U.S. Embassy in Singapore

Arrest of a U.S. Citizen

The Department of State is committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas. We stand ready to assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with international law, domestic and foreign law.

Death of a U.S. Citizen

Death is a time of crisis for the family and friends of the deceased, particularly if it occurs abroad and the procedures involved are not clearly understood. Even if no assistance is needed in making funeral arrangements, the death of an American citizen, whether resident or tourist, should be reported to the ACS 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.

Victims of Crime

The State Department is committed to assisting U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad. We help in two ways: Overseas: consular officers, agents, and staff work with crime victims and help them with the local police and medical systems. In the United States: our office of Overseas Citizens Services will stay in touch with family members in the United States, and help provide U.S.-based resources for the victim when possible.

Emergency Financial Assistance

If destitute, an American citizen can get help from American Citizen Services. ACS can assist by contacting the destitute person’s family, friends, or business associates to raise private funds. ACS can also assist with transmitting these funds to destitute Americans. If no funds can be procured, then an application for a repatriation loan must be authorized by the Department of State to pay for destitute Americans’ direct return to the U.S. The destitute American’s passport is then restricted for direct return to the U.S. only.

Recent Alerts

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Veteran's Affairs

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.

Internal Revenue Service

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. government employee working overseas, you cannot claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. For additional information, visit the IRS website.

Selective Service

U.S. embassies and consulates overseas assist the Selective Service System with its registration program abroad. At this time, the Selective Service System online registration site is temporarily unavailable for overseas registrants. For security reasons, overseas registrants should complete the form below and mail it to the Selective Service System at the following address: Selective Service System Registration Information Office P.O. Box 94739 Palatine, IL 60094-4739

Voting

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.