1. The defendant must be a foreign state or political subdivision, as defined in section 1603 of the Act, not an agency or instrumentality of a foreign state (to be served under section 1608(b) of the Act). The U.S. Department of State does not serve natural persons under the FSIA.

2. The Act allows for service under FSIA 1608(a)(4) only after 30 days have passed since service was attempted under section 1608(a)(3) (by any form of mail requiring a signed receipt). The U.S. Postal service and private courier services can deliver documents to virtually any location. Plaintiffs should attempt service under FSIA 1608(a)(3) unless a foreign state has specifically objected to service by mail. To determine whether a particular country objects to service by mail, please see our country-specific judicial assistance information pages at http://travel.state.gov/law/info/judicial/judicial_2510.html.

3. The documents must be translated into the official language of the foreign state to be served.

4. The summons sheet and the notice of suit should state a 60 day (not 20 day) response time for the defendant.

5. The notice of suit (or default) should conform to the requirements of 22 CFR 93.2 (the statute specifically refers to notice of suit "in a form prescribed by the Secretary of State by regulation"). The notice of suit must contain a copy of the FSIA.

6. The Act requires plaintiff to have first attempted service under sections FSIA 1608(a)(1), (2) and (3) before proceeding to section 1608(a)(4). Thus, the U.S. Department of State requires a statement in writing from the plaintiff or the clerk certifying that these attempts were made or were otherwise not applicable.

7. There should be two copies of either (a) the summons, complaint and notice of suit or (b) a default judgment and notice of default (depending on the request).

8. In cases involving allegations of terrorism, plaintiffs should refer to section 1605(a)(7)(B) regarding arbitration requirements (however, we defer to the court as to the adequacy of any action taken by the plaintiffs in fulfillment of this requirement).

9. The Act requires the clerk of court dispatch the documents; however, a plaintiff may provide written confirmation that the court allowed plaintiff to act for the Clerk (after docketing).

10. The Director of Special Consular Services is presently, Edward A. Betancourt. All requests for FSIA 1608(a)(4) service of process should be addressed to:

11. The U.S. Department of State does not normally serve on a foreign state any documents not specifically mentioned in the Act; however, it reserves executive authority to communicate with foreign governments. Note, a default judgment does not include a document(s) directing further hearings on a judgment.

12. As of March 8, 2005, the U.S. Department of State charges, in accordance with 22 CFR 22.1, a $735 fee (cashiers check/ money order should be made out to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate involved).

13. Clerks who may have further questions regarding these issues may wish to refer to memos from the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts, dated, Nov. 7, 2000, May 20, 1982 and Nov. 6, 1980.