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⇱ Services for U.S. and Local Citizens - U.S. Citizens Services - U.S. Embassy in Lebanon

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An official website of the United States government

U.S. Embassy in Lebanon

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Travel Advisory
U.S. Citizens Services
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Financial Assistance
Federal Programs
Local Resources
Child & Family Issues
Report a Birth
Passports

Notice

We are open Monday through Friday, between 7:30 to 16:00, excluding U.S. and Lebanese public holidays, the second Wednesday and the last Friday of each month. For routine matters, please Contact us through our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.

Please use the Appointments page to schedule your visit for citizenship or notary services. If you do not see an appointment available at your preferred time, please check back for cancellations. ACS will respond to requests for appointments in case of emergency.

For emergencies affecting the immediate safety, health or welfare of a U.S. citizen, please send an email to BeirutACS@state.gov. This mailbox is continuously monitored.

Contact us through our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator

U.S citizens residing in Syria should contact the U.S. Interests Section at the Czech embassy in Damascus; their e-mail address is: USIS_damascus@embassy.mzv.cz.

Contact Us

Need assistance? Contact us through our U.S. Citizen Services Navigator.

Emergency Assistance

Arrest of a U.S. Citizen

The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.

Resources in case of Arrest
Death of a U.S. Citizen

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.

Assistance After Death of a U.S. Citizen
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.

Help for Child Abduction Cases
Victims of Crime

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.

Help for U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime
Passports

Are you a U.S. citizen who needs a passport?

Visit Our Passports Page for Details

Arrest of a U.S. Citizen

The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.

Resources in case of Arrest

Death of a U.S. Citizen

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.

Assistance After Death of a U.S. Citizen

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.

Help for Child Abduction Cases

Victims of Crime

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.

Help for U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime

Passports

Are you a U.S. citizen who needs a passport?

Visit Our Passports Page for Details

Emergency Financial Assistance

U.S. citizens in Lebanon who find themselves in these circumstances should send an email to BeirutACS@state.gov. This mailbox is continuously monitored. You may also contact the State Department’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 (during business hours) or 202-647-5225 (after hours).

Contacting Home

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.

Help for Contacting Families
Wiring Money Directly

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. Link text: Be wary of International Financial Scams.

Be wary of International Financial Scams.
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.

How the Department of State Can Help
Repatriation Loans

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.

Learn About Repatriation Loans

Contacting Home

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.

Help for Contacting Families

Wiring Money Directly

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. Link text: Be wary of International Financial Scams.

Be wary of International Financial Scams.

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.

How the Department of State Can Help

Repatriation Loans

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.

Learn About Repatriation Loans

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.

Visas to the U.S.

Travelers to the U.S. can get visa information and guidance.

U.S. Passport Services

U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.

Notarial Services

Anyone can take advantage of our notarial services.

Get Travel Alerts

Federal Programs

Internal Revenue Service

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).

Visit the IRS Website for Details
Selective Service

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.

Register with a Foreign Address
Social Security


If you reside in Lebanon and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in Italy.

For more information on their services and how to contact them, please visit their webpage at: https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/fbu/.

For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, please visit SSA’s webpage Service Around the World. If you are already receiving SSA benefits payments, there will be no change in the method of distribution of those payments.

Service Around the World
Veterans Affairs

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.

Department of Veterans Affairs
Voting


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.

For questions or additional information, contact the Embassy through our U.S. Citizen Services Navigator.

U.S. Citizen Services Navigator

Internal Revenue Service

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).

Visit the IRS Website for Details

Selective Service

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.

Register with a Foreign Address

Social Security


If you reside in Lebanon and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in Italy.

For more information on their services and how to contact them, please visit their webpage at: https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/fbu/.

For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, please visit SSA’s webpage Service Around the World. If you are already receiving SSA benefits payments, there will be no change in the method of distribution of those payments.

Service Around the World

Veterans Affairs

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.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Voting


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.

For questions or additional information, contact the Embassy through our U.S. Citizen Services Navigator.

U.S. Citizen Services Navigator

Local Resources

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

Queries regarding credit and/or financial information on Lebanese firms can be directed to the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy or directly to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C., or any of its district offices throughout the United States. Banking facilities in Lebanon can also provide credit information. However, the Lebanese Bank Secrecy Law requires that clients provide prior written authorization to release information to interested third parties.

LIST OF LAWYERS/LAW FIRMS
Medical Assistance

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut assumes no responsibly for the professional ability or reputation of the medical facilities whose names appear on the following list.

List of Hospitals/Physicians/Dentists
Foreign Civil Records

Civil records are kept at the Office of the Registrar in each jurisdiction (called muhafazat). Copies can be obtained by submitting an application and paying a nominal fee.

Obtaining Vital Records

Birth, death and marriage records are kept at the Office of the Registrar in each jurisdiction (called muhafazat). Copies can be obtained by submitting an application and paying a nominal fee.

Legal assistance

Queries regarding credit and/or financial information on Lebanese firms can be directed to the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy or directly to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C., or any of its district offices throughout the United States. Banking facilities in Lebanon can also provide credit information. However, the Lebanese Bank Secrecy Law requires that clients provide prior written authorization to release information to interested third parties.

LIST OF LAWYERS/LAW FIRMS

Medical Assistance

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut assumes no responsibly for the professional ability or reputation of the medical facilities whose names appear on the following list.

List of Hospitals/Physicians/Dentists

Foreign Civil Records

Civil records are kept at the Office of the Registrar in each jurisdiction (called muhafazat). Copies can be obtained by submitting an application and paying a nominal fee.

Obtaining Vital Records

Birth, death and marriage records are kept at the Office of the Registrar in each jurisdiction (called muhafazat). Copies can be obtained by submitting an application and paying a nominal fee.

Child and Family Issues

Intercountry Adoption

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.

Adoption in Lebanon
Births

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. You can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child online by registering for an account on MyTravelGov. The CRBA does not expire and may be used as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. If you are unable to register online, you can apply in person at the Embassy.

CRBA Information
Marriage

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.

All marriages in Lebanon are performed by a religious authority and are registered in the husband’s jurisdiction of birth. Those wishing to have a civil marriage must marry outside the country. In cases of interfaith relationships, either partner can convert to the faith of the other for the purpose of marriage.

More Marriage Information

Intercountry Adoption

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.

Adoption in Lebanon

Births

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. You can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child online by registering for an account on MyTravelGov. The CRBA does not expire and may be used as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. If you are unable to register online, you can apply in person at the Embassy.

CRBA Information

Marriage

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.

All marriages in Lebanon are performed by a religious authority and are registered in the husband’s jurisdiction of birth. Those wishing to have a civil marriage must marry outside the country. In cases of interfaith relationships, either partner can convert to the faith of the other for the purpose of marriage.

More Marriage Information

Citizenship Services

Apply for Citizenship (And first time passport)

If you have been issued any of the following documents: a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240); a Certification of Birth (Form FS-545 or DS-1350); a U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or a U.S. Naturalization Certificate, we are happy to process your first U.S. passport application. All first time applicants must appear in person at the Embassy. The application should be filled out prior to your visit.

Apply for Citizenship
Renunciation of U.S. Nationality

Please note that it takes at least 6 – 8 weeks to receive the approval of a renunciation from Washington. The Embassy will hold your U.S. passport during this period.

Renounce Citizenship

Apply for Citizenship (And first time passport)

If you have been issued any of the following documents: a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240); a Certification of Birth (Form FS-545 or DS-1350); a U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or a U.S. Naturalization Certificate, we are happy to process your first U.S. passport application. All first time applicants must appear in person at the Embassy. The application should be filled out prior to your visit.

Apply for Citizenship

Renunciation of U.S. Nationality

Please note that it takes at least 6 – 8 weeks to receive the approval of a renunciation from Washington. The Embassy will hold your U.S. passport during this period.

Renounce Citizenship
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Emergency Assistance
U.S. Citizens with Emergencies

U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please send an e-mail to BeirutACS@state.gov

If you have reasons to believe that you or any of your family members are in danger, please contact the local Internal Security Forces at 112

Emergency Contact – All Locations Get Travel Alerts International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance