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Welcome to U.S. Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi. We provide information and assistance to U.S. Citizens in the western and southern regions of the United Arab Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, al-Ain, and al-Ruwais. If you are a resident or
International Parental Child Abduction
For information concerning travel to the United Arab Emirates, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for the United Arab Emirates.
When in a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which often differ significantly from those in the U.S. and may not afford the same protections that are available in the United States. Foreign countries’ judicial systems and respect for certain rights are also likely to be quite different than what citizens expect in the United States.
The death of an American citizen in Abu Dhabi Emirate should be reported to the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible. The death of an American citizen in Dubai or in the Northern Emirates should be reported to the U.S. Consulate General. In the event that a U.S. citizen dies while unaccompanied in the UAE, the ACS unit can help verify the citizenship and identity of the deceased and notify the next of kin. In all cases of death of U.S. citizen in the UAE, the Embassy and Consulate General can assist with arrangements for the disposition of the remains. All costs are the responsibility of the family, as the U.S. government is unable to pay for the return of remains or other costs associated with funeral arrangements.
Being the victim of a crime in a foreign country can be a devastating and traumatic experience. While no one can undo the emotional trauma, physical injury, or financial loss you may have experienced, the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Dubai is ready to help. We are very concerned about violent crimes committed against U.S. citizens in the UAE. We will assist you in managing the practical consequences of being a crime victim and provide you with information about accessing the local criminal justice system, as well as other resources for crime victims abroad and the United States. We can assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family or friends on your behalf, and explain how funds can be transferred. We can also help you to better understand the criminal justice system in the UAE.
Emergency Financial Assistance
With limited exceptions, there are no U.S. government funds available to assist American citizens abroad who are temporarily without money. Individuals are, therefore, asked to contact their family members, friends or their employers regarding their financial needs. In emergency cases, where local banking facilities are not available, funds from the United States can be transmitted through the State Department. The family member, friends, or employer can send money through Western Union to the Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services.
Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. We provide many services, and the most common are listed below.
U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.
If you reside in United Arab Emirates, and have questions regarding Social Security Administration (SSA) services, you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy. If you need assistance from FBU Rome, please visit their web page at: https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/fbu/ For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, please visit SSA’s web page Service Around the World.
Service members, Veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits services on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website at www.va.gov. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) can also be of assistance if Veterans and beneficiaries have questions about benefits and services.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides the following tax filing guidance for U.S. taxpayers living abroad. Links to further IRS guidance are available on the Federal Benefits and Obligations page on travel.state.gov. Please note that U.S. embassies and consulates cannot mail tax returns on behalf of U.S. taxpayers. U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas no longer keep a stock of printed forms and publications. Americans with questions about stimulus checks should consult the IRS. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate are not receiving checks on behalf of Americans in the UAE. Please visit the IRS stimulus page for more information.
U.S. embassies and consulates overseas assist the Selective Service System with its registration program abroad.
Now all U.S. citizens can receive their blank ballots electronically. Depending on the state in which you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, go to www.FVAP.gov to complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), print and sign the form then return it to your local election office in the United States. We recommend overseas U.S. citizens get in the habit of completing FPCAs each January. You should include your email address on the form so it’s easier for your election officials to reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, be sure to include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you’ll receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices.
The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
Legal assistance Medical Assistance Local Charities Fingerprint ServicesList Of Local Attorneys The United Arab Emirates, for consular purposes, is divided into two parts. The Embassy at Abu Dhabi serves the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Consulate General at Dubai serves the Emirates of Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Um Al-Quwain. The American Embassy at Abu Dhabi assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms whose names appear in the attached list. However, the names have been selected with care. The law firms listed are arranged alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance.
Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
This section provides an overview of the intercountry adoption process. The process varies greatly, as it is governed by the laws of the countries where the adoptive parents and the child reside (which in the case of the United States means both federal and state law), and also in which of these locations the legal adoption is finalized. Additionally, if the child’s home country is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, the Hague processes of both countries must be followed. Prospective adoptive parents should consider all of these factors when evaluating what to expect.
The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is an official record confirming that a child born abroad acquired U.S. citizenship at birth and serves as proof of citizenship. The birth should be reported to the Embassy or Consulate where the birth occurred as soon as possible.
Residents of Abu Dhabi regardless of their religion, nationalities or backgrounds, may get married at Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD – Shari’a Courts) as it is the official entity responsible for issuing marriage certificates in Abu Dhabi. Muslims can perform the marriage ceremonies at the ADJD or with authorized religious clerk at home.
Relinquishment of U.S. citizenship by performing certain statutory expatriating acts, including taking the oath of renunciation, voluntarily and with the intent of relinquishing U.S. citizenship, is a personal right that cannot be exercised on a person’s behalf.
Please call: 02414-2200
Outside of Office Hours, contact: 02414-2200
Outside of UAE: +971-2-414-2200
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