U.S. Embassy in Lithuania

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.

American citizens abroad may sometimes face emergencies and require financial help from their friends or relatives in the U.S. Usually the fastest way to send money is Western Union. Western Union has a number of branches in Lithuania that can be accessed at the following link http://www.post.lt/en/?id=277. The stranded American can collect money in a Lithuanian branch of Western Union sent by friends or relatives in America from a U.S. based branch of Western Union. Additionally, the Department of State can establish a secure account so that friends and relatives can safely send money to help. The stranded U.S. citizen can then contact the Embassy to make an appointment to receive the money. We charge a fee of $30 to process the money transfer and this is generally a slower process than using Western Union directly.

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.

If you reside in Lithuania and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in Poland. For more information on their services and how to contact them, please visit their webpage

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.

U.S. Embassy Vilnius processes requests for a CLN. Minors, individuals who do not read or write English, individuals with mental health or cognitive disability or impairment and/or guardianship, and those for whom loss of U.S. nationality would result in statelessness are invited to contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the Consular Section at U.S. Embassy Vilnius before proceeding with their request.

Please read the information provided by the Embassy and available online at the Department of State and Internal Revenue Service links below regarding the legal requirements for and effects of issuance of a CLN. Loss of U.S. nationality is irrevocable, and you should fully understand the effect of issuance of a CLN before beginning this process. For questions related to possible U.S. tax implications, please contact the Internal Revenue Service and/or review the Joint Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) FAQ at the following link.

Contact the Vilnius Loss of Nationality Team.