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Marriage, Birth, Divorce and Death Abroad
:: Marriage Abroad
:: Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen
:: Divorce Abroad
:: Death Abroad
Marriage Abroad
U.S. consular officers abroad cannot perform marriages. Depending on the law of the foreign country, local civil or religious officials generally perform marriages.
Procedures vary from country to country, and some require lengthy preparation.
- Many countries have requirements that the parties have been resident in that country for a specified period of time before a marriage may be performed there.
- There may be requirements for blood tests, etc.
- There may be requirements for parental consent.
- There are also, in many countries, a requirement that documents certifying the end of a previous relationship (such as a death or divorce certificate) be submitted, translated into the local language and authenticated.
- Some countries require an affidavit by the parties as proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract. (This affidavit can be executed at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.)
The process can be time-consuming and expensive, and, therefore, persons planning to marry in a foreign country should find out the requirements of that particular country before beginning travel. Contact the embassy or tourist information bureau of the country where you plan to marry to learn the specific requirements. A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on the Department of State’s website at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Consular Information Sheet for each country. If you are already abroad, consult with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Once your marriage has taken place abroad, U.S. consular officers can authenticate your foreign marriage document. Note that this authentication simply signifies that your foreign marriage documents are real; it does not necessarily mean that your marriage will be recognized by your home state in the U.S. If you are married abroad and need confirmation that your marriage will be recognized in the United States, consult the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States.
For further information, visit the Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/law/info/marriage/marriage_644.html.
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Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen
Most children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents acquire U.S. citizenship at birth. As soon as possible after the birth, the U.S. citizen parent should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If the consul determines that the child has acquired U.S. citizenship, a consular officer prepares a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (Form FS-240). This document is recognized in the United States as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship, and it is acceptable evidence of citizenship for obtaining a passport, entering school, and most other purposes. Failure to document a child promptly as a U.S. citizen may cause hardship for the parents or child later on when attempting to obtain a passport or register for school. For further information, visit the Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/law/info/overseas/overseas_703.html.
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Divorce Abroad
The validity of divorces obtained overseas will vary according to the requirements of an individual’s state of residence. Consult the authorities of your state of residence in the United States for these requirements. For further information about recognition of a divorce obtained abroad, go to the Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/law/info/marriage/marriage_641.html.
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Death Abroad
One of the most important tasks of U.S. consular officers abroad is to provide assistance to the families of U.S. citizens who die abroad. For more information about consular assistance when an American citizen has died abroad, see “Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad,” which appears above under “Emergencies, Consular Assistance and Crises Abroad.” Further information may also be found at www.Medical-Insurance-America.com/Travel-Center-DeathOf-US-CitizenAbroadOverseas.php.
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Last updated on: 11/14/2008
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