U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the United Arab Emirates

With limited exceptions, there are no U.S. government funds available to assist American citizens abroad who are temporarily without money. Individuals are, therefore, asked to contact their family members, friends or employers regarding their financial needs. In emergency cases, where local banking facilities are not available, funds from the United States can be transmitted through the State Department. Family members or friends can send money through Western Union to the Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services.

U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.

Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram, to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.

When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.

Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides the tax filing guidance for U.S. taxpayers living abroad. Links to further IRS guidance are available on the Federal Benefits and Obligations page on travel.state.gov. Please note that U.S. embassies and consulates cannot mail tax returns on behalf of U.S. taxpayers. U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas no longer keep a stock of printed forms and publications.

U.S. embassies and consulates overseas assist the Selective Service System with its registration program abroad.

If you reside in United Arab Emirates and have questions regarding Social Security Administration (SSA) services, you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy. If you need assistance from FBU Rome, please visit their web page at: https://it.usembassy.gov/federal-benefits-unit/ or email them at FBU.Rome@ssa.gov For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, please visit SSA’s web page Service Around the World.

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.

Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will 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. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.