Other Information
Citizen Services
What Consular Offices Do Overseas
In order to allow the Consular Section to better help and serve you, please register with the Embassy as soon as you arrive in the country.
Services for Americans living in Mali include the following:
Passport replacement
Assistance in finding medical help If you become sick or hurt, you can contact a consular officer for a list of local doctors, dentists, and medical specialists. If you are injured or become seriously ill, a consul will help you find medical assistance and, at your request, inform your family or friends.
Assistance in getting funds Should you lose all your money and other financial resources, consular officers can help you contact your family, bank, or employer to arrange for them to send you money.
Help in an emergency In the event that your family needs to reach you because of an emergency at home or because they are worried about your welfare they should call the State Department's Citizens Emergency Center at (202) 647-5225. The State Department will relay the message to consular officers in the country in which you are traveling. Consular officers will try to locate you, pass on urgent messages, and, consistent with the Privacy Act, report back to your family.
Visit in jail If you are arrested, you should ask the authorities to notify a U.S. Consul. Consuls cannot get you out of jail. You are in a foreign country and are subject to its laws. However, Consuls can work to protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against. They can provide a list of local attorneys, visit you, and contact your family and friends.
Making arrangements after the death of an American citizen When an American dies abroad, a consular officer notifies the American's family and informs them about options and costs for disposition of remains. Costs for preparing and returning a body to the U.S. may be high and must be paid by the family.
Notarization Notarization services can be provided for a fee of $30 (or the equivalent in CFA). Certification of true copies are $30.00 each (or the equivalent in CFA).
The consular section can also: - issue a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, - distribute federal benefit payments, - handle personal estates of deceased U.S. citizens, - assist with absentee voting and Selective Service registration, - provide U.S. tax forms.
Consular officers cannot act as travel agents, banks, lawyers, investigators, or law enforcement officers. Please do not expect them to find you employment, get you residence or driving permits, act as interpreters, search for missing luggage, or settle disputes with hotel managers. They can, however, tell you how to get help on these and other matters.