U.S. Embassy in Guatemala

What financial help can I get from abroad?

• Contacting Home:  If you need financial assistance while abroad, start first by asking family, friends, or your employer if they can help. The American Citizens Services (ACS) team at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala can help you reach them, if necessary.
• Lost Credit Cards:  Report lost or stolen cards to your credit card company. Ask them to send a replacement card via express delivery, if available.  If you have Apple Pay, some credit card companies automatically link to the new card number and then you can “tap to pay.”
• Wiring Money Directly:  Your loved ones or your employer can use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union  or MoneyGram , to wire money overseas.  You will need to present proof of identity such as a passport to collect the money.  Also, be wary of International Financial Scams ! 
• Banks:  Your loved ones or your employer may also be able to deposit funds into your existing bank account.  This allows you to use an ATM card to access funds quickly.
• Overseas Bank Transfers:  Your loved ones can also transfer money directly from a U.S. bank to a foreign bank where you can get funds. Some foreign banks require that a U.S. citizen establish a foreign bank account to use this option.  These transfers can take several days.
• Repatriation Loans:  In some cases and when all other options have been exhausted, the U.S. government may be able to issue a repatriation loan to a destitute U.S. citizen seeking to return to the United States.

Repatriation Loans

Destitute U.S. citizens who need assistance returning to the United States may apply for a repatriation loan.  There are several important points to be aware of when considering a repatriation loan from the U.S. government:

• The repatriation loan may be issued for the purpose of returning to the United States. You may not get a repatriation loan to travel to another country.
• A repatriation loan may be used to purchase a one-way non-refundable, non-reroutable, and non-transferable ticket for return to the United States based on availability. This is not usually the cheapest fare or on a budget airline.  It may also cover other transportation expenses, short-term food, lodging, and fees associated with travel to the United States.
• If you apply for a loan, you will be required to sign a promissory note agreeing to repay the loan to the U.S. Government within a certain time period. The U.S. Government expects you to pay it back over time, with interest, penalties, and other charges for late payment as directed by law and regulation.
• Your passport will be limited at the time the loan is issued, and you will not be eligible for a new full-validity passport until you repay the loan.

How to Apply

To apply for a repatriation loan, the U.S. citizen must submit a completed and signed loan application (DS-3072)  and Privacy Act Written Consent form (DS-5505) .

• You will submit the original DS-3072 and DS-5505 at the time you come in to the ACS unit to apply for the loan.  To request an appointment, please send an email to AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov and use “E13 – Emergency Assistance” in the subject line.
• You must demonstrate that you are destitute and that reasonable attempts to obtain private resources have failed or do not exist.
• You must provide a verifiable address in the Unted States for billing/collection purposes and a Social Security Number.
• You must provide the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least three individuals whom we can contact on your behalf to secure all of part of the necessary funds for you to return to the United States.
• You must indicate a final destination, including an address, if known.
• If you may need reception or resettlement assistance, please advise the ACS Unit immediately and indicate what kind of assistance you are seeking.

Please be advised that additional information or documentation may be required.  Please see the applicable regulations  for more detailed information.  Note that each request for a repatriation is considered on a case-by-case basis.