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The Office of American 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.
ACS administers the Consular Information Program, which informs
the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and
security. Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements, and
Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program.
ACS supports the work of our overseas embassies and consulates in
providing emergency services to Americans in cases of arrest,
death, repatriation, medical evacuation, temporary financial
assistance and welfare-and-whereabouts cases.
We assist in non-emergency matters of birth, identity, passport,
citizenship, registration, judicial assistance, and estates. ACS
can facilitate the transfer of funds overseas to assist U.S.
citizens in need, repatriate the remains of loved ones who have
died overseas, assist with medical bills, and help U.S. citizens
who are detained in foreign prisons. In other words, ACS is here
to assist you and your family whenever and wherever we can.
ACS also administers a repatriation loan program to bring home
destitute Americans. We operate a 24-hour Duty Officer Program and
Crisis Response Teams who work on task forces convened to deal
with natural or man-made disasters
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 Passports
The Passport Services Office provides
information and services to American citizens about how to obtain,
replace or change a passport. A passport is an internationally
recognized travel document that verifies the identity and
nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to
enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department
of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States
passports.
New Application for a U.S. Passport
To obtain a passport for the first time, you
need to go in person to one of 6,000 passport acceptance
facilities located throughout the United States with two
photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid
form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
Acceptance facilities include many Federal,
state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and
a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13
regional passport agencies, most of which serve only those who are
departing urgently. Appointments are required in such cases.
You’ll need to apply in person if you are
applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; if your expired
U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S.
passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; or if
your previous U.S. passport was issued when you are under 16 your
currently valid U.S. passport has been lost of stolen.
For more information on getting a new
passport, please click
How to get a passport
Renewal of a U.S. Passport
You can renew by mail if: Your most recent
passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you
received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age
16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can
legally document your name change.
You can get a passport renewal application
form by downloading it from this site. If
your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot
apply by mail. You must apply in person.
For more information on how to renew a
passport, please click
How to
renew a passport
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Visa Information
Millions of foreign visitors travel to the
U.S. each year. Others come to live here permanently.
International visitors and immigrants add greatly to our nation's
cultural, education and economic life. We welcome them. At the
same time, we need to do everything we can to keep everyone here,
safe. We believe in secure borders and open doors.
A citizen of a foreign country, wishing to enter the U.S.,
generally must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for
temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The
type of visa you must have is defined by immigration law, and
relates to the purpose of your travel.
If you are visiting temporarily, see
Temporary Visitors
to the U.S.
If you are visiting permanently, see
Permanent Immigrants
to the U.S.
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