Emergency Financial Assistance for U.S. Citizens Abroad

If you’re a U.S. citizen facing a financial emergency abroad, there are several resources available to help. This guide outlines ways to get urgent financial support.

• Start by reaching out to family, friends, or your employer for financial help.
• If needed, the American Citizen Services team at the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination can help you get in touch with them. 
• Check the financial information on this page if you or your family need help transferring money or applying for emergency financial assistance in the form of a loan. 

• Family, friends, or your employer can use services like Western Union or MoneyGram. 
• You will need a passport or valid ID to collect the funds.
• Be cautious with international financial scams. 

Deposits to U.S. bank accounts

• Family, friends or employer can deposit funds directly into your existing bank account. 
• Use your ATM card to withdraw abroad.

Bank transfers to foreign banks

• Your loved ones can deposit funds from a U.S. bank to a foreign bank. 
• Some foreign banks may require that you open a local account. 
• Transfers may take several days to complete.

Family or friends can send funds via the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination. This money transfer program is called "OCS Trust."

• The U.S. Department of State charges an annual $30.00 fee to transfer funds. 
• The quickest way to send money to the U.S. Department of State is by Western Union. 
• For non-urgent wires: Family and friends can also send funds using express courier service or U.S. mail, which can take from several days to several weeks to arrive at the Department.

There are 3 ways to send money to the U.S. Department of State by Western Union. We transfer funds during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If funds arrive after hours, we process them the next business day.

We do not recommend these methods for emergencies or other urgent situations.

• Express courier service delivery may take 3-4 days to reach our office.  
• U.S. Postal Service mail may take 3-4 weeks because of the Department of State’s internal mail-screening security procedures.  
• We accept cashier’s checks or money orders only.

Friends or family need to make the check or money order payable to "Department of State, Overseas Citizens Services (OCS)" for the required amount plus the $30 processing fee.

They need to send the check or money order, along with any instructions, to:

U.S. Department of State 
Overseas Citizens Services, SA-17 (10th Floor) 
2201 C Street, NW 
Washington, D.C. 20520

They must include:

• The full name and location, including city and country, of the U.S. citizen recipient.
• Their full name, address, and telephone number.

For more information

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination or the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services

• In the U.S., dial 1-888-407-4747
• From abroad, dial +1-202-501-4444

These loans may be available in specific cases for destitute U.S. citizens needing to return to the United States. Repatriation loans may cover: 

• Transportation expenses
• Temporary food, lodging, and fees
• Medical expenses, if needed, to stabilize the U.S. citizen for return to the United States

Your passport will be restricted until you pay the loan back. The embassy or consulate can explain eligibility requirements when you apply.

These loans may be available in specific cases for destitute U.S. citizens who are not returning to the United States. EMDA loans may cover emergency medical attention and other emergency assistance. Your passport will be restricted until you pay the loan back.  The embassy or consulate can explain eligibility requirements when you apply.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination. You can also contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, for more options and eligibility. 

• In the U.S., dial 888-407-4747
• From abroad, dial +1 202-501-4444