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To get started, please use the link below to the “navigator” for your nearest Embassy or Consulate. The navigator will ask a series of simple questions to direct you to online information on the most common topics, OR provide instructions on how to contact us by email for less common questions.
The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.
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.
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.
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 and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai stand ready to help. We are very concerned about violent crimes committed again 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 retaining legal counsel and representation in the UAE. Additionally, with your authorization, we may assist you in reaching out to family and friends who may be able to assist you financially. We can assist you with finding appropriate medical care, contact family or friends on your behalf, and explain how funds can be transferred to you here. We can also provide information on local organizations and shelters that may be able to further assist you.
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.
U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.
Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.
Sending Money through the U.S. Department of State
When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
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.
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.
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.
Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will 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. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.
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 in Dubai Local Charities in Abu Dhabi 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.
The United States is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, an international treaty which seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and that safeguards are in place for their protection. All adoptions in another country must take place according to both U.S. and local laws for the adopted child to be eligible to immigrate to the United States. You should work with a U.S. adoption service provider specifically authorized to facilitate intercountry adoption. You can find more information about authorized authorized adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.
If you have a child outside the United States the child may have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth if the requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act have been met as of the time of your child’s birth. To determine whether your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth and to document that, you can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child. You may also choose to just apply for a U.S. passport for your child, although one benefit of a CRBA is that, unlike the U.S. passport, it does not expire and may be used as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. A full validity, unexpired U.S. passport is also proof of U.S. citizenship.
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
Emergency Contact – All Locations Enroll in STEP International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance
