications are only processed pursuant to an approved visa petition at the USCIS.
2nd March 2011
US Embassy Port Louis, Mauritius: Holiday Closing Schedule 2011
Posted by : admin
The following holiday closing schedule was quoted directly from the official website of the United States Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius:
|
New Year |
Saturday, January 1 |
Mauritian/U.S. |
|
New Year (Special) |
Monday, January 3 |
Mauritian |
|
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
Monday, January 17 |
U.S. |
| Thaipoosam Cavadee | Thursday, January 30 | Mauritian |
| Abolition of Slavery | Tuesday, February 1 | Mauritian |
|
Chinese Spring Festival |
Thursday, February 3 |
Mauritian |
| Washington’s Birthday | Mnday, February 21 | U.S. |
|
Maha Shivaratree |
Wednesday, March 2 |
Mauritian |
|
National Day |
Saturday, March 12 |
Mauritian |
|
Ougadi |
Monday, April 4 |
Mauritian |
|
Labor Day |
Sunday, May 1 |
Mauritian |
|
Memorial Day |
Monday, May 30 |
U.S. |
|
Independence Day |
Monday, July 4 |
U.S. |
|
Eid-Ul-Fitr** |
Wednesday, August 31 |
Mauritian |
|
Ganesh Chathurthi |
Friday, September 2 |
Mauritian |
|
Labor Day |
Monday, September 5 |
U.S. |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 10 | U.S. |
|
Divali |
Wednesday, October 26 |
Mauritian |
| All Saints Day |
Tuesday, November 1 |
Mauritian |
| Arrival of Indentured Laborers | Wednesday, November 2 | Mauritian |
|
Veterans Day |
Friday, November 11 |
U.S. |
|
Thanksgiving Day |
Thursday, November 24 |
U.S |
| Christmas Day*** |
Monday, December 26 |
U.S. |
**The exact date of this festival will depend on the visibility of the moon.
***December 25, 2011 (the legal public holiday for Christmas Day), falls on a Sunday. For most Federal employees, Monday, December 26, will be treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes.
Those wishing to visit the official homepage of the United States Embassy in Mauritius please click: HERE.
Those seeking services which can only be provided by a US Embassy or US Consulate abroad (such as issuance of a new US Passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or additional visa pages for a previously issued US Passport) are well advised to contact an American Citizen Services (ACS) Section of the nearest US Consulate with appropriate jurisdiction. In some cases, it may be possible to set an appointment with the post online. Setting an appointment with the post in advance may prove beneficial as foreknowledge of customer requests can greatly streamline the processing of such requests.
Those seeking non-immigrant visas such as the B-2 visa for tourists, the F-1 visa for students, the J-1 visa for exchange visitors, or the B-1 visa for business travelers are likely to see their visa application processed at a Non-immigrant visa (NIV) Unit abroad. Those seeking such travel documents should bear in mind that such applications are scrutinized pursuant to section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.
Those seeking immigrant visas for foreign family members such as the CR-1 visa or the IR-1 visa are likely to see their visa application processed pursuant to an approved immigration petition at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). For application processing purposes, it should be noted that the K-1 visa, a non-immigrant US fiance visa, is treated in a similar manner to the aforementioned immigrant visas noted above.
Those seeking visas such as the L-1 visa for intra-company transferees or the EB-5 visa for immigrant investors are likely to only see a visa application processed after receiving approval on an immigration petition at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
28th February 2011
US Embassy Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: Holiday Closing Schedule 2011
Posted by : admin
The following holiday closing schedule is quoted directly from the official website of the United States Embassy in Ulaanbataar, Mongolia:
| Date | Week Day | Holiday | Nationality |
| Dec 31 | Friday | New Year’s Day | American |
| Jan 17 | Monday | Martin Luther King’s, Jr. Day | American |
| Feb 3 | Thursday | Lunar New Year * | Mongolian |
| Feb 4 | Friday | Lunar New Year * | Mongolian |
| Feb 21 | Monday | President’s Day | American |
| March 8 | Tuesday | International Women’s Day | Mongolian |
| May 30 | Monday | Memorial Day | American |
| June 1 | Wednesday | Mother and Child Day | Mongolian |
| July 4 | Monday | Independence Day | American |
| July 11 | Monday | National Holiday Naadam | Mongolian |
| July 12 | Tuesday | National Holiday Naadam | Mongolian |
| July 13 | Wednesday | National Holiday Naadam | Mongolian |
| Sep 5 | Monday | Labor Day | American |
| Oct 10 | Monday | Columbus Day | American |
| Nov 11 | Friday | Veteran’s Day | American |
| Nov 24 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | American |
| Nov 25 | Friday | Constitution Day | Mongolian |
| Dec 26 | Monday | Christmas Day | American |
| Dec 30 | Friday | NewsYear’s Day | American & Mongolian |
*Lunar New Year date may change according to the local Astrologers’ decision.
Those wishing to go to the official homepage of the United States Embassy in Mongolia please click HERE.
Those seeking services which can only be provided at an American Citizen Services Section of a US Embassy or US Consulate abroad (such as issuance of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, US Passport, or additional visa pages in a previously issued US Passport) are well advised to attempt to make an appointment with the Post online (if possible) in order to streamline the processing of requests lodged with the Consulate.
Those seeking non-immigrant visas such as the B-2 visa for foreign tourists, the B-1 visa for foreign business travelers, the J-1 visa for exchange visitors, or the F-1 visa for foreign students are likely to see their applications processed at a non-immigrant visa unit abroad. It should be noted that such applications are scrutinized pursuant to the provisions of section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.
Those seeking immigrant visas for foreign loved ones (such as the CR-1 visa or the IR-1 visa) are likely to see their visa application processed at an immigrant visa unit abroad following the approval of an underlying immigration petition at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). For processing purposes, the K-1 visa is treated in much the same way as the immigrant visa categories notwithstanding the fact that it is technically a non-immigrant US fiance visa.
Those seeking an L-1 visa or EB-5 visa for business travel purposes are likely to only see their visa application processed following a successful adjudication of an underlying immigrant visa petition at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
26th January 2011
US Embassy Suva, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu: Holidays 2011
Posted by : admin
Frequent readers of this blog may have noticed that the administration routinely posts the holiday closing schedules of the various US Missions in the Asia-Pacific region. The following was quoted directly from the official website of the United States Embassy with Consular jurisdiction for Suva, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu:
Listed below are Fiji and U.S. National holidays on which the Embassy is closed.
| Holiday | Date Observed |
| New Year’s Day | Mon, Jan 3, 2011 |
| Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday | Mon, Jan 17, 2011 |
| Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday | Mon, Feb 14, 2011 |
| Washington’s Birthday | Mon Feb 21, 2011 |
| Good Friday | Friday, Apr 22, 2011 |
| Easter Saturday | Sat, Apr 23, 2011 |
| Easter Monday | Mon, Apr 25, 2011 |
| Memorial Day | Mon, May 30, 2011 |
| Queen’s Birthday | Mon, Jun 13, 2011 |
| Independence Day | Mon, July 4, 2011 |
| Labor Day | Mon, Sep 5, 2011 |
| Fiji Day/Columbus Day | Mon, Oct 10, 2011 |
| Diwali | Wed, Oct 26, 2011 |
| Veterans Day | Fri, Nov 11, 2011 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu, Nov 24, 2011 |
| Christmas Day | Mon, Dec 26, 2011 |
| Boxing Day | Tue, Dec 27, 2011 |
For the official homepage of the US Embassy with jurisdiction over Suva, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu please click HERE.
Those seeking services such as the issuance of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, US Passport, or additional visa pages for a previously issued US Passport are well advised to contact an American Citizen Services Section at a US Embassy or US Consulate with Consular jurisdiction over one’s place of residence. Requests for service can often be streamlined by making an appointment in advance through a US Mission’s website.
Those seeking a temporary visa such as a B-2 visa (Tourist), B-1 visa (Business visa), J-1 visa (Exchange visitor visa), or F-1 (US student visa) are likely to see their visa application processed through a non-immigrant visa (NIV) Unit abroad. Those applying for a non-immigrant visa are likely to have their application scrutinized pursuant to section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.
Those Americans seeking family based visas for a foreign spouse (CR-1 visa, IR-1 visa) or loved one are likely to see an application processed through an Immigrant Visa (IV) Unit abroad. for purposes of Consular Processing the K-1 visa, although a non-immigrant US fiance visa, is processed in much the same way as the immigrant visa categories. At one time, US Missions abroad were processing a relatively large number of K3 visa applications. However, since the promulgation of the National Visa Center’s “administrative closure” policy relatively few K-3 visa applications are currently being adjudicated abroad. Immigrant Visa applications are generally processed only after initial immigration petition approval by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Those seeking investment or employment visas such as the EB-5 visa or the L-1 visa are likely to only see their visa application processed after a successful adjudication at USCIS in the United States.
17th January 2011
US Embassy Vietiane, Laos: Holiday Closing Schedule 2011
Posted by : admin
Those who read this web log with any degree of frequency may have noticed that the administration routinely posts the closing schedules of the various US Missions in Asia in an effort to provide wide access to such information for Americans traveling abroad seeking Consular services. Hopefully, postings such as these will help to forestall fruitless trips to US Posts abroad made by Americans unaware of local holiday observance. The following is quoted directly from the official website of the United States Embassy in Vientiane, Laos:
| Date | Day | Holiday | Lao/U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2010 | Friday | Substitute for New Year’s Day | U.S./Lao |
| January 17 | Monday | Martin Luther King’s Birthday | U.S. |
| February 21 | Monday | Presidents’ Day | U.S. |
| March 8 | Tuesday | International Women’s Day | Lao |
| April 13-15 | Wed.-Friday | Lao New Year | Lao |
| May 2 | Monday | Lao Labor Day | Lao |
| May 30 | Monday | Memorial Day | U.S. |
| July 4 | Monday | Independence Day | U.S. |
| September 5 | Monday | Labor Day | U.S. |
| October 10 | Monday | Boat Racing Festival | Lao |
| October 22 | Monday | Columbus Day | U.S. |
| November 10 | Thursday | That Luang Festival | Lao |
| November 11 | Friday | Veteran’s Day | U.S. |
| November 24 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | U.S. |
| December 2 | Friday | Lao National Day | Lao |
| December 26 | Monday | Christmas Day | U.S. |
Substitution days. Please note: According to the prevailing practice in Laos, official holidays which fall on Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday and Sunday on the following Monday.
Note: Administrative Days: In addition to the dates above, the Consular Section will be closed on the following Fridays for administrative days – February 18, April 8, June 3, September 2, November 25, and December 9.
Those seeking the official homepage of the United States Embassy in Vientiane, Laos please click HERE.
Those seeking services such as issuance of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, US Passport, or additional visa pages for a previously issued US Passport are well advised to contact an American Citizen Services Section of the nearest US Embassy or US Consulate with appropriate jurisdiction.
Those seeking temporary US visas such as the B-2 visa (US Tourist Visa), B-1 visa (US Business Visa), F-1 visa (US Student Visa), or J-1 visa (US Exchange Visitor Visa) are likely to have their visa applications processed through a Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Unit abroad. It should be noted that those applying for most non-immigrant visa categories are scrutinized pursuant to section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.
Those who are seeking US family visa benefits in the form of travel documents such as the CR-1 visa or the IR-1 visa are generally required to process an immigration petition through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) prior to applying for a US visa abroad. The K-1 visa, although technically a non-immigrant US fiance visa, is generally treated much the same way as an immigrant visa for application processing purposes. L-1 visa seekers and EB-5 visa seekers should take notice of the fact that applying for such a travel document may entail the processing of an immigration petition prior to visa application at a US Post abroad.
For related information please see: US Visa Laos or K1 Visa Laos.
14th January 2011
US Embassy Sri Lanka & Maldives: Holiday Closing Schedule for 2011
Posted by : admin
Those who may have had the opportunity to read this blog in the past may have noticed that the administration routinely posts the holiday closing schedules of some of the various US Missions in Asia. This is done in an effort to forestall needless trips to a US Embassy or US consulate abroad only to find them closed in observance of either an American or foreign holiday. The following is quoted directly from the official website of the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka (with jurisdiction over the Maldives):
The American Embassy will observe the following American and local holidays in 2011.
| Date | Event | Type |
| January 14 (Friday) | In Lieu of Tamil Thai Pongal Day | Local |
| January 17 (Monday) | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | American |
| February 04 (Friday) | National Day | Local |
| February 16 (Wednesday) | Holy Prophet’s Birthday | Local |
| February 21 (Monday) | Washington’s Birthday | American |
| April 13 (Wednesday) | Day Prior to Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day | Local |
| April 14 (Thursday) | Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day | Local |
| May 2 (Monday) | In Lieu of May Day | Local |
| May 17 (Tuesday) | Wesak Full Moon Poya Day | Local |
| May 30 (Monday) | Memorial Day | American |
| June 15 (Wednesday) | Poson Full Moon Poya Day | American |
| July 4 (Monday) | Independence Day | American |
| July 14 (Thursday) | Esala Full Moon Poya Day | Local |
| September 05 (Monday) | Labor Day | American |
| October 10 (Monday) | Columbus Day | American |
| October 11 (Tuesday) | Vap Full Moon Poya Day | Local |
| November 11 (Friday) | Veteran’s Day | American |
| November 24 (Thursday) | Thanksgiving Day | American |
| December 20 (Monday) | Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day | Local |
| December 26 (Monday) | In Lieu of Christmas Day | American |
Those seeking services which can only be provided by an American Citizen Services Section of a US Post abroad (such as: US Passport issuance, Consular Report of Birth Abroad issuance, etc) are well advised to attempt, if possible, to make an appointment online with the Post prior to arrival as doing so can greatly streamline the processing of requests.
To visit the official homepage of the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka please click HERE.
Those seeking visas such as the US B-2 Tourist Visa or the US F-1 Student Visa are likely to process their application through a Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Unit at a US Embassy or US Consulate abroad. Those seeking non-immigrant visa benefits are likely to have their application scrutinized pursuant to section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.
Those seeking travel documents such as a CR-1 visa or an IR-1 visa for a foreign family member who wishes to travel to the USA to take up Lawful Permanent Residence are likely to process their application through an Immigrant Visa (IV) Unit abroad. For processing purposes the K-1 visa, a non-immigrant US fiance visa category, is treated in much the same way as the immigrant visa categories.
Those seeking travel documents such as the EB-5 Visa or the L-1 visa which pertain to business or investment are likely to only see their visa application processed after the adjudication of an immigration petition in the USA.
For related information please see: US Visa Sri Lanka.
17th November 2010
Holiday Closing Schedule For US Embassy in Iraq
Posted by : admin
For those who regularly read this blog it is likely well known that the administration regularly posts information regarding the holiday schedules of US Missions abroad in an effort to forestall fruitless trips to an American Mission abroad due to lack of knowledge regarding official American recognition of bot US and foreign holidays. The following was quoted directly from the official website of the United States Embassy in Iraq:
U.S. Mission Baghdad will observe the following holidays in calendar year 2010.
Date
Day
Holiday
Country
December 31, 2009 Thursday New Year’s Day US January 17 Sunday Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday US** February 14 Sunday Presidents’ Day US** February 28 Monday Prophet’s Birthday Iraq* May 1 Saturday Labor Day Iraq May 30 Sunday Memorial Day US** July 4 Sunday Independence Day US July 14 Wednesday Republic Day Iraq September 5 Sunday Labor Day US** Sep 10-12 Fri-Sun Eid Al-Fitr Iraq* October 10 Sunday Columbus Day US** November 17-19 Wed-Fri Eid Al Adha Iraq* November 11 Monday Veterans’ Day US November 25 Thursday Thanksgiving US December 8 Wednesday Islamic New Year Iraq* December 26 Sunday Christmas US * This Iraqi holiday is determined by the lunar cycle. Exact dates must be confirmed by local authorities and are subject to change.
** In keeping with the spirit of the Monday Holiday Bill, the intention of which is to provide three-day holiday weekends, U.S. holidays covered by the Monday Holiday Bill will be observed on Sundays.
The Embassy will consider moving the observation date of local holidays (religious and secular) falling on weekends in the event that the Iraqi Government issues guidance mandating that the private and public sectors change the observance date.
The situation in Iraq is likely more turbulent at the time of this writing when compared to other jurisdictions in which a US Mission is present. That said, there are still those who may need services which can only be provided by an American Citizen Services (ACS) post abroad. Services that are often sought include, but are not limited to: notary services, Consular Report of Birth Abroad issuance, US passport renewal, and addition of visa pages. Those interested in requesting such services from the American Citizen Services section of the United States Embassy in Iraq are well advised to check the official website of the Post in order to ascertain whether or not an appointment can be made online. Setting an online appointment can greatly facilitate the processing of requests with ACS as Consular Officers can prepare in advance to provide necessary services.
Those interested in issues pertaining to visas are well advised to check with either the Non-Immigrant Visa Unit or the Immigrant Visa Unit in order to ascertain the proper procedure for requesting a visa to the USA. It should be noted that for purposes of processing the K1 visa is considered to be an immigrant visa.
14th September 2010
Limits of Consular Services for Americans Arrested Abroad
Posted by : admin
When Americans are arrested abroad it is a serious issue. Many nations do not have the same legal procedures as the United States. Therefore, the protocols under which an American is tried for a criminal offense abroad can be very different from the rules for charging and prosecuting an individual with a crime in the USA. Fortunately, the American State Department provides assistance to those US Citizens who have been arrested and/or incarcerated overseas. The following is quoted directly from the US State Department website:
DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF SERVICES PROVIDED TO U.S. CITIZENS ARRESTED ABROAD BY U.S. CONSULAR OFFICERS. SINCE CONDITIONS VARY FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY, THE PRECISE NATURE OF SERVICES MAY VARY LIKEWISE, DEPENDING ON INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES IN A PARTICULAR CASE.
SUMMARY: One of the most essential tasks of the Department of State and of U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is to provide assistance to U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad. The State Department is committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for American citizens imprisoned overseas. We stand ready to assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority, in accordance with international law. We can and do monitor conditions in foreign prisons and immediately protest allegations of abuse against American prisoners. We work with prison officials to ensure treatment consistent with internationally recognized standards of human rights and to ensure that Americans are afforded due process under local laws.
There is little doubt that American Consular Officers provide a tremendous amount of assistance to American Citizens imprisoned or arrested abroad. However, it should be reiterated that Americans traveling abroad may not be subject to familiar laws and regulations. Therefore, prior research of a given nation’s legal system may provide the intending traveler with some insight into the legal system of the country or countries where they may be staying while outside of the USA. To quote the aforementioned website further:
While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country”s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. As our Country Specific Information explain, penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, fined, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. If arrested abroad, a citizen must go through the foreign legal process for being charged or indicted, prosecuted, possibly convicted and sentenced, and for any appeals process. Within this framework, U.S. consular officers provide a wide variety of services to U.S. citizens arrested abroad and their families.
There are a number of services that US Consular Officers can provide, but there are a significant number of areas where US government personnel cannot provide assistance as it may be prohibited by law. To again quote the DOS website:
A consular officer cannot :
- demand the immediate release of a U.S. citizen arrested abroad or otherwise cause the citizen to be released.
- represent a U.S. citizen at trial, give legal advice or pay legal fees and/or fines with U.S. Government funds.
These disclaimers are important to note as many Americans are under the mistaken impression that American Consular Officers are meant to act in a representative capacity with respect to pending criminal charges overseas. This is simply not the case. Therefore, those arrested and/or incarcerated in a foreign country are well advised to contact either a foreign attorney or an American attorney abroad in an attempt to gain insight into one’s options with regard to pending foreign criminal charges. Furthermore, depending upon the country, it may be possible for an American Citizen to arrange for bail. This at least allows the American to be released while awaiting an adjudication on the merits of a pending case.
The issue of foreign criminal charges should not be confused with the issue of pending American criminal charges or a pending arrest warrant. If one has a pending warrant from the United States, then it may be necessary to contact an American attorney in order to ascertain one’s options with regard to both the warrant as well as the underlying case in order to make informed decisions about resolving the matter in a legally acceptable manner.
For related information please see: Warrant For My Arrest.
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