Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/trvltops/reside.top

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TIPS  FOR  AMERICANS RESIDING  ABROAD
(Consular Affairs Topics)




FOREWORD

The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs has prepared
this publication for Americans considering residence abroad as well
as for those U.S. citizens who are currently residing in a foreign
country.  Our primary goal is to provide assistance to and protect
the welfare of American citizens who live abroad.

Before taking up a foreign residence, there are many details that
you will need to consider.  This brochure will acquaint you with
the wide range of services provided to American citizens by U.S.
embassies and consulates worldwide.  We are committed to providing
prompt, courteous, and effective assistance.

There are approximately two million private U.S. citizens living
overseas worldwide.  We strongly recommend this publication to all
Americans living or planning to reside abroad.  Any additional guidance
not specifically addressed in this publication may be obtained from
the Bureau of Consular Affairs in the Department of State or from
the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you are living overseas.


BEFORE YOU GO

LEARN ABOUT THE HOST COUNTRY

Read as much as possible about the country where you plan to reside.
Learning about a nation's culture, customs, people, and history
will make your stay more meaningful.  Libraries, bookstores and tourist
bureaus are good resources for this information.  Keep abreast as
well of the international news for the latest political developments
in the country where you will live.  Although English is spoken in
many countries, learning the language of the nation in which you
plan to reside will make the transition to your new environment easier.

One of the best ways to learn about living in a foreign country is
to get advice from U.S. citizens already residing there.  Countries
with large numbers of U.S. expatriates often have a U.S. Chamber
of Commerce, a bicultural organization, or an American women's club
that could give you information on living in that country.  In countries
with fewer U.S. residents, you may be able to meet fellow expatriates
through a local international club.  The consular section of the
U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to assist you in finding these
organizations.

Background Notes

The Department of State publishes Background  Notes  on countries
around the world.  These are brief, factual pamphlets with information
on each country's people, culture, geography, history, government,
economy, and political conditions.  They are available for about
170 countries worldwide and often include a reading list, travel
notes, and maps.  Single copies are $1.  A 1-year subscription for
all updated issues is $16.  To obtain copies write to the Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
or call [phone].

Travel Advisories
The Department of State issues travel advisories to alert U.S. citizens
traveling or residing overseas to potential problems that could adversely
affect them.  The advisories are available through U.S. passport
agencies, travel agents' computer reservation systems, major airlines,
and American embassies and consulates abroad.  If you are contemplating
establishing residence in a country where there may be concern about
existing conditions, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or
the Department of State's Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4800, Washington,
D.C. 20520 at [phone] to learn if there is a travel advisory
in effect.  You can call this number 24 hours a day to hear recorded
travel advisories.

Tips for Travelers
The Department of State publishes a series of pamphlets on travel
to specific regions of the world.  The brochures cover topics such
as entry requirements, currency and customs regulations, import and
export controls, dual nationality, and photography restrictions.
The following publications are available for $1 each from the Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Tips for Travelers to  Sub-Saharan Africa
Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
Tips for Travelers to  Central and South America
Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic
of China
Tips for Travelers to  Cuba
Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe and
Yugoslavia
Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and
North Africa
Tips for Travelers to South Asia
Tips for Travelers to the USSR


REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passports
U.S. citizens should have a valid passport before taking up residence
abroad.  Once living overseas, Americans should continue to maintain
a valid passport.

Applying in Person for a Passport
In the United States, application for a U.S. passport may be presented
in person at  a passport agency or at one of the several thousand
Federal or state courts or post offices which accept passport applications.
If you are overseas, you may apply at the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate.  U.S. citizens who must appear in person need to bring
a certified copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization,
or a previous U.S. passport.  This should be accompanied by a completed
DSP-11, Passport Application, two recent 2x2 inch identical photographs,
proof of identity (a valid driver's license or other valid photo
i.d. will suffice), and the $42 application fee.  For more information
on obtaining a U.S. passport, you may wish to obtain a copy of the
publication Your Trip Abroad.  This brochure provides basic information
on preparation and travel overseas, and is available for $1 from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Passports-by-Mail
You can apply for a passport by mail (without a personal appearance)
if you meet the following requirements:

l   You have had a passport issued within 12 years prior to the
date of a new application;
l   You are able to submit your most recent U.S. passport with your
new application; and
l   Your previous passport was issued on or after your 16th birthday.

For further information and to obtain Form DSP-82, Application for
Passport by Mail, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or, if
you are overseas, consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Not all embassies and consulates abroad are authorized to accept
passport applications by mail or via a third party courier.  Contact
the U.S. embassy or consulate in your consular district to find out
if it accepts passport applications by mail or via a third party courier.

Your previous passport, two identical photographs (2"x2"), and the
$35 passport fee must accompany your application.  Since it may take
several days to prepare and mail your new passport to you, do not
wait until it expires to apply for it.

Visas
All governments require foreigners to have an appropriate visa in
order to reside in their country.  This endorsement or stamp placed
in your passport by a foreign government permits you to enter that
country for a specified purpose.  If you are planning to reside in
a country for an indefinite period of time, most countries will require
you to seek residence status.  See the section on Citizenship to
learn what effect this may have on your U.S. citizenship.

Applying for a Visa
In most instances you must obtain the necessary visa before you leave
the United States.  Apply for your visa directly from the embassy
or nearest consulate of the country in which you plan to reside.
The publication Foreign Consular Offices in the United States lists
all foreign diplomatic offices in the United States and is for sale
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402 for $6.50.  The Department of State cannot
help you obtain visas or work permits.

HEALTH MATTERS

Health Insurance
The Social Security Medicare Program does not cover hospital or medical
services outside the United States.  The Department of Veterans Affairs
will only pay for hospital and medical service outside the United
States if you are a veteran with a service-related disability.

When considering medical insurance, first find out how citizens of
the country where you will reside pay their medical bills and if
the same coverage is available to resident foreigners.  Some countries
have government-sponsored health insurance that  may also provide
coverage to foreign residents, while others have a dual system with
national health supplemented by private insurance.  In countries
where many American expatriates reside, such as Mexico, you may find
that local private international health insurance companies will
offer coverage to U.S. citizen residents.  Once you arrive, check
with organized groups in the American community to learn about these
companies.

Wherever possible, try to get the best medical insurance available.
If good coverage is not available where you will live, you may have
to rely on a U.S. medical insurance company.  Before taking up residence
abroad, learn which U.S. medical services or health insurance plans
provide coverage for Americans living overseas.  Check with the insurance
company on whether the coverage  offered abroad includes both routine
and emergency medical treatment, hospitaliza-tion, and medical evacuation
should it be necessary.  Once you obtain health insurance, remember
to carry your policy's identity card and to keep a supply of insurance
claim forms handy.  The U.S. Government cannot pay for hospital or
medical services for Americans overseas and cannot pay to evacuate
you for treatment in the United States.

There are a number of emergency medical assistance companies operating
internationally who offer urgent medical treatment for their member
travelers.  Although the service is designed primarily for tourists
who encounter a medical or personal emergency while on vacation,
some companies offer yearly memberships which may be available to
Americans residing overseas.  To learn about these emergency assistance
companies contact a travel agent.

Medication
For your protection, leave all medicines in their original, labeled
containers.  If you require medication containing habit-forming drugs
or narcotics, carry a copy of the doctor's prescription attesting
to that fact.  These precautions will make customs processing  easier
and also will ensure you do not violate the laws of the country in
which you live.

If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other unique
medical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying
a similar warning at all times.

Immunizations
Under the International Health Regulations adopted by the World Health
Organization, some countries require International Certificates of
Vaccination against yellow fever from international travelers.  A
few countries still require a certificate of cholera immunization
as well.  A helpful guide to immunizations and preventive measures
for international travel is the booklet, Health Information for International
Travel.  It is available for $5.00 from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.  Specific
information may also be obtained from local and state health departments,
physicians, or travel clinics that advise international travelers.
You may also call the U.S. Public Health Service's Quarantine division
on [phone] for immunization recommendations.

AIDS Testing
Many countries require long-term foreign residents and students to
submit  proof that they are free of the HIV virus.  Some of the countries
that require this proof may accept certified test results from the
United States.  Consult the embassy of the country you will be residing
in on whether an AIDS test is required and if test results from the
United States are accepted.  If not, check on the type of test to
be performed and if it is permissible to supply your own disposable
needle.  If you are overseas, consult the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate for information and advice, keeping in mind that you are
in a foreign country and are subject to its laws and requirements.

PRACTICAL MATTERS

Federal Benefits
If you are receiving monthly benefits from a Federal or state agency
(Social Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Personnel
Management, etc.), contact the appropriate agency prior to your departure
from the United States to advise them of your residence abroad and
to inquire about the procedures for having your benefits checks sent
overseas.

Customs Hints
The pamphlet Know Before You Go contains information about U.S. Customs
regulations and procedures.  Single copies are available from any
U.S. Customs office abroad or by writing to U.S. Customs, P.O. Box
7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.

Taking A Pet Overseas
If you decide to bring your pet with you overseas, check specific
requirements with the country's embassy.  Many countries have strict
health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements
and prohibitions.

LIVING OVERSEAS

HELP FROM THE U.S. GOVERNMENT

Assistance From American Consuls
U.S. consular officers are located in over 250 foreign service posts
abroad.  They are available to advise and help you, especially if
you are in any kind of serious trouble.  In addition, consular agents
in approximately 35 foreign cities without U.S. consulates provide
a limited range of emergency and other consular services.

Consular officers are responsive to the needs of Americans traveling
or residing abroad.   However, the majority of their time is devoted
to assisting Americans who are in serious legal, medical, or financial
difficulties.  They can provide the names of local doctors, dentists,
medical specialists, and attorneys, and give you information about
travel advisories.  Consular officers also perform non-emergency
services, including information on absentee voting, selective service
registration, and acquisition and loss of U.S. citizenship.  They
can arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other U.S. Government
benefits to beneficiaries residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms,
and notarize documents.  They may also provide information on how
to obtain foreign public documents.

Because of the limited number of consular officers and the growing
number of U.S. tourists and residents abroad, consuls cannot provide
tourism or commercial services.  For example, consuls cannot perform
the work of travel agencies, lawyers, information bureaus, banks,
or the police.  They cannot find you jobs, get residence or driving
permits, act as interpreters, search for missing luggage, or settle
commercial disputes.


Registration at U.S. Embassies or Consulates
As soon as you arrive abroad, you should register in person or by
telephone with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Registration
will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary
to contact you in an emergency.  In accordance with the Privacy Act,
information on your welfare or whereabouts may not be released to
inquirers without your express authorization.  If you register in
person, you should bring your U.S. passport with you.  Your passport
data will be recorded at the embassy or consulate, thereby making
it easier for you to apply for a replacement passport should it be
lost or stolen.

Missing Persons

When a U.S. citizen abroad loses contact with friends or relatives
in the United States, the U.S. consul is often requested to give
information about that individual's welfare and whereabouts.  Similar
requests often come from American private and official welfare organizations
attempting, for example, to track down an errant parent who failed
to make child support payments.  The U.S. consul tries to comply
with such requests after determining carefully the reasons for the
inquiry.  If the consul has the address of the U.S. citizen about
whom the inquiry is being made, the consul will inform the American
of the inquirer's interest in getting in touch with them and pass
on any urgent messages.  Consistent with the Privacy Act, the consul
then reports back to the inquirer the results of their search efforts.
Except in emergency situations, the consul will not release any
details about a U.S. citizen's welfare and whereabouts without the
citizen's expressed consent.

Arrests

Legal Aid for Americans Arrested Abroad

When living abroad, you are subject to local≡i.e. foreign≡laws.
If you experience difficulties with

the local authorities, remember American officials are limited by
foreign laws, U.S. regulations, and geography as to what they can
do to assist you.  The U.S. Government cannot fund your legal fees
or other related expenses.
Should you find yourself in a dispute that may lead to police or
legal action, consult the nearest U.S. consular officer.  Although
consular officers cannot get you out of jail, serve as your attorneys
or give legal advice, they can provide lists of local attorneys and
help you find legal representation.  However, neither the Department
of State nor U.S. embassies or consulates can assume any responsibility
for the caliber, competence, or professional integrity of these attorneys.

If you are arrested, immediately ask to speak to the consular officer
at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Under international agreements
and practice, you have a right to get in touch with the U.S. consul.
If you are turned down, keep asking≡politely, but persistently.
If unsuccessful, try to have someone get in touch for you.

Consular officers will do whatever they can to protect your legitimate
interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against under
local law.  Upon learning of your arrest, a U.S. consular officer
will visit you, provide a list of local attorneys and, if requested,
contact family and friends.  In cases of arrest, consuls can help
transfer money, food, and clothing from your family and friends to
you.  They also try to get relief if you are held under inhumane
or unhealthful conditions or being treated less equitably than others
in the same situation.

Drug Arrests
Despite repeated warnings, drug arrests and convictions of American
citizens are still a problem.  If you are caught with any type of
narcotics overseas, you are subject to local≡not U.S. laws.  Penalties
for possession or trafficking

are often the same.  If you are arrested, you will find the following:

l   Few countries provide a jury trial.
l   Most countries do not accept bail.
l   Pre-trial detention, often in solitary confinement, may last many months.
l   Prisons may lack even minimal comforts≡bed, toilet, washbasin.
l   Diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relatives
and friends.
l   Officials may not speak English.
l   Physical abuse, confiscation of personal property, degrading
or inhumane treatment, and extortion are possible.

If you are convicted, you may face one of the following sentences:

l   Two to ten years in most countries.
l   A minimum ofsix year's hard labor and a stiff fine.
l   The death sentence in some countries.

Learn what the local laws are and obey them.

Marriage Abroad
Consular officers abroad cannot perform a marriage for you.  Marriages
abroad are generally performed by local civil or religious officials.
Once your marriage is performed overseas, U.S. consular officers
can authenticate your foreign marriage documents for a fee (currently
$36).  A marriage which is valid under the laws of the country where
the marriage was performed is generally recognized by most states
in the United States.  If you are married abroad and need confirmation
that your marriage will be recognized in the United States, consult
the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States.

Marriages abroad are subject to the residency requirements of the
country where the marriage is

performed.  There is almost always a lengthy waiting period.  Some
countries require that the civil documents which are presented to
the marriage registrar abroad be translated and authenticated by
a foreign consular official in the United States.  This process can
be time consuming and expensive.  Unlike in the United States, civil
law countries require proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage
contract.  If it is necessary to obtain this proof overseas, you
can execute an affidavit of eligibility to marry at a U.S. embassy
or consulate for a small fee (currently $4).  There are also individual
requirements which vary from country to country, i.e. parental consent
and blood tests.  Before going abroad, check with the embassy or
tourist information bureau of the country where you plan to marry
to learn of any specific requirements.  In addition, the Office of
Citizens Consular Services, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington,
D.C. 20520 has some general information on marriage in a number of
countries overseas.  If you are already abroad, consult with the
nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate.

Divorce Abroad
The validity of divorces obtained overseas will vary according to
the requirements of an individual's state of residence.  Consult
the authorities of your state of residence in the United States for
these requirements.

Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen
Most children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents acquire
U.S. citizenship at birth.  As soon as possible after the birth,
the U.S. citizen parent should contact the nearest American embassy
or consulate.  When it is determined that the child has acquired
U.S. citizenship, a consular officer prepares a Report of Birth Abroad
of a Citizen of the United States of America.  This document is recognized
by U.S. law as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptable

evidence of citizenship for obtaining a passport, entering school,
and most other purposes.

Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad
When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
should be notified as soon as possible.  Upon notification, the consular
officer, in accordance with local laws, may do the following:

l   Require proof of the decedent's citizenship (for example, U.S.
passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate).
l   Report the death to the next of kin or legal representative.
l   Obtain instructions and funds from the family to make arrangements
for local burial or return of the body to the United States.
l   Obtain the local death certificate and prepare a Report of Death
of an American Citizen Abroad (Form OF-180) to forward to the next
of kin or legal representative.  (This document may be used in U.S.
courts to settle estate matters.)
l   Serve as provisional conservator of a deceased American's estate
and arrange for disposition of those effects.

Because the costs for local burial or transporting a deceased body
back to the United States can be quite expensive, you may wish to
obtain insurance to cover this cost.  Otherwise, your relative or
next of kin must bear these expenses.  The U.S. Government cannot
pay to have your body buried overseas or returned to the United States.

Federal Benefits Services Abroad

Federal agency monthly benefits checks are generally sent from the
Department of the Treasury to the U.S. embassies or consulates in
the countries where the beneficiaries are residing.  When you move
overseas, report your change of residence to the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate.  The usual procedure is for the embassy or consulate

to then forward the check through the local mail system to you.
It may be possible to make arrangements to have your check deposited
directly into a bank account located in the United States or in the
country where you reside.  Check with the benefits paying agency
or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for further information.

If your check does not arrive or you have other questions about your
benefits, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  If they
cannot answer your inquiry, they will contact the appropriate paying
agency, such as the Social Security Administration, and make inquiries
on your behalf.  If you move, notify the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate at least 60 days before the move.  This will enable the
Federal agency to update its records so your checks are sent to the
correct address.

Assistance In Voting in U.S. Elections

Americans who reside abroad are usually eligible to vote by absentee
ballot in all Federal elections and may also be eligible to vote
in many state and local U.S. elections.  Eligibility depends upon
the laws and regulations of your state of residence in the United
States.  To vote absentee, you must meet state voter registration
requirements and apply for the ballot as early as possible from the
state of your last domicile.  Should your state ballot not arrive
in sufficient time, you may be eligible to use a Federal write-in
ballot known as a F.W.A.B.  You should consult the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate for additional information.

Selective Service Registration