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An official website of the United States government
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Security at the U.S. Embassy and U.S. consulates (What you can bring).
The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.
The Special Consular Services Unit (SCS) of the American Citizen Services Section can assist family and friends in the event of the death of an American Citizen in France. The SCS Unit can act as liaison in arranging the disposition of remains and help with forwarding personal effects if there is no one present to do so on your behalf. Even if no assistance is needed in making funeral arrangements, the death of an American citizen, whether resident or tourist in France, should be reported to the SCS Unit so that a “Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad” can be issued. This document is necessary to settle legal and estate matters in the United States.
International Parental Child Abduction
France and the United States have been treaty partners under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) since December 1, 1990. If your child has been abducted from the U.S. to France, speak with a U.S. State Department officer to discuss your case. We know what resources are available in different countries and can answer questions.
U.S. citizens who are victims of a crime overseas may suffer from physical injuries, as well as emotional or financial damages. Circumstances can be even more difficult to navigate because the victim may find himself/herself in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs. The American Citizen Services offices at the U.S. Embassy in Paris and Consulate General in Marseille and Strasbourg can assist you in accessing the local criminal justice system and resources for crime victims in France.
Find medical services and resources — both routine and emergent — while abroad in France. https://fr.usembassy.gov/services/medical-assistance/
Emergency Financial Assistance
U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our U.S. Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.
U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.
How long is a passport valid and is it true that it needs to have at least 6 months of validity remaining?
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
A child born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or parents may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if the parent(s) meets the requirements for transmitting U.S. citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. U.S. citizens eligible to transmit citizenship are required to file for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
Citizenship Aplications for Adults
Claiming U.S. Citizenship If you are over 18 years of age an believe you have claim to U.S. citizenship, please follow these steps…
Information & instructions to begin application to renounce U.S. citizenship
Notarial Services – Legalization of signatures
Anyone can take advantage of our notarial services.
U.S. Embassies and Consulates do not have the authority to affix an Apostille pursuant to the Hague Convention. See more details on how to obtain an Apostille on U.S. documents for use in Feance and French documents for use in France.
A to Z Listing of Resources and Service
A to Z Listing of Resources and Services
A to Z Listing of Resources and Services
View the compiled list of resources for Americans living overseas, including information and assistance concerning administrative and personal matters.
Certified English Translators & Interpreters
Certified English Translators and Interpreters Cour d’appel
Vital Statistics (birth, death, marriage, divorce)
How to obtain a U.S. birth, death, marriage certificate, divorce decree?
The U.S. Embassy is not authorized to respond to private requests to collect fingerprints from U.S. citizens for law enforcement or other purposes. See more information here…
Tax Professionals – Internal Revenue Service
Passports, Visas Requirements for France, General Information and Advice for your Visit
This section provides an overview of the intercountry adoption process. The process varies greatly, as it is governed by the laws of the countries where the adoptive parents and the child reside (which in the case of the United States means both federal and state law), and also in which of these locations the legal adoption is finalized. Additionally, if the child’s home country is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, the Hague processes of both countries must be followed. Prospective adoptive parents should consider all of these factors when evaluating what to expect.
A child born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or parents may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if the parent(s) meets the requirements for transmitting U.S. citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. U.S. citizens eligible to transmit citizenship are required to file for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
Marriage & Civil Partnerships (PACS)
General guidelines for marriage & civil partnerships (PACS) in France
Please refer to this Department of State website divorce abroad page for more information. The Embassy does not have a legal office that can advise on this matter. However, you may consult an English speaking attorney. A list of English-speaking attorneys practicing in France, who might be able to assist you in resolving this matter can be found on the Embassy’s webpage.
A brief guide to obtaining frequently-requested official documents in France.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
If you reside in France and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in France. For more information on their services and how to contact them, please visit their webpage linked below. For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, please visit SSA’s webpage Service Around the World. If you are already receiving SSA benefits payments, there will be no change in the method of distribution of those payments.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
U.S. embassies and consulates overseas assist the Selective Service System with its registration program abroad.
Service members, Veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits services on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website at www.va.gov. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) can also be of assistance if Veterans and beneficiaries have questions about benefits and services.
Now all U.S. citizens can receive their blank ballots electronically. Depending on the state in which you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, go to www.FVAP.gov to complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), print and sign the form then return it to your local election office in the United States. We recommend overseas U.S. citizens get in the habit of completing FPCAs each January. You should include your email address on the form so it’s easier for your election officials to reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, be sure to include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you’ll receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices.
Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. We provide many services, and the most common are listed below.
U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.
Please call: 01.43.12.22.22
Outside of Office Hours, contact: 01.43.12.22.22
Outside of France: 011.33.1.43.12.22.22
Emergency Contact – All Locations Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Emergency Financial Assistance Serious Illness or Injury International Parental Child Abduction Victims of Crime Get Travel Alertsveuillez appeler le: 01.43.12.22.22
Outside of Office Hours, contact: 01.43.12.22.22
En dehors de la France, veuillez appeler: 011.33.1.43.12.22.22
Coordonnées en cas d’urgence pour les citoyens américains Arrestation d’un citoyen américain Décès d’un citoyen américain Assistance Financière D’urgence Serious Illness or Injury Enlèvement parental international d’un enfant Victimes d’actes criminels Get Travel Alerts