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The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.
The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.
The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.
The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime.
Provided in the link below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding U.S. Citizen Services. Click on the link below to find answers to relevant questions.
Are you a U.S. citizen who needs a passport?
The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.
The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.
International Parental Child Abduction
The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.
The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime.
Important Frequently Asked Questions
Provided in the link below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding U.S. Citizen Services. Click on the link below to find answers to relevant questions.
The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills. You should purchase insurance before you travel. In general, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas.
The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills. You should purchase insurance before you travel. In general, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas.
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.
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.
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.
If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
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.
If you live in Greece and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Athens, Greece.
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.
If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
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.
If you live in Greece and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Athens, Greece.
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.
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 has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; we cannot vouch for this information.
Legal AssistanceU.S. Embassy Athens prepared the list of English speaking attorneys in the box to the right as a service to U.S. citizens. We welcome both favorable and unfavorable comments concerning the performance of the attorneys listed. Such comments will assist us when reviewing the list every three years.
The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills. You should purchase insurance before you travel. In general, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas.
Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates are issued by states, not the federal government. You must contact the state that issued the record to request a copy.
All thefts should be reported to the police as soon as possible. The thieves may not be found or the valuables recovered, but a police report may be required to submit an insurance claim or by your airline to issue a replacement ticket. The police report may also aid your travel within Greece without a valid travel document in the event your passport was stolen.
U.S. Embassy Athens prepared the list of English speaking attorneys in the box to the right as a service to U.S. citizens. We welcome both favorable and unfavorable comments concerning the performance of the attorneys listed. Such comments will assist us when reviewing the list every three years.
The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills. You should purchase insurance before you travel. In general, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas.
Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates are issued by states, not the federal government. You must contact the state that issued the record to request a copy.
Requesting Lost or Stolen Property
All thefts should be reported to the police as soon as possible. The thieves may not be found or the valuables recovered, but a police report may be required to submit an insurance claim or by your airline to issue a replacement ticket. The police report may also aid your travel within Greece without a valid travel document in the event your passport was stolen.
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 adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.
U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages. Depending on the local law, civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. If your marriage overseas was performed in accordance with local law, it is valid in the country where it took place. Whether your marriage is recognized elsewhere depends on the laws of that place.
If you get married abroad and need to know if your marriage will be recognized in the United States and what documentation may be needed, contact the office of the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States.
Welcome to the Passport & Citizenship Unit of the U.S. Embassy Athens. We provide services for United States Citizens resident in Greece. These services are by appointment only; there is no walk-in service related to passports, citizenship, or birth registration. The Unit is closed to the public on U.S. and Greek public holidays.
Pursuant to Articles 1438 through 1441 of the Greek Civil Code, divorce is granted only on the basis of a court ruling. Under the provisions of the new Family Code (Law 1329/1983), there are three grounds under which a divorce can be issued.
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 adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.
U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages. Depending on the local law, civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. If your marriage overseas was performed in accordance with local law, it is valid in the country where it took place. Whether your marriage is recognized elsewhere depends on the laws of that place.
If you get married abroad and need to know if your marriage will be recognized in the United States and what documentation may be needed, contact the office of the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States.
Welcome to the Passport & Citizenship Unit of the U.S. Embassy Athens. We provide services for United States Citizens resident in Greece. These services are by appointment only; there is no walk-in service related to passports, citizenship, or birth registration. The Unit is closed to the public on U.S. and Greek public holidays.
Pursuant to Articles 1438 through 1441 of the Greek Civil Code, divorce is granted only on the basis of a court ruling. Under the provisions of the new Family Code (Law 1329/1983), there are three grounds under which a divorce can be issued.
A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth if certain statutory requirements are met. The child’s parents can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States (CRBA) to document that the child is a U.S. citizen. We recommend that parents apply for a CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth.
Children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent(s) may have a claim to U.S. citizenship. The following is a brief description of the various circumstances under which a child born abroad may acquire U.S. citizenship. For further information please select the description below that best fits your family circumstances.
The online application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (eCRBA) allows U.S. citizen parents to complete an application online, upload all required documents, and submit an online payment of $100 prior to the in-person interview. Ensure that the correct documents are uploaded as per step 1 of the eCRBA checklist, before you proceed to payment, otherwise an appointment cannot be scheduled.
In order to provide better service to our clients, all appointments for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and adult derivative citizenship applications (first time applicants over the age of 18) will be made only by email.
We advise that both parents should be present at the appointment. However, we recognize that it may not be possible in all cases. Here’s what you should do in those circumstances.
Processing times for all services are approximate. Times quoted should be used only as a guide. U.S. Passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) are produced at facilities in the United States. Your application will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy once received by our office. Then we will contact you to inform you if any documents are missing or to schedule an appointment. After your interview and approval notification, processing time is usually approximately 3 weeks, can take as long as one month for applicants born in Greece. If you are also applying for a Passport Card, you should note that it takes approximately 4 months to process.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad
A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth if certain statutory requirements are met. The child’s parents can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States (CRBA) to document that the child is a U.S. citizen. We recommend that parents apply for a CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth.
Do You Qualify to Transmit Citizenship?
Children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent(s) may have a claim to U.S. citizenship. The following is a brief description of the various circumstances under which a child born abroad may acquire U.S. citizenship. For further information please select the description below that best fits your family circumstances.
The online application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (eCRBA) allows U.S. citizen parents to complete an application online, upload all required documents, and submit an online payment of $100 prior to the in-person interview. Ensure that the correct documents are uploaded as per step 1 of the eCRBA checklist, before you proceed to payment, otherwise an appointment cannot be scheduled.
How to Schedule an Appointment
In order to provide better service to our clients, all appointments for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and adult derivative citizenship applications (first time applicants over the age of 18) will be made only by email.
We advise that both parents should be present at the appointment. However, we recognize that it may not be possible in all cases. Here’s what you should do in those circumstances.
Processing Times and Return of Documents
Processing times for all services are approximate. Times quoted should be used only as a guide. U.S. Passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) are produced at facilities in the United States. Your application will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy once received by our office. Then we will contact you to inform you if any documents are missing or to schedule an appointment. After your interview and approval notification, processing time is usually approximately 3 weeks, can take as long as one month for applicants born in Greece. If you are also applying for a Passport Card, you should note that it takes approximately 4 months to process.
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Please call: +30-210-721-2951
Outside of Office Hours, contact: +30 210 721 2951
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