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U.S. Embassy Bern offers a full range of consular services to U.S. citizens in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Many of these services are also available at U.S. Consular Agency Zurich and U.S. Consular Agency Geneva.
Note: Emergency Passports are only available at the U.S. Embassy Bern.
If you are a U.S citizen with an emergency (i.e. accident, arrest, victim of violence, death of U.S. citizen, etc.) please call the U.S. Embassy at:
The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.
The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.
The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.
The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime.
Are you a U.S. citizen who needs a passport?
Find Swiss/Liechtenstein emergency phone numbers.
The Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.
The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.
International Parental Child Abduction
The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.
The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime.
Find Swiss/Liechtenstein emergency phone numbers.
U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.
Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.
When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
U.S. consular officers can help U.S. citizens abroad who are temporarily destitute due to unforeseen circumstances. If you are in Switzerland and need help, contact the American Citizen Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bern or the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 (or +1 202-501-4444 from overseas). Note: We cannot provide cash gifts or loans for travel or living expenses abroad.
U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.
Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.
Sending Money through the U.S. Department of State
When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
Additional Emergency Financial Assistance
U.S. consular officers can help U.S. citizens abroad who are temporarily destitute due to unforeseen circumstances. If you are in Switzerland and need help, contact the American Citizen Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bern or the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 (or +1 202-501-4444 from overseas). Note: We cannot provide cash gifts or loans for travel or living expenses abroad.
Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. We provide many services, and the most common are listed below.
U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.
If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.
If you live in Switzerland and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Paris, France.
U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.
Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.
Global Entry is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports . Global Entry membership also entitles members to use the TSA Pre✓® lanes at airport security checks in the United States.
If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.
If you live in Switzerland and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Paris, France.
U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.
Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.
Global Entry is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports . Global Entry membership also entitles members to use the TSA Pre✓® lanes at airport security checks in the United States.
Find local resources for U.S. citizens living, working, or traveling in Switzerland. This page includes listings of service providers and practical information to help you navigate daily life. Note: The U.S. Department of State does not endorse or guarantee the services listed. Information is provided by local providers and is offered without liability. Listings appear alphabetically without preference.
Find information about legal services and a list of English-speaking lawyers in Switzerland. This page explains legal fee structures, court procedures, and common practices when working with Swiss attorneys, especially for non-residents. Note: The list of lawyers is provided for informational use only and may not be published. The U.S. Department of State does not endorse or guarantee the services listed and assumes no liability.
Access key medical information and resources for U.S. citizens in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This page provides details on finding doctors and dentists, typical appointment policies, fee structures, emergency contacts, and after-hours care. Note: The U.S. Department of State does not endorse or guarantee the services listed. Information is provided by local providers and is offered without liability. Listings appear without preference.
Please note: The U.S. Embassy in Bern is simply providing this information as a resource and does not recommend or endorse any organization listed below. Furthermore, the website content, opinions, privacy policies or services provided are their own and are not endorsed by the U.S. Embassy in Bern in any way. The organizations listed below do not charge professional service providers for a listing on their page.
Find local resources for U.S. citizens living, working, or traveling in Switzerland. This page includes listings of service providers and practical information to help you navigate daily life. Note: The U.S. Department of State does not endorse or guarantee the services listed. Information is provided by local providers and is offered without liability. Listings appear alphabetically without preference.
Find information about legal services and a list of English-speaking lawyers in Switzerland. This page explains legal fee structures, court procedures, and common practices when working with Swiss attorneys, especially for non-residents. Note: The list of lawyers is provided for informational use only and may not be published. The U.S. Department of State does not endorse or guarantee the services listed and assumes no liability.
Access key medical information and resources for U.S. citizens in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This page provides details on finding doctors and dentists, typical appointment policies, fee structures, emergency contacts, and after-hours care. Note: The U.S. Department of State does not endorse or guarantee the services listed. Information is provided by local providers and is offered without liability. Listings appear without preference.
Please note: The U.S. Embassy in Bern is simply providing this information as a resource and does not recommend or endorse any organization listed below. Furthermore, the website content, opinions, privacy policies or services provided are their own and are not endorsed by the U.S. Embassy in Bern in any way. The organizations listed below do not charge professional service providers for a listing on their page.
The United States is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, an international treaty which seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and that safeguards are in place for their protection. All adoptions in another country must take place according to both U.S. and local laws for the adopted child to be eligible to immigrate to the United States. You should work with a U.S. adoption service provider specifically authorized to facilitate intercountry adoption. You can find more information about authorized adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.
If you have a child outside the United States the child may have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth if the requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act have been met as of the time of your child’s birth. To determine whether your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth and to document that, you can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child. You may also choose to just apply for a U.S. passport for your child, although one benefit of a CRBA is that, unlike the U.S. passport, it does not expire and may be used as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. A full validity, unexpired U.S. passport is also proof of U.S. citizenship.
U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages. Depending on the local law, civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. If your marriage overseas was performed in accordance with local law, it is valid in the country where it took place. Whether your marriage is recognized elsewhere depends on the laws of that place.
If you get married abroad and need to know if your marriage will be recognized in the United States and what documentation may be needed, contact the office of the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States.
Learn about topics including adoption, international child support enforcement, international parental child abduction, and giving birth in Switzerland.
Intercountry Adoption
The United States is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, an international treaty which seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and that safeguards are in place for their protection. All adoptions in another country must take place according to both U.S. and local laws for the adopted child to be eligible to immigrate to the United States. You should work with a U.S. adoption service provider specifically authorized to facilitate intercountry adoption. You can find more information about authorized adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.
If you have a child outside the United States the child may have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth if the requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act have been met as of the time of your child’s birth. To determine whether your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth and to document that, you can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child. You may also choose to just apply for a U.S. passport for your child, although one benefit of a CRBA is that, unlike the U.S. passport, it does not expire and may be used as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. A full validity, unexpired U.S. passport is also proof of U.S. citizenship.
U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages. Depending on the local law, civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. If your marriage overseas was performed in accordance with local law, it is valid in the country where it took place. Whether your marriage is recognized elsewhere depends on the laws of that place.
If you get married abroad and need to know if your marriage will be recognized in the United States and what documentation may be needed, contact the office of the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States.
Learn about topics including adoption, international child support enforcement, international parental child abduction, and giving birth in Switzerland.
Find information about applying for a first passport, renewing, replacing, or updating a U.S. passport.
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is a formal document certifying the acquisition of United States citizenship at birth for a person born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). U.S. non-citizen nationals are also eligible for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, using the non-citizen option. CRBA applications must be made before the child’s 18th birthday. We recommend that parents apply for the CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth.
In addition to the naturalization process, the United States recognizes the U.S. citizenship of individuals according to two fundamental principles: jus soli, or right of birthplace, and jus sanguinis, or right of blood. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship at birth to almost all individuals born in the United States or in U.S. jurisdictions, according to the principle of jus soli. Certain individuals born in the United States, such as children of foreign heads of state or children of foreign diplomats, do not obtain U.S. citizenship under jus soli.
Renunciation of U.S. citizenship is a serious and irrevocable act, which deserves your thoughtful consideration. It is imperative that you fully understand the nature of its consequences prior to requesting a Certificate of Loss of Nationality.
In the event that you committed a potential Expatriation Act as described in Section . 349 (a) (1)-(4) and (6)-(7) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) certain required documents must be submitted. Email questions to BernCLN@state.gov.
Find information about applying for a first passport, renewing, replacing, or updating a U.S. passport.
CRBA – Consular Report of Birth Abroad
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is a formal document certifying the acquisition of United States citizenship at birth for a person born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). U.S. non-citizen nationals are also eligible for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, using the non-citizen option. CRBA applications must be made before the child’s 18th birthday. We recommend that parents apply for the CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth.
In addition to the naturalization process, the United States recognizes the U.S. citizenship of individuals according to two fundamental principles: jus soli, or right of birthplace, and jus sanguinis, or right of blood. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship at birth to almost all individuals born in the United States or in U.S. jurisdictions, according to the principle of jus soli. Certain individuals born in the United States, such as children of foreign heads of state or children of foreign diplomats, do not obtain U.S. citizenship under jus soli.
Loss of Nationality Process in Bern
Renunciation of U.S. citizenship is a serious and irrevocable act, which deserves your thoughtful consideration. It is imperative that you fully understand the nature of its consequences prior to requesting a Certificate of Loss of Nationality.
In the event that you committed a potential Expatriation Act as described in Section . 349 (a) (1)-(4) and (6)-(7) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) certain required documents must be submitted. Email questions to BernCLN@state.gov.
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