U.S. CITIZENS DETAINED OR INCARCERATED IN CHILE

One of the most important tasks of the Department of State and U.S. Embassies is to provide assistance to U.S. citizens detained or incarcerated overseas.   In the event of the arrest of a U.S. citizen in Chile, the American Citizen Services Unit may be reached during regular business hours (8:30 – 5:00) through the Embassy’s main telephone line (56-2) 330-3000; after hours, the caller will be transferred to the Embassy’s duty officer.

The U.S. consular officer can provide the following assistance:

• Visit the detainee in jail.
• Provide the detainee with a list of attorneys in the case that the detainee does not have legal counsel.  Consular officers cannot provide legal advice or intervene in judicial cases under federal regulations. 
• Contact family members or friends and relay requests for monetary assistance or other aid at the request and express consent of the detainee, in compliance with the Privacy Act. 
• Ensure that the prisoner is treated fairly and humanely.
• Process a U.S. Government loan for medical and dietary assistance when the host government cannot provide such services to the prisoner.

Important Notice: Application for a Consular Report of Birth is available by appointment only.
Schedule your appointment on-line at Step 3 of this information sheet.  Read the following information carefully before scheduling your appointment.
Note: Please print out and submit only one-sided pages of the application forms listed below. Please type or print legibly in black ink when completing all sections of any of the application forms. ______________________________________________________

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America is a formal document certifying the acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth of a person born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent(s).

Before assembling the application forms and supporting documents listed below, please determine if your child is eligible to file for a CRBA under one of the following categories.  The application must be filed before your child’s 18th birthday.

STEP 1 - Determine whether your biological child born after November 14, 1986 qualifies for U.S. citizenship:
 
Your child can claim U.S. citizenship if the child meets ONE of the following conditions at birth:

1. BOTH of the child’s biological parents are U.S. citizens who have spent any amount of time in the United States prior to the child's birth.

2. Only ONE of the child’s biological parents is a U.S. citizen, the child’s parents are MARRIED, and the U.S. citizen parent has lived at least five years in the United States, with a two-year presence after the age of 14, prior to the child's birth.
 
3. The child is the biological son or daughter of an UNMARRIED U.S. citizen MALE who has lived at least five years in the U.S., with a two-year presence after the age of 14, prior to the child's birth.  The father must agree in writing to support his child until the child reaches the age of 18 years.
 
4. The child is the biological son or daughter of an UNMARRIED U.S. citizen FEMALE who has spent at least 365 days of uninterrupted physical presence in the U.S. at any time prior to the child’s birth.

STEP 2 - APPLICATION PACKAGE

If your child is eligible to apply for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a United States Citizen (CRBA) assemble the application package listed below. The application package includes a passport application. We strongly recommend that your child apply for a U.S. passport at the same time of the CRBA application for travel purposes. 

CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATION PACKAGE

The application package must include original documents and one photocopy of each original document.

We will keep the photocopy and return the original document to you after comparing both. A checklist is provided to help you assemble the application package.  We recommend you check-off the forms and documents on the list as you assemble them to ensure you have the proper documentation before your arrival on the appointment date.

□ Form DS-2029 Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad.(PDF).  Please read the instructions carefully before completing.  All items on this application must be answered.  DO NOT SIGN THE FORM.  The following original supporting documents must be submitted with a photocopy for our files:

  □ Child’s Chilean birth certificate.

  □ U.S. passport(s) for U.S. citizen parent(s).

        □ Foreign passport or identification card for non U.S. citizen parent.

        □ Parents’ marriage certificate.
 
        □ Proof of termination of prior marriages for both parents (divorce decree, annulment decree, death certificate).

□ Form DS-5507 Affidavit of Parentage and Physical Presence (PDF) (if the child is the biological son or daughter of an unmarried U.S. citizen male as stated above).
 
       □ Parents who were not married at the time of the child’s birth must submit evidence of their physical presence together at the time of the child’s conception as well as proof of their relationship prior to the child’s birth.
 
       □ Documentary evidence of the U.S. citizen parent's physical presence in the United States prior to the child’s birth.  Primary evidence that may establish your physical presence includes high school and college transcripts, employment records, and Social Security Earnings Statement. Secondary evidence includes dental/medical records, postmarked letters addressed to the U.S., work or other contracts, utility bills, passport entry/exit stamps into the U.S., etc.)  A combination of these and other documents will be required to prove your physical presence in the United States.

□ Form DS-11 Application for Passport.  DO NOT SIGN THE FORM.

□ Two photographs for passport application.

□ Form DS-3053 Statement of Consent or Special Circumstances, if applicable. This form is used only when either parent cannot be present at the time of the appointment due to compelling reasons.  This form must be notarized and have a copy of the absent parent’s I.D.  Read more about special requirements for minors under age 16. 
 
□ CONSULAR FEES

-Consular Report of Birth of an American Citizen -- US$100.00
-U.S. Passport for minor under age 16 -- US$105.00
-U.S. Passport for applicant age 16 and 17 – US$135.00
-Consular Fees can be paid in cash (dollars/pesos) or credit card. Checks are not accepted overseas.

STEP 3 - SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

After assembling the application package you must schedule an appointment on-line below.

Please note that each child seeking a Consular Report of Birth requires an individual appointment.  You do not need to schedule a separate appointment for the passport application if you apply for the Consular Report of Birth and Passport at the same time.

On scheduling your appointment you will receive a Confirmation Sheet.  Please print the Confirmation Sheet and bring it with you to the interview.  You will also need the information on the Confirmation Sheet to cancel and reschedule the appointment should you need to.

Applicants who do not appear at the appointment time will experience considerable delays and/or the possibility of the appointment not being honored; and an applicant with an incomplete application package will be requested to make a new appointment for a future date.  Click here to schedule your appointment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE APPLICATION PROCESS

• Who should come to the Embassy?

Both parents and the child must be present at the time of submission of the application package.  The U.S. citizen parent’s appearance is required at all times, unless he or she is no longer in Chile or is deceased.  If one of these circumstances applies in your child’s case, contact us at SantiagoAmcit@state.gov for more information.

• How long will I need to be at the Embassy?

It generally takes the staff approximately 60 – 90 minutes to review your application package.

• How long will it take before the CRBA and passport are issued?

The CRBA and U.S. passport applications are transmitted electronically to the United States where both of these documents are printed and then delivered to the Embassy for delivery to you.  This process generally takes 3-4 weeks time.

• How will my child’s CRBA and passport be delivered to me?

These documents may be picked up at the Embassy on specific days and times.  We strongly recommend for your convenience that you opt for a hand delivery service through a private courier stationed within the Embassy compound. The fee is 6,500 for Santiago deliveries and 9,500 for other cities.  The documents may be delivered to your home or office.

• How can I obtain a Social Security Card for my child?

Once you are in possession of your child’s Consular Report of Birth and passport we can help you obtain a Social Security Card for your child.  The requirements for a Social Security Card differ depending on the applicant’s age.  Click here to read about these requirements and to download the application.

• How can I determine if my biological child has a claim to U.S. citizenship if he or she was born prior to November 14, 1986?

If your child was born prior to November 14, 1986 we ask that you contact us at SantiagoAmcit@state.gov for more information.

• How can I contact the American Citizen Services if I have any questions?

E-mail the ACS Unit at SantiagoAmcit@state.gov for questions related to the process of establishing your child’s claim to U.S. citizenship.

CHILDREN: CHILEAN EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS UNDER AGE 18

Departure checklist:

1. U.S. passport
2. Chilean passport (if applicable)
3. Notarized permission from non-traveling parent(s)
4. Child’s birth certificate

Important notice to dual national citizens: Please note that it is likely that your child acquired Chilean citizenship if your child was born in Chile.  In that case, your child will need to have a valid Chilean passport at the time of travel in addition to the U.S. passport.  Chilean passports are issued by the Chilean Civil Registry and Identification Service.
 
Chilean law mandates that all minors under age 18 must have a notarized travel consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s) when traveling alone or in the company of only one parent.  The notarized consent letter must be presented to Chilean International Police with the child’s birth certificate and passport(s) when departing Chile.  The child’s birth certificate must be presented to International Police even when traveling with both parents to establish the relationship. Any questions regarding this issue should be directed to the Chilean International Police.  This requirement applies to all minors living in Chile, regardless of the child’s nationality.

Minors under age 18 in tourist status in Chile

Children under age 18 visiting Chile must depart the country in the company of the same adult they entered the country with.  If not, they will be required to have a notarized travel consent letter and birth certificate.

The notarized travel consent letter and birth certificate will also be required for a child whose 90-day tourist visa expired during the visit, even if the child is in possession of the exit permit issued by the office of Extranjería (Chilean immigration office).

Any questions regarding this issue should be directed to the Chilean International Police office. 

CHILEAN DRIVING REGULATIONS

Driving Permits

U.S. citizens visiting Chile must be in possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license and a valid international driving permit (IDP) to drive during their stay in the country.  The IDP must be obtained before departing the U.S. at an Automobile Association.  The IDP will permit you to drive in Chile for the validity of your tourist card.

Residents of Chile must have a valid Chilean driver’s license to legally drive in the country.  An application for a Chilean driver’s license must be filed at the motor vehicle department in the municipal building of your home district.

General requirements for a Chilean driver’s license are the following:

- Applicant age 18 or older.
- Chilean Identification Card.
- School record to demonstrate that applicant has 8th grade education or higher.
- Successful completion of the written and practical driving tests, and medical evaluation.

If you have U.S. school records, you must obtain the authentication by the Chilean consul in the United States to be acceptable for official use in Chile.  Keep in mind that U.S. consular officials are not authorized to authenticate U.S. issued documents for use overseas. 

Obligatory Insurance for Personal Accidents (SOAP)

Law number 18490 mandates owners of motorized vehicles to have insurance coverage in the event of death or bodily injury as direct consequence of accidents in which the insured vehicle participates. It will also cover the expenses if you are a pedestrian or the passenger of a public motorized transportation service, but will not cover any damages to the vehicle.

This insurance is called SOAP (Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes Personales) and it must be purchased once a year when paying for the corresponding vehicle registration.

If you are the victim of an accident report it to Carabineros  as soon as possible. Provide the complete name of the injured or deceased person, the license (plate number) of the vehicle, and the date, time and place of the accident. The police report is required to file the claim for compensation with the insurance company.

Keep all the receipts for the expenses (hospital, medicines, funeral, etc) you may have as direct consequence of the accident. Although this mandatory insurance can cover an important amount of medical and/or funeral expenses, it may not cover all of them. Depending on the nature of the incident the law establishes different amounts of compensation.

Learn more about SOAP and how it can protect you in case of an accident in the Chilean Securities and Insurance Supervisor’s website.

Fingerprint Service

The American Citizen Services Unit can provide fingerprint services in certain circumstances.  To determine if this service is available to you, please prepare a typed statement with the information listed below.  Forward your statement as a PDF document to our e-mail: SantiagoAmcit@state.gov

Your statement should include:

1) Your full name as shown on your passport or official I.D.
2) Your date and place of birth.
3) Your nationality.
4) Your visa status in the United States, if you are not a U.S. citizen.
5) Your full address, telephone number(s) with area code(s), and your email address.
6) A statement detailing your need for fingerprints, including the name of the requesting entity or agency.

Upon receipt of the PDF document, the American Citizen Services Unit will review your request.  If we determine we can provide this service, we will contact you by e-mail to schedule an appointment.
 
Submit the following documents on your appointment date:

1) Your valid passport or other official I.D
2) The standard fingerprint card (FD-258).
3) Your original typed statement with the information listed in 1 – 6 (unsigned).  The consular officer will ask you to sign the statement in his or her presence and administer an oath or affirmation as to the veracity of the facts contained therein.  Your affidavit will be attached to the fingerprint card.
 
Fee

The fee associated with the oath or affirmation on your statement is $50.00.

Consular fees can be paid in cash (dollars/pesos) or credit card.  Checks are not accepted overseas.

The U.S. Embassy does not have the resources to help locate a person living in the United States. There are, however, many public records  to help you locate a U.S. resident yourself.

To search for your friend or relative in U.S. phone books, try Infobel.com. You may also wish  to contact the Chilean Embassy in the U.S.

A United States consular official does not have the authority to authenticate any U.S. issued document. Any U.S. issued document for official use in Chile must be authenticated by the Chilean Embassy or Consulate in the United States.

See Passport Services.

See Passport Services.

See Passport Services.

See Passport Services.

See Passport Services.

See Passport Services.

Taking Cats and Dogs from Chile to the United States

The Public Health Service is the U.S. Government agency that regulates the entry of non-working dogs (pets, show dogs, etc.) and cats into the United States. The Public Health Service currently lists Chile as a country that has rabies. As a result, the following requirements must be met when exporting cats and dogs to the United States.

Cats -- Animals must appear in good health. Rabies vaccination is not required for the United States, but is required to export a cat from Chile.

Dogs -- Non-working dogs, as opposed to working dogs (cattle and sheep herding animals), being shipped from Chile to the United States may be admitted if they are:

1. At least three months old.
2. Free of infectious disease.
3. Accompanied by a valid certificate of vaccination against rabies signed by a licensed veterinarian that identifies the dog and specifies the expiration date for the vaccination not earlier than the date of the dog's arrival in the United States. If the expiration date is not indicated on the certificate, it will be valid for only one year from the date of issue. The certificate also must specify the date of vaccination not less than 30 days prior to the date of arrival.
4. An export permit from the Servicio Agrícola Ganadero (which will be required by the airline when departing Chile). The export permit valid for 7 days will be issued upon presentation of a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within the last 7 days, a valid certificate of vaccination against rabies and payment of approximately 2,000 pesos.

The export permit may be obtained at the following locations in Santiago:

Avenida Portales 3396, Estación Central, office hours 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.

SAG also has an office at the international airport compound: Puerta Uno, office hours 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; 3:00 - 5:30 p.m., Monday - Friday; telephone numbers (2) 601-9131; (2) 601-9120.

Working dogs are required to meet the same requirements as non-working dogs. However, additional requirements must be met before entry is allowed into the United States. These requirements are handled on a case by case basis. Inquires should be referred to APHIS, Veterinary Services at (301) 734-4357.

The United States Customs Service is the agency responsible for implementing and enforcing these regulations at the United States Port of Entry. For additional information, please contact the nearest office of the United States Customs Service.

For information on Pet Travel visit the Animal and Plant Inspection Service.

Baha’I Faith - Information 273-1581, 209-7692

Baptist
Victoria en Cristo Baptist
Roberto Peragallo 6678, Las Condes
Phone 229-6920, Services are in Spanish only

Catholic
Congregation of the Holy Cross - St. George's College Chapel
Old Americo Vespucio 5400, Santa Maria de Manquehue, Vitacura
Phone 228-1628
Sunday Mass: 10:15 a.m.

Christian Scientist
Church of Christ, Science
Av. Sanchez Fontecilla 832, Las Condes
Phone: 638-3907
Sunday: 10:30 am

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon)
While there are no services specifically in English, the majority of English-speaking families go the ward on:
Av. Lo Barnechea 539, Lo Barnechea
Santiago Temple: Pocuro 1940, Providencia, Phone 223-3860, 223-9976, 225-8910

Jehovah's Witnesses
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
English Congregation
Zanzibar Oriente 7099, Las Condes (2 blocks from "Plaza Los Domínicos")
Phone: 224-5337
Schedule: Thursday 19:30; Sunday 16:00
Also Home Bible Studies

Jewish Sabbath Services
Templo Or Shalom
Av. Las Condes 8431(in Estadio Israelita), Las Condes
Phone 210-8300
Services are in Hebrew and Spanish.  In the US, Or Shalom would be considered a Conservative synagogue.  If you plan to attend a Sabbath service, please call ahead on Friday, then take your US passport when you go.

Lutheran
Lota 2330, Providencia
Phone 231-7222, Services in Spanish and German only

Presbyterian
San Marcos Presbyterian Church
Av. Padre Hurtado Central 599, Las Condes
Phone 224-5893
Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. (Sunday school and nursery available during service)
Weekdays: Home Bible Studies and Youth Meetings, Church Office

The U.S. Embassy does not have a taxpayer assistance specialist on staff.  Persons requiring taxpayer assistance or information should contact the Internal Revenue Service directly. 

Taxpayers may download forms and publications, access frequently asked questions,  obtain help with tax questions on-line,  read about free tax help available from IRS, obtain information on where to file paper tax forms, with or without payment,  view the seven facts that will help you to determine if your Social Security benefits are taxable, read about identity theft and tax records, and much more.

The IRS Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizen and Resident Aliens Abroad, and Publication 4723, Federal Tax Information U.S. Taxpayers Living Abroad, provide overseas filers with international tax tips and the necessary information to prepare the tax return.

Entry Requirements

A passport is required to enter Chile. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a stay of up to three months.

A tourist card is issued at the international port-of-entry.

A fee of $160.00 payable in U.S. dollars or credit card is levied on U.S. citizen visitors. The receipt is valid for multiple entries during the validity of the traveler's passport.

Note: Dual Citizens (U.S./Chile) are required to enter and exit Chile using a Chilean passport, and should not pay the $160 fee.

U.S. citizens visiting Chile who wish to extend the 90-day stay granted by International Police may apply for an extension at the "Departamento de Extranjería". The applicant should be in possession of his passport and tourist card and will be required to pay a fee of US$160.00 at time of application. The application must be submitted at least two weeks before expiration of the initial 90 days. The extension is usually granted on a one-time basis for an additional 90 days.

U.S. citizens in the Metropolitan Region should request this service at the following location and hours:

San Antonio 580 , 2nd floor, downtown Santiago
Hours 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Phone: 600-626-4222 from 9.00 a 16.00

U.S. citizens visiting other regions should contact the nearest government office known as "Gobernación" for this service. For the location of this office in your region please see the information available at the Chilean Foreign Office (http://www.extranjeria.gov.cl)

U.S. visitors who are interested in living, working or studying in Chile should inquire about changing their visa status at the same office. More information is available at the Chilean Foreign Office (http://www.extranjeria.gov.cl)

Morandé 672
Telephone: (2) 6809110 and (2) 6809116
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The tourist card may be replaced at the Santiago International Airport in case of an emergency.  You need to arrive at least an hour earlier than your scheduled arrival time.  We recommend, however, if possible, that the duplicate tourist card be obtained in advance at the International Police office listed above.

If you will exit Chile from another departure point, you must apply for your tourist card in advance of your arrival at the point of departure.

October marks the start of the austral summer, and the high season for tourism in southern South America. Thousands of foreign tourists visit the Patagonian coastline, the historic Falkland/Malvinas islands and retrace the path of famous explorers like Shackleton and Darwin. While the vast majority of these tourists return home with stunning memories, a few each year suffer serious illness, injuries, or death on board cruise ships in this region. The purpose of this guide is to help tour and cruise operators coordinate with the nearest United States Embassy to provide the best possible service in difficult times to American citizen visitors to southern South America and Antarctica.

In the event of serious illness, injury or the death of an American citizen onboard a cruise in southern South America, the Falkland Islands, or the Antarctic Peninsula, the vessel's master and/or tour operator(s) should immediately contact the nearest United States Embassy. The United States has embassies in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Santiago (Chile) and Montevideo (Uruguay). Each embassy includes an American Citizen Services unit that is ready to provide emergency services to American citizens in distress. This includes contacting family members in the United States and providing assistance in dealing with local regulations. Contact information for the U.S. Embassies in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay is provided below for your convenience.

The Falkland Islands, also known as the Malvinas Islands, are a popular destination en route to Antarctica. These islands are sparsely populated and the largest town is Port Stanley, with a population of 2,000 residents. No funeral or mortuary services are available on these islands, and there is no resident medical examiner. Under no circumstances should human remains be put ashore in the Falklands/Malvinas unless explicitly requested by the next-of-kin of the deceased American citizen. There is no capability for preservation of remains or cremation on the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, and the only commercial air carrier that operates regular (weekly) service to the islands, LAN Chile, cannot transport unpreserved human remains more than 24 hours after death. In the event of the death of an American citizen passenger or crew member, the vessel should refrigerate the remains onboard until making a port call in Argentina or Chile. Once remains of an American citizen are put ashore in Argentina or Chile, the vessel's master or agent should immediately notify the nearest U.S. Embassy.

Public hospitals in Argentina and Chile are generally well-equipped to handle medical emergencies, but the quality and type of follow-up care available varies and may not be up to U.S. standards. If it becomes necessary to leave an ill American passenger in a hospital in the region, please immediately notify the nearest U.S. Embassy:

U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires
Tel. 54-11-5777-4873
e-mail: BuenosAires-ACS@state.gov

U.S. Embassy Santiago
Tel. 56-2-330-3000; 330-3321
e-mail: santiagoamcit@state.gov

U.S. Embassy Montevideo
Tel. 59-82-411-8888

Obtaining Vital Records:

The Registro Civil (Civil Records Office) can provide official printouts of Chilean birth, marriage, or death record or other civil records information. The central office of the Registro Civil is located at Huérfanos 1570, 2nd Floor in Santiago with office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30-14:30, phone number 56-2-648-2546.

U.S. birth, marriage and death records can be obtained through the National Center for Health Statistics.

Note: A United States consular official does not have the authority to authenticate any U.S. issued document. Any U.S. issued document for official use in Chile must be authenticated by the Chilean Embassy or Consulate in the United States.

NOTE: SURVEY - Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) need your help to make absentee/overseas voting easier for you.
The official U.S. Government website for overseas absentee voting assistance is the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website.

Generally, all U.S. citizens 18 years or older who are or will be residing outside the United States during an election period are eligible to vote absentee in any election for Federal office. This includes primary, run-off, and special elections that occur throughout the year. Some states allow overseas voters to vote in elections for state and local offices, and for state and local referendums.

Voting eligibility and residency requirements are determined by the various U.S. states available at FVAP. Your "legal state of residence" for voting purposes is the state where you last resided immediately prior to departure from the United States. Voting rights extend to overseas citizens even though they may no longer own property or have other ties to their last state of residence, and even if their intent to return to that state may be uncertain. For those who have never resided in the U.S., sixteen states, to date, allow eligible U.S. citizens to register where a parent would be eligible to vote.

To register to vote and/or apply for an absentee ballot, you can use the Federal Post Card Application. The on-line version, the OFPCA, is accepted by all states and territories except American Samoa and Guam. Voters from American Samoa and Guam must use the standard form of the FPCA (PDF 200KB), available at the Consulate General or through many American civic groups. The on-line OFPCA form must be completed legibly, printed, signed, dated, and mailed to your local election officials. Your state may allow faxing to speed the process, but you will still need to send in the original by mail. Use an envelope and affix proper postage. The official U.S. Government website for overseas absentee voting assistance, has a wealth of information about absentee voting, including the state-specific instructions for completing the FPCA form, links to state and local officials, and a downloadable emergency ballot for use by those who register in time but fail to receive an official ballot.

As a general rule, you should try to send in the FPCA so that it reaches your local election officials at least forty-five days before the first election in which you are eligible to vote --- ample time for them to process the request and send you a blank ballot. If applying for both registration and an absentee ballot, you may want to mail the FPCA earlier. One FPCA will qualify you to receive all ballots for Federal offices for the next two regular Federal elections (through 2010). However, we recommend that you submit a new FPCA (PDF 98KB) in January of every year, and whenever you move, to ensure that your most recent mailing and e-mail addresses are on file with your local election officials.

Under normal circumstances, most states and territories begin sending ballots to overseas citizens 30-45 days before an election. However, if you haven’t received your ballot within three weeks of your state’s ballot receipt deadline, and you are required to return your voted ballot by mail, you should download, complete, sign, date, and send in a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB), available at www.fvap.gov. Make sure it is witnessed if required by your state. If you subsequently receive your regular absentee ballot, execute it and return it regardless of when you receive it. Court decisions sometimes require late counting of ballots voted by Election Day, but received by local election officials for a specified period of time following Election Day.

Be an Educated Voter

Non-partisan information about candidates, their voting records, and their positions on issues is widely available and easy to obtain via the Internet. Use the links appearing on the FVAP website at www.fvap.gov and read your hometown newspaper on-line, or search the Internet to locate articles and information.

The Voting Assistance Officer at the U.S. Embassy is also always available to answer questions about absentee voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, send an e-mail to VoteSantiago@state.gov

Voting Information News