U.S. Embassy in Gabon

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.

In emergency situations, the Embassy may assist in the transfer of money to a U.S. citizen in Gabon.  The depositor establishes a trust account in a recipient’s name at the Department of State in Washington, DC. Upon receipt of the funds, the Department telegraphs the Embassy to authorize next-workday disbursement of the funds (less a $30 service fee) to the person designated by the depositor. The recipient must contact the Embassy to receive the funds. Unless there is some overriding consideration requiring payments in U.S. dollars, funds are disbursed in local currency. 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.

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.

All U.S. citizens and resident aliens must file a U.S. individual income tax return, even if they permanently live outside the United States and may not owe any tax because of income exclusion or tax credit. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act is an important development in U.S. efforts to combat tax evasion by U.S. persons holding investments in offshore accounts.  Under FATCA, certain U.S. taxpayers holding financial assets outside the United States must report those assets to the IRS.  In addition, FATCA will require foreign financial institutions to report directly to the IRS certain information about financial accounts held by U.S. taxpayers, or by foreign entities in which U.S. taxpayers hold a substantial ownership interest. Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Libreville cannot offer assistance to U.S. citizens in regard to tax questions.

If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System. U.S. embassies and consulates abroad assist the Selective Service System with its registration program abroad. Overseas registrants are encouraged to register with the Selective Service Online Registration. Where online registration is not available, the Embassy can be of assistance. Current brochures and guidance are also available on the Selective Service website.

If you live in Gabon and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Gabon.

U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with 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.