Public Services

Services for Americans living in Zambia include the following:

Passport replacement
In the event that a passport is lost or stolen, or if a new passport is needed, a consul can issue a replacement passport. If you believe your passport has been stolen, first report the theft to the local police and get a police report. Click here for more information on renewing your U.S.passport.

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 Overseas Citizens Services at (888) 407-4747 from the U.S., or (202) 647-5225 from overseas. OCS 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.

For Americans in Zambia, Consular duty personnel are available for emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (260)-1-250-955.

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.

Notarials
Consular Officers perform notary services customarily provided by Notaries Public in the U.S. Persons requiring such services should visit the Consular Section during regular office hours. Please note that a consular officer cannot witness a will. Note also that a consular officer cannot certify that documents are valid or that statements made are true. He or she can attest only to the oath taken by the person making the statements or presenting the documents. PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WHEN YOU COME FOR A NOTARIZATION:
. The documents to be notarized.
. Identification.
. Witnesses, if necessary.
. US$30.00 for the first notarial seal, and US$20.00 for each additional seal. Cash (either Kwacha or U.S. Dollars); credit cards and personal checks are not accepted.

The consular section can also:

- document your child's U.S.citizenship (click here)
- 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
- help you obtain an immigrant visa for your spouse (click here )
- provide the latest Consular Information Sheet on Zambia (click here)

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.

All consular fees must be paid in cash in either U.S. Dollars or Zambian Kwacha.

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.