Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis ManagementBureau of Consular Affairs

“The America Desk”

Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management

The Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) exists to serve Americans traveling or residing abroad. Our primary goal is to meet the needs of American citizens while providing them with premier customer service.

American Citizens Abroad

60 Million Trips a YearUp to 4.5 Million Present Overseas

Travelers’ Services

Emergency Passport IssuanceFinancial AssistanceWelfare/WhereaboutsArrest Cases

Travelers’ Services, Cont’d

Crime/Terrorism Victims’ AssistanceDeath and Estate CasesCrisis Response

Emergency Passport Issuance

Report lost passport to nearest Embassy or Consulate ASAPPassport records now electronic – expedites emergency issuanceWHTI requires all U.S. citizens to have a passport for travel by air to and from U.S. By 2008 this requirement will be extended to overland and sea travel as well.

Financial Assistance

Funds transfer from U.S.Lender of last resort

Emergency dietary/medical assistanceRepatriation funds

Welfare/Whereabouts

What we do if you don’t call MomEmergency notificationIn event of a crisis – call home!

Arrest Cases

U.S. citizens overseas subject to local lawsConsular notification and accessMonitor case; communications with U.S.

Crime and Terrorism Victims’ Assistance

CA/OCS provides liaison with state, local, and federal programs to assist victims of crimeEmbassy can assist Americans in filing a criminal complaint and provide an attorneys list for legal representation

Crime and Terrorism Victims’ Assistance, Cont’d

Kidnappings:Assistance to families, liaison with USG law enforcement when requested, but;No USG Concessions to those holding official or private Americans hostageNo USG ransom paymentNo USG release of prisoners

Death Cases

Notify NOKFacilitate repatriation/disposition of remainsEstate

Crisis Response

Welfare/whereaboutsImmediate needsDeparture/assisted evacuation

Crisis Response, cont’d

Evacuations:Commercial, then charter, as available U.S. military as last resort, usually on cost re-imbursable basis.

U.S. citizens priorityOne bag, no pets

Crisis Response, cont’dLebanon

15,000 Americans evacuatedLargest evacuation since WWII140 officers to assist with evacuation24 hour task force in Washington; 7,500 man hours

Consular Information Program

No Double Standard Policy

1990 Aviation Security Improvement ActSpecific, credible, non-counterable threatBroadly applied by policy

Make Good Choices

“Know Before You Go”

The Consular Information Program aims at helping Americans living and traveling abroad make informed decisions and plans.

Consular Information Documents

Consular Information SheetsTravel WarningsPublic AnnouncementsWarden MessagesFact Sheets

Collaborative Process

Information from variety of sourcesEmbassies, consulatesIntelligence communityMediaForeign governmentsOthers

Clearance Process

Variety of offices review and approve a message:

EmbassyRegional BureauDiplomatic Security“Seventh Floor” offices

Help Us Help You

RegisterInform family and friendsComplete emergency contact information on passport/passport applicationCall home

Consular Information

www.travel.state.gov1-888-407-4747 (in U.S. and Canada) 202-501-4444 (outside of U.S.)