U.S. DEPARTMENT Of  STATE

EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES

KOLONIA, FSM

 

Consular Affairs

 

American Citizen Services

The Embassy publishes a monthly newsletter for American citizens living in the FSM. It provides information of interest to Americans living abroad on topics such as voting, security, health, taxes, and Embassy services. If you would like to receive this free newsletter, send your name and email address to USEmbassy@mail.fm.

Registration

Registration enables consular and diplomatic officers to furnish all appropriate citizen services. Registration also assists the U.S. Embassy in the event of serious emergency situations, such as disasters and civil disturbances requiring evacuations or other assistance, or in cases of accidents, arrests, serious injury or death of the registrant.

Registration assists U.S. citizens as follows. It can:

It is useful for American citizens to register with the U.S. Embassy, but not mandatory. Registration cards are available at the Embassy or through our wardens in Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap.

Internet-Based Registration System

The State Department recently launched a secure online travel registration website which will allow you, as an American citizen, to record foreign trip and residence information that the Department of State can use to communicate with you and assist you in case of an emergency.

U.S. citizens around the world who travel or reside abroad can access this site either through a link on travel.state.gov or directly at https://travelregistration.state.gov. We invite you to register yourself and your family and get acquainted with travel registration. If you are already registered with this Embassy, please re-register on line to update your records.

The new Internet travel registration service for American citizens allows you to register and update your contact information on the Internet at any time, making it easier for you to keep your information current. The site also provides you with up-to-date travel information customized to your unique travel agenda and itinerary. The data you provide is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in Embassies, Consulates, and the Department of State, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

If you have specific questions about your registration with this Embassy please contact us directly.

Passports

The U.S. Embassy in Kolonia does not issue U.S. passports. However, we accept applications for new or replacement passports, which we forward to the Honolulu Passport Agency in Hawaii for processing. Once issued passports are then mailed directly from Hawaii to the recipient’s address provided on the application. For detailed information on obtaining passports, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

Renewal of U.S. Passport

An adult renewing his/her passport can use form DSP-82 (Application for Passport by Mail). Mail the application and required documents directly to the U.S. Embassy Kolonia.

Applicants who do not qualify to use form DSP-82 must use form DS-11. Minors under age 16 must always use form DS-11.

Lost or Stolen Passport

If you have lost or misplaced your passport, you must apply for a new passport through the U.S. Embassy. An additional form DSP-64 (Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport) should be submitted with your application for a new passport.

It is also advisable to bring a copy of the police report if the passport was stolen.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad

A Consular Report of Birth for children born outside the United States can be prepared only at an American Consular Office overseas while the child is under the age of 18. Detailed information on applying for this document is available at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_issues/birth/birth_593.html.

If your child has claim to U.S. citizenship but is born in a foreign country, it is advisable that you apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, especially if you plan to apply for U.S. passport for the child. This Certificate is proof of your child’s U.S. citizenship.

U.S. Tax Forms

Tax forms are available at the U.S. Embassy annually. Tax forms are also available through the Embassy's the wardens in Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. If you have access to the Internet, you can obtain forms and other helpful information from the IRS Internet Website at www.irs.gov. The Embassy cannot assist with filing tax forms.

Absentee Voting

Citizens voting under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) are eligible to participate in all elections for Federal offices. Many citizens are also eligible to vote in state and local elections. Because election laws vary from state to state, please consult the current Voting Assistance Guide which is available at the U.S. Embassy or online. The Guide contains state-by-state procedures for citizens to register and/or request an absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application or SF-76. Federal Post Card Applicaions are also available at the U.S. Embassy.

Fees for Notary Services

Help in an Emergency

If your family needs to reach you in an emergency or because they are worried about your welfare they should call the State Department’s Citizen’s Emergency Center at (202) 647-5225. The State Department will relay the message to the Embassy in Kolonia. Our consular Officers will then try to locate you, pass on urgent messages, and consistent with the Privacy Act, report back to your family.

Visits to Incarcerated American Citizens

If arrested, you should ask the authorities to notify the U.S. Embassy. Consular Officers cannot get you out of jail (you are in a foreign country and are subject to its laws). However, Consuls can work to protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against. They can provide a list of local attorneys, visit you, and contact your family and friends at your request.

Assistance in Getting Funds

Should you lose all your money and other financial resources, consular officers can help you contact your family, bank or employer to arrange for them to send you money.

Death of an American Citizen Abroad

When an American dies abroad, a Consular Officer notifies the American’s family and informs them about options and costs for disposition of remains. Costs for preparing and returning a body to the U.S. may be high and must be paid by the family. The Consular section also handles the personal estates of deceased U.S. citizens. Detailed information on getting copies of Reports of Death can be found at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_issues/death/death_600.html.