U.S. Embassy in Hungary

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. Link text: Be wary of International Financial Scams.

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.

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).

If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.

Social Security and other Federal Benefits for Americans residing in Hungary are processed by the Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow. There is a dedicated mailbox for customers from Hungary only: FBU.krakow@ssa.gov.

Please note that the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow processes all federal benefits claims from Hungary.

U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with 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.

Read frequently asked questions about U.S. citizenship and passports.

As a U.S. citizen parent, you should report your child’s birth abroad as soon as possible to the U.S. Embassy to establish an official record of the child’s claim to or acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. The official record will be the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), Form FS-240. This form is evidence of U.S. citizenship, issued to a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). CRBA applications must be made before the child’s 18th birthday.

When a child is born overseas to an American citizen parent, or parents, certain documentation is required in order for the child to be registered as an American citizen. Once registered, the child can receive his/her Report of U.S. Birth Abroad (CRBA) and U.S. passport.

The Department of State has provided a list of documents that are needed for a Consular Report of a Birth Abroad (CRBA).

The Department of State has provided a list of documents that are needed to transmit citizenship.

If you are a U.S. citizen and your child is born overseas, you can transmit your U.S. citizenship to your child. However, in order to transmit U.S. citizenship to your child, you must meet some basic legal requirements. Depending on your situation, you will have to prove that you were actually in the United States for enough time to qualify your child for U.S. citizenship.