Will the embassy pay for my flight home if I run out of money?

No. Embassies generally do not provide financial assistance for travel expenses, hotel bills, or medical care.

Can I use the embassy to receive mail?

No. Embassies are not a forwarding address service and will not accept personal packages or mail for US citizens.

What happens if I lose my passport on a weekend?

Call the emergency after-hours number listed on the embassy's website. They have a duty officer available 24/7 for life-or-death emergencies.

So nutzen Sie die Dienste der US-Botschaft auf Langzeitreisen

Register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you leave and save the contact details for the nearest embassy or consulate. If you lose your passport or face a legal emergency, contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) unit at the local embassy immediately for documentation and assistance.

Enroll in STEP. Go to step.state.gov and enter your travel itinerary and contact information. This allows the embassy to contact you in an emergency, such as natural disasters or political unrest.
Find your local ACS unit. Look up the 'American Citizens Services' page for the embassy in your current country. Save the 24-hour emergency phone number, not just the general office number.
Prepare your digital document stack. Keep high-quality scans of your passport data page, birth certificate, and emergency contact details in an encrypted cloud drive. This speeds up the process if you need an emergency passport.
Report emergencies immediately. If you are arrested, detained, or a victim of a crime, call the emergency line for ACS. They can provide a list of local attorneys, notify your family, and visit you if you are in jail.

Will the embassy pay for my flight home if I run out of money?: No. Embassies generally do not provide financial assistance for travel expenses, hotel bills, or medical care.
Can I use the embassy to receive mail?: No. Embassies are not a forwarding address service and will not accept personal packages or mail for US citizens.
What happens if I lose my passport on a weekend?: Call the emergency after-hours number listed on the embassy's website. They have a duty officer available 24/7 for life-or-death emergencies.